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Observing the random diffusion of missing atoms in graphene

Scientists at the University of Vienna observe random diffusion of a butterfly-shaped atomic defect in graphene, revealing a random walk through the crystal. The study uses high-resolution electron microscopy to track the defect's migration over time.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 30, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

NCNR neutrons highlight possible battery candidate

Analysis reveals unusual sodium absorption pattern in the crystal, caused by different charges and magnetic moments of manganese atoms. The discovery provides a basis for tailoring the properties of these materials, potentially leading to improved battery performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 22, 2014

Eumelanin's secrets

Eumelanin, the primary pigment in human skin, hair, and eyes, has been found to absorb a broad spectrum of sunlight due to its unique physical arrangement. Researchers have identified that disorder in the material's structure plays a crucial role in its broadband blocking ability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2014

Edgy look at 2-D molybdenum disulfide

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have recorded the first observations of strong nonlinear optical resonances along the edges of a single layer of molybdenum disulfide. These one-dimensional edge states are key to enabling novel nanoelectronics and photonic devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014

Playing pool with carbon atoms

Scientists at the University of Arizona have developed a way to control graphene's crystal structure using an electric field. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of faster and more versatile transistors, which would enable faster computing and new applications for graphene in microelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 30, 2014

Global scientific team 'visualizes' a new crystallization process

Researchers from Stanford and KAUST develop a novel method to study crystallization, allowing for unprecedented control over crystal structures. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for flexible electronics, circuits, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Better solar cells, better LED light and vast optical possibilities

NTNU researchers have discovered that by tuning a small strain on single nanowires, they can become more effective in LEDs and solar cells. The discovery enables the creation of highly effective solar cells that produce a higher electric power.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2014

The motion of the medium matters for self-assembling particles, Penn research shows

Researchers attach DNA-coated building blocks to form structures, but simulations predicted defects. They found hydrodynamic effects play a critical role in the structures' formation, making some patterns more likely than others. This discovery improves our understanding of particle assemblies and has implications for various systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Expanding particles to engineer defects

Adding an impurity to a two-dimensional lattice structure can create defects that settle into harmony, restoring order and creating a 'screen' to protect the rest of the material. This finding could lead to new ways of engineering materials with unique properties.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2014

Strain can alter materials' properties

Researchers are exploring strain engineering to alter materials' properties, which could improve energy storage and conversion rates in devices like batteries and fuel cells. By applying and managing stresses within known materials, scientists can achieve exponential improvements in key reaction rates.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMRS Bulletin·DateApr 2, 2014

Scientists watch nanoparticles grow

Researchers at Århus University used X-ray light to track the growth of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which can be tailored for smart windows and solar cells. The study shows that nanoparticles form from octahedra units in solution and develop a predominantly ordered crystal structure as they grow.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Physicists produce a potentially revolutionary material

Researchers have successfully produced artificial graphene from traditional semiconductor materials, opening up new possibilities for high-performance photovoltaic cells, lasers, LED lighting, and more. The discovery was made by a team of scientists at the University of Luxembourg and published in Physical Review X.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 14, 2014

Patterns of particles generated by surface charges

Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have found that inhomogeneously charged particles can form gel-like or crystal-like structures depending on parameters. The study's results show different possible configurations, including simple hexagonal structures and less ordered gel-like structures with interconnected rings.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 4, 2014

Mitochondrial ribosome revealed

Researchers at ETH Zurich deciphered the structure of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome, a complex enzyme that deciphers genetic code and assembles amino acids into proteins. The study's success relies on a combination of high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy and chemical cross-linking combined with mass spectrometry.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2014

A deeper look at interfaces

Researchers developed a new technique called SWARPES to study electronic properties at buried interfaces in metal oxides. This allows for the selective examination of subsurface interfaces with soft or hard x-rays.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJan 15, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

ORNL-UT researchers invent 'sideways' approach to 2-D hybrid

The study pioneers a new approach to forming a 2-D, single-atom sheet of two different materials with a seamless boundary. By rethinking traditional methods, researchers combined graphene and boron nitride into a single layer only one atom thick.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2014

Epigenetics enigma resolved

Researchers have determined the molecular structure of a Tet family member from Naegleria gruberi, providing insights into its role in regulating gene expression and potential therapeutic targets for cancer. The study sheds light on how Tet enzymes interact with DNA, enabling scientists to design drugs that manipulate them.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 25, 2013

Penn researchers grow liquid crystal 'flowers' that can be used as lenses

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to grow liquid crystal 'flowers' using silica beads as templates, creating a lens-like structure with potential applications in optics and optoelectronics. The new approach demonstrates directed assembly and paves the way for the creation of custom optical components.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 20, 2013
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Salt under pressure is not NaCl

Researchers have predicted and confirmed the existence of unusual sodium chlorides that break traditional charge balance rules in chemistry. These compounds may have practical applications and could exist in planetary interiors under high pressure.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2013

Scientists decode serotonin receptor at room temperature

A research team has decoded the molecular structure of the serotonin receptor at room temperature for the first time, revealing its dynamics and giving a more realistic picture of its physiological function. This breakthrough could lead to better-designed drugs and new ways to investigate large biomolecules.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2013

Study shows how water dissolves stone, molecule by molecule

Scientists at Rice University and MARUM developed a new computerized model to simulate the complex chemistry at the boundary layer, where quartz and water meet. The model accurately predicts dissolution rates, which could revolutionize engineering calculations related to building materials and radioactive waste storage.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateDec 5, 2013

Making a gem of a tiny crystal

A Northwestern University research team successfully built near-perfect single crystals out of nanoparticles and DNA, transforming disordered materials into orderly crystal structures. The technique, developed by Chad Mirkin and Monica Olvera de la Cruz, holds promise for novel technologies and new industries.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateNov 27, 2013

Diamond 'flaws' pave way for nanoscale MRI

Researchers at Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory have achieved high coherence in nitrogen-vacancy centers of nanodiamonds, enabling the creation of ultra-precise nanoscale magnetic field and temperature detectors. This breakthrough could enhance our understanding of chemical reactions within single cells and signalling in neural networks.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 24, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Scientists prove X-ray laser can solve protein structures from scratch

Researchers at SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) X-ray laser used the technique to generate an accurate model of lysozyme, a well-studied enzyme found in egg whites. The study opens the door to new discoveries and explores the potential for LCLS to play a leading role in studying important biomolecules of unknown structure.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2013

New microscope captures movements of atoms and molecules

A new microscope allows scientists to capture the movements of atoms and molecules at the nanoscale, revealing crucial functions in nanoscale devices. This breakthrough has applications in nanoelectronic technologies and clean-energy industries.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 22, 2013

Researchers capture structure of key part of deadly Nipah virus

Scientists have solved the structure of a key protein in the Nipah virus, which could lead to the development of an antiviral drug. The discovery was made by a team at the Scripps Research Institute and found similarities with measles and mumps viruses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Virology·DateNov 17, 2013

Researchers at Penn add another tool in their directed assembly toolkit

The University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a new tool to direct the assembly of particles and materials using elastic energy. This technique, combined with a new template design, allows for the creation of complex patterns and structures. The team's findings could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as displays, sensors...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2013
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Bringing out the best in X-ray crystallography data

Researchers have developed a new method to refine low-resolution X-ray crystallography data for biomolecules, combining PHENIX and Rosetta software. The new approach can aggressively optimize models to fit the data while presenting realistic geometry.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 5, 2013

Diamond imperfections pave the way to technology gold

Researchers have recorded unprecedented observations of energy moving through diamond impurities, providing a starting point for new insights into critical electronic-state phenomena. The findings hold broad implications for magnetometry, quantum information, and sensing applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 4, 2013
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Molecular biology: Designer of protein factories exposed

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have solved the structure of RNA polymerase I, a crucial enzyme in cell growth. The study reveals details on how the enzyme regulates protein synthesis and provides potential targets for cancer treatment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateOct 24, 2013

Crystal mysteries spiral deeper, NYU chemists find

Researchers found that L-cystine crystals form stacked hexagonal 'islands' with one screw dislocation, contradicting long-standing BCF theory. However, further analysis revealed that the crystals actually grow in a manner predicted by the theory, showcasing the complexity of crystal growth.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2013

Flawed diamonds: Gems for new technology

A team of researchers has made the first detailed observation of how energy travels through diamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers, defects that can be manipulated with optical methods. The findings could help scientists understand the properties of these diamonds, which have potential applications in quantum computing and imagin...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 8, 2013

Scripps Florida scientists develop a more effective molecular modeling process

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method, called Extensive Combinatorial Refinement (ExCoR), that combines existing formulas to create more accurate computer models of molecules. This process can help identify the best algorithms for refining structural details and improve the development of drug candidates.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalStructure·DateSep 26, 2013
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New evidence to aid search for charge 'stripes' in superconductors

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory identified a signature to look for in superconductors, suggesting that fluctuating charge stripes may play a role. The researchers used neutrons to analyze the material's electronic structure and found that the displacements from average structure persisted with increasing temperature.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 2013

Novel topological crystalline insulator shows mass appeal

Researchers successfully introduced mass into Dirac electrons, a crucial step towards understanding topological crystalline insulators. The discovery provides new insights into the electronic behavior of these materials and paves the way for novel functionalities at the nanoscale.

SourceBoston College·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2013

RNA double helix structure identified using synchrotron light

Researchers from McGill University have confirmed a 50-year-old hypothesis on the RNA double helix structure, revealing its potential applications in biological nanomaterials and supramolecular chemistry. The discovery may lead to new possibilities for genetic information storage and treatment of diseases like HIV and AIDS.

SourceCanadian Light Source, Inc.·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 26, 2013
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Researchers optically levitate a glowing, nanoscale diamond

Researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully levitated nanodiamonds in free space using a technique called laser trapping. The experiment enables the measurement of photoluminescence from defects inside the diamonds, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum information and computing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 12, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A crystal of a different color

Scientists have unexpectedly created two differently colored crystals from one chemical, revealing new insights into agostic bonds crucial for industrial catalytic reactions. The discovery provides valuable information for making plastics and fuels.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 2, 2013

Geoscientists unearth mineral-making secrets potentially useful for new technologies

Scientists discovered that certain sugars can control the timing and placement of minerals used to produce hard structures like shells and exoskeletons. The research proposes a theory on how charged and uncharged sugars can create these structures, offering potential for new environmental and medical technologies.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2013

Oregon lab changes game for synthesizing new materials

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a game-changing approach to synthesize thousands of new compounds with ultra-low thermal conductivity. The team designed layered elemental precursors that self-assemble into metastable compounds with predictable nano-architectures and specific crystallographic orientations.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 31, 2013

Measuring molecules in their undistorted form

Researchers at Bielefeld University can now determine the three-dimensional structure of gaseous molecules with unprecedented precision. The university's electron diffractometer allows for the analysis of small molecules in their pure state, shedding light on fundamental questions about atomic arrangements.

SourceBielefeld University·DateJul 8, 2013

Watching solar cells grow

Researchers have developed a new method to accelerate the growth of solar cells by optimizing the coevaporation process. This technique enables faster growth stages while controlling defect formation, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced material waste. The findings, published in Advanced Energy Materials, provide valuable insi...

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 27, 2013
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Printing innovations provide 10-fold improvement in organic electronics

Researchers developed a printing process called FLUENCE that produces semiconductors with strikingly higher quality than conventional methods. The technique enables thin films capable of conducting electricity 10 times more efficiently, paving the way for revolutionary advances in organic electronics.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2013

Models from big molecules captured in a flash

Researchers develop a new method to model large biomolecules in their native state using X-ray flash data, providing insights into protein structures and dynamic behavior. This technique promises to solve the shapes of more than 80,000 proteins in a static state and offer clues on individual components of mixtures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 2013

Iron-platinum alloys could be new-generation hard drives

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to create iron-platinum alloys with tailored magnetic properties, making them ideal for future magnetic recording technologies. The alloys retain information even at small nanomagnet sizes and are resistant to heat effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 20, 2013

Kinks and curves at the nanoscale

New research finds that coherent twin boundaries in metals contain tiny kink-like steps and curvatures, making them stronger but also more electrically resistant. This discovery challenges previous understanding of these materials and could lead to improved engineering designs for high-strength applications.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 19, 2013
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Beautiful 'flowers' self-assemble in a beaker

At Harvard University, scientists have developed a method to assemble intricate nanostructures into delicate flower-like structures. By manipulating chemical gradients, researchers can control the growth behavior of these crystals to create precisely tailored structures, mimicking nature's own self-assembly processes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2013

Changing cellulose-forming process may tap plants' biofuel potential

Scientists find that altering the structure and assembly of cellulose can make it more easily broken down, leading to more efficient biofuel production. By modifying the synthesis process, plants can produce cellulose with fewer structured bundles, reducing the need for time- and energy-intensive industrial processes.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 26, 2013

Vaterite: Crystal within a crystal helps resolve an old puzzle

Researchers from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison discover the crystalline secrets of vaterite with the help of a needlelike spicule from a sea squirt. They found that vaterite is composed of two different crystal structures coexisting within a pseudo-single crystal.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience·DateApr 25, 2013

Breakthrough in chemical crystallography

A research team developed a new protocol for X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis that doesn't require crystallisation of the target molecule. This method allows for the analysis of scarce marine natural products and characterises many compounds previously impossible to analyze crystallographically.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.