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Engineer unveils new spin on future of transistors with novel design

Engineer Dr. Joseph S. Friedman designs a novel computing system made solely from carbon that might replace silicon transistors in electronics. The resulting all-carbon spin logic proposal enables cascaded logic gates with increased performance and potential terahertz clock speeds.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A noninvasive method for deep brain stimulation

Researchers have developed a noninvasive method for deep brain stimulation using electrodes placed on the scalp, which could make the treatment less risky, less expensive, and more accessible. The approach has shown promising results in treating Parkinson's disease and other conditions, with no harmful effects detected.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJun 1, 2017

Physicists explore elusive high-energy particles in a crystal

Researchers at MIT have measured Weyl fermion chirality using circularly polarized light, exhibiting an electrical current without external voltages. The TaAs metal produces a large current response, making it suitable for sensitive mid-infrared detectors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 30, 2017

No evidence that brain-stimulation technique boosts cognitive training

Researchers found that transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) did not produce any additional benefit to working memory training, contradicting previous hype. The study suggests that tDCS may be more effective in specific areas of the brain and that its effects on cognitive abilities are still unclear.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 25, 2017

Managing stress helps transistor performance

A new research technique introduces tensile stress into both the channel and drift region of transistors, resulting in improved performance. The technique, using CESLs, offers better frequency performance and driving capability than unstrained devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateMay 16, 2017

When electric vehicles crash, what happens to the battery?

Researchers investigate lithium-ion batteries under crash loads, including previous stress, charging status, and temperature. They develop tailor-made test rigs and simulations to understand battery behavior, aiming to contribute to improved range and vehicle design while ensuring safety.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateMay 8, 2017
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.

Good vibrations no longer needed for speakers as research encourages graphene to talk

Researchers from the University of Exeter have developed a method to use graphene to generate complex and controllable sound signals, opening up new possibilities for audio-visual technologies. The technique involves heating and cooling graphene using an alternating electric current, generating sound waves without physical movement.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2017

When artificial intelligence evaluates chess champions

A new chess ranking system ranks players based on the quality of their moves, producing more accurate results than traditional ELO scores. The system uses probabilistic models to estimate win/loss/draw probabilities for any match between two players.

SourceIOS Press·JournalICGA Journal·DateApr 25, 2017
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.

Molecular motor-powered biocomputers

A recent research project aims to develop biocomputers that can overcome current computing obstacles, such as high energy consumption and processing speed limitations. The new approach uses biomolecular motors to solve problems by moving through a nanofabricated network of channels.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateMar 20, 2017

Offshore wind push

Researchers from University of Delaware and Princeton University show that US grid can manage large amounts of offshore wind power, reducing pollution and electricity costs. The study found that the PJM grid can handle over 35 gigawatts of offshore wind, powering approximately 10 million homes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalRenewable Energy·DateFeb 21, 2017

E-cigarettes popular among smokers with existing illnesses

Current and former smokers with medical comorbidities are more likely to use e-cigarettes, which may be seen as a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes. The study found that e-cigarette use continues to rise, especially among present smokers with asthma or cardiovascular disease.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2017
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.

Novel plasma jet offshoot phenomenon explains blue atmospheric jets

Researchers discovered a new discharge phenomenon, apokamp, occurring off the plasma arc in air at normal atmospheric pressure. The apokamp consists of ionisation waves - plasma bullets - moving with high velocity and may help explain blue jet phenomenon identified in 1994.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 20, 2017

Efficient power converter for internet of things

Researchers at MIT have designed a power converter that maintains efficiency across a wide range of current levels, reducing resting power consumption by 50%. The converter uses a variable clock and advanced control circuitry to accommodate high-power transmissions, enabling new possibilities for energy-harvesting devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 17, 2017

Is a stretchable smart tablet in our future?

Researchers at Michigan State University have created a stretchable integrated circuit made entirely using an inkjet printer, enabling the potential for inexpensive mass production of smart fabric. The material can be produced on a standard printer and has applications in wearable electronics and soft robotics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 15, 2017

ANU scientists make new high-tech liquid materials

Researchers at ANU have developed dynamic liquid materials that can be remotely controlled by changing wave patterns, enabling new techniques to manipulate micro-organisms. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in invisibility cloaking, superlenses and high-efficiency antennae.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2017
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.

Surprising spin behavior at room temperature

Scientists successfully demonstrate circularly polarized electroluminescence from spin-polarized LEDs at room temperature, without external magnetic fields. The discovery opens up new avenues for spintronics and potential applications in secure optical communications, cancer diagnosis, and optically enhanced nuclei imaging.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2017

Building a better microbial fuel cell -- using paper

Scientists at the University of Rochester have created a new microbial fuel cell using a paper electrode coated with carbon paste, which outperforms traditional materials in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The innovation has significant implications for wastewater treatment and energy production.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateFeb 6, 2017

Three magnetic states for each hole

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed cobalt grids that can be reliably programmed at room temperature. Three distinct magnetic states, denoted as G, C, and Q, were found around each hole in the grid. This discovery could lead to more efficient computing using spin-waves instead of electric current.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 2, 2017

Trouble getting to sleep? Scientists say go camping

A weekend camping trip can reset people's internal clocks rapidly, regardless of season, by increasing daytime exposure to sunlight and reducing nighttime electrical lighting. This helps to shift melatonin levels and improves sleeping patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Light source discovery 'challenges basic assumption' of physics

Scientists at the University of Strathclyde discovered a way to create narrowband radiation with high efficiency, challenging a fundamental understanding of electromagnetic radiation. This breakthrough has significant implications for materials science and medical treatments.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2017

Study examines melanoma incidence, death

A new study reports an estimated 76,380 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2016, with current lifetime risk being 1 in 54 for invasive melanoma. The overall burden of disease is increasing, with rising rates and higher mortality rates, exceeding the previous estimate of 10,130 deaths

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 21, 2016
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.

Novel technique helps ID elusive molecules

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel technique to identify carbohydrates, which play a vital role in life processes. The new method, called 'sequencing by recognition,' uses electricity to release current spikes that can be measured and analyzed to identify specific carbohydrate molecules with high accuracy.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2016

Tunneling holds key to high-speed modulation of transistor and laser development

The study introduces tunneling modulation of a quantum well transistor laser, enabling fast carrier transport and recombination. This technology relies on intra-cavity photon-assisted tunneling, which enhances optical absorption and modulation in transistors and lasers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 2, 2016
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.

Scientists report that bismuth is superconducting

Scientists discover Bismuth is superconducting at extremely low temperatures, defying expectations due to its low carrier density. The finding opens new avenues for research into the fundamental laws of superconductivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2016

Article proposes theory behind fast magnetic reconnection

Researchers at PPPL and Princeton University proposed a groundbreaking solution to the mystery of fast magnetic reconnection. They developed a detailed theory for the mechanism leading to rapid reconnection, known as plasmoid instability, which breaks up plasma current sheets into small magnetic islands.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateNov 22, 2016

Trickling electrons

At temperatures near absolute zero, electrons exhibit their quantum nature and form a granular medium, consisting of individual particles that trickle through a conductor. This phenomenon can be explained by quantum electrodynamics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2016

The thinnest photodetector in the world

The researchers found that the one-layer MoS2 device absorbs less light but produces seven times more photocurrent than the thicker seven-layer MoS2 device. This is attributed to quantum physics mechanisms, including electron tunneling and reduced recombination within the MoS2 layer.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2016
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.

Computers made of genetic material?

Researchers at HZDR have successfully conducted an electrical current through gold-plated nanowires made from single DNA strands. The wires, assembled independently using DNA-origami, can function well even at normal room temperature, paving the way for future electronic devices based on DNA.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalLangmuir·DateNov 9, 2016

Now you see it, now you don't

Researchers created a cloaking device to minimize crosstalk between photonic devices, enabling the packing of billions of devices into a single chip. This technology could lead to significant power consumption reductions and lower carbon emissions in data centers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2016

Using science to understand how ballot design impacts voter behavior

Researchers Philip Kortum and Michael D. Byrne examine how voting interface design affects voter behavior, revealing potential for errors and flawed designs. Poor interfaces can lead to ambiguous ballots, unintended vote selection, and nullified votes.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateNov 1, 2016
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.

Alcator C-mod bows out with a new world record

The Alcator C-Mod tokamak achieved a record-breaking plasma pressure of 2.05 atmospheres, exceeding previous values by approximately 70 percent. This result validates the high-field approach to fusion energy, which could lead to smaller and cheaper fusion power plants.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 27, 2016

A complete waste of energy

Researchers have created a new type of switch that can instantly connect and disconnect electrical flow, reducing power waste by up to 50% in devices like smartphones and laptops. This technology has the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency and prolong battery life.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSolid-State Electronics·DateOct 25, 2016
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.

Researchers use novel materials to build smallest transistor

Scientists at UT Dallas developed a tiny transistor with a gate size of 1 nanometer, smaller than the current limit of silicon-based transistors. The new device uses transition metal dichalcogenides, reducing leakage current by over two orders of magnitude and potential power consumption.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

Nanotechnology for energy materials: Electrodes like leaf veins

Researchers developed a transparent metal electrode with improved efficiency, using fractal-like nano-features inspired by leaf veins. The new design combines low surface coverage and ultra-low resistance, surpassing conventional indium tin oxide layers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2016

Researchers discover more efficient way to split water, produce hydrogen

A team of researchers from the University of Houston has reported a more efficient catalyst for producing hydrogen gas by splitting water. The new hybrid catalyst requires significantly less energy than existing methods, making it a promising alternative to traditional platinum-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2016

For first time, carbon nanotube transistors outperform silicon

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have created carbon nanotube transistors that outperform state-of-the-art silicon transistors, achieving a current 1.9 times higher than silicon transistors. The breakthrough could pave the way for carbon nanotubes to replace silicon in electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 2, 2016
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.

Making the switch, this time with an insulator

Researchers at Colorado State University have demonstrated a new method for switching magnetic moments of electrons in a thin film of barium ferrite, a magnetic insulator. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and lower power computer memory devices.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2016
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.

Clarifying the fusion plasma confinement improvement mechanism

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for generating electric currents that leads to improved plasma confinement, solving a long-standing problem in fusion reactor development. The study found that the difference in trajectories between electrons and ions plays a crucial role in creating this electric current.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2016

Tiny high-performance solar cells turn power generation sideways

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have created high-performance, micro-scale solar cells that outshine comparable devices in key performance measures. The new, small cells capture current from charges moving side-to-side and generate significantly more energy than other sideways solar systems.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateAug 3, 2016

More power to you

Engineers from the University of Utah and Minnesota have discovered that interfacing two oxide compounds makes them highly conductive, producing a hundred times more free electrons than semiconductors. This innovation could lead to smaller power supplies and devices with reduced energy consumption, such as laptops and home appliances.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAPL Materials·DateJul 26, 2016

Quantum drag

Researchers found that a magnetic current flowing through one iron sheet can create quantized spin waves in another separate sheet, without physical connection. This phenomenon has potential benefits for emerging spintronics technology.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2016
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.

Scientists glimpse inner workings of atomically thin transistors

Researchers have discovered that an essential function for computing may be possible within a space so small that it's effectively one-dimensional. The team found that with the new material, electric currents move in a more phased way, beginning first at the edges before appearing in the interior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2016

3-D paper-based microbial fuel cell operating under continuous flow condition

A team of researchers from Iowa State University has developed a proof-of-concept three-dimensional paper-based microbial fuel cell that generates power through biofilm formation on the anode. The device produces 1.3 μW of power and 52.25 μA of current, demonstrating its potential for environmentally friendly energy production.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateJul 1, 2016
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.

Important milestone reached on road to a redefined kilogram

Scientists have reached a milestone in replacing the standard kilogram with a fundamental constant of nature, measuring Planck's constant for the first time. The new watt balance device has an uncertainty of only 34 parts per billion, a step closer to redefining the kilogram.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJun 21, 2016