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Terahertz-waves provide a new method to analyze biomass-based plastic

Researchers employ terahertz-waves to detect differences in higher-order structures of polylactide (PLA) and other biomass-based plastics. This achievement suggests that terahertz-waves have potential to enable nondestructive analysis of plastic properties.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMaterials Advances·DateAug 25, 2021

Crystals made to fit

Researchers have developed a novel type of soft hybrid ultramicroporous material that can change its pores to allow acetylene molecules to fit in perfectly. The material binds acetylene with unusual strength and allows for highly selective separation from other gases.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Study reveals structure of receptor implicated in type 2 diabetes and more

Researchers have determined the structure of human leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (hBLT1), a protein involved in inflammation and disease. The analysis reveals how the receptor recognizes its binding partners and interacts with them, opening up avenues for designing better drugs.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Green hydrogen: Why do certain catalysts improve in operation?

Researchers discovered that certain catalyst materials, such as erythrite, improve in performance over time due to restructuring. This process increases the surface area of the material, allowing for more reactions to occur, resulting in higher oxygen yields and doubled electrical current generation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 9, 2021

Exotic property of ‘ambidextrous’ crystals points to new magnetic phenomena

Scientists at Skoltech and KTH Royal Institute of Technology predict the existence of antichiral ferromagnetism, a nontrivial property of some magnetic crystals. This phenomenon could lead to unique magnetic domains and skyrmions, distinct from conventional chiral textures.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 4, 2021

Dancing with the light: A new way to make crystals bend by shining light

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a novel mechanism for inducing high-speed bending in thick crystals using the photothermal effect, enabling rapid actuation and simulation. This breakthrough has significant implications for flexible robotics, actuators, and soft robotics.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021
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.

Synthesis of new red phosphors with a smart material as a host material

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology synthesized new Mn4+-activated red phosphors with high photoluminescence intensity, revealing the relationship between crystal structure and sintering temperature. The findings have important implications for the development of high-color-rendering-index materials for LED applications.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMaterials Research Bulletin·DateJul 20, 2021

New, neural network offers accurate prediction of protein folding

Researchers introduce RoseTTAFold, a neural network approach that accurately predicts protein structures, outperforming traditional methods and rivalling DeepMind's AlphaFold2. The tool's code and public server are now accessible to the scientific community, enabling rapid solution of challenging structure determination problems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Machine learning cracks the oxidation states of crystal structures

Researchers have developed a machine-learning algorithm to categorize metal-organic frameworks by oxidation state, providing a solution to the long-standing problem in chemistry. The collective knowledge of the chemistry community was used to train the model, which captured the errors and inconsistencies in existing methods.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2021

How ethane-consuming archaea pick up their favorite dish

Researchers discovered ethane-eating microbes at hydrothermal vents, which use the same enzyme as methane-eaters to break down ethane. The enzyme's unique structure was visualized with unprecedented precision, revealing a larger catalytic chamber and additional methyl groups, allowing for efficient recognition of ethane.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2021

Harvard-led researchers document quantum melting of Wigner Crystals

Physicists have finally experimentally documented the melting of Wigner Crystals into a liquid in response to quantum fluctuations, a long-sought-after goal in the field. The study used a novel experimental technique to observe this transition in atomically thin semiconductor bilayers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2021
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.

This crystal impurity is sheer perfection

Researchers at Berkeley Lab design a nanoparticle composite that grows into 3D crystals, enabling faster production of electronic and optical devices. The discovery provides unprecedented control in fine-tuning nanolevel precision.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

Transformation toughening of ceramics made crystal clear

Zirconia ceramics exhibit improved toughness due to phase changes, but real-time observation of these changes is challenging. Researchers employ time-resolved X-ray diffraction to visualize transformation toughening during dynamic fracture.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 8, 2021

New form of silicon could enable next-gen electronic and energy devices

Researchers developed a novel crystalline form of silicon with a hexagonal structure that can potentially be used to create high-performance electronic and energy devices. This discovery opens the door to exciting future research prospects for tuning optical and electronic properties through strain engineering and elemental substitution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 4, 2021

Structural uniqueness of the green- and red-light sensing photosensor in cyanobacteria

Researchers elucidated the molecular structure of RcaE, a representative cyanobacterial photosensor, revealing its unique conformation and potential proton transfer route to bilin. The study provides insights into how cyanobacteria evolved diverse spectral sensitivities and contributes to the development of new photoswitches.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2021

How quantum dots can 'talk' to each other

Researchers have successfully simulated the interaction of two quantum dots, exchanging energy controlled by light. The study's results are promising for experimental research and development in various fields, including qubit development and photocatalysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateJun 3, 2021
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.

Enantiomorph distribution maps for metals and metallic alloys

Researchers developed a new EBSD-based method to determine enantiomorph distribution in polycrystalline materials, including the chiral elemental structure β-Mn. This simplifies the preparation of materials with defined handedness.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJun 3, 2021

Bringing order to hydrogen energy devices

Scientists have developed a new approach to improve hydrogen transport in solids, enabling faster movement of negatively charged hydrogen 'anions' at lower temperatures. The breakthrough could lead to more sustainable sources of energy and practical applications in electrochemical devices.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 2, 2021

Shiny mega-crystals that build themselves

Scientists have created mega-crystals with unique properties by mixing different shapes of nanocrystals. These 'Lego materials' form long-range ordered dense lattices called superlattices, which exhibit superfluorescence and can be used for technical applications.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2021
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.

Engineered defects in crystalline material boosts electrical performance

Researchers found that engineered defects in oxide crystals can increase electrical performance by five-fold and 19-fold in dielectric and piezoelectric properties, respectively. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient capacitors with improved environmental and health benefits.

SourceIowa State University·JournalScience·DateMay 27, 2021

Unveiling what governs crystal growth

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and universities reveal alternating step kinetics during gallium nitride crystal growth, challenging conventional wisdom. The study uses advanced X-ray scattering techniques to monitor the rate of growth on the crystal surface steps.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2021

New methods proposed to characterize polymer lamellar crystals

Researchers developed new methodologies to analyze evanescent wave-induced scattering in transmission SAXS for semi-crystalline polymers. The methods provided information on lamellar thickness and long period of lamellar stacks.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIUCrJ·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Future sparkles for diamond-based quantum technology

Two research breakthroughs accelerate the development of synthetic diamond-based quantum technology by addressing cost and fabrication difficulties. A new hard masking method enables precise engineering of optical defects in diamond devices, while a novel growth process uses lower-cost polycrystalline substrate.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNanoscale·DateMay 16, 2021

Harvesting light like nature does

Scientists at PNNL develop a novel material capable of capturing light energy, displaying high efficiency and programmability, with potential applications in photovoltaics, bioimaging, and beyond. The researchers' bio-inspired approach leverages natural hierarchical structures for exceptional properties.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2021

Bone-deep: Mineral found in human bone can help fight toxic organic compounds

Scientists have discovered that hydroxyapatite, a mineral present in human bones, can efficiently decompose hazardous organic compounds when activated using mechanical stress. This breakthrough could lead to the development of cheap, noble-metal-free catalysts for controlling volatile organic compounds.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 11, 2021
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.

Improved catalyst may translate to petrochemical production gains

Researchers have developed a new method for synthesizing zeolite catalysts that improves catalytic performance by up to five-fold. The improved hierarchical zeolite catalysts show unprecedented improvement in stability and selectivity, potentially reducing the need for costly turnarounds.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 27, 2021

'Planar and curved' pyrrole-fused azacoronenes

The study presents two new derivatives of pyrrole-fused azacoronene, one with alkyl groups and the other with concave π-planes, exhibiting distinct redox properties and π-electron functions. The curved structure leads to a strong interaction with spherical fullerene.

SourceEhime University·DateApr 23, 2021

Lighting it up: Fast material manipulation through a laser

Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute have developed a novel method for fast material manipulation using laser pulses, significantly reducing switching times. The technique involves shining light on a semi-metallic crystal to re-organize its internal electronic structure, changing conductivity and allowing for ultrafast control.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021
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.

MOF data set provides 10k structures free for academic research

The CSD MOF Collection offers 10,636 metal-organic framework crystal structures for free access to academics, simplifying computational research. This collection is expected to advance fundamental research and support the growing industry interest in MOFs.

SourceCCDC - Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre·JournalMatter·DateApr 8, 2021

A Skoltech method helps model the behavior of 2D materials under pressure

Researchers from Skoltech have created a theoretical method to study electronic properties of 2D materials like silicene under high pressure. This approach could help create pressure sensors using these materials, which are promising candidates due to their unique properties.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 31, 2021

Superconductivity from buckled-honeycomb-vacancy ordering

A research team has discovered a new type of superconductor by inducing an extended buckled-honeycomb-vacancy (BHV) ordering in Ir16Sb18. The superconductivity emerges when the BHV ordering is suppressed through extra atom squeezing or Rh substitution, competing with the ordered vacancy as a potential superconducting parent phase.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMar 21, 2021
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.

Crystal structure prediction of multi-elements random alloy

Researchers developed an AI model that predicts crystal structures of multi-element alloys without requiring massive data. The method showed high accuracy in predicting structural phase and can save calculation cost by up to 1,000 times compared to previous methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2021

Twisting, flexible crystals key to solar energy production

Halide perovskites' twisting motion creates desirable renewable energy properties, helping materials scientists tailor chemical recipes for environmentally friendly applications. The study's findings apply to a wide range of halide perovskites, including hybrid organic-inorganic and lead-free variants.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 15, 2021

Self-stacking nanocubes

Scientists at KAUST have successfully synthesized copper nanoclusters with a cuboid shape, exhibiting promising properties for photoluminescence and catalysis. The unique structure is driven by intercluster noncovalent bonding interactions, including hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateMar 14, 2021

Nano-mapping phase transitions in electronic materials

Researchers have successfully mapped the metallic and insulating regions of atomically engineered devices made from rare-earth nickelate compounds at near-atomic resolution. This breakthrough enables a deeper understanding of the physics behind these electronic materials, which may be used in future computing approaches.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 10, 2021
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.

Filming a 3D video of a virus with instantaneous light and AI

Researchers successfully filmed and restored the 3D structure of nanoparticles that share structural similarities with viruses using X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) and machine learning. This breakthrough enables high accuracy and speed imaging of viruses, opening new avenues for understanding their structures.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 3, 2021

New treatment unlocks potential for baking raspberries

Washington State University scientists have developed a method to treat raspberries before freezing, allowing them to maintain their structure when thawed. The treatment involves infusing berries with pectin and calcium, partially drying them, and coating them with an edible layer, resulting in reduced syneresis and improved texture.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·DateMar 1, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists suggested using 'defective' diamonds in x-ray optics

Nitrogen-bearing diamond crystals have been shown to produce high-quality X-ray beams due to their superior thermal conductivity and coefficient of expansion. Despite historical concerns over their quality, researchers from BFU successfully manufactured plates with sufficient defect-free areas using a unique device.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateFeb 24, 2021

Can bacteria make stronger cars, airplanes and armor?

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering used living bacteria to create new materials with superior mechanical properties. These materials exhibit exceptional strength, fracture resistance, and energy dissipation, making them suitable for aerospace panels, vehicle frames, body armor, and defense applications.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 22, 2021

RUDN University chemist used iodine to synthesize new chalcogenides

Scientists from RUDN University have synthesized three new chalcogenides using iodine-based high-temperature synthesis, resulting in rare rhombic system crystal structures. The new compounds were obtained using nickel, gallium, indium, sulfur, and tellurium, showcasing the key role of iodine in their formation.

SourceRUDN University·JournalDalton Transactions·DateFeb 19, 2021
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.

New crystalline ice form

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have elucidated the crystal structure of exotic ice XIX, a new ordered variant of high-pressure ice VI. This breakthrough discovery reveals new insights into the electrical properties of these unusual ice forms and paves the way for further experimentation to study their properties.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2021

Upending complex crystal formation

Researchers used advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe mesocrystals form in real-time, revealing a new pathway of crystallization by particle attachment. This discovery could help design materials for energy storage and understand natural mineralization.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 17, 2021
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.