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Innovative textile vents to release heat when you sweat

Researchers at Duke University developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry but opens tiny vents to let heat escape when a person starts sweating. The material has potential as a patch on clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable, expanding thermal comfort zones by 30%.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021
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.

Study shows success of New York City’s Clean Heat Program

The study found that the ban of heating oil #6 was effective in reducing fine particles, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide levels in NYC. The reductions were independent of other sources of air pollution, suggesting a significant impact on public health outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 8, 2021

Combined heat and power as a platform for clean energy systems

The state of Georgia could dramatically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by using onsite electric power, creating new jobs and a healthier public. CHP systems can be 85-90% efficient, reducing peak demand on the grid and providing ultra-high system efficiencies, cleaner air, and more affordable energy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2021

WVU research promotes healthier poultry and environment

Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a wood boiler system that improves bird health and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by drying litter and creating dry heat. The system has the potential to replace propane heating systems in poultry farms, benefiting both animal welfare and the environment.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateNov 30, 2021

Steam disinfection of baby bottle nipples exposes babies and the environment to micro- and nanoplastic particles

A new study uses a microspectroscopic technique to measure micro- and nano-sized plastics in steam-disinfected silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples. The research found that these fine particles can be released into the environment and ingested by babies, posing health risks.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021

Living walls can reduce heat lost from buildings by over 30%

A study at the University of Plymouth found that retrofitting an existing building with a green wall reduced heat loss by 31.4%. The study suggests that living walls can provide significant energy savings and help reduce carbon emissions in existing buildings.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalBuilding and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hypoxia tolerance: naked mole-rats may provide secret to low oxygen survival

Researchers discovered that naked mole-rats rapidly decrease uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue to conserve energy in hypoxia. This mechanism may hold secrets for humans to survive and thrive in low-oxygen environments, particularly in relation to diseases like stroke and chronic pulmonary disorders.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2021

Listen to your tempura!

Researchers from Utah State University and KAUST found clear acoustic signatures of oil temperature in deep-frying sounds. The unique bubble patterns near the oil surface create distinct noises that vary with heat levels.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Life cycle assessment of carbon capture

A life cycle assessment of carbon capture at Amager Bakke incineration plant reveals that the technology reduces CO2 emissions from incineration but decreases electricity production by 50%. The overall net energy efficiency is not affected, but heat output increases by 20%.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalWaste Management & Research The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy·DateNov 9, 2021

Feeling the heat: Fusion reactors used to test spacecraft heat shields

Researchers used fusion reactors to test spacecraft heat shield materials, achieving conditions similar to those encountered during high-speed atmospheric entries. The experiments demonstrated improved accuracy in modeling heat shield behavior, offering promise for developing advanced materials necessary for future missions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2021

Upgraded code reveals a source of damaging fusion disruptions

Thermal quenches in fusion devices occur when high-energy electrons escape from the core and fly toward the wall, causing a rapid drop in electron temperature. The researchers propose an analytic model of plasma transport that provides new physical insights into the complex topology of 3-D magnetic field lines.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2021

New energy systems could cause a sea change in energy efficiency during shipping

Researchers have created two novel heat recovery systems for LNG ships, boosting energy efficiency by up to 25%. The systems use the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to recover heat from engine exhaust gas, with substantial improvements in performance depending on fluid combinations.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2021
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.

Lightweight electric wristband heaters for constant, portable warmth

Researchers develop conductive, wash-durable yarn for wearable heaters using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(4-styrenesulfonate). The treated yarn can distribute heat at a safe operating voltage when sewn into fabric, providing steady warmth even in cold conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 20, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists use sintered porous media to build compact, efficient heat exchangers

Researchers from The University of Electro-Communications and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that sintering porous media inside heat transfer tubes increases the area available for heat exchange, reducing thermal resistance and enhancing heat transfer performance. Heat transfer in these tubes is five times greater...

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021
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.

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.

LED material shines under strain

Berkeley Lab researchers developed a method to increase the efficiency of LED devices by applying mechanical strain to thin semiconductor films. This approach reduces exciton annihilation, allowing for high-performance LEDs even at high brightness levels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Researchers propose a method of magnetizing a material without applying an external magnetic field

Scientists at São Paulo State University discovered that compressing paramagnetic salts adiabatically can produce magnetization. The process aligns the particles' spins, resulting in a constant total entropy and magnetized system. This method has potential applications in investigating other interacting systems.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

The quantum refrigerator

Researchers at TU Wien have invented a new cooling concept that combines thermodynamics and quantum physics to break low-temperature records. By using quantum effects to cool a cloud of ultracold atoms, they achieved temperatures closer to absolute zero than ever before.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPRX Quantum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2021
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.

Development of a novel technology to check body temperature with smartphone camera

A research team developed a novel sensor that can detect and convert infrared light into electrical signals at temperatures up to 100°C. The device eliminates the need for cooling devices, reducing production costs and operating speeds, making it suitable for smartphone and autonomous vehicle applications.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateJul 26, 2021

Watching the ultrafast dance moves of a laser plasma

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed a novel method to capture ultrafast motion of plasma at different transverse locations. The team's experiment shows that different portions of the plasma move in and out at different times, contrary to previous expectations.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJul 16, 2021

How otters' muscles enable their cold, aquatic life

Texas A&M researchers found that sea otters' muscles use thermogenic leak to generate heat, allowing them to thrive in cold water. This finding explains how otters maintain their high metabolic rate and survive in marine environments.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2021
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.

Arctic seabirds are less heat tolerant, more vulnerable to climate change

A study published in Journal of Experimental Biology found that Arctic seabirds are poorly adapted to cope with rising temperatures, leading to increased mortality rates. The researchers discovered that murres have an extremely poor ability to dissipate heat, making them more vulnerable to heat stress.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 7, 2021

Thermal waves observed in semiconductor materials

Thermal waves have been observed in germanium at room temperature, a significant improvement in electronic devices performance. The discovery opens new possibilities for controlling heat through wave-like thermal transport.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2021

Novel heat-management material keeps computers running cool

Researchers successfully integrate a new ultrahigh thermal-management material into computer chips, reducing heat and increasing energy efficiency. The development outperforms existing materials like diamond and silicon carbide, with temperatures rising to nearly 188 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 29, 2021

A way to surmount supercooling

Researchers at Osaka University found that silver nanoparticles induce crystallization in clathrate hydrates, a potential application for latent heat storage materials. The study may lead to improved efficiency in solar energy and heat recovery technologies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Materials·DateJun 28, 2021

Harvesting drinking water from humidity around the clock

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a technology to harvest water 24/7 with no energy input, using specially coated glass and a radiation shield. The device can produce up to twice as much water as current passive technologies, with potential for large-scale integration.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 23, 2021
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.

University of Groningen scientists design superfast molecular motor

Researchers designed a new type of molecular motor that can rotate in picoseconds using the power of a single photon. The motor's speed is significantly faster than existing designs, with potential applications in drug delivery, nanotechnology, and controlling biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 17, 2021

How should governments offer subsidies for clean-energy heating?

A new study from Aalto University recommends that government subsidies for clean-energy heating be allocated to areas where homeowners can least afford the upfront cost, namely those with lower housing prices. This approach aims to promote energy-efficient heat pumps and reduce carbon emissions in Finland's residential buildings.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 16, 2021

Developing the novel joint technique for copper alloy

Researchers at National Institutes of Natural Sciences have developed an Advanced Multi-Step Brazing (AMSB) technique to jointly fabricate components made of oxide dispersion strengthened copper alloy. The new technique enables the creation of a heat removal component with excellent heat removal performance, surpassing existing records.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateJun 9, 2021
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 quantum step to a heat switch with no moving parts

Researchers discovered a new electronic property in a specially engineered metal alloy, enabling the manipulation of heat with a magnetic 'switch'. The material, called Weyl semimetal, exhibits unusual electron behavior, generating and absorbing heat to create an energy pump.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 7, 2021

Did heat from impacts on asteroids provide the ingredients for life on Earth?

Research suggests that heat generated by asteroid impacts could enable aqueous alteration and organic solid formation, increasing the number of potential sources of water and life's origins. The study found that craters over 1km in radius can support organic substance formation within a 2 AU distance from the impact point.

SourceKobe University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 3, 2021

Story tips: Un-Earthly ice, buildings in the loop, batteries unbound and 3D printing for geothermal

Researchers successfully created amorphous ice similar to interstellar space and on Jupiter's moon Europa, which could help interpret data from future NASA missions. They also developed an envelope system that diverts heat away from buildings and stores it for future use, reducing energy consumption by over 50%. Additionally, scientist...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 1, 2021

A new 'gold standard' compound for generating electricity from heat

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a single compound that functions as an efficient thermoelectric generator, producing power from waste heat. The compound's unique property allows it to carry both positive and negative charges independently, generating electricity without moving parts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Using waste heat to power an environmentally sustainable future

Dr Martin White's research proposes a two-phase expansion system that can generate up to 28% more power than conventional single-phase systems. The study aims to enhance the performance of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems for waste heat recovery, reducing environmental footprint in industries such as iron and steel, food, and drink.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateMay 24, 2021

New findings help in protecting divertor without degrading core plasma

Researchers achieved stable partial energy detachment and suppressed material sputtering using Ar and Ne seeding. The study provides a feasible experiment program for maintaining steady-state plasma under high-power long-pulse conditions.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateMay 20, 2021

Rising energy demand for cooling

The global temperature rise will increase cooling degree days, leading to a higher energy demand for cooling buildings. In Switzerland, the energy demand for cooling is expected to increase significantly, with potential peaks on hot days.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalApplied Energy·DateMay 18, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How to thermally cloak an object

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a theoretical method to thermally cloak objects, making them invisible to thermal cameras. Using heat pumps, they can fine-tune heat transfer and mimic heat signatures of different objects.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 11, 2021

Boosting body heat production: A new approach for treating obesity

Researchers found blocking a receptor of neuropeptide Y increases fat metabolism and prevents weight gain in obese individuals. The treatment, BIBO3304, targets peripheral tissues without affecting the brain, offering a potentially safer alternative to current medications.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

Why hotter clocks are more accurate

A new experiment has found that the accuracy of a clock is directly proportional to the amount of heat supplied, with more energy consumed resulting in more accurate timekeeping. This discovery has implications for future technologies and suggests that clocks are constrained by thermodynamics.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 7, 2021

Material scientists find new angle toward better heat transfer

Researchers have developed a class of materials that manipulates thermal radiation, allowing for efficient energy conversion systems and improved sensing technologies. By directing heat in specific directions over broad spectra, the new material offers capabilities for imaging, sensing applications, solar heating, waste heat recovery, ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Bird blood is a heating system in winter

Researchers discovered that bird blood functions as a central heating system when it is cold, thanks to the presence of mitochondria. The study found that birds produce more heat through their blood cells during winter, challenging the common assumption that shivering and fluffing feathers are the primary methods for thermoregulation.

SourceLund University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 9, 2021

Development of source technology for the use of wearable devices without recharging

A South Korean research team has developed a high-efficiency flexible thermoelectric device capable of autonomously generating electricity from body heat. The device features a sponge-like configuration that enhances thermal insulation, allowing it to perform better than existing flexible thermoelectric devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 5, 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.

Heat conduction record with tantalum nitride

A research team from TU Wien has discovered a new form of tantalum nitride with exceptional thermal conductivity, surpassing that of diamond. The material's unique atomic structure suppresses interactions that inhibit heat conduction, making it highly promising for the chip industry.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 31, 2021

Uranium compound achieves record anomalous Nernst conductivity

A new research study has demonstrated that a magnetic uranium compound can have strong thermoelectric properties, generating up to four times the transverse voltage from heat as previous records. This discovery unlocks a new potential for the actinide elements and points to a fresh direction in research on topological quantum materials.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021

Reduced heat leakage improves wearable health device

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a flexible thermoelectric generator that converts body heat into electrical energy with improved efficiency. The device achieves significant reductions in heat leakage, resulting in higher output power density figures compared to previous versions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 8, 2021

Pay-off when solar cells can keep their cool

Lowering solar panel operating temperature by a few degrees can significantly increase electricity generation over lifetime, KAUST researchers show. They developed a metric to compare LCOE gains from reducing module temperature vs. improving efficiency, finding that cooling can achieve similar gains as PCE improvements.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·DateMar 7, 2021

Tunnels to become CO2-neutral energy suppliers

The Brenner base tunnel is being investigated for its geothermal potential, with researchers aiming to use drainage water for climate-friendly heating and cooling of houses. The project aims to develop a sustainable system that can be implemented in other existing tunnel structures.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.