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Meteorite strikes may create unexpected form of silica

Scientists have discovered a novel disordered crystalline phase of silica that forms under dynamic shock compression, challenging longstanding assumptions about the material's behavior. The findings provide new insights into planetary formation and evolution, and may reveal details about the Earth's geologic history.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

A protein with an unprecedented fold helps bacteria uptake thiosulfate as a sulfur source

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

A touch of gold sends crystals electric with excitement

Physicists at the University of Warwick demonstrate that applying a noble metal to a crystal's surface can excite its structure, enabling new electrical effects such as converting movement and heat into electricity. This technique has great potential for use in sensors, energy conversion, and mobile technologies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

Artificial materials for more efficient electronics

Scientists have created a novel artificial material made of thin layers of nickelates, which can accurately control electronic properties and develop energy-efficient devices. By refining the layers to eight atoms, the entire sample behaves like a single material with one large jump in conductivity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First ever observation of 'time crystals' interacting

Researchers have successfully observed the interaction of two time crystals, a major breakthrough that could lead to applications in quantum information processing. The discovery showcases controlled interactions between time crystals, a crucial step towards harnessing their potential.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 17, 2020

Way, shape and form: Synthesis conditions define the nanostructure of manganese dioxide

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel approach to synthesize manganese dioxide nanoparticles with specific crystalline structures and porous structures. The study found that adjusting the acidity of the solution can produce large spherical pores in β-MnO2 nanoparticles, leading to better catalytic performance.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 31, 2020

Unusual electron sharing found in cool crystal

Researchers at Nagoya University found a highly unusual atomic configuration in a tungsten-based material, where three atoms share only two electrons to form a tritungsten molecule. This discovery suggests the potential for compounds with new and interesting electronic properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2020
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.

Study: Mapping crystal shapes could fast-track 2D materials

Researchers propose creating a global database of 2D crystal patterns and recipes to unlock the CVD process and environment for mass production. A Nakaya-like diagram has been developed to analyze these patterns, enabling scientists to infer clues about process variables.

SourceRice University·JournalMaterials Today·DateJul 27, 2020

Liquid crystals create easy-to-read, color-changing sensors

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a way to stretch and strain liquid crystals to generate different colors, leading to a wide range of optical effects. This technology has potential applications in temperature and strain sensors, enabling remote measurement without contact.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2020

Cherned up to the maximum

Researchers have observed that palladium gallium (PdGa) reaches the maximum allowed Chern number of four, a fundamental aspect yet to be settled in topological physics. The team also demonstrated control over the sign of the Chern number by manipulating the crystal's handedness during growth.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020
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.

Regulating the properties of MAPbBr3 single crystal via voltage and application

Researchers developed a technique to modify defect populations in perovskite crystals without chemical additives, enabling the material to act as a memristor device with multiple resistance states. The voltage regulation engineering helps improve optical and electrical properties by passivating deep-level donor-like defects.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 8, 2020

Electrons in the fast lane

Researchers discovered ferroelastic twin domains in perovskite crystals that can influence electron movement. These structures, or 'electron highways,' could make perovskite solar cells more powerful and improve their efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 7, 2020

Princeton chemists resolve origin of perovskite instability

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered that the source of thermodynamic instability in cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) is the 'rattling' behavior of the inorganic cesium atom within its crystal structure. This discovery could help improve the stability and efficiency of solar cells made from this material.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 7, 2020
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.

Skoltech researchers solve a 60-year-old puzzle about a superhard material

Researchers at Skoltech have solved the long-standing puzzle of tungsten boride's crystal structure, revealing a new material with exceptional mechanical properties. The discovery of WB5-x has exciting implications for various industrial applications, including drilling technology.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 3, 2020

Crystal wars

A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2020

Process for 'two-faced' nanomaterials may aid energy, information tech

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to implant atoms precisely into ultra-thin crystals, yielding Janus structures with different chemical compositions. This technique may improve the abilities of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to separate charge and catalyze chemical reactions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 26, 2020

X-rays size up protein structure at the 'heart' of COVID-19 virus

A team of researchers has performed the first room-temperature X-ray measurements on the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, enabling the creation of a comprehensive 3D model. This model will be used to advance supercomputing simulations aimed at finding drug inhibitors to block the virus's replication mechanism.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Vapor fix lifts up perovskite crystal performance

Researchers from KAUST developed a simple and noninvasive treatment to optimize perovskite solar cell materials. A bromine vapor treatment penetrates the surface of crystals, removing defects and producing a dramatic increase in electrical conductivity and carrier mobility.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 18, 2020

Melting a crystal topologically

EPFL physicists have found a way to visualize the whole melting process of skyrmion crystals in Cu2OSe3 by varying magnetic field. They used LTEM to record massive images and videos, demonstrating two novel phases: the skyrmion hexatic phase and the skyrmion liquid phase.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 15, 2020

Spontaneous formation of nanoscale hollow structures could boost battery storage

Researchers discovered that nanometer-scale antimony crystals form hollow structures during charging, allowing more ion flow and improving battery performance. The self-hollowing structures could also be used in sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries, expanding material options for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2020

Army Research Laboratory supporting Texas A&M research on armor performance

A Texas A&M University research project, led by Dr. Justin Wilkerson, aims to identify the damaging effects of vacancies in aluminum's atomic structure on ballistic performance. The study uses supercomputing facilities to calculate changes due to vacancies over time and may lead to improved armor materials for the US Army.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 1, 2020
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.

Catch and release: collagen-mediated control of PEDF availability

A study published in PNAS reveals that collagen maturation controls the availability of PEDF, a secreted protein involved in multiple biological functions. Researchers found that PEDF selectively destroys developing vessels by binding to newly synthesized collagen.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2020

New algorithm predicts optimal materials among all possible compounds

A new algorithm, Mendelevian Search, predicts optimal materials by searching through all possible combinations of chemical elements and crystal structures. The method has successfully predicted diamond and several dozen hard and superhard phases, including some new ones.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateMay 14, 2020
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 shows giant meteorite impacts formed parts of the moon's crust

Researchers discovered a unique Apollo 17 sample with high-temperature mineralogical evidence that formed at incredibly hot temperatures, suggesting large-scale meteorite impacts played a critical role in the Moon's surface. The findings suggest these impacts not only destroyed the lunar crust but also helped build it.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 11, 2020

Experimental study of how 'metallic glass' forms challenges paradigm in glass research

Scientists at Saarland University study atomic rearrangements in a gold alloy as it cools, revealing a fundamental new finding that challenges conventional wisdom. The researchers found that the freezing process is decoupled from the alpha-relaxation rate, leading to improved understanding of amorphous metals and glass-forming materials.

SourceSaarland University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2020

Crystal power

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a single-crystal electrode that provides a deeper understanding of charge-discharge processes in advanced batteries. The study reveals new information about the cathode chemistry, including the origin of extra capacity and the formation of detrimental phases during cycling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 4, 2020

Pressing 'pause' on nature's crystal symmetry

Drexel researchers have discovered a way to chemically manipulate polymer structures to form spherical crystals with controlled symmetry. This technique could improve the mass production of targeted therapies by allowing for precise control over crystal shape and size.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Scientists suggest using machine learning to predict materials' properties

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University used machine learning methods to predict artificial sapphire crystals' properties. The goal is to minimize defects in crystal structure for modern technology development.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Electronic Science and Technology·DateApr 30, 2020
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.

It takes a neutron beam to find a proton

A team of researchers has used neutron crystallography to determine the structure of a large oxidase protein with high-resolution structural details. They found unusual proton behavior between a cofactor and an amino acid residue, and established a complete picture of topa quinone 30 years after its discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020
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.

Shedding light on dark traps

Researchers discover deep trap clusters at grain boundaries in perovskites, reducing efficiency and stability. The findings could streamline efforts to increase the efficiency of perovskites for mass-market production.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Shedding light on dark traps

Researchers identify 'deep trap' caused by clusters of smaller atomic-sized defect sites at grain boundaries, leading to power losses and instability. The discovery could streamline efforts to increase efficiency of perovskites, bringing them closer to mass-market production.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateApr 15, 2020

Stable perovskite LEDs one step closer

Scientists have created a stable perovskite LED with an efficiency of 17.3%, significantly surpassing previous results. The breakthrough composite thin film, made by embedding a perovskite into an organic molecule matrix, has enabled the development of long-lasting LEDs.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2020
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.

A tale of shepherds and helices

A team of scientists has identified a triple-helix structure in calcium acetate hemihydrate, a compound formed on an ancient artwork through corrosion. The structure is similar to that found in collagen proteins and may have potential applications for bioinorganic chemistry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 16, 2020

Spin-preserving chiral photonic crystal mirror

Researchers have developed a novel planar chiral mirror that preserves the spin of light upon reflection, overcoming limitations of traditional mirrors. This innovation has potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum optics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

New material could turn clothing into a health monitor

Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 4, 2020

New state-of-the-MOF materials

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully converted crystalline MOFs into glassy or liquid states, demonstrating porosity, ion conductivity, and optical properties. The new materials show promise for heat storage, gas permeation, and catalytic reactions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 28, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Columbia researchers develop new method to isolate atomic sheets and create new materials

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new method to isolate atomic sheets from layered van der Waals crystals, producing large-area atomically thin layers with high quality. The monolayers can be stacked in any desired order and orientation to generate a whole new class of artificial materials.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020

Creating custom light using 2D materials

Scientists have created custom light using 2D materials by combining different transition metal dichalcogenides to form artificial semi-conductors emitting specific colors. This discovery opens up new strategies for manipulating light with precise energy and color, paving the way for mass industrialization of tailor-made lighting.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 18, 2020

Quantum fluctuations sustain the record superconductor

Researchers have discovered that atomic quantum fluctuations stabilize the record-breaking superconductor LaH10, enabling superconductivity at much lower pressures than previously expected. The study reveals a highly symmetric structure with a single minimum energy landscape, contrary to classical predictions, which could lead to high-...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateFeb 10, 2020
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.

Not everything is ferromagnetic in high magnetic fields

Physicists at HZB discovered a non-ferromagnetic phase in U2Pd2In crystals under high magnetic fields, with a structure containing 80 magnetic moments. The finding may help develop more precise theories for 5f electron systems and has implications for many other materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateFeb 10, 2020

Roll up

Researchers successfully grow crystals of various materials onto the surface of carbon nanotubes, paving the way for unique properties in 1D vdWs. This breakthrough enables potential applications in flexible electronics, lasers, solar energy conversion, and more.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateFeb 5, 2020

Crystal-stacking process can produce new materials for high-tech devices

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and MIT developed a new platform to create stacked-crystal materials with hybrid properties and multiple functions. This allows for infinite combinations of materials, opening doors to new technologies in data storage, sensing, energy, biomedical devices and more.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2020