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Minimizing electric vehicles’ impact on the grid

Researchers found that strategically placing charging stations, especially at workplaces and in delayed home settings, can reduce peak electricity demand, store solar energy, and conveniently meet drivers' needs. This approach could help minimize the strain on the grid and avoid costly new power plants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMar 15, 2023

Cherenkov color imaging shows promise in enhancing radiation therapy effectiveness

Researchers found that increasing melanin levels in human skin reduces Cherenkov emission intensity, while blood concentration affects different color channels. The study suggests using multispectral signatures to correct attenuated signals based on patient's blood volume or skin color.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMar 13, 2023

Experiment unlocks bizarre properties of strange metals

Researchers in Japan used a synchrotron to create gamma rays that revealed unusual fluctuations in the electrical charge of a strange metal alloy. The study provides insight into the inner machinery of these materials, which could inspire new forms of electronic matter and high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Scientists reveal 'magic boron clusters' on monolayer borophene

The study reveals the formation of boron clusters with magic numbers on monolayer borophene, leading to spontaneous transformation into bilayer borophene. Density functional theory calculations identify B5 clusters as the result of in-plane charge distribution and electron delocalization.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Electric vehicle batteries could get big boost with new polymer coating

Scientists have developed a conductive polymer coating called HOS-PFM that can significantly enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The coating ensures battery stability and high charge/discharge rates while extending battery life by up to 15 years.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New chip for mobile devices knocks out unwanted signals

MIT researchers have developed a receiver chip that targets and blocks unwanted signals without hurting device performance. The chip uses a mixer-first architecture and block digital filtering to remove harmonic interference, enabling it to handle high-power signals effectively.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 21, 2023

New ultrafast water disinfection method is more environmentally friendly

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new ultrafast water disinfection method that uses locally enhanced electric field treatment, killing bacteria with nanosecond pulses. This technology reduces energy consumption by eight times and shortens treatment time by 1 million times, making it an affordable sanitatio...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Study quantifies global impact of electricity in dust storms on Mars

Researchers find that electrical discharge in Martian dust storms could be a major driving force of the planet's chlorine cycle. The study reveals high yields of chlorine gases from common chlorides when electrified by Martian conditions, indicating a promising pathway for converting surface chlorides to atmospheric phases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
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.

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

Towards highly conducting molecular materials with a partially oxidized organic neutral molecule

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a single purely organic neutral molecule with an incomplete oxidation state for the first time. The new molecule exhibits multi-step phase transitions and crossover caused by intra- and intermolecular electronic interactions, leading to unique strongly correlated electron properties.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

New UCF-developed battery could prevent post-hurricane electric vehicle fires

The UCF-developed battery uses saltwater as an electrolyte, eliminating volatile solvents and overcoming limitations of previous aqueous batteries. The novel design allows for fast charging in just three minutes and increased stability, making it a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023
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.

Physicists confirm effective wave growth theory in space

Researchers observed energy transfer from resonant electrons to whistler-mode waves in space, confirming non-linear growth theory. This finding improves understanding of space weather's impact on satellites and could help protect astronauts.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2023

Researchers zoom in on battery wear and tear

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have used a combination of electron microscopy and computational modeling to understand how lithium-ion batteries degrade. They found that variation between areas of the battery, particularly electrolyte corrosion, leads to faster degradation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2022

CityU scientists discover a novel photophysical mechanism that has achieved record-breaking efficiency for organic photovoltaics

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel device-engineering strategy to suppress energy conversion loss in organic photovoltaics, achieving PCE over 19%. The discovery enables OPVs to maximize photocurrent and overcome the limit of maximum achievable efficiency.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Designing better battery electrolytes

Scientists are rethinking electrolyte design for future battery generations, considering factors like interphases and solid-state electrolytes. They're using AI and automated laboratories to identify optimal electrolyte characteristics and reduce human error.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 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.

Scientists fabricated highly long-life Li-S batteries based on multifunctional separators functionalized by porous mediators

Researchers fabricated Li-S batteries with ultra-long cycle life over 2000 cycles via multifunctional separator design. The novel hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres effectively regulate LiPSs behavior, achieving high sulfur utilization and excellent electrochemical performances.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 15, 2022

New quantum dots study uncovers implications for biological imaging

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago synthesized semiconductor quantum dots with extended radiative lifetimes and spatially localized electrons, enabling new applications in optics and time-gated single-particle imaging. The study's findings hold promise for energy-efficient displays and biomedical research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 5, 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.

Physicist strikes gold, solving 50-year lightning mystery

A University of South Australia physicist has solved the long-standing mystery of lightning's zig-zag pattern and dark electric column. The breakthrough explains how singlet-delta metastable oxygen molecules create these steps.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022

Charged porphyrins: The key to investigating the properties of stacked ion pairs

Charged porphyrins enable researchers to study π-electronic ion pairs and their interactions, leading to the creation of electronic materials with unique properties. The study reveals fascinating new properties of stacked ion pairs and their potential applications in fields like nanomagnetism and ferroelectrics.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 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.

Ultrathin solar cells promise improved satellite performance

Radiation-tolerant photovoltaic cell designs could improve satellite performance by reducing radiation damage and increasing device longevity. The new ultra-thin solar cells outperform thicker devices in proton radiation tests, with nearly 3.5 times less cover glass needed for the same amount of power after 20 years.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 8, 2022

The answer is in the sheets: 2D nanosheets as anodes in Li-ion batteries

Researchers from Japan and India developed hierarchical nanosheets of titanium diboride as anode material for lithium-ion batteries, achieving high discharge capacities and fast charging rates. The breakthrough showcases the potential of nano-scaling bulk materials to attain promising properties in energy storage.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateOct 31, 2022
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.

Ben-Gurion University scientist resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research

A team of researchers, led by Prof. Ehud Pines, has confirmed his theory that a proton moves through water in trains of three water molecules, contradicting the long-held Grotthuss Mechanism. This breakthrough resolves one of the holy grails of physical chemistry after 17 years of research.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

More reasons to go solar when gearing up for a greener drive

Researchers from the University of South Australia found that households with solar panels and batteries can significantly reduce their annual electricity costs when charging electric vehicles. With off-peak charging, EV owners can save up to 39.6% on energy costs, making it a more affordable option for environmentally-friendly driving.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2022

Magnetic field helps thick battery electrodes tackle electric vehicle challenges

Researchers at UT Austin fabricated a new type of electrode using magnets to create vertical alignment, enabling faster charging and potentially doubling range on single charge. The vertically assembled nanosheet networks show superior electrochemical performance due to high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 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.

Converting solar energy to electricity on demand

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully converted solar energy into electricity using a thermoelectric generator. The new technology can store solar energy for up to 18 years and release it when needed, making it a promising solution for renewable energy production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Higher solar yield, less power effort

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new type of organic solar cell that generates electricity efficiently even with a relatively low offset of 0.1 eV. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for the production of more efficient and flexible solar panels, potentially reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Multi-functional electrostatic droplet tweezer remotely guides droplet motion

A research team from City University of Hong Kong developed a multi-functional electrostatic droplet tweezer that can precisely trap and remotely guide liquid droplets on flat and tilted surfaces, as well as in oil mediums. The technology offers precise and programmable droplet manipulation with high velocity and agile direction steering.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2022
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.

Physicists show how frequencies can easily be multiplied without special circuitry

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg discovered a way to convert frequencies to higher ranges using magnetic materials without additional components. This breakthrough could make certain electronic components obsolete and improve the energy efficiency of digital technologies.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022

A new platform for controlled design of printed electronics with 2D materials

Researchers have developed a new platform to design printed electronics with 2D materials, enabling the creation of high-performance flexible devices. The study identified key properties that need to be tweaked to control electronic charge transport, opening up possibilities for wearable devices, bio-implantable electronics and more.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 21, 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.

An artificial material that can sense, adapt to its environment

Researchers at University of Missouri and University of Chicago develop an artificial material that can respond to its environment, make decisions, and perform actions not directed by humans. The material uses a computer chip to control information processing and convert energy into mechanical energy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2021

Quantum mechanics affects light emission

Researchers found that quantum mechanics' influence on particles affects light emission, demonstrating wavefunction collapse and altering interference patterns. The study sheds new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon, revealing a direct connection between light emission and quantum entanglement.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2021

Stretching the capacity of flexible energy storage (video)

Scientists create a flexible supercapacitor using wrinkled titanium carbide nanosheets that maintains its ability to store and release electronic charges after repetitive stretching. The device has a high energy capacity comparable to existing MXene-based supercapacitors, but with extreme stretchability up to 800% without cracking.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 8, 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 shed light on semiconductor degradation mechanism

Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have gained new insights into the mechanisms behind semiconductor degradation in 4H-SiC material, a popular alternative to standard materials. They discovered that specific types of atomic deformation lead to faster carrier recombination and device degradation.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 13, 2018

Imaging accumulated charges at solid-electrolyte interfaces

A Kanazawa University-based collaboration developed a microscopy approach to visualize real-space charge distribution at interfaces. The technique, called 3D open-loop electric potential microscopy (OL-EPM), overcomes challenges in measuring lateral charge distribution at solid-liquid interfaces.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 2, 2018

Electrical disorder acts like a traffic light for a biological gate

A new study reveals how proteins with mixed electrical charges influence membrane crossing, shedding light on their multiple functions and disease mechanisms. The research focuses on Intrinsically Disordered Proteins, which can take on various shapes due to electric charge disorder.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 2, 2018

Scientists improve ability to measure electrical properties of plasma

Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory discovered a way to more accurately measure the electrical properties of plasma. They found that a positive charge can sometimes surround probes, contradicting long-held assumptions about the plasma-wall sheath.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 29, 2018

KAIST finds the principle of electric wind in plasma

Researchers at KAIST identified the basic principle of electric wind in plasma, a phenomenon that can create air movement without mechanical movement. The team found that space charge drift following streamer propagation is the main cause of electric wind, with electrons playing a key role in certain plasmas.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2018
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.

Highly charged molecules behave paradoxically

Biomolecules with high electrical charge surprisingly attract each other due to atomic-level binding at molecular ends. This paradoxical behavior has valuable implications for drug development and delivery into cells.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

Surprising qualities of insulator ring surfaces

Researchers have discovered that ring-shaped topological insulators display characteristics similar to those in spherical materials. The study reveals a zero-energy state on the surface of ring-shaped insulators and a coupling between charge carriers and curvature, leading to gauge fields and unique electron spin behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 29, 2016

Discovery demystifies origin of life phenomenon

Tianbo Liu finds that molecules with electrical charge self-recognize left-handed and right-handed pairs to form large assemblies, simplifying the mystery of homochirality. This discovery emphasizes nature's simplicity in creating life.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2015
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.

How electrons split: New evidence of exotic behaviors

Researchers have observed electrons splitting into a magnet and an electrical charge in quasi two-dimensional magnetic materials, supporting the theory of high-temperature superconductivity. This phenomenon was previously thought to occur only in one dimension.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 23, 2014

Discovery of charged droplets could lead to more efficient power plants

Researchers at MIT have discovered charged droplets that can improve power plant efficiency by repelling each other and applying an external electric field. This technology has the potential to enhance heat transfer on condensers and even generate electricity from ambient air.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2013

Electric charge disorder: A key to biological order?

Researchers discovered that random patches of disordered electric charges can induce a twisting force strong enough to affect biological objects at nanometers or micrometers away. This phenomenon could help understand patterns in biology, such as lock and key interactions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateApr 30, 2012

The art of stabilizing entangled spaghetti-like materials

Researchers have found that electric charge ratio and polymer concentrations control complex properties, allowing stable delivery of DNA into targeted cell nuclei. Future work focuses on forming complexes with controlled size and electric charge for efficient gene therapy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 28, 2011
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

NIST nanofluidic 'multi-tool' separates and sizes nanoparticles

A NIST-developed nanofluidic device separates and measures nanoparticles of different sizes, offering a faster and more economical approach to nanoparticle sample preparation. The device's tailored resolution and surface chemistry enable the sorting of complex nanoparticle mixtures.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 4, 2010

Electric ash found in Eyjafjallajokull's plume, say UK researchers

UK researchers have discovered electrically charged ash in the plume of Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano. The finding contradicts models and adds a new dimension to understanding volcanic plumes' impact on air travel. Detailed measurements reveal self-renewing charge within the plume, which affects particle behavior and growth.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 27, 2010

Polarized particles join toolbox for building unique structures

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created polarized Janus particles that spontaneously self-assemble into clusters with specific shapes and distributions of electric charge. The clusters can exhibit unique properties, such as a flywheel-like shape that can revolve around a polar axle.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 12, 2006