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Modeling of electrostatic and contact interaction between low-velocity lunar dust and spacecraft

Researchers develop comprehensive model to analyze electrostatic and contact interaction between low-velocity lunar dust and spacecraft. The study focuses on the effects of plasma sheaths and electric charges on dust particles, aiming to improve long-term extravehicular activity and permanent station establishment on the lunar surface.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·DateNov 20, 2025

Prioritized Na+ adsorption‑driven cationic electrostatic repulsion enables highly reversible zinc anodes at low temperatures

Researchers developed a new electrolyte additive to overcome low-temperature limitations of aqueous zinc metal batteries, enabling highly reversible zinc anodes. The innovation highlights the importance of interfacial engineering and cost-effective materials design in advancing energy storage technologies.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2025

Fatal Attraction: Electric charge connects jumping worm to aerial prey

Scientists have found that a tiny worm uses static electricity to jump high into the air and attach to flying insects, with a charge of hundreds of volts initiating an attractive force. The researchers used experiments to investigate how electrostatic forces affect the success rate of nematodes connecting with insects.

SourceEmory University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Benzoporphyrin gold complex: a breakthrough in organic conductive materials

Researchers developed highly conductive assemblies of gold complexes using ion-pairing, enabling solution-processed fabrication of conductive materials. The benzoporphyrin Au III complex expanded π-system increases dispersion forces, overcoming electrostatic repulsion between identically charged molecules.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

An electrifying turn in an age-old quest

Physicists from ISTA reveal that the contact history of materials determines how they exchange charge, explaining the unpredictability of contact electrification. By analyzing identical materials, they discovered a triboelectric series and found that repeated contact allows samples to evolve and order correctly.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025
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.

Research update: Generating electricity from tacky tape

Researchers have developed a new, low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that harnesses the power of tacky tape to generate electricity. The device produces up to 53 milliwatts of power and can light over 350 LED lights or power a laser pointer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateJan 30, 2025

Why petting your cat leads to static electricity

Researchers at Northwestern University have finally uncovered the mechanics of static electricity generated by rubbing objects together, explaining how forces on different parts of an object create electrical charges and a current. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for industrial fires, pharmaceutical dosing, and other issu...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 2024
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.

Butterflies accumulate enough static electricity to attract pollen without contact, new research finds

Researchers found that butterflies and moths collect enough static electricity while flying to attract pollen from flowers across air gaps of several millimeters or centimeters. This discovery suggests a trait that can be adaptive, allowing evolution to act upon it through natural selection.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Multifunctional droplet manipulation technology combining femtosecond laser-designed slippery surface and electrostatic interactions

A new technology combines femtosecond laser-designed lubricated slippery surfaces with electrostatic interactions to manipulate droplets. This allows for diverse working conditions and functions, including driving droplets on inclined surfaces, manipulating various liquids, and sorting particles.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 19, 2024

Flexible film senses nearby movements — featured in blink-tracking glasses

Researchers developed a flexible static electricity-based sensor that detects objects within a certain range. The new technology has potential applications in smart devices and wearable technology, such as enhancing phone screens to recognize more finger gestures or detecting drowsiness while driving.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2024

Grinding coffee with a splash of water reduces static electricity and makes more consistent and intense espresso

Researchers found that adding water to coffee beans before grinding reduces static electricity, resulting in less wasted coffee and cleaner grinders. Grinding with water also produces more consistent and intense espresso. The study's findings have significant economic implications for the $343.2 billion coffee industry.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Nematodes joy ride across electric voltages

Researchers found that nematode worm larvae can leap through the air and attach themselves to passing insects when exposed to certain electric fields. They observed dauer larvae consistently moving towards the lid of a petri dish, some reaching it in a fraction of a second.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Static electricity attracts ticks to hosts, scientists find

Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that static electricity can attract ticks to hosts, making it easier for them to find and attach. This finding has significant implications for reducing tick bites and spreading diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2023

Highly sensitive and self-healing conductive hydrogels fabricated from cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal for strain sensors

The study developed conductive hydrogels with high sensing performance, excellent stretchability, and tensile strength, thanks to the use of cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal. The hydrogels demonstrated a very high sensing sensitivity and good repeatability and durability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 20, 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.

CityU scientists engineer a breath-to-charge electrostatic face mask for prolonged air filtration, reducing the environmental burden

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong develop a self-charging electrostatic face mask that can continuously replenish its electrostatic charge through the user's breathing. The mask provides high-efficiency airborne particle removal with 95.8% effectiveness after 60 hours of testing.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·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

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

Generating electricity from tacky tape

A team of researchers created a simple and inexpensive triboelectric nanogenerator using store-bought double-sided tape, plastic film, and aluminum metal. The device was able to produce higher power densities than previous versions, making it suitable for powering everyday devices such as LEDs and laser diodes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateNov 21, 2022

High-power electrostatic actuators to realize artificial muscles

Scientists at Tokyo Tech developed an electrostatic actuator capable of generating forces comparable to human muscles, but with lower voltage requirements. The device uses ferroelectric liquid crystals and a 3D-printed electrode to produce contraction and expansion at low voltages.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Physics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 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.

Silicon photonic MEMS take a step forward

Researchers have demonstrated a power-efficient component for demultiplexing operation using silicon photonic MEMS, enabling efficient wavelength demultiplexing for fiber-optic communications. The compact footprint of the add-drop filter allows fast operation compared to established MEMS products.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateNov 7, 2022

Electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication machining: From mechanism to application

The study reviews electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) mechanism and applications, highlighting its benefits in clean cutting and biolubricant development. Researchers propose future directions for improving coordination parameters and equipment integration.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 16, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists improve the power output of triboelectric nanogenerators with carbon particles

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology improve triboelectric nanogenerators by using mesoporous carbon spheres to enhance charge transport and surface charge densities. The device achieves a 1300-fold higher output current, enabling potential sustainable energy harvesting.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 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.

Tetrahedrons assemble! Three-sided pyramids form 2D structures

Researchers at Rice University have created 2D chiral superstructures using three-sided pyramids, which could lead to breakthroughs in metamaterials. The structures, composed of ultrathin assemblies of particles, incorporate left-handed and right-handed domains and exhibit unique optical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Physical mechanisms explaining DNA and RNA twist changes

Researchers developed a simple physical model to explain DNA deformations caused by ions and temperature changes. The model reveals that salt-induced twist changes are driven by electrostatic interactions, while temperature-induced changes are related to DNA diameter variation. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mec...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 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

Closer look helps Rice lab ponder when a protein’s prone to wander

The researchers discovered two modes of transport that influence whether and how proteins attach themselves to a surface. The team found that rougher surfaces promote longer flights, while less hydrophobic surfaces facilitate quicker localized adsorption/desorption.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
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.

Smart textiles: High performance, breathable fabric to power small electronics

Scientists at the University of Fukui developed a new triboelectric fabric that generates electricity from body movement, maintaining flexibility and breathability. The fabric, called AF-TENG, can power low-powered devices like LEDs and calculators, demonstrating its potential in wearable technology.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Insect-sized robot navigates mazes with the agility of a cheetah

Engineers at UC Berkeley created an insect-scale robot using electrostatic adhesion to traverse complex terrain and avoid obstacles with incredible agility. The robot's design allows it to swerve, pivot, and make sharp turns with unprecedented speed and control.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 2, 2021

Insect-sized robot navigates mazes with the agility of a cheetah

Researchers at UC Berkeley created an insect-scale robot using electrostatic adhesion, allowing it to traverse complex terrain and make sharp turns with unprecedented speed and control. The robot can survive being stepped on by a human and operate for up to 19 minutes on battery power.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 2, 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.

Nanofibrous filters for PM2.5 filtration

Researchers reviewed various nanofibrous membranes for their filtration efficiency and pressure drop, highlighting the trade-off between mechanical adsorption and electrostatic adsorption in nanoparticle removal. Six filter classifications were also presented, including net/nanofiber and conductive filters.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateMay 28, 2021

The secret life of bee signals can communicate colony health

Researchers monitored honeybee hives to study their electrostatic field (ESF) data, revealing communication patterns and impact of pesticides on bee health. The findings indicate that weakened communications can signal colony stress and damage from environmental pollutants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2021

NIST study suggests how to build a better 'nanopore' biosensor

Researchers at NIST and VCU have developed a new approach to building better 'nanopore' biosensors by measuring the energy required for molecules to interact with these sensors. This laser-based heating method enables faster and more accurate measurements, potentially revolutionizing disease detection and treatment.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2021
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.

Jumping frost crystals: Boreyko lab works toward electrostatic de-icing

A team led by Associate Professor Jonathan Boreyko at Virginia Tech has developed a potential solution for frost removal using electrostatics. By creating an electric field, the negatively-charged top of the frost sheet attracts positively charged ions in water, causing frost particles to jump towards and break away from their substrate.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 24, 2021

Antimicrobial peptides with anticancer properties

The article reviews antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with anticancer properties, highlighting their potential use in tumor therapy due to their ability to interact with negatively charged cell membranes. Recent advances and challenges in the application of these peptides are also discussed.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateNov 19, 2020
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.

A new understanding of ionic interactions with graphene and water

A Northwestern University research team has uncovered new findings on the role of ionic interaction within graphene and water. The insights could inform the design of energy-efficient electrodes for batteries and provide backbone ionic materials for neuromorphic computing applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateNov 17, 2020

Taking charge to find the right balance for advanced optoelectronic devices

Scientists have developed a method to balance the charge in optoelectronic devices using selective electrostatic doping of 2D materials. The technique, which involves controlling the voltage in a precise manner, enables the creation of powerful energy devices with improved characteristics.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 16, 2020

Spraying ethanol to nanofiber masks makes them reusable

Researchers found that nanofiber masks can be reused up to 10 times after spraying ethanol, while melt-blown filters lose efficiency after cleaning. This process inhibits pathogens and maintains air filtration rate.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJun 28, 2020
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.

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with high capacity and long life

The researchers developed a low-cost and straightforward liquid phase process to create an active sulfur material and carbon nanofiber composite. This composite showed higher discharge capacity and better cycle stability than traditional lithium-ion secondary batteries. The new battery technology has the potential to revolutionize the ...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 5, 2020

How electric fields affect a molecular twist within light-sensitive proteins

Researchers studied green fluorescent protein to understand how electric fields impact its twisting motion. They found that tuning the chromophore's electronic properties can significantly alter this process. This discovery could lead to developing light-sensitive proteins for biological imaging and optogenetics.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2020
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.

Static electricity as strong as lightning can be saved in a battery

A new technology has been developed to collect and convert static electricity into usable energy, which can be used to power devices such as sensors and calculators. The researchers successfully increased the amount of energy generated by a 'triboelectric nanogenerator' using a nanoimprinting process and poling technique, achieving a c...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 6, 2020

Getting glued in the sea

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed adhesives inspired by mussels that utilize electrostatic interactions to stick to negatively charged surfaces in saltwater. The adhesiveness was largely thanks to the interaction between positively charged residues on the polymers and the negatively charged surfaces.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2019

From ribbon to scroll: Gaining shape control by electrostatics

Northwestern University researchers have discovered a new method to control the formation of scroll-like cochleate structures, which could inform future drug-delivery strategies. By regulating electrostatic interactions and elastic energies, they were able to capture and release macromolecules in a size-selective manner.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Solving the longstanding mystery of how friction leads to static electricity

Researchers developed a new model that shows rubbing two objects together produces static electricity by bending tiny deformations on the surface of materials. This phenomenon, called flexoelectricity, arises from the separation of charge in an insulator due to deformations such as bending.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 2019
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.

Static electricity could charge our electronics

A study by the University at Buffalo suggests that tiny structural changes occur at the surface of materials when they come into contact with each other, leading to the triboelectric effect. This phenomenon has the potential to unify existing theory and create more sustainable power sources for small electronic devices.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Electrostatics·DateJan 25, 2019
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.