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Flexible, highly efficient multimodal energy harvesting

Researchers at Penn State developed a new composite material that can efficiently harvest mechanical and thermal energy using a 3D piezoelectric ceramic foam supported by a flexible polymer. The material outperforms traditional piezoelectric composites, offering improved flexibility and energy output.

Lightweight metal foam blocks blastwave, debris from high-explosive rounds

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material, stainless steel composite metal foam (CMF), that offers much more protection than existing armor materials while lowering the weight remarkably. The CMF can block blast pressure and fragmentation from high-explosive incendiary rounds with minimal weight loss.

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.

New, simplified technique makes light metallic nanofoam

Researchers at UC Davis developed a simplified method to produce extremely low-density palladium nanofoams, which have potential applications in hydrogen fuel cells. The new technique achieves high loading capacity and excellent thermodynamic stability, making it an ideal candidate for industrial-scale use.

Football helmet smartfoam signals potential concussions in real time

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a nano composite smartfoam that measures the impact of hits via electrical signals, collecting data in real time to determine impact severity and location. The technology has shown 90% accuracy in measuring concussion risks, revolutionizing football safety protocols.

A dream of foam

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a way to control Ostwald ripening in foams, which causes undesirable changes in texture and weakens product performance. By using networked particles as stabilizers, they can prevent or stop this process, leading to more effective and controlled foam stability.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Boron nitride foam soaks up carbon dioxide

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material that can absorb up to 340% of its weight in carbon dioxide, making it a promising solution for capturing greenhouse gases. The boron nitride foam is highly porous and can be tuned for specific applications.

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.

Rice U. chemists create 3-D printed graphene foam

Researchers from Rice University and China's Tianjin University have successfully created centimeter-sized objects of atomically thin graphene using 3D laser printing. The new method eliminates the need for high-temperature chemical vapor deposition treatment, enabling mass production of bulk graphene with controlled pore size.

Turning car plastics into foams with coconut oil

A team of researchers has developed a way to convert plastic components from end-of-life vehicles into foams using coconut oil and microwaves. The process creates a stable and high-temperature-resistant material suitable for construction and insulation applications.

A moldable scaffold for bone

A new bioactive foam can be molded to fit irregular skull defects, attracting bone cells to naturally regenerate bone. The foam hardens in place, providing a low-cost alternative to current bone grafts.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How a young-looking lunar volcano hides its true age

New research from Brown University suggests that lunar volcano Ina is actually around 3.5 billion years old, not within the past 100 million years as previously thought. The feature's youthful appearance was attributed to its porous surface, created by magmatic foam, which hides regolith buildup and skews crater counts.

Argonne invents reusable sponge that soaks up oil

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have invented a new foam called Oleo Sponge that can absorb and reuse oil from water. The material has been shown to collect diesel and crude oil from both below and on the surface of the water.

In great shape

Berger's Isomax material achieves low density and uncommon strength, making it suitable for various applications such as aerospace structures and robotic machines. The study's findings support the concept's potential for efficient fabrication and manufacturing.

Graphene foam gets big and tough

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material called rebar graphene, which can be shaped and has exceptional conductivity. The material supports over 3,000 times its own weight without deforming, making it suitable for various applications.

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.

Mimicking nature's cellular architectures via 3-D printing

Scientists at Harvard and MIT have developed a new 3D printing method that can create lightweight structural materials with tunable porosity, inspired by natural cellular structures. The approach uses ceramic foam ink to produce materials with exceptional stiffness and multifunctional properties.

Skin pigment could help strengthen foams and fabrics

Researchers have discovered that adding melanin to polyurethane increases its tensile strength and toughness by up to 10 times. The enhanced material can stretch farther before breaking, making it a promising alternative for various applications.

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.

Coffee-infused foam removes lead from contaminated water

Researchers developed a coffee-infused foam filter that can remove up to 99% of lead and mercury ions from water. The innovative system uses spent coffee grounds in a bioelastomeric foam, making it easy to handle and discard after use.

Stanford researchers show air bag bike helmets have promise

A new type of bike helmet with an air bag system shows promise in reducing the risk of skull fracture and other brain injuries. The helmet's larger size and cushioning provide added protection, but initial pressure is crucial for optimal performance.

Foam stops sloshing liquid

Researchers found that capillary forces from soap foam induce pressure gradients near the container walls, reducing sloshing motion. The dampening effect happens faster than expected exponential decay, causing the waves to stop after a finite time.

Making a multi-use, stiff carbon foam using bread

Researchers develop a simple, affordable method to produce strong, tunable carbon foam by using super-toasted bread, a potential game-changer for various industries. The foam's inner pore structure can be adjusted by changing the yeast and water content.

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.

Study finds metal foam handles heat better than steel

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel light-weight composite metal foam that effectively insulates against high heat. The finding has significant implications for storing and transporting nuclear material, hazardous materials, explosives, and other heat-sensitive materials.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Using frog foam to deliver antibiotics

The frog foam has been shown to release model dyes and prevent in vitro growth of Staphylococcus aureus for extended periods, indicating its potential as a non-toxic antibiotic delivery system.

Video: Morphing metal shapes future of soft robotics

Cornell University engineers have developed a hybrid material combining stiff metal and soft rubber foam for dynamic shape changes, self-healing and improved load-bearing capabilities. The material features a unique ability to melt and reform, mimicking the flexibility of an octopus.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Liquid foam: Plastic, elastic and fluid

French physicists develop a novel understanding of foam flow in a wedge-shaped channel, identifying connections between plastic events and deformation rates. This study has implications for further research on liquid foam properties and their impact on mechanical energy absorption.

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.

Flame retardant breakthrough is naturally derived and nontoxic

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a new flame retardant made from polydopamine, a natural compound found in humans and animals. The nanocoating reduces fire intensity by 67% and is about 20% better than existing flame retardants.

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.

A metal composite that will (literally) float your boat

Researchers have developed a new metal matrix composite that is so light it can float on water, with potential applications in boat flooring, automobile parts, and buoyancy modules. The composite's high density and strength make it suitable for withstanding rigorous marine conditions.

Quenching the thirst for clean, safe water

A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.

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.

Researchers create first metal-free catalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Case Western Reserve University researchers have developed a metal-free bifunctional electrocatalyst that performs as well or better than most metal and metal oxide electrodes in zinc-air batteries. The carbon-based catalyst works efficiently in both oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions, making the battery rechargeable.

Searching for traces in the atmosphere

Researchers at Empa measure first generation of coolants in the Swiss atmosphere, finding a faster decay rate than predecessors. The study highlights environmental concerns related to these substances, including their potential impact on ecosystems and human health.

ACP releases new guidelines for preventing and treating bedsores

The American College of Physicians has released new guidelines for preventing and treating bedsores, recommending protein supplementation and hydrocolloid dressings to reduce wound size. Advanced static mattresses and overlays are also recommended for patients at increased risk, while alternating air mattresses and overlays are advised...

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.

Why a latte is less likely to spill than a coffee

Princeton scientists discovered that foam significantly dampens liquid sloshing by absorbing energy through friction with container walls. The team's research has applications beyond breakfast beverages, including safer transport of hazardous liquids.

New technique to make foams could lead to lightweight, sustainable materials

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new type of foam called capillary foam that solves many of the problems faced by traditional foams. This new foam is stable for months or years and can be made using a small amount of oil, expanding the range of particles useful for stabilizing foams.

Foam favorable for oil extraction

Researchers at Rice University have found that foam is more effective than water, gas, and surfactant combinations in removing oil from low-permeability formations. Foam's unique properties allow it to penetrate and dislodge oil without losing its effectiveness, making it a promising tool for enhanced oil recovery.

Copper foam turns carbon dioxide into useful chemicals

Researchers have discovered that copper foams can convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and propylene, two valuable industrial chemicals. The discovery provides a new route for sustainable chemical production, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

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.

Tough foam from tiny sheets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a tough and ultralight foam using atomic-scale materials, with properties including high strain handling and bounce-back ability. The foam can be tailored to any size and shape, and its lightweight density is 400 times less than graphite.

Squishy robots

A phase-changing material developed by MIT researchers allows robots to transform between a rigid and soft state, enabling them to navigate through tight spaces without damaging organs or vessels. The material can also self-heal and repair damage, making it suitable for applications such as surgical robotics and search-and-rescue opera...

Earth-Kind roses analyzed for salt tolerance

Researchers evaluated 18 Earth-Kind rose varieties for salt tolerance in two locations, finding that 'Belinda's Dream', 'Climbing Pinkie', and 'Mrs. Dudley Cross' were the most tolerant. The study recommends these cultivars for landscapes with high soil salinity.

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.

Improved supercapacitors for super batteries, electric vehicles

Scientists at UC Riverside developed a nanometer scale ruthenium oxide anchored graphene foam architecture that improves supercapacitors' performance, delivering two times more energy and power. The design shows promising properties for future energy storage applications.

Study finds hazardous flame retardants in preschools

A new study has found that flame retardants are prevalent indoors in preschools and day care centers, potentially exposing young children to hazardous chemicals. The study reveals high levels of PBDEs and tris phosphate compounds in dust samples, with concentrations often higher in facilities with foam equipment.

Beer foam secrets tapped in new study

A new study from Cornell University has identified LTP1 as the key to perfect beer foam. The research found that the right amount and kind of barley lipid transfer protein No. 1 is essential for creating optimal foam.

The ATM strikes back

Researchers developed a self-defending surface that releases hot foam to deter attackers, protecting cash boxes in ATMs. The film is made of plastic layers filled with chemicals that mix when damaged, producing a violent reaction.

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.

Study suggests ways to improve common furniture fire test

Researchers at NIST and American University suggest changes to the common furniture fire test to make it more realistic, focusing on air flow and foam materials. The modifications aim to identify upholstery materials most likely to prevent smoldering ignition, with potential implications for fire safety regulations.

The scientific explanation of why beer overflows

Researchers discovered that the rapid transformation from liquid to foamy state is caused by an impact, leading to cavitation. The phenomenon can be used to predict gas production in volcanic eruptions and improve boat propeller design.

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.