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Solar tower exposes materials to intense heat to test thermal response

The Sandia National Laboratories' solar tower facility is conducting a year-round test of the thermal response of various materials to intense heat and cooling. Researchers are using this setup to evaluate material durability for the Air Force, with the goal of establishing material response thresholds after exposure.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 21, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electron sandwich doubles thermoelectric performance

A new study published in Nature Communications has more than doubled the ability of a material to convert heat into electricity, a significant step towards reducing wasted fossil fuel. By significantly narrowing the space through which spread electrons move, researchers improved thermoelectric energy conversion rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018

Monkeys eat fats and carbs to keep warm

Researchers found that golden snub-nosed monkeys increase their energy intake from fats and carbs in winter to counteract elevated thermoregulatory costs. This adjustment enables the monkeys to balance their macronutrient content and meet specific nutritional needs, suggesting a key adaptation for survival in cold environments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 7, 2018

Yellowstone study explores park's geothermal system

Researchers used deuterium to estimate heat flow in Yellowstone hot springs, accounting for both visible and subsurface water flows. The new method provides an important step towards understanding the complex processes driving Yellowstone's volcano and geothermal features.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateJun 5, 2018
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.

Raising the heat to lower the cost of solar energy

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are working on a project to refine a specific type of utility-scale solar energy technology that can supply renewable energy without batteries for storage. The goal is to reach temperatures greater than 700 C, which would boost efficiency and lower electricity costs.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateMay 21, 2018

Supersonic waves may help electronics beat the heat

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory made the first observations of supersonically propagating phasons through a vibrating crystal lattice. This discovery may revolutionize heat management in future electronics devices by providing a shortcut to send energy through materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2018

A micro-thermometer to record tiny temperature changes

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a micrometer-wide thermometer that can measure small and rapid temperature changes in real time. The device is sensitive to heat generated by optical and electron beams, enabling its use in various fields such as photo-thermal cancer treatment and advanced research on crystals.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 14, 2018

Heat and sound wave interactions in solids could run engines, refrigerators

Researchers at Purdue University have demonstrated the theoretical existence of thermoacoustics in solids, which could lead to the development of solid-state engines and refrigerators. The technology harnesses temperature oscillations and sound waves to generate energy, making it suitable for harsh environments like outer space.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 10, 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.

New polymer manufacturing process saves 10 orders of magnitude of energy

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new polymer-curing process that uses minimal energy and cuts manufacturing time in half. The breakthrough could lead to cost-effective production of high-performance polymers for aerospace and automotive industries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 2018

New findings to help in the fight against wombat mange

Scientists have discovered that sarcoptic mange causes significant loss of body heat and increased metabolic rate in Tasmanian wombats, leading to reduced foraging and increased mortality. The research suggests that dietary supplementation may help address these issues, offering new hope for the management of wombat mange.

SourceUniversity of Tasmania·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 17, 2018

Thin film converts heat from electronics into energy

Engineers at UC Berkeley developed a thin-film system that can convert low-quality waste heat into electricity, achieving unprecedented energy density and power density. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including electronics and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 16, 2018

The thermodynamics of computing

Researchers found that the efficiency of information processing cannot be increased indefinitely, with thermodynamic and information theory combining to identify key factors. Better understanding and tailored software can influence the limit.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 11, 2018

Engineers turn plastic insulator into heat conductor

A team of MIT engineers has developed a polymer thermal conductor that can dissipate heat more efficiently than traditional insulators. The new material is lightweight and flexible, conducting 10 times as much heat as most commercially used polymers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2018
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.

Thermally driven spin current in DNA

Researchers have discovered a way to control the spin current in double-stranded DNA molecules using temperature gradients. They found that the inherent chirality feature in dsDNA enables spin selection and can act as a filter for spin transport.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 15, 2018

New link between obesity and body temperature

Mice lacking the cold-sensing ion channel TRPM8 consumed more food during the day when they should be asleep, leading to obesity and high blood sugar in adulthood. This study reveals a previously unrecognized link between thermal sensing systems, thermoregulation and food intake.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMar 12, 2018

Why is it so hot at night in some cities?

Urban heat islands are caused by cities trapping more heat than surrounding areas due to their structure, affecting energy consumption and air quality. Researchers studied 50 cities and found that well-organized cities with straight streets retain more heat at night, leading to increased energy bills in hot climates.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 12, 2018
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.

$1.8m from DOE supports innovative waste heat recovery system

The project aims to convert waste heat into cooled water, offering potential cost and energy savings to U.S. manufacturers. The innovative turbo-compression cooling system has numerous large-scale practical applications, including dairy producers transforming waste heat into chilled milk.

SourceColorado State University·DateFeb 21, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Land use change has warmed the Earth's surface

A recent study by the Joint Research Centre reveals that changes in global vegetation cover from 2000 to 2015 have made the planet warmer. The research found that the removal of tropical evergreen forests for agricultural expansion is the most significant factor contributing to local increases in surface temperature.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2018

Hidden talents: Converting heat into electricity with pencil and paper

Scientists have discovered a simple method to harness the thermoelectric effect by combining a graphite pencil with a conductive coating on paper. The resulting voltage is comparable to expensive nanocomposites, offering potential applications in flexible electronics and wearable devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 16, 2018

System draws power from daily temperature swings

A novel system, called a thermal resonator, converts daily temperature swings into electrical power. The device takes advantage of the ambient temperature fluctuations that occur during the day-night cycle, making it suitable for remote sensing systems without requiring batteries or other power sources.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2018

Muscle more important than fat in regulating heat loss from the hands

A study by University of Cambridge biological anthropologists reveals that muscle mass is key to regulating heat loss from the hands in cold conditions. Volunteers with higher muscle mass experienced faster rewarming of their hands after exposure to ice-cold water.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateFeb 14, 2018
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.

Turning background room temperature heat into energy

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new kind of thermoelectric system that can harness small energy differences at low temperatures, producing an electrical energy of 2.3 meV per cycle. The device has shown promising prospects for large-scale heat energy recovery and could help industries become more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateFeb 14, 2018

Interference as a new method for cooling quantum devices

Researchers propose a novel method to cool quantum devices by leveraging quantum interference, effectively cancelling heat flow and mitigating thermal noise. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly enhance the performance and stability of quantum computers.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2018
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.

Climate change and snowmelt -- turn up the heat, but what about humidity?

Researchers found that changes in humidity determine how much snowpack contributes to streams, lakes, and groundwater as the climate warms. Cloudy, humid winter days cause snowpack to warm faster, increasing melt during winter months. In contrast, clear skies and low humidity preserve the snowpack until spring. The study highlights the...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Magnetic liquids improve energy efficiency of buildings

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed smart windows that can change light permeability with a button press, while also harnessing solar heat. These 'large-area fluidic windows' offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioning systems and daylight regulation.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateJan 17, 2018

Modeling helped to improve the configuration of an autonomous heat supply unit

Researchers from Ural Federal University and Karaganda State Technical University developed a mathematical model to optimize the operation of an autonomous heat supply unit. The study found that adjusting parameters such as blade size in the Cavitator increased cavitation intensity and temperature, improving efficiency.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalEnergy Procedia·DateDec 28, 2017
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.

Spin current from heat: New material increases efficiency

Physicists at Bielefeld University discovered a new material that can generate magnetic signals, known as 'spin currents', from heat, increasing efficiency. The researchers tested various combinations of thin films and found that materials with special electronic structures produced stronger spin currents.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2017

A new way to store thermal energy

Researchers at MIT have developed a new chemical composite that can store thermal energy during the day and release it when needed. The hybrid material uses molecular switches to change shape in response to light, allowing for controlled thermal energy storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2017

Researchers rethink how 'beige' fat cells burn calories

Scientists have identified a novel biological pathway in beige fat cells that burns excess blood glucose to produce heat, suggesting a new strategy for treating metabolic disorders. This discovery could lead to the development of anti-obesity drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 13, 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.

Cool textiles to beat the heat

Researchers have developed a new material for clothing that can cool people down without external energy needed, using a nanocomposite thread made from boron nitride and polyvinyl alcohol. The fabric is more efficient at moving heat away from the body than pure polyvinyl alcohol or cotton fabrics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 8, 2017

UTSA professor to harvest clean energy from hot pavements

A new technology developed by UTSA professor Samer Dessouky converts heat from paved surfaces into electricity, generating power for rural areas and potential back-up lighting in airports. This innovation uses drones to map concentrated heat sources, enabling efficient energy harvesting from hot pavements.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateNov 7, 2017

Novel circuit design boosts wearable thermoelectric generators

The devices can be cut to the size needed for specific applications due to their symmetrical fractal wiring patterns. The modular generators could be inkjet printed on flexible substrates like fabric and manufactured using inexpensive roll-to-roll techniques.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 8, 2017

Surrounded by potential: New science in converting biomass

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have successfully decomposed lignin into stable components using a phosphate-modified ceria catalyst, producing useful industrial precursors for nylon production. The process eliminates the need for hydrogen from natural gas and uses an energy-conserving alcohol-based hydrogenation process.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateOct 3, 2017

Research led by PPPL provides reassurance that heat flux will be manageable in ITER

New simulations led by PPPL provide positive news for ITER. Researchers estimate a heat flux width of up to 6 millimeters within the divertor plates' capacity to tolerate, far greater than previous projections. This finding indicates ITER can produce 10 times more power than it consumes without damaging the divertor plates prematurely.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateSep 26, 2017
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.

UNIST researchers develop wearable solar thermoelectric generator

The device uses a temperature difference between the hot and cold sides to generate electricity, with a high temperature difference of 20.9 °C, much higher than conventional wearable thermoelectric generators driven by body heat.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 25, 2017

Wax on, melt off

Drexel University researchers develop a method to create roads that can deice themselves during winter storms by adding phase change materials like paraffin wax to the concrete mix. The technology has shown promise in melting snow and ice, reducing the need for chemicals and salt.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·DateSep 13, 2017

Method controls whether freezing droplets bounce off or stick

Researchers at MIT have found a new way to control the adhesion of freezing droplets on surfaces by manipulating their thermal properties. This discovery could lead to improved coatings in industries such as 3-D printing and turbine blade manufacturing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 11, 2017
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.

Heat-conducting plastic could lead to lighter electronics, cars

A new technique can change plastic's molecular structure to help it dissipate heat more efficiently, making it suitable for applications like vehicles, LEDs, and computers. The process is inexpensive and scalable, and preliminary tests show a polymer with thermally conductive properties similar to glass.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 2, 2017

Heat tweet: Users flock to Twitter when temperatures rise

A new study by Florida State University researchers found that temperature-related tweets increase on Twitter when temperatures rise. Government officials use the platform to disseminate information about cooling centers and energy assistance, with agencies in several states actively using Twitter for this purpose.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateJul 19, 2017
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.

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, June 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new approach to locate oil and gas in shale, reducing production time and cost. Additionally, the team has discovered a link between electrochemistry and ferroelectricity, enabling new materials for electronics and energy applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering·DateJun 5, 2017

Feeling the heat

Thermal comfort has increased in China over the past few decades due to rising temperatures and declining wind speed. The study found an average of 255 very cold and cold days per year, but a decline in cold days, with only 11 hot and very hot days per year.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateApr 27, 2017

Harnessing heat to power computers

Nebraska engineers have created a nano-thermal-mechanical device that allows computing at temperatures up to 630 degrees Fahrenheit. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries such as space exploration, oil drilling, and geology by harnessing heat instead of combating it.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateApr 17, 2017
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.

Study unravels long-held Fermi puzzle tied to nonlinear systems

An international team of scientists found that strongly nonlinear systems can reach equilibrium, provided certain conditions are met. The breakthrough was made by examining the collisions between solitary waves in a chain of solid spheres and comparing the results with dynamical computer simulations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review E·DateApr 14, 2017

Jumping droplets extinguish unpredictable hotspots in electronics

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 'jumping droplet' technique that effectively cools mobile hotspots by harnessing the power of surface energy. This breakthrough method, reported in Applied Physics Letters, enables efficient heat dissipation in all directions, outperforming existing methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 4, 2017

Researcher wins prestigious NSF career award

Joe Feser's $500,000 NSF grant will focus on manipulating heat transfer by phonons using embedded nanoparticles. The research aims to engineer materials with improved thermal properties for applications such as nanostructured electronic and optical materials.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 22, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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