Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Gallium oxide: crystal complexity tamed by machine learning

Researchers used machine learning to identify the key characteristics of gallium oxide, a complex material with five different crystal structures. The study provided a detailed understanding of the influence of structural disorder on its electronic structure, crucial for optimizing applications.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 18, 2022

First structure of key COVID enzyme at human body temperature

Researchers used x-ray crystallography to study the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 at various temperatures, revealing subtle conformational changes and potential targets for drug design. These findings may inspire the development of new antiviral drugs to counteract COVID-19 and prevent future pandemics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalIUCrJ·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

2D boundaries could create electricity

Researchers at Rice University have discovered piezoelectricity in two-dimensional materials across phase boundaries. The discovery enables the creation of ultra-sensitive temperature or pressure sensors and tiny actuators, revolutionizing electronic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 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.

Linked lanthanides shine light on field of crystal engineering

Scientists have connected two soft crystals and observed energy transfer between them, leading to the potential development of sophisticated materials. The study used rare earth metals called lanthanides, which can luminesce, to create a molecular train that exhibited green luminescence at one end and yellow luminescence at the other.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

New study explores cell receptor crucial for cardiovascular health

A new study provides critical insights into the pGC-A membrane receptor, a vital component of cardiovascular regulation. The research offers a clearer understanding of this complex receptor and its signaling mechanisms, paving the way for new anti-hypertensive drugs.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 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.

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

New study: Nitrogen forms extremely unusual structures under high pressure

Researchers have synthesized novel nitrogen compounds with ring- and spiral-shaped crystal structures under extremely high pressure. The new polynitrides contain planar, symmetrically constructed ring structures and a rare polynitrogenic double helix.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2022

Building molecular bridges: New crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes

A new study from Tokyo Institute of Technology introduces a novel crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes. This approach allows for monomeric emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions, enabling the creation of highly dense crystalline structures with controlled electronic properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Physicists identify new properties of matter solidification

Researchers at Ural Federal University developed a mathematical model explaining anomalous behavior in melts, which can lead to creating materials with specific properties. The model accounts for nucleation and crystal growth, reducing supercooling and narrowing the two-phase layer.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 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.

Towards High-Quality Manganese Oxide Catalysts with Large Surface Areas

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel synthesis procedure to produce high-quality manganese oxide nanoparticles with large surface areas. The new approach enables the creation of ultra-small nanoparticles with excellent catalytic performance, outperforming previously reported methods.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

The structure of the smallest semiconductor was elucidated

Researchers at IBS and Xiamen University reported the synthesis of Cd14Se13 cluster, the smallest nanocluster synthesized as of today. The cluster has a core-cage arrangement with an adamantane-like CdSe structure, enabling the growth of nanocrystals with unusual structures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Nanoparticles can save historic buildings

Researchers at TU Wien found that silicate nanoparticles can strengthen porous rock by forming colloidal crystals, which create new connections between mineral surfaces. The size of the particles is crucial for optimal strength gain, with smaller particles creating more binding sites.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Exploiting symmetries: Speeding up the computational study of solid solutions

Researchers developed open-source software SHRY to find distinct substitution patterns in disordered systems, reducing computation time. The software uses group theory and canonical augmentation to efficiently analyze crystal structures with random substitutions.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJun 28, 2022

The emergence of form: New study expands horizons for DNA nanotechnology

A new study explores the characteristics of 36 basic variants of the Holliday junction, a fundamental building block used in DNA nanoforms. The results show that sequences forming the four protruding arms of the junction can enhance or hinder crystallization processes.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2022
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.

Moffitt researchers determine 1st crystal structure of LAG3

The study reveals how the protein binds to ligands and inhibitory antibodies, providing insights into its molecular function. The findings may lead to better targeted therapeutic approaches in the future.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Advances in lithium niobate photonics

Lithium niobate photonics has developed rapidly, enabling compact devices with high performance. Thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) structures have shown significant improvements in refractive index contrast, paving the way for more integrated photonic devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJun 23, 2022

Shaping the future of purification

King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) researchers have created a new membrane material that separates nitrogen from methane based on their shape difference. This approach reduces purification costs for natural gas by up to 73% compared to existing methods, offering an energy-efficient solution.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2022

New insights of how the HIV-1 assembles and incorporates the Env protein

Researchers used X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of HIV-1 matrix protein at 2.1 angstroms resolution, advancing understanding of viral assembly and envelope protein incorporation. The study showed that molecular details at this level can help develop new therapeutic agents inhibiting HIV-1 assembly and virus production.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022
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.

University of Illinois team topples the longstanding "efficiency droop" barrier to green-light LEDs

Researchers have long struggled to create high-power green LEDs due to the 'efficiency droop' phenomenon. The University of Illinois team has now discovered a way to avoid this issue by using cubic-phase crystal structures, which halves efficiency droop in InGaAlN light-emitting diodes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalIEEE Transactions on Electron Devices·DateJun 20, 2022

A new nanomaterial for precision medicine and the green transition

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Grain boundaries go with the flow

A team of researchers from Rice University has modeled the dynamics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials using a rotating magnetic field technique. The study shows that grain boundaries can change readily in response to shear stress, and voids in these structures can act as sources and sinks for their movement.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022
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.

Designing the perfect membrane for clean separation

Researchers at KAUST have developed a new class of oriented mixed-matrix metal-organic framework (MMMOF) membrane that selectively removes detrimental gases like H2S and CO2 from natural gas. The membrane demonstrates far better separation efficiency compared to conventional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2022

Time crystals “impossible” but obey quantum physics

Researchers successfully created a two-body time-crystal system in an experiment that challenges our understanding of physics. They also found that time crystals can be used to build useful devices at room temperature, opening up new possibilities for quantum computing.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Research paves the way for stronger alloys

Scientists have discovered how microscopic crystals grow and change shape in molten metals as they cool, leading to a better understanding of the tensile strength of alloys. The research, published in Acta Materialia, used high-speed synchrotron X-ray tomography to study the changing crystal structures in molten alloys.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalActa Materialia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2022
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.

Electrons in a crystal exhibit linked and knotted quantum twists

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered that electrons in a crystal exhibit linked and knotted quantum twists, raising questions about the quantum properties of electronic systems. The study brings together ideas in condensed matter physics, topology, and knot theory to create a new understanding of quantum mechanics.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Researchers unveil a secret of stronger metals

Scientists have found a novel pathway for forming smaller crystals in metals, leading to improved strength and toughness. By bombarding metal surfaces with tiny particles at high speeds, researchers increased copper's strength about tenfold.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 20, 2022

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers demonstrate organic crystals can serve as energy converters for emerging technologies

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered that organic crystals can efficiently convert energy, meeting the needs of advanced technologies such as soft robotics and artificial muscles. The material's ability to expand and contract repeatedly without deterioration makes it suitable for applications in electronics.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2022

The way of water: Making advanced electronics with H₂O

A new method for creating key components of solar cells, X-ray detectors, and LEDs uses water to control the growth of phase-pure perovskite crystals. This approach allows for precise tuning of crystal structures at room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Traveling to the centre of planet Uranus: Materials synthesis research and study in terapascal range for the first time

A research team from the University of Bayreuth has successfully generated and analyzed materials under compression pressures of over 1 terapascal, a breakthrough that could deepen our understanding of matter. The study reveals the synthesis and structural analysis of novel rhenium compounds in the terapascal range.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateMay 11, 2022
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.

Structure of ‘gliding bird’ plant protein could lead to better crops

Researchers have finally solved the structure of the plant protein NPR1, a key regulator of plant immunity. The new findings reveal that NPR1 forms a shape resembling a gliding bird and binds to molecules in the cell's nucleus to turn on immune genes. This breakthrough could lead to better crops with improved disease resistance.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2022

Computational sleuthing confirms first 3D quantum spin liquid

Researchers use computational detective work to verify the existence of a 3D quantum spin liquid in cerium zirconium pyrochlore, overcoming decades-long challenge. The material exhibits fractionalized spin excitations, where electrons do not arrange their spins in relation to neighbors.

SourceRice University·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

Crystal study may resolve DNA mystery

A study by Rice University bioscientists has revealed the presence of a central metal ion critical to DNA replication and implicated in misincorporation. The research found that three metal ions are involved in the process, with the first supporting nucleotide binding and the second stabilizing the binding of loose nucleotides. This di...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The 4D-printed beetle that changes color when it gets wetter

A researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology has successfully printed a 4D-beetle that changes color when it gets wetter. The beetle uses iridescent properties and is made from liquid crystal technology, which allows it to respond to external stimuli like humidity.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2022

Skyrmions on the rise – new 2D material advances low-power computing

Researchers have discovered layered 2D materials that can host unique magnetic features, including skyrmions, which remain stable at room temperature. The discovery could lead to novel low-energy data storage and information processing systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Controlling heat flow in a solid by switching crystal structure dimensionality

Scientists have created a material that can reversibly switch between high and low thermal conductivity by changing its crystal structure dimensionality, opening up new possibilities for thermal management. The material's ability to alter its thermal conductivity allows for more efficient heat flow control.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Revolutionary images of the birth of crystals

Researchers have successfully visualized crystal nucleation, a crucial stage in crystallization, using Raman microspectroscopy and optical trapping. This breakthrough enables better understanding of molecular dynamics and may lead to the development of purer and more stable crystals for pharmaceuticals and other industries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Illuminating perovskite photophysics

Scientists at KAUST have studied charge carrier behavior in perovskite thin films using laser pulses and terahertz radiation. They found that increased density of charge carriers narrows the energy gap for electrons to be excited by light, and charge carriers become more localized at higher densities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022
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.

Smallest earthquakes ever detected in micron-scale metals

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University detected smallest earthquakes in micron-scale metals, exhibiting characteristics similar to seismic events. The findings reveal a two-level structure of strain bursts and demonstrate the correlation between acoustic signals and plastic deformation.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2022

Predicting the most stable boron nitride structure with quantum simulations

A team of researchers has provided evidence to settle the debate on the relative stabilities of boron nitride's structures using a state-of-the-art quantum simulation method. The study found that hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is the most stable structure, followed by rhombohedral (rBN), zinc-blende (cBN), and wurtzite (wBN).

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateApr 14, 2022

Structure of the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate in Pepto-Bismol revealed

Scientists at Stockholm University have revealed the structure of bismuth subsalicylate, a century-old pharmaceutical ingredient used to treat nausea and diarrhea. The discovery was made possible by advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques, which provided atomic resolution images of the molecule's molecular packing.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

Optical vortex crystals for photonic simulations of complex systems

Scientists at IIT realized coupled light vortices forming an ordered structure, a light crystal. They developed metasurfaces to control laser beams and created 100 light vortices with tunable topology, enabling new properties for optical communications and simulations of complex systems.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
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.

A look into the magnetic future

Scientists at Paul Scherrer Institute have observed artificial spin ice structures aligning with temperature changes, revealing a complex phase transition. The discovery could lead to novel high-speed computers with low power consumption.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

The material that could save industries heat

Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a compound that can reversibly store and release large amounts of low-grade heat. The birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide with crystal water compound has shown better performance compared to other compounds for heat storage purposes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2022

Solar hydrogen: Better photoelectrodes through flash heating

Scientists have created new photoelectrode materials with improved performance by rapidly heating metal-oxide thin films to high temperatures without damaging the underlying glass substrate. This breakthrough increases the efficiency of solar water splitting and has potential applications for producing 'green' hydrogen and quantum dots.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

X-rays help scientists uncover new forms of material using designer DNA

Researchers use DNA to program metal nanoparticles to assemble into new configurations, resulting in the discovery of three new crystalline phases. The approach enables symmetry breaking and creation of complex colloidal crystal structures with unique optical and catalytic properties.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 31, 2022

Programmed assembly of wafer-scale atomically thin crystals

A team of scientists has developed a method for assembling wafer-scale films at the atomic level, enabling large-scale production of artificial crystalline materials. The new technique, which uses van der Waals interactions, produces nearly 100% pristine interfaces and shows promise for developing new materials with unique properties.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 30, 2022
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.

Researchers create a sea of nano-sized gold stars

A team of researchers from PNNL and UW successfully designed a bio-inspired molecule that directs gold atoms to form perfect nanoscale stars. The work is an important step toward understanding and controlling metal nanoparticle shape and creating advanced materials with tunable properties.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Quenching by laser increases graphene quality

Researchers found that laser-induced reduction of graphene oxide can produce high-quality graphene by reducing defects and improving lattice structure. At high temperatures, oxidation occurs near defects but is balanced by annealing in the center of the sheet, resulting in well-structured material.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalCarbon·DateMar 23, 2022

Growing extremely tiny, uniformly sized diamonds — without explosives

Researchers have created ultra-uniform nanodiamonds using a new chemical process that mimics the conditions found in natural diamond formation. The tiny crystals are crucial for drug delivery, sensors, and quantum computer processors. With this breakthrough, scientists can now control single atoms within larger structures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 23, 2022

Mathematical model will accelerate creation of alloys with specified properties

Researchers at Ural Federal University have developed a method to significantly accelerate the synthesis of aluminum-based alloys using computer modeling. The new approach allows for control over the internal structure and physical properties of the alloy, enabling the creation of materials with desired characteristics.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Physics Condensed Matter·DateMar 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.