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Study demonstrates that Ta2NiSe5 is not an excitonic insulator

Research team settles decade-long debate on Ta2NiSe5's microscopic origin of symmetry breaking; structural instability hinders electronic superfluidity. Advanced experiments and calculations confirm crystal structure changes as driving force behind phase transition.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2023

Researchers discover liquid quasicrystal with dodecagonal tiling pattern

A team of researchers has discovered a liquid quasicrystal with a dodecagonal honeycomb structure, consisting of triangular, square, and trapezoidal cells. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these special structures and offers promising applications in optics and electronics.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Scientists from IOCB Prague move closer to developing a drug not only against monkeypox

Researchers deciphered the structure of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus, identifying a target for antiviral drugs. The findings may lead to the creation of new antivirals effective against not only monkeypox but also COVID-19.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Discovering hidden order in disordered crystals

A new material analysis method combines resonant X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR to reveal the chemical order of Mo atoms in disordered Ba7Nb4MoO20. The study provides valuable insights into how a material's properties, such as ion conduction, are influenced by its hidden chemical order.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Advanced X-ray technique unveils fast solid-gas chemical reaction pathways

A team of researchers used synchrotron XRD to investigate the topochemical solid-gas reduction mechanisms in a layered perovskite. The study found that surface treatment can manipulate reaction processes, and the technique can identify rate-determining steps for optimizing material design.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
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.

Novel durable copper-aluminum-zinc shape memory alloys for energy-efficient refrigeration

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science created a fracture-resistant alloy through heat-treatment, exhibiting improved elastocaloric properties and resistance to cyclical loads. The Cu-Zn-Al alloy showed significant increases in grain size, leading to enhanced cooling capabilities and paving the way for innovative refrigeration systems.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Physics Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Researchers reveal real-time glimpse into growth habits of nanoparticles

A team of researchers has observed nanoparticles self-assembling and crystalizing into solid materials in real time, revealing the growth process at nanometer resolution. The findings have implications for designing new materials, including thin films for electronic applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2023

Chinese scientists solve mystery of cubic ice

Researchers used in-situ cryogenic TEM imaging to directly observe formation of pure-phase ice I c on low-temperature substrates. The study resolves the long-standing debate about cubic ice's existence, with implications for materials science, geology, and climate science.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A crystal – but not as we know it

The study reveals hydrated salts can lose their facets and become soft when slowly dissolved in humid air, exhibiting liquid-like molecular mobility at their surfaces. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of crystal formation and behavior.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2023

WVU lab’s game-changing high-performance semiconductor material could help slash heat emissions

A team led by Xueyan Song at West Virginia University has created an oxide ceramic material that solves a longstanding efficiency problem plaguing thermoelectric generators. The breakthrough achieved record-high performance, opening up new research directions to further increase performance and enabling large-scale waste heat recovery.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMar 14, 2023

Colloids get creative to pave the way for next generation photonics

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have devised a way to fabricate a complex structure, previously found only in nature, to control light in the visible range. This new approach uses self-assembled colloidal particles to create chiral photonic crystals with tailored optical properties.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

Nanosatellite shows the way to RNA medicine of the future

Scientists at Aarhus University and Berkeley Laboratory developed a method called RNA origami to design artificial RNA nanostructures. The technique allowed for the discovery of rules and mechanisms for RNA folding that will make it possible to build more ideal RNA particles for use in RNA-based medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Corralling ions improves viability of next generation solar cells

Channeling ions into grain boundaries in perovskite materials improves the stability and operational performance of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for more efficient and practical solar cell technologies. This breakthrough finding may also inform the development of more efficient energy storage technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Newly discovered form of salty ice could exist on surface of extraterrestrial moons

Scientists have discovered a new type of solid crystal that forms when water and table salt combine in cold and high-pressure conditions, potentially existing on the surface of Jupiter's moons. This finding has significant implications for planetary science and the search for extraterrestrial life, as it could explain the mysterious ch...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2023
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.

Method found for analysing complex, tiny crystals

Researchers at Universität Leipzig have developed a new method to analyze complex, tiny crystals like phosphorus oxide nitride. The technique successfully uncovers the structure of previously difficult-to-analyze compounds, offering potential for novel phosphors in future studies.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

Asteroid impact in slow motion

Scientists at the University of Jena have solved a decades-long puzzle by studying quartz samples under extreme pressure. They discovered that characteristic lamellae, which are often used to detect asteroid impacts, form when quartz transforms into a more tightly packed phase under high pressure.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Fine-tuning the properties of charge-segregated assemblies with counteranions

The study explores the impact of counteranions on stacked ion pairs, leading to variations in energy and orientation. The researchers developed a diverse set of assemblies with tunable properties by incorporating alkyl groups into positively charged squarylium dyes.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023
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.

$1M grant to U chemists could accelerate drug development

The researchers aim to create a set of tools to help other chemists select and produce the right crystal structures for new drugs, potentially saving time and cost. By understanding how molecules crystallize, they hope to speed up the development process and lower costs.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateJan 30, 2023

Discovery of new form of carbon, called long-range ordered porous carbon (LOPC)

Researchers have discovered a new form of carbon, LOPC, which consists of 'broken C60 cages' connected by long-range periodicity. The formation of LOPC occurs under specific temperature and carbon/Li3N ratio conditions, and its characterization reveals unique electrical conductivity properties.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 2023
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.

Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023

Electron injection builds novel crystalline carbons

A research team at USTC discovered a novel long-range ordered porous carbon (LOPC) crystal formed by charging C60 molecules with Li3N, preserving periodic stacking of nanomaterials. LOPC exhibits characteristics of both long-range order and partially broken C60 molecules, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateJan 11, 2023
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.

X-ray light reveals how virus responsible for COVID-19 covers its tracks, eluding the immune system

A new study uses serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of NendoU protein at room temperature. The resulting high-resolution image shows that the protein's flexibility plays a crucial role in its functional mechanism, which is essential for designing antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

More links aren’t necessarily better for hybrid nanomaterials

Chemists from Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin found that increasing charge-acceptor molecules on semiconducting nanocrystals can lead to reduced electron transfer rates in hybrid materials. The study highlights the importance of considering ligand-ligand interactions when designing light-activated nanomaterials fo...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

Nanoantennas directing a bright future

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed nanoantennas that significantly increase the efficiency and photoluminescence of white LEDs by replacing aluminum with titanium dioxide. This breakthrough enables the creation of intensely bright yet energy-saving solid-state lighting solutions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Making the unimaginable possible in materials discovery

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop a new method to create crystalline materials with two or more elements, yielding previously unknown compounds with exotic properties. The discovery has potential applications in superconductors, energy transmission, high-speed transportation, and energy-efficient microelectronics.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 2022

Unveiling the mechanism of the metal-to-insulator transition in ruthenium phosphide suggests a new way of looking at solids

Researchers at Nagoya University have uncovered the mechanism behind ruthenium phosphide's transition from metal to insulator, revealing a unique crystal structure and molecular bonding. This discovery could lead to the development of faster responding sensors and smart windows that change light transmittance depending on temperature.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 29, 2022

Cutting-edge tool to expand nanoscale study of material deformation

Researchers at Lehigh University have received a $1.2 million NSF grant to purchase a new plasma focused ion beam system for studying material deformation at the nanoscale. The system enables in situ mechanical testing and EBSD analysis, allowing for detailed study of microstructural elements and

SourceLehigh University·DateNov 28, 2022
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.

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Generality vs. specificity: unraveling the electric double layer structure of highly ionic liquid electrolytes

A team of researchers used molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical 3D atomic force microscopy to study the electric double layer structure of an ionic liquid on crystalline electrodes. They found that intermolecular interactions among cations and anions are stronger than electrode-specific interactions, proposing a key descr...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 17, 2022

High-temperature superconductivity in lanthanum, yttrium, and cerium ternary hydrides

A team of researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has discovered thermodynamically stable phases in Y–Ce–H and La–Ce–H systems that exhibit high-temperature superconductivity. Calculations predicted Tc values of up to 173 K, paving the way for the development of more energy-efficient and sustainable societies.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalMaterials Today Physics·DateNov 16, 2022

Truly chiral phonons observed in three-dimensional materials for the first time

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have identified truly chiral phonons in cinnabar, a three-dimensional material. The discovery was made using a combination of theoretical calculations and experimental techniques, allowing for the determination of chirality with improved resolution.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Crystals generate electricity from heat

Researchers have discovered a synthetic sulfide mineral that converts heat into electricity efficiently and safely. The novel material, composed of copper, manganese, germanium, and sulfur, shows two crystal structures within the same material and has a stable temperature range up to 400 degrees Celsius.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Uncovering the link between epoxy resins and thermal conductivity

A University of Illinois team discovered liquid crystalline epoxy resins with high thermal conductivity, outperforming common polymers by up to 5 times. The breakthrough was achieved by precisely controlling the lengths of ethylene repeat units in the polymer structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2022

New class of porous metal nanoparticles will give rise to new capabilities in biomolecular absorption, chemical sensing and separations

Researchers from Northwestern University have synthesized open-channel superlattices with pores ranging from 10 to 1,000 nanometers in size. The new findings will enable the use of these colloidal crystals in molecular absorption and storage, separations, chemical sensing, catalysis, and optical applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2022

First observation of switchable chiral transport in a structurally achiral crystal

Researchers have reported the first observation of switchable chiral transport in a structurally achiral crystal, Kagome superconductor CsV3Sb5. The team proposes a model where electrons arrange themselves in patterns that violate mirror symmetry, even though atoms are arranged symmetrically.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
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.

Scientists map water in molecular crystals, aiding drug development

Researchers developed a computational protocol called MACH that can quickly determine whether a given compound will form a crystal hydrate. The tool uses rules to systematically determine where water would likely be inserted into a crystal, providing essential knowledge for drug development and formulation.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2022

New field of research: Crystal traces in fossil leaves

The study reveals that calcium oxalate crystals are responsible for the formation of microscopic cavities in fossilized leaves. The researchers found clear parallels in closely related species, suggesting a biological function for the crystals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Synthetic routes to pharmaceuticals greatly expanded leading to new and more effective treatments

A search of the Cambridge Structural Database found nearly 1,800 conglomerate crystal structures with spontaneous enriched chirality, augmenting synthetic building blocks for medicinal chemists. This discovery introduces a new pool of chiral molecules outside of natural sources, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

SourceCCDC - Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre·JournalJACS Au·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2022

Novel cell-free protein crystallization method to advance structural biology

Scientists developed a novel cell-free protein crystallization (CFPC) method that allows rapid and direct formation of protein crystals without purification processes. The technique has enabled the analysis of unstable proteins, increasing knowledge of cellular processes and functions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022

Metastable states of floating crystals

Scientists at the University of Liège have successfully manipulated the shape and symmetry of floating crystals by navigating between metastable states. The researchers used two experimental techniques: applying a horizontal magnetic field to induce deformation or controlling the growth of an assembly using thermocapillary fluxes.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 30, 2022

An ocean inside the Earth? Water hundreds of kilometers down

A team of researchers led by Goethe University Frankfurt analyzed a diamond from Botswana, revealing significant amounts of water stored in the transition zone. The discovery has far-reaching consequences for the dynamic situation inside the Earth, potentially altering global material circulation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022
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.

Researchers uncover how to 3D-print one of the strongest stainless steels

A team of researchers from NIST, UW-Madison, and Argonne National Laboratory identified key compositions that enable consistent 3D-printing of 17-4 PH stainless steel with favorable properties. The new findings could help producers cut costs and increase manufacturing flexibility.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateSep 22, 2022

Novel carrier doping in p-type semiconductors enhances photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration

Researchers have developed a novel carrier doping method for p-type semiconductors, which improves photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration. The new method uses alkali ion impurities to enhance conductivity in copper(I)-based semiconductors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2022

Physicists demo method for designing topological metals

Researchers from Rice University and partners identified three promising candidate materials using a new framework that cross-references information in a database of known materials with theoretical calculations. The method could help explore strongly correlated topological matter, a large and largely uninvestigated landscape.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

A little strain goes a long way in reducing fuel cell performance

Researchers found that a 2% reduction in atomic distance on the surface leads to a significant decrease in hydrogen ion conductivity, reducing fuel cell performance. Developing methods to mitigate this strain is crucial for improving high-performance fuel cells for clean energy production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Physics Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Not just a backup – the dual specificity of UBA6

The research team at the University of Würzburg has reported the first structures of UBA6 in complex with either ATP or FAT10, shedding light on its dual recognition capability. The study also identified UBA6 variants that selectively abolish the activation of either ubiquitin or FAT10.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2022

Faster friction - less wear

At extremely high speeds, friction decreases wear due to uneven heat distribution on the surface. The outermost layer of metal is damaged while deeper regions remain intact. This effect has implications for high-speed applications such as E-mobility and aircraft.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Materials Today·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2022

Nanodisks should not be taken lightly

A novel light-manipulating technology using nanodisk periodic structures has been developed by an international team, including Kyoto University. By controlling bound states in the continuum, researchers can systematically control light distribution states and manipulate near-infrared light within a nanodisk.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Boosting performance with a dash of rock salt

Scientists have found a novel structure in bismuth oxychloride, featuring a sextuple Bi-O layer composed of rock-salt and fluorite units, which enhances photocatalytic activity. This discovery could lead to improved hydrogen production material designs.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022