Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Terahertz radiation: A useful source for food safety

A new compact emitter has been developed to generate light across the entire terahertz spectrum, making it suitable for analyzing organic materials in the food industry. The innovation could lead to more efficient and cost-effective inspections of food and pharmaceuticals.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 17, 2016
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.

Skyrmions à la carte

Researchers at Kiel University and Forschungszentrum Jülich have predicted that skyrmions can be produced for applications at room temperature with specifically adjusted magnetic layer structures. This enables the potential for high-density, energy-saving data storage and processing.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2016

A jolt from the blue: Rays provide power for an electric generator

Researchers from RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center create a new type of electricity generator based on the electric organs of torpedoes, achieving peak voltages and currents comparable to conventional systems. The breakthrough could lead to a future high-efficiency power generator that uses ATP directly.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 2016

PPPL physicist conducts experiments indicating efficiency of fusion start-up technique

A recent study published in Nuclear Fusion indicates that coaxial helicity injection can improve the efficiency of doughnut-shaped fusion machines. The simulation results show that narrowing the magnetic loop's extension into the tokamak vessel can close up to 70% of field lines, increasing current flow and magnetic fields.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateMay 31, 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.

Gigantic ultrafast spin currents

Researchers from TU Wien have proposed a new method to create gigantic spin currents in a very small period of time using ultra short laser pulses. The spin current is injected into silicon without creating a charge current due to a spin-selective effect, leading to extremely strong spin-polarization.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 24, 2016

Graphene: A quantum of current

A team of international researchers has explained the peculiar behavior of electrons in graphene when passing through narrow constrictions. The results show that the electric current is not continuous, but quantized, exhibiting characteristic steps.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2016

Tampering with the current in a petri dish

A PhD student at OIST Graduate University created a plastic insert that modifies the pathways of the electric current in a circular shape, making each current path of the same distance. This design enables researchers to study cells in a uniform electric field, even in circular-shaped environments like petri dishes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 19, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The light stuff: A brand-new way to produce electron spin currents

Researchers at Colorado State University have discovered a new way to produce electron spin currents using non-polarized light, a potential game-changer for microelectronics. This achievement could lead to more efficient and powerful devices with reduced power consumption.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 25, 2016

New method enlists electricity for easier, cheaper, greener chemistry

Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new electrochemistry-based method for allylic oxidation reactions, which are used in pharmaceuticals, flavor, and fragrance industries. The new method uses inexpensive, safe chemicals and is scalable, producing better yields and reducing toxic waste.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2016

Seeing double: NASA missions measure solar flare from 2 spots in space

Scientists observed a current sheet during a December 2013 solar flare, confirming the role of magnetic reconnection in solar flares. The detailed measurements from three NASA missions provide unprecedented insight into the complex physics behind solar eruptions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 19, 2016
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.

Electrons slide through the hourglass on surface of bizarre material

A team of researchers at Princeton University has predicted the existence of a new state of matter where current flows through surface channels resembling an hourglass. The hourglass fermion is created by tuning a property of the material, allowing for efficient transistor switching and potential applications.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Physicists gain new view of superconductor

Researchers directly observed waves in superconductivity for the first time using scanning tunneling microscopes. They found relatively modest wave amplitude, but discovered that tuning different materials could produce more dramatic results.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Could bread mold build a better rechargeable battery?

Researchers have discovered that a specific type of bread mold, Neurospora crassa, can transform manganese into a mineral composite with favorable electrochemical properties. This process has the potential to create more sustainable electrochemical materials for use in rechargeable batteries.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 17, 2016

Overlooked resistance may inflate estimates of organic-semiconductor performance

New research finds that overlooked electrical resistance in organic field-effect transistors can lead to overestimates of charge-carrier mobility. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom and highlight the need for accurate measurement methods to benchmark organic semiconductor performance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2016

'Bending current' opens up the way for a new type of magnetic memory

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have discovered a way to flip magnetic bits faster and more energy-efficiently using a 'bending current' method. This breakthrough enables the creation of ultra-fast and low-power Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM) that can enable longer battery life in mobile devices.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2016

UNIST students recognized for research excellence

Seven UNIST engineering students won prestigious Samsung HumanTech Paper Awards for their scientific contributions. Atul Rahman, an international student, stood out among the winners as one of only two foreign recipients.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateFeb 18, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

NASA helps power grids weather geomagnetic storms

Scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a model called Solar Shield to simulate how space weather affects the US power grid. By analyzing coronal mass ejections and solar wind streams, researchers can predict when and where geomagnetic storms will occur, allowing for proactive measures to protect the grid.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 16, 2016

Record for fastest data rate set

Researchers at UCL have achieved a record-breaking data rate of 1.125 Tb/s using custom-built optical communications system with multiple transmitting channels and a single receiver. This breakthrough is expected to support the growth of high-speed internet and cloud services, enabling faster data transfer rates.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2016

Chiral magnetic effect generates quantum current

Scientists have discovered a way to generate very low-resistance electric current in zirconium pentatelluride, a semi-metallic material. The discovery relies on the separation of right- and left-handed particles, creating a powerful electric current.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 8, 2016

NIST simulates fast, accurate DNA sequencing through graphene nanopore

Researchers at NIST have simulated a new concept for rapid, accurate gene sequencing by pulling DNA through a graphene nanopore and detecting changes in electrical current. The method could identify about 66 million bases per second with 90% accuracy, potentially revolutionizing forensics.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 15, 2016
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.

Thor's hammer to crush materials at 1 million atmospheres

Thor's advanced design features will allow for tailored pulse shapes and precise control over pressure, enabling researchers to study materials under extreme conditions. The new accelerator is expected to be smaller and more efficient than the world's largest pulsed-power accelerator, Z machine.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPhysical Review Special Topics - Accelerators and Beams·DateJan 5, 2016

Creativity leads to measuring ultrafast, thin photodetector

A team of Cornell engineers developed an atomically thin photodetector that responds to light in near-instantaneous electrical current. The device achieved intrinsic response times as short as 3 picoseconds, surpassing current technology.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2015

New flow battery offers lower-cost energy storage

A new flow battery technology using organic aqueous materials is expected to cost 60% less than current standard flow batteries. The battery's active materials are inexpensive organic molecules, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 21, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Clues on the development of magnetic sensors with pure spin current

A team from Osaka University successfully detected magnetic fluctuations using pure spin current, which can probe spin properties in a sensitive manner without net charge current. This discovery could lead to the development of more efficient and low-energy consumption electronic devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 16, 2015
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.

The switch molecule

Researchers have developed a transistor that functions solely on a single molecule, eliminating the need for three electrodes. The switch's state can be altered using a single electron, offering new opportunities for ultra-small switches and increased integration densities.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 27, 2015

Electron partitioning process in graphene observed, a world first

Scientists from Osaka University have observed the electron partitioning process in graphene for the first time, a world-first discovery that could lead to the development of electron interferometer devices. The study found that electron partitioning took place in the p-n junction of graphene in the Quantum Hall regime.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2015

Valley current control shows way to ultra-low-power devices

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created an electrically-controllable valley current device that may pave the way to ultra-low-power computing devices. The device uses pure valley current, which is non-dissipative and does not produce heat, making it a promising alternative to traditional electronics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 16, 2015

Ancient brains turn paleontology on its head

Scientists have found definitive evidence that ancient brain tissue can fossilize. A team of researchers has discovered seven fossils of the extinct arthropod species Fuxianhuia protensa, which contain preserved brains. The brains were preserved as flattened carbon films and demonstrate a density similar to modern crustacean brains.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 8, 2015
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.

Electric eels curl up to deliver even more powerful shocks

Researchers have discovered that electric eels can double the power of their electrical discharge by curling up their bodies, allowing them to handle larger and more struggling prey. This behavior enables the eels to induce involuntary fatigue in prey, rendering them temporarily immobilized.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 28, 2015

Vibrations tell bees where mates are from

Researchers found that red mason bee females prefer males from their own region based on specific vibration patterns. This discovery suggests that vibrational signals carry complex information about a male's place of origin.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 22, 2015
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.

Physicists find new explanation for key experiment

Researchers have found an explanation for the key experiment in Japan's spin caloritronics field. They applied measurement methods to generate pure spin currents in magnetic isolators, differing from original expectations.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2015

'SafePay': First anti-fraud system to use existing credit card readers

Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an inexpensive and secure method to prevent mass credit card fraud using existing magnetic card readers. The SafePay system transforms disposable credit card information into electrical current and simulates a physical magnetic card, making it backward compatible with existing readers.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

Long-sought chiral anomaly detected in crystalline material

Researchers at Princeton University have detected the long-sought chiral anomaly in a metallic compound of sodium and bismuth. The finding increases conductivity and may lead to more energy-efficient electronic devices, as impurities scatter current-carrying electrons, causing energy loss.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 2015

New theory leads to radiationless revolution

Physicists have developed a radical new theory that confines electromagnetic energy without leaking away, with potential applications in explaining dark matter and combating energy losses. The theory contradicts fundamental principles of electrodynamics but could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computers and laser technology.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2015

Undergrad biomedical engineering teams win NIH's DEBUT Challenge

Three teams of undergraduate students won the National Institutes of Health's Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) Challenge with projects focused on improving global health. The winners developed a portable HIV treatment monitor, a surgical clamp to treat drooping eyelids, and a low-cost patient monitor.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·DateAug 21, 2015
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.

New study finds equatorial regions prone to disruptive space weather

A new study finds that smaller-scale space weather events are amplified near the equator, putting power grids at risk in previously considered safe regions. These disturbances can cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity pricing and damage unprotected power infrastructure.

SourceBoston College·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 17, 2015

Meet the high-performance single-molecule diode

Researchers create high-performing single-molecule diode by controlling electrostatic environment, increasing rectification ratio to 200, and enabling faster electronics. The breakthrough enables new routes to charge and energy flow at the nanoscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 29, 2015

New battery technologies take on lithium-ion

Two new battery technologies, sodium-ion and lithium-sulfur, are poised to compete with lithium-ion batteries in the electric car market. Faradion's sodium-ion version and Oxis Energy's lithium-sulfur technology aim to match lithium-ion performance, safety, and costs within the next two to four years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

Toward tiny, solar-powered sensors

MIT researchers have created a new ultralow-power circuit that can harness more than 80% of the energy from tiny solar cells, enabling it to run for months without battery changes. The chip achieves this efficiency improvement while powering devices directly from batteries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 23, 2015

A KAIST research team develops the first flexible phase-change random access memory

The KAIST research team has developed the first flexible phase-change random access memory (PRAM) on plastic substrates, achieving significant power reduction. This innovation is made possible by self-assembled block copolymer silica nanostructures, which lower the contact area and reduce power consumption.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Ultrafast heat conduction can manipulate nanoscale magnets

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a way to manipulate magnetic information using heat. They create a separation of electron spins in a magnetic material, generating a spin current that can be used to control nanomagnets.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 8, 2015

Researchers synthesize magnetic nanoparticles that could offer alternative to rare Earth magnets

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have synthesized a powerful new magnetic material containing iron, cobalt, and carbon atoms, which can store information up to 790 kelvins. This material has long-range magnetic order and rivals the properties of permanent magnets, potentially reducing dependence on rare earth elements.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 1, 2015

Helping robots put it all together

A new MIT algorithm significantly reduces robot teams' planning time by deferring difficult grasp decisions until easier ones are made. The algorithm produces a workable plan that may not be perfectly efficient but saves time in planning, often offsetting added execution time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 27, 2015

One step closer to a single-molecule device

Columbia University researchers develop a new technique to create single-molecule diodes, outperforming previous designs by 50 times. The breakthrough enables high current flow and rectification ratios, paving the way for nanoscale devices with real-world technological applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 25, 2015
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.