Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to grow patterned diamond surfaces that can decrease operating temperatures in electronics. This approach uses microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition to create ordered layers of diamond crystals on substrates, allowing for controlled seed placement and scalable growth.
SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that monolithic biochar can achieve exceptional strength and durability, comparable to mild steel. The study found strong correlations between hardness, bulk density, and carbon content, providing a quantitative foundation for tailoring biochar's performance.
SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025
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.
Researchers use a combination of materials science and human genetics to map out the properties of enamel and dentin development in mouse incisors. Their methodology has the potential to provide new insights into identifying and treating rare craniofacial diseases and common dental cavities.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2025
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to fabricate ultrapure diamond films for quantum and electronic applications. By growing an extra layer of diamond on top of the substrate after ion implantation, they can bypass high-temperature annealing and generate higher-purity films.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2025
Researchers developed a novel anode material combining hard carbon with tin, enhancing energy storage and stability. The composite structure shows excellent performance in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, promising applications in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 18, 2025
A new artificial intelligence-based method detects genetic markers of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatments. The method, called Group Association Model, uses machine learning to identify key mutations linked to drug resistance, reducing false positives and misdiagnoses.
SourceTulane University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 2025
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
SourceWaseda University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2025
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.
The ISS National Lab's new podcast, 'Between a Rocket & a Hard Space', offers exclusive insights from scientists, engineers, and visionaries on the future of space research. The first episode explores the groundbreaking science happening on the International Space Station, including its impact on medicine, technology, and industry.
SourceInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory·DateMar 26, 2025
A study published in the International Journal of Manpower found that offering paid time off (PTO) significantly reduces the likelihood of employees quitting their jobs, with a greater reduction for men. PTO does not affect job satisfaction, which independently reduces turnover by 30-40%. Flexible scheduling also reduces turnover, but ...
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Manpower·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 25, 2025
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed sapphire-based nanostructures with self-cleaning capabilities, repelling fog, dust, and glare. These nanostructures maintain a high level of durability and performance while being mechanically robust and multifunctional.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMar 6, 2025
Researchers developed a durable de-icing surface inspired by human skin's layered structure, achieving exceptional performance with low ice adhesion strength. The surface design creates extensive wrinkling at the ice-substrate interface, allowing ice to shed under its own weight without external energy inputs.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 20, 2025
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.
Scientists have clarified the conditions under which large numbers of 'squishy' grains, similar to those found in biological tissues, undergo a yielding transition from solid-like to fluid-like behavior. The findings provide insights into the roles of mechanical and biochemical processes in biological systems.
SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024
A study led by WVU epidemiologist Bethany Barone Gibbs found that alternating sitting and standing at work reduces sedentary behavior but has no effect on lowering blood pressure. Prolonged static standing may even have negative effects on cardiovascular health due to a physiological mechanism called the muscle pump.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCirculation·DateOct 30, 2024
Researchers have developed a reconfigurable three-dimensional integrated photonic processor specifically designed to tackle the subset sum problem, a classic NP-complete challenge. The processor operates by allowing photons in a light beam to explore all possible paths simultaneously, providing answers in parallel and demonstrating hig...
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 23, 2024
Glassy gels are a new class of materials that combine the properties of glassy polymers and gels, with unique characteristics including high elasticity and adhesive surfaces. The materials were created by mixing liquid precursors with an ionic liquid, resulting in a hard yet stretchable material.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024
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.
A WPI researcher has received a CAREER Award to develop new technologies to monitor and protect computer chips from malicious attacks. The project aims to create better metrics to verify the integrity of components and advance understanding of side-channel attacks.
Researchers from the University of Bath have created a deformable screen called DeformIO, which can be deformed through finger pressure. The surface becomes softer or stiffer in direct response to force applied, allowing users to interact with digital objects in a more tactile way.
SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2024
Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.
SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024
A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...
SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024
A recent study found that eating fortified eggs had no adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels and may even have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Subgroup analyses revealed potential benefits among older adults and those with diabetes.
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.
For the first time, astronomers have measured the speed of fast-moving jets in space, crucial to star formation and the distribution of elements needed for life. The jets of matter, expelled by stars deemed 'cosmic cannibals', were found to travel at over one-third of the speed of light.
Researchers from Tsinghua University propose a novel process to convert cutting chips into unique microstructures, transforming waste into valuable materials. The finding has potential applications in enhanced heat transfer, anti-icing, and antibacterial properties.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 26, 2024
Researchers discovered controlled storage affects rice's physicochemical properties, including gelatinization degree and water absorption capacity. The study suggests optimal temperatures can enhance cooked rice quality, offering farmers a practical strategy to minimize pest contamination risks.
SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalJournal of Stored Products Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024
A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.
SourceWashington State University·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateDec 5, 2023
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.
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered amorphous silicon carbide, a material with exceptional strength and scalability, making it suitable for ultra-sensitive microchip sensors. Its tensile strength of 10 GPa is unprecedented in materials science.
SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023
Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023
Researchers developed a groundbreaking soft valve technology that integrates sensors and control valves into soft robots, eliminating the need for electric components. This innovation enables safe operation underwater or in environments with sparks risks, reducing weight burdens and costs.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2023
Researchers created a nanocomposite of hexagonal and cubic boron nitride, which exhibits unexpected thermal and optical properties. The composite's low thermal conductivity makes it suitable for heat-insulating electronic devices, while its second-harmonic generation property is larger than expected after heating.
SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023
Washington State University engineers have created a way to 3D-print two types of steel in the same circular layer using two welding machines. The resulting bimetallic material proved stronger than either metal alone due to pressure caused between the metals as they cool together.
SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023
Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023
The study reveals hydrated salts can lose their facets and become soft when slowly dissolved in humid air, exhibiting liquid-like molecular mobility at their surfaces. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of crystal formation and behavior.
SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2023
A model predicting oxygen levels in freshwater streams, developed by WVU researcher Omar Abdul-Aziz, helps determine stream pollution and health. The tool allows citizen scientists to take action on stream pollution, with potential applications for implementing the Clean Water Act.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMar 6, 2023
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered tiny magnetic vortices called skyrmions that could store data in computers, promising 100-1000 times better energy efficiency than current memory. The team used AI and a high-power electron microscope to visualize and study the behavior of these micro-scale magnetic structures.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 21, 2022
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.
Researchers have discovered a way to create ductile ceramics that can exhibit ultimate strength of up to 11 GPa, potentially leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced material usage. However, further studies are needed to scale up the process and apply it to larger materials.
SourceTampere University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2022
Researchers probed local structure and magnetic properties of a Mn-rich Cantor alloy using EXAFS and XMCD techniques. The results show complex magnetic ordering with coexistence of different phases, consistent with macroscopic behavior.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022
Researchers at UT Austin developed a semicrystalline polymer that combines strength and flexibility, overcoming challenges of mixed materials in robotics and electronics. The new material is 10 times as tough as natural rubber and can be controlled with light.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 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.
A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
Scientists at Duke University have engineered materials capable of producing tunable plasmonic properties while withstand extremely high temperatures. The new high-entropy carbides can achieve improved communications and thermal regulation in aerospace technologies, including satellites and hypersonic aircraft.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
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 Washington State University have created hexagonal diamonds using sound waves, finding them stiffer than natural cubic diamonds. The discovery could lead to the development of superior materials for machining and drilling, potentially replacing traditional diamond in these industries.
SourceWashington State University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMar 31, 2021
This study evaluated the setting behavior of two bioceramic materials under different environmental conditions. The results showed that MTA Angelus exhibited significantly higher hardness values compared to NeoMTA Plus, regardless of wet or dry conditions.
SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Dentistry Journal·DateFeb 16, 2021
Researchers have successfully created a stable armchair-like hexazine N6 ring in tungsten hexanitride under high-pressure conditions. The compound, WN6, exhibits exceptional hardness and toughness, making it a promising candidate for high-energy-density materials.
SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·DateFeb 10, 2021
Researchers have developed a machine learning model that predicts the hardness of new materials based on their chemical composition, finding over 10 promising borocarbide phases. The model's accuracy surpasses classical methods, enabling scientists to more efficiently discover suitable compounds for various applications.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 17, 2020
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 new study from North Carolina State University has developed a fast and efficient radiation detector using single-crystal gallium oxide. The detector can monitor X-ray radiation in near-real time, making it suitable for applications such as medical imaging and security.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateMay 4, 2020
Researchers at UAB create novel boron-rich boron-carbide material with 37% the hardness of cubic diamond, showing promise for applications under extreme conditions. The new material has a chemical formula B50C2, chemically stable and acting as an insulator.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 15, 2020
Researchers identified 43 previously unknown forms of superhard carbon, including structures with fragments of diamond and lonsdaleite. The study uses computational techniques and machine learning to accelerate material development, predicting properties such as hardness.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateSep 9, 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.
Researchers have created a predictive model to guide the synthesis of new materials that are tough enough for the mining and space industries. The 'Mendelevian search' algorithm considers all possible combinations of elements in the periodic table, resulting in highly accurate predictions of material properties.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 23, 2019
Researchers successfully synthesized nanotwinned cubic boron nitride (nt-cBN) and nanotwinned diamond (nt-diamond) using onion-like boron nitride (oBN) precursors. The size change of oBN precursor results in distinct microstructures, leading to significant alteration of microstructure and performance in the produced materials.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 28, 2019
Researchers successfully predicted a non-metallic nitrogen-rich tungsten nitride, h-WN6, with exceptional hardness (57 GPa) and thermal stability. The material exhibits high energy density, making it a potential candidate for advanced applications.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJul 17, 2018
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.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique to measure the hardness of living tissues, which can influence organ formation during development. The method combines physical modeling and statistical estimation to estimate tissue hardness based on cell population deformation and mechanical forces applied to the tissue.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 14, 2018
Researchers have discovered a way to make diamonds flexible by etching tiny needles from artificial diamond films, achieving strains up to 9% and surpassing theoretical limits. The development holds implications for bioimaging, biosensing, and ultra-strength nanostructures, as well as optomechanical devices.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2018
The GelSight sensor uses physical contact to provide a detailed 3-D map of an object's surface, enabling robots to judge the hardness of surfaces they touch. Researchers also use it to enable robots to manipulate smaller objects than previously possible.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 5, 2017
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.
Researchers have created a titanium-gold alloy that is four times harder than most steels, making it an ideal material for artificial knee and hip joints. The alloy's improved hardness and biocompatibility are due to its unique crystal structure, which is resistant to wear and tear.
SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2016
Research suggests that high levels of water hardness in homes may be linked to the development of eczema in early infancy. Living in a hard water area was associated with an up to 87% increased risk of eczema at three months of age, independent of domestic water chlorine content.
SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 18, 2016
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully controlled the introduction of amino acids to pure calcite, increasing its hardness to values equivalent to biogenic calcite. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for creating stronger calcite systems and has significant implications for various applications.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 4, 2016
Researchers have presented new unconditional hardness results for dynamic and online problems, including matrix-vector multiplication and Patrascu's Multiphase Problem. These findings prove the existence of problems that are provably hard to solve, offering significant advancements in computer science.
Researchers discovered that female parasitic fig wasps possess zinc-tipped ovipositor drill bits, allowing them to efficiently navigate and lay eggs within the fruit's woody interior. The drill bit's hardness and wear resistance were found to be remarkable, comparable to dental implants.
SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 28, 2014
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.
The NRL research team has developed a method to fabricate nanocrystalline spinel that is 50% harder than current spinel armor materials, offering improved protection and weight savings. The new material demonstrates increased hardness even at extremely small grain sizes, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalActa Materialia·DateApr 29, 2014
Researchers have developed a new machine that measures a material's hardness with unprecedented accuracy. The Precision Nanoindentation Platform (PNP) can test properties beyond the reach of previous devices, including viscoelastic creep.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 30, 2013