Researchers developed a new hand gesture recognition algorithm that surpasses current methods in accuracy, complexity, and applicability. The algorithm combines adaptive hand type classification and a shortcut feature for efficient real-time recognition.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Electronic Imaging·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 27, 2021
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a scalable method to produce high-temperature superconductors with artificial pinning centers, improving their properties. The technique, known as grain boundary engineering, can help develop stronger, inexpensive, and high operating temperature superconductors.
SourceNagoya University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021
A new class of faster and more powerful semiconductors is being developed by UMass Lowell scientists to enhance wireless communication and digital imaging. The $1.7M NSF project aims to improve infrared optoelectronic devices, enabling better intracellular imaging, night vision, and quantum and 5G communication.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed a new version of organic electronics that can manage energy consumption more efficiently. The technology, known as spintronics, uses carbon-based molecules to expand electronic material versatility and functionality.
SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a Ta2PdSe6 crystal with an unprecedented large Peltier conductivity, reaching 100 A cm^-1 K^-1 at 10 K. The team attributes this to the high mobility and low concentration of holes within the crystal.
SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Physics Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 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.
Researchers at Shinshu University developed a novel detection principle for stimulants, including methamphetamine, using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission. The method allows for accurate and selective screening of stimulants with high sensitivity and selectivity.
SourceShinshu University·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
A new coil design could mitigate disruption-driven runaway electrons in tokamaks. The SPARC team's innovative coil structure addresses the threat by introducing a non-axisymmetric perturbation that spoils confinement and protects the machine.
Researchers developed a tool to investigate cause of death when skeletonised remains are recovered, providing a breakthrough in forensic lightning pathology. The study identified unique markers of lightning damage deep within the human skeleton, allowing for recognition of lightning strikes even when only dry bone survives.
SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalForensic Science International Synergy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021
Researchers reviewed dual-atom catalysts' synthesis, characterization, and electrocatalytic performance, highlighting their advantages over single-atom catalysts. They suggest DACs may bridge the gap between heterogeneous and biocatalysis, worth exploring in the future.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateOct 28, 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.
Researchers developed a novel spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitter that generates broadband, circularly polarized, and coherent terahertz waves. The design offers flexible manipulation of the polarization state and helicity with magnetic fields, enabling efficient generation and control of chiral terahertz waves.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed innovative technologies in self-healing sealants, precision deicers and quantum-enabled grid security. These breakthroughs aim to improve construction materials, reduce waste in road maintenance and enhance power grid protection.
Researchers have developed a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator that mimics the movement of seaweed to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity. The device has been shown to generate power even at low water pressures, making it suitable for powering marine sensors in coastal zones.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 20, 2021
Researchers discovered a resemblance between magic graphene's superconductivity and high-temperature superconductors, shedding light on the mysterious ceramic compounds. The study provides evidence for unconventional superconductivity in magic bilayer graphene.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
Researchers developed a sensitive new way to detect and count transistor defects, which limit performance and reliability. The method works with traditional Si and SiC materials, identifying defect type and number with simple DC measurement.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 8, 2021
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.
Researchers at Ural Federal University successfully experimentally determined the optimal thickness of an aluminum layer in a fully solid-state lithium power source. The results will be used to create high-energy batteries with increased operational safety and lower production costs.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalSolid State Ionics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021
New research from Shibaura Institute of Technology reveals that spark plasma sintering produces highly dense MgB2 bulks with improved mechanical and superconducting properties. The resulting samples exhibit superior strengths and high trapped field performance, making them suitable for space applications and electric machines.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021
A team of researchers from Harvard and MIT observed hydrodynamic electron flow in three-dimensional tungsten ditelluride for the first time using a new imaging technique. The findings provide a promising avenue for exploring non-classical fluid behavior in hydrodynamic electron flow, such as steady-state vortices.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 16, 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.
A team from the Russian Quantum Center developed a novel solid-state supersensitive room-temperature magnetometer capable of registering weak electrical sources in the brain. The device successfully detected alpha rhythm, a sinusoidal electric current in the back of the brain, and showed higher sensitivity than existing systems.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021
Quantum engineers at the University of New South Wales have discovered a new technique to control millions of spin qubits, a critical step towards building a practical quantum computer. This breakthrough uses a novel component called a dielectric resonator to focus microwave power and deliver uniform magnetic fields across the chip.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021
Researchers at the Faraday Institution have developed a faster and greener technique to recycle lithium-ion battery materials, achieving higher purity and value. The new method uses ultrasonic delamination to separate valuable materials from electrodes, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
SourceThe Faraday Institution·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJun 29, 2021
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method of magneto-thermal imaging that provides nanoscale and picosecond resolution, previously available only in synchrotron facilities. This innovation enables the study of magnetic properties of materials at unprecedented scales.
SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 23, 2021
Researchers developed a new magnetic memory device using antiferromagnetic materials, offering improved scalability, write speed, and security. The device's unique structure allows for simultaneous writing and reading of data, addressing key challenges in high-performance AI applications.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Scientists from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully created a novel optoelectronic phenomenon in MoS2 by breaking its inversion symmetry using strain gradients. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for remote thermal sensing and opens up new possibilities for designing high-efficiency optoelectronics.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 17, 2021
Researchers at Tokyo Tech developed a flexible device capable of rapidly increasing temperature of target tissues without tissue burning. The device overcomes limitations of existing heat-generating devices and opens up possibilities for wide clinical scenarios including minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 9, 2021
Researchers found that electrons' spin has a significantly greater influence on spintronic effects than previously thought. The study also discovered the orbital moment's contribution to the Edelstein effect, increasing efficiency by at least one order of magnitude.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJun 9, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a new way of generating electricity using tiny carbon particles that can create a current simply by interacting with liquid surrounding them. This technology allows for electrochemistry without wires, enabling applications such as powering micro- or nanoscale robots and driving chemical reactions.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021
A new overview article explores innovative strategies for protein sequencing at the single-cell and single-molecule level, enabling critical insights into cell-to-cell variation in organs and tissues. This breakthrough may lead to routine clinical applications for diagnostic and treatment purposes, fulfilling personalized medicine.
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 7, 2021
A joint research project by Shinshu University and Genesis Research Institute found that electromagnetic anomalies occur before earthquakes due to gas-electric interactions. The anomalies are caused by the trapping of fluid in a fault-valve, which eventually cracks and releases charged gas, generating a large current.
Scientists at Tohoku University and Japan Atomic Energy Agency found a persistent rotation of chiral-spin structure in a non-collinear antiferromagnet Mn3Sn thin film. The rotation can be tuned by applied current, offering opportunities for applications like oscillators and random number generators.
SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 21, 2021
The researchers developed a new method for assessing the loading capacity of power transformers, taking into account temperature fluctuations. The study found that using this method, operators can control power systems with higher transfer capabilities, postponing investments in replacing transformers and allowing end-users to use chea...
SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalInternational Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems·DateMay 19, 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.
A Columbia University team designed a high-performance implantable system that can read and modify brain signals, suppressing pathological coupling in epileptic animal models. The multiplex-then-amplify (MTA) system enables simultaneous stimulation of arbitrary waveforms on multiple independent channels.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021
Researchers have experimentally confirmed that magnetic graphene can generate large spin signals and transfer spin information over long distances. This discovery paves the way for the development of ultra-compact 2D spin-logic devices with strong spin-polarization, promising high-speed and energy-saving electronics.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 6, 2021
Researchers created a new type of phototransistor using metal-halide perovskites, exhibiting persistent photoconductivity that mimics synapses in the brain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy usage in computers and sensors for self-driving vehicles.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 4, 2021
A new method facilitates accurate analysis of magnetic field effects in complex nanostructures, enabling quantitative criteria for aromaticity. The technique sheds light on unexplained experimental results regarding magnetic shielding inside particles.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 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.
A ship's container lost at sea resulted in printer cartridges washing up on coastlines from Florida to Norway, contaminating the environment with metals like titanium and copper. The study used social media sightings and ocean modeling tools to track the spread of the cargo, highlighting the speed and reach of ocean currents.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateApr 29, 2021
Researchers at FSU improved Bi-2212 wires' efficiency by optimizing grain alignment, enabling higher current carrying and more efficient supercurrent flow. This breakthrough has the potential to power next-generation particle accelerators.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateApr 15, 2021
A team of researchers has successfully developed a highly sensitive magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology that can detect even fast brain oscillations produced in response to single sensory stimuli. This breakthrough enables noninvasive observation of nerve cells transmitting information, shedding light on factors such as alertness a...
SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021
Researchers have developed a way to harvest energy from radio waves to power wearable devices, offering a sustainable and continuous energy source. The system consists of stretchable metal antennas that convert ambient radio waves into electricity, which can be used to power health-monitoring sensors.
SourcePenn State·JournalMaterials Today Physics·DateMar 25, 2021
Researchers at the University of Warwick used social media-inspired algorithms to analyze space weather observations and reveal the lifecycle of substorms. The study shows that these substorms manifest as global-scale electrical current systems associated with the aurora, covering most of the Earth's night-side at high latitudes.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2021
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.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a nanoscale artificial neuron device that efficiently carries out activation functions in hardware, reducing computing power and circuitry. The device, which implements the rectified linear unit activation function, can process images and perform edge detection with high accuracy.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 18, 2021
Researchers used conductive atomic force microscopy to detect tiny channels for dark currents in solar cell surfaces, revealing the loss mechanism at the interface of silicon heterojunction solar cells. The study showed that these channels are caused by disorder in the a-Si:H layer and lead to trap-assisted quantum mechanical tunnelling.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 17, 2021
Researchers have found spontaneous electrical currents in Sr2RuO4, a rare form of superconductivity that can't be switched off. The study used muon implantation to detect these currents, which appear when the material becomes superconducting.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 16, 2021
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.
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to prevent dendrite formation in solid-state lithium batteries, potentially unlocking the potential of high-powered batteries. The team created a semisolid electrode with a self-healing surface, allowing for high current densities without dendrites.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 16, 2021
Researchers at TU Wien found that thin hBN layers cause excessive leakage currents in miniaturised transistors, making it unsuitable as a gate insulator. The study suggests a need to search for alternative insulator materials to revolutionize the semiconductor industry.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 9, 2021
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a laser system that generates random numbers at speeds over 100 times faster than current technologies. The system uses an hourglass-shaped cavity to create unique patterns, which are then used to generate random sequences of information.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2021
Scientists have developed a smart material that responds to environmental stimuli, such as mechanical pressure or stretching, and can be used to create autonomous grippers. The material's unique properties make it ideal for use in soft robots performing complex tasks or locomotion.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 24, 2021
Researchers developed a two-step amination strategy to enhance the intrinsic activity of M-N/C catalysts, leading to improved current density and Faraday efficiency. The new method enabled CO2 electrocatalytic reduction at an industrial level, with a remarkable current density of over 400 mA cm−2.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·DateFeb 19, 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.
A new study using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) has refined the distance to Cygnus X-1 and found its black hole mass to be approximately 21 solar masses, exceeding current stellar evolution models. This massive black hole suggests that lower mass loss through stellar winds during progenitor star evolution may have occurred.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021
Researchers have discovered a promising mechanism to create nanoelectronics components by reducing current to zero in quantum point contacts. The discovery uses external oscillating fields and provides evidence of non-equilibrium phase transitions, enabling precise control of charge transport.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 11, 2021
Researchers showed that deepfake detectors can be defeated by inserting inputs called adversarial examples into every video frame, which cause AI systems to make mistakes. The attack still works after videos are compressed. Key findings include high success rates of over 99% for uncompressed and 84.96% for compressed videos.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 8, 2021
Researchers use a scanning tunneling microscope to study DNA hybridization, monitoring changes in electronic properties of single molecules. They discovered plateaus in current traces indicating the formation of double-stranded DNA, providing new insights into chemical reactions and potential applications for DNA-based diagnoses.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 4, 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.
Researchers at Mainz University have developed an electrolysis process to produce dichloro and dibromo compounds from contaminated soil, reducing the need for toxic chlorine and bromine. The method is broadly applicable, easy to scale up, and can even separate chlorine atoms from banned insecticides.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateJan 29, 2021
A recent study using Cereset's HIRREM technology found significant effects on brain network connectivity in military personnel with traumatic stress. The results support the bihemispheric autonomic management model and suggest that regulated connections between hemispheres are associated with improved health and wellbeing.
SourceCereset·JournalJournal of Neuroimaging·DateJan 27, 2021
Researchers at WMG University of Warwick have developed a highly efficient hybrid flow battery technology that can store electricity for long durations at about 1/5 the cost of current systems. This breakthrough enables flexible and zero-emission grid-scale energy storage, making it ideal for widespread commercial adoption.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 22, 2021
Scientists have discovered a new light-induced switch that twists the crystal lattice, enabling giant electron currents with nearly zero dissipation. This discovery holds promise for spintronics, topological effect transistors, and quantum computing.
SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 19, 2021
Scientists have successfully controlled spin dynamics in magnetic materials using a technique called resonant inelastic x-ray scattering. By studying thin films of iron as thin as one nanometer, researchers discovered that the thickness of magnetic materials can act as a 'knob' for fine-tuning spin dynamics.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 18, 2021
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 have developed a new principle for next-generation semiconductor memory development, utilizing nanomagnetism to control data storage. The technology reduces power consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional spin devices.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 12, 2021
Researchers have developed neurofeedback prostheses that restore sensory feedback to amputees, enabling them to perceive their prosthetic leg as lighter and reducing the effort required for walking. The study found a 23% reduction in perceived weight and improved motor-cognitive tasks, suggesting a more natural limb experience.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2021