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Heat or eat? Prepayment users consume less fruit and vegetables, study finds

A new study reveals that households using prepayment meters consume significantly fewer portions of fruit and vegetables compared to those on alternative payment methods. The researchers found a strong link between higher energy bills and lower consumption of essential nutrients, highlighting the 'heat-or-eat' dilemma.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 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.

Tropical cyclones act as 'massive heat pumps' that fuel extreme heat

A new study by the University of Arizona found that tropical cyclones often follow extreme heat, which can be a major hazard after a storm. The research team analyzed 53 tropical cyclones and found that cities' heat index values were always warmer than average after the storm.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

ASU leads $25M project to develop Southwest urban integrated field laboratory

The ASU-led SW-IFL aims to understand complex relationships between extreme heat, atmospheric pollutants, and limited water supply on vulnerable urban subpopulations. The integrated field laboratory will combine high-resolution data, advanced computer modeling, and community engagement to create regionally specific predictive tools.

SourceArizona State University·DateNov 7, 2022

Geothermal could become workhorse of the energy transition

Geothermal energy has the potential to provide up to 50% of the world's energy by 2050 due to its clean, global, and baseload characteristics. To scale up, companies are leveraging existing oil and gas industry expertise, while simplifying complexity for residential geothermal applications.

SourceScience Communications·DateOct 31, 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.

Ocean heating will increase rainfall in east Asia, study suggests

A study published in Nature suggests that ocean heating in the western tropical Pacific will make the East Asian monsoon season wetter. The researchers found a correlation between increases in monsoonal rain in eastern China and the heat content of the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool over the past 360,000 years.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateOct 19, 2022

A new comprehensive assessment of ocean warming highlights future climate risks

A comprehensive review of ocean warming reveals that global ocean heat content has increased by over 90% since the 1950s. The study predicts that if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, ocean warming will continue to accelerate, leading to more intense storms, droughts, and sea-level rise.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateOct 18, 2022
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.

Engineers weave advanced fabric that can cool a wearer down and warm them up

Researchers developed a fabric with nano-scale threads containing phase-change materials to regulate body temperature. The textile combines electrothermal and photothermal coatings for enhanced thermal regulation. It has the potential to alleviate heat or cold stress in workers and travelers, offering improved comfort and safety.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Coral select algae partnerships to ease environmental stress

Researchers found that coral symbiont community structure responds to environmental conditions in Kaneohe Bay, which can help predict how corals will respond to future heat stress. Corals in areas with less light and temperature variability hosted less of the stress resilient symbiont.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

The process of waves carrying plasma heat is observed for the first time in the world

Researchers at National Institutes of Natural Sciences observe plasma heating due to electromagnetic waves for the first time. They used a new measurement system to capture ultrahigh-speed data, revealing that Landau damping transfers energy from high-energy particles to electromagnetic waves, which then heat the plasma.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New nanocomposite films boost heat dissipation in thin electronics

Scientists developed a cellulose nanofiber-carbon fiber composite film with excellent in-plane anisotropic thermal conductivity, improving heat dissipation in thin-film devices. The material also exhibits recyclability and can be reused after burning the cellulose matrix.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Taking solar-powered lasers to new heights with four-mirror pumping

Scientists have developed a new solar-powered laser with improved conversion efficiency, enabling more stable and efficient space-based energy generation. The design features four mirrors and laser rods, allowing for precise control over the pump cavity and minimizing thermal stress effects.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateSep 7, 2022

Hydrogel glass: a novel glass design for energy saving in buildings

Researchers have developed a novel hydrogel-glass design that enhances indoor illumination while reducing cooling consumption, demonstrating potential for widespread energy savings in buildings. The study published in Frontiers of Optoelectronics shows significant reductions in energy use ranging from 2.37 to 10.45 MJ·m−2 ·year−1.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Illinois study suggests the humble minnow can take the heat(wave)

A new University of Illinois study shows that fathead minnows can handle simulated heatwaves with few nasty side effects. Most minnows rapidly returned to normal physiological functioning after cooling down, but some became more susceptible to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateAug 22, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Propane - a solution for more sustainable air conditioning

A new study suggests that using propane as a refrigerant in air conditioners could significantly reduce the global temperature increase from space cooling, with a potential decrease of up to 0.09°C by the end of the century. This is due to propane's low global warming potential score of less than 1.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022

Researchers develop new faster charging hydrogen fuel cell

A new method to improve solid-state hydrogen fuel cell charging times has been developed by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney. The study used a semi-cylindrical coil heat exchanger, which significantly improved heat transfer performance and reduced charging time by 59%. This innovation has the potential to revolution...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2022

Simultaneous climate events risk damaging entire socioeconomic systems

A study found that concurrent heat and drought events can have devastating effects on multiple sectors, including human health, energy, and agriculture. The research highlights the importance of considering compound extreme events in adaptation efforts to improve resilience.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateAug 10, 2022

Extreme heat and drought events require more systematic risk assessment

Simultaneous extreme heat and drought events have significant consequences on various sectors, including economy, health, and food production. The analysis of eight extreme events in Europe, Australia, and Africa highlights the need for more systematic risk assessments to improve adaptability and resilience.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS Climate·DateAug 10, 2022
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.

Reducing energy consumption: A new test system for passive cooling materials

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have created a test system to characterize and compare passive cooling materials, overcoming challenges in determining their performance. The system mimics key factors influencing passive cooling performance, allowing for reproducible tests under identical conditions.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeNews article·DateJul 18, 2022

Efficient, stable, and eco-friendly thermoelectric material discovered

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has developed a barium cobalt oxide thermoelectric converter that is reproducibly stable and efficient at temperatures as high as 600°C. This breakthrough material shows promise for wide deployment in high-temperature thermoelectric conversion devices.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022
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.

Risk of miscarriage may increase during the summer

A new study found that pregnant people in the South and Midwest experienced higher risk of miscarriage in late August and early September, respectively. Researchers suggest exploring links between extreme heat and pregnancy loss, highlighting the need for further research to understand potential causes.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 27, 2022

New research suggests heat waves could lead to avian population decline

A new study suggests that heat waves can lead to avian population decline by altering gene activity in the testis and brain, affecting reproductive behavior and physiology. The research found that sub-lethal heat may change a bird's ability to reproduce via changes in motivational circuits for song production.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJun 27, 2022

Uncovering a novel way to bring to Earth the energy that powers the sun and stars

Researchers at PPPL have discovered that adding tungsten to plasma fuel pellets improves the compression of fuel, increasing fusion yield. The study uses krypton gas to measure X-rays emitted by the pellets, providing new insights into the fusion process.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2022

Novel solar cell architecture performs well under real-world constraints

Researchers developed a hot-carrier multijunction solar cell that maintains high conversion efficiency with nonoptimal materials, expanding the scope of candidate designs. The novel architecture showed superior resilience to design imperfections, widening the range of suitable materials and operating conditions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 2022

Carbon nanomaterials are hot property

KAUST researchers have developed a method to manufacture high-performance flexible heaters using graphene domains in nanoscale-thick graphite films. The heaters can reach temperatures of several hundred degrees within seconds when applying a small voltage, and they exhibit excellent stability and cooling rates.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022
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.

Association of extreme heat with all-cause death

A recent study found that extreme heat was associated with higher all-cause mortality in the contiguous United States. The findings suggest a greater increase in mortality among older adults, men, and non-Hispanic Black individuals during this period.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 19, 2022

Tiny bots that can deep clean teeth

Researchers at IISc and Theranautilus have developed nano-sized robots that can manipulate using a magnetic field to kill bacteria in dentinal tubules, improving the success rate of root canal treatments. The nanobots were able to penetrate further than previous methods, providing a safer alternative to harsh chemicals or antibiotics.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMay 16, 2022

Mars’ emitted energy and seasonal energy imbalance

Researchers found that Mars' extreme energy budget imbalance can contribute to dust storms. The team analyzed four years of data from NASA missions and found a correlation between the planet's orbits and temperatures, suggesting that the energy excess may be one of the generating mechanisms of Mars' dust storms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 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.

Researchers at the GIST uncover the key to safer energy storage devices

The study reveals significant information on the thermal properties of electric double-layer capacitors, which can help create safer and more reliable energy storage devices. The research team found that charging and discharging alter the heat capacity of EDLCs, leading to a decrease in capacitance.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Why Venus rotates, slowly, despite sun’s powerful grip

The study suggests that Venus' atmosphere plays a crucial role in determining its rotation speed, with fast winds dragging along the surface and slowing it down. This has significant consequences for the sweltering Venusian climate, with average temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 20, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Converting solar energy to electricity on demand

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully converted solar energy into electricity using a thermoelectric generator. The new technology can store solar energy for up to 18 years and release it when needed, making it a promising solution for renewable energy production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Want to be sustainable and cool? Choose fans more and aircon less

Researchers found that using indoor fans can increase the indoor temperature threshold before discomfort sets in by 3-4°C, reducing the need for air conditioners. The study also revealed a significant reduction in energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2022

A bright future: Seeking a third generation of better performing solar cells

Researchers propose a novel pathway to realizing hot carrier solar cells, which can exceed the typical efficiency limit on solar cells. The approach involves isolating hot carriers within higher energy valleys in semiconductors, reducing energy loss to heat.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateApr 5, 2022

Over half a million dollars for space telecommunications research

A team of researchers led by Prof. Federico Rosei is developing high-power active optical fibers doped with erbium and ytterbium for ultra-fast satellite communications. The goal is to convert heat dissipated by the fibers into electrical energy, enabling near real-time Earth observation imaging.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 5, 2022

The material that could save industries heat

Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a compound that can reversibly store and release large amounts of low-grade heat. The birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide with crystal water compound has shown better performance compared to other compounds for heat storage purposes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2022
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.

Heat storage: Scientists develop material that is stable, efficient and eco-friendly

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg create a new shape-stabilized phase change material that can absorb significantly more heat and is made of harmless substances. The material, which can be used as large panels integrated into walls, can store up to 24 times more heat than conventional concrete or wallboard.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Cutting HFCs to cool the Earth

Accelerating HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment could help achieve Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal, reducing global power consumption and emissions. Reaching accelerated deep cuts before 2050 would save up to 20% of expected future global electricity consumption.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 10, 2022

New paper offers innovative solution for thermal energy storage

Researchers have developed a novel approach to improve thermal energy storage by decoupling energy density and power density using pressure-enhanced close contact melting. This method has demonstrated efficacy in achieving high power and energy density, making it suitable for demanding applications like electric vehicles and data centers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 9, 2022
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.

Safer, more powerful batteries for electric cars, power grid

Solid-state batteries with little liquid electrolyte are safer than lithium-ion batteries in many cases. However, they also have limitations, such as slow lithium ion movement from the solid electrolyte to electrodes.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalJoule·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Selecting the right structural materials for fusion reactors

A team of scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology and Japan have identified CVD-SiC and FeCrAl alloys as compatible with liquid LiPb at high temperatures. The findings provide crucial information for the development of sustainable fusion reactors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

Pusan National University researchers show how radiative coolers can “beat the heat” off solar cells

Pusan National University researchers demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating a radiative cooler with a multi-junction solar cell, achieving a 6°C temperature drop and a 2% increase in open-circuit voltage. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and eco-friendly solar cells, paving the way for renewable energy sources.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022
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.

Using ice to boil water: Researcher makes heat transfer discovery that expands on 18th century principle

Researchers found that levitating ice requires a significantly higher temperature threshold than liquid water, with the meltwater layer creating a temperature differential that consumes most of the surface's heat. This results in a larger temperature window for boiling, leading to better heat transfer compared to using a liquid alone.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateJan 21, 2022

Warm season and emergency department visits to US children’s hospitals

A study led by Dr. Aaron Bernstein found that heat increases the number of child and adolescent emergency department visits during summer months, underscoring the need for more aggressive adaptation measures. Children present to ED at higher temperatures for different reasons than adults, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 19, 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.

Electricity regulation with equity and justice for all

A new report by Berkeley Lab outlines systemic changes needed to advance equity in electric utility regulation. The report recommends considering energy justice goals, allocating funding for low-income households, and accounting for energy inequities in designing electricity rates.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJan 14, 2022

Is more better? Amounts and frequency of milk replacer fed to calves under heat stress

Researchers found that increasing energy intake by feeding more milk replacer supports greater growth during summer. However, feeding frequency had no effect on growth during summer but improved growth during winter. The study suggests optimizing feeding strategies to maximize calf growth and welfare in hot environments.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

As China converts to clean energy, households should consider using heat pumps

A study by Princeton University researchers recommends increasing heat pump use in rural households to improve air quality and health in northern China. Heat pumps provide the largest reductions in both air pollutant and carbon emissions, especially when used with a decarbonized power grid.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2022

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

Researchers have created a new approach to edit genes within specific bacteria in a community using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling targeted genetic modifications. This technology could be used to track edited microbes and potentially treat diseases like digestive issues or create more resilient crops.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 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.

New smart-roof coating enables year-round energy savings

Scientists developed an all-season smart-roof coating that automatically switches between cooling and heating, outperforming commercial cool-roof systems in energy savings. The technology uses vanadium dioxide to regulate its rate of radiative cooling, overcoming the problem of overcooling in winter.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

As the mercury rises, the urban heat penalty grows, especially at night

Residents in eastern US cities experience up to 4.9 degrees Celsius increase in nighttime urban heat stress index, with extra 30 minutes of uncomfortable weather per degree C temperature increase. This effect is more pronounced in the southeastern US, where residents face up to five extra hours of uncomfortable weather during summer.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021