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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.

Story tips: Modeling COVID, permafrost lost and taking the heat

ORNL's Amanzi-ATS model simulates groundwater flow in Arctic ecosystems, revealing the impact of thawing permafrost on stream temperatures. New cobalt and nickel superalloys remain crack-free and defect-resistant in extreme heat, enabling metal-based 3D printing applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalWater Resources Research·DateFeb 16, 2021

New wearable device turns the body into a battery

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder developed a low-cost wearable device that turns the human body into a biological battery. The device generates electricity by converting body heat into thermoelectric energy, making it a potential power source for wearable electronics.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 10, 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.

Efficiency limits of next-generation hybrid photovoltaic-thermal solar technology

Researchers have developed a framework to predict the performance of next-generation hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar collectors. The study reveals that the relative value of thermal energy to electricity significantly influences efficiency limits, optimal PV cell material, and spectral-splitting filter design.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 8, 2021

From waste heat to electrical power: A new generation of thermomagnetic generators

Scientists have developed a new generation of thermomagnetic generators that can convert waste heat into electrical power at small temperature differences. The devices, based on Heusler alloy films, increased electrical power per footprint by a factor of 3.4 and reached a maximum power of 50 microwatts per square centimeter.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJoule·DateFeb 3, 2021

Energy harvesting made possible with skin temperature

Researchers developed flexible thermoelectric devices that can generate electricity from human skin temperature, overcoming limitations of existing rigid devices. The new technology allows for mass production of wearable devices with high power generation performance, solving the power-source issue for battery-based sensor systems.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anthropogenic heat flux increases the frequency of extreme heat events

Research reveals a strong relationship between anthropogenic heat flux and extreme temperature events, including both heat and cold extremes. The study, conducted in Beijing, China, uses advanced modeling techniques to analyze the impact of urbanization on temperature records.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 11, 2021

Refined process enables high-strength thin glass

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a refined process for thermally tempering thin glass, removing limitations on strength. The new method uses a liquid coolant to create a thermal gradient, enabling the production of high-strength glasses without thickness restrictions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateJan 7, 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.

Cooling electronics efficiently with graphene-enhanced heat pipes

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed graphene-based heat pipes that can efficiently cool electronics and power systems. The new technology offers a significant energy efficiency contribution to data centres and other applications, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNano Select·DateDec 3, 2020

Research leads to better modeling of hypersonic flow

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a new way to model hypersonic flow, allowing for a better understanding of thermal protection systems and heat shields. The research uses quantum physics and machine learning to simulate the interactions between molecules and atoms in extreme environments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateDec 3, 2020

Game changer in thermoelectric materials could unlock body-heat powered personal devices

Researchers at the University of Wollongong have developed a new thermoelectric material with record-high conversion efficiency, improving heat-to-electricity conversion by over 60%. The discovery could enable the creation of body-heat powered personal devices, revolutionizing low-maintenance electronics and zero-carbon power generation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 28, 2020

Remote control of heat nanosources motion and thermal-induced fluid flows by using light forces

Scientists create technique to remotely manipulate heat sources and associated fluid flows using laser light. This enables new functionalities in optofluidics, such as selective delivery of nano-objects and analytes. The method also demonstrates programmable control over optical propulsion forces and fluid streams.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateNov 22, 2020

In a warming climate, can birds take the heat?

A study found that both temperate and tropical birds can tolerate high temperatures, with some species, such as doves and pigeons, exceeding heat limits, providing a buffer against climate warming. However, caution is needed as indirect effects on resources and forest structure may impact bird populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateNov 12, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Making a case for organic Rankine cycles in waste heat recovery

Research suggests that cascaded organic Rankine cycle systems can outperform single-stage systems in certain applications, but the trade-off between performance and cost is significant. The study's findings provide valuable insights into delivering environmentally-friendly power from waste heat.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEnergy·DateNov 11, 2020

NTU scientists develop energy-saving 'liquid window'

The NTU researchers developed a 'smart window' by placing hydrogel-based liquid within glass panels, reducing up to 45% of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning energy consumption. The 'liquid window' is also around 30% more energy efficient than commercially available low-emissivity glass.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJoule·DateNov 5, 2020
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.

Researchers discover a uniquely quantum effect in erasing information

The researchers found that even in ideal conditions, quantum superposition leads to rare events with higher heat dissipation than the Landauer limit, which challenges traditional understanding of information erasure. This finding has significant implications for future quantum chips and thermodynamics.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 16, 2020

Cement, salt and water: From Politecnico di Torino a new material toward green heat

Researchers at Politecnico di Torino have developed a new composite material that can store heat during the summer and release it during the winter using a low-cost technology. The innovative material combines cement, salt, and water to produce heat through hydration, offering an affordable solution to balance energy supply and demand.

SourcePolitecnico di Torino·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 8, 2020

Beat the heat: Novel passive cooling device for surfaces and enclosed spaces

A new passive radiative device, Janus emitter, absorbs heat from the inside of an enclosure and emits it on the outside, creating a sustainable way to keep temperatures low. The technology has potential applications in stationary vehicles, building interiors, and solar cells.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020
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.

Energy-harvesting plastics pass the acid test

A KAUST team engineered self-powered devices using a conducting polymer containing PEDOT:PSS chains, which exhibited improved thermoelectric behavior. The researchers discovered that polyethylenimine coating enhanced the device's lifetime and energy harvesting capabilities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 6, 2020

Blocking vibrations that remove heat could boost efficiency of next-gen solar cells

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee discovered a way to slow phonons, waves that transport heat, in photovoltaic materials. This discovery holds promise for improving novel hot-carrier solar cells, which convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently than conventional solar cells by harnessing...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 5, 2020

Texas A&M study: Marine heatwaves can strengthen hurricanes

A Texas A&M University study reveals that marine heatwaves can strengthen hurricanes by combining with extreme weather events. The research found that Hurricane Michael became a Category 5 storm due to the compounding effects of Tropical Storm Gordon and an atmospheric heatwave in the Gulf of Mexico.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 30, 2020

Mirror-like photovoltaics get more electricity out of heat

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that can reflect 99% of the energy it can't convert into electricity, allowing for more efficient use of waste heat from exhaust pipes and chimneys. This technology has the potential to make renewable energy storage cheaper by ten-fold compared to traditional battery-based systems.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2020
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.

Can pumping up cold water from deep within the ocean halt coral bleaching?

A new study suggests that pulses of cooler deep water can reduce heat stress responses in corals, potentially halting coral bleaching. The research found that even short intrusions of cooler deep water can mitigate thermal stress in corals, with the effect being stronger in simulations with water from deeper depths.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 16, 2020

Transistor-integrated cooling for a more powerful chip

Researchers at EPFL developed a novel microfluidic cooling technology that integrates electronics and cooling systems, enabling compact devices with improved heat management. This innovation aims to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact by eliminating large external heat sinks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2020

Our energy hunger is tethered to our economic past

Researchers found that current energy consumption is tied to unchangeable past economic production, which led to an increase in carbon emissions. The study suggests that improving efficiency may actually accelerate civilization growth and consumption, making it harder to reduce CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2020

New study takes aim at advanced types of non-addictive pain therapies

Researchers from Arizona State University have made significant progress in understanding TRPV1's thermosensing mechanism. The study provides a framework for distinguishing specific activation mechanisms that can be targeted to develop new non-addictive pain therapies.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020
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.

This 'Cold Tube' can beat the summer heat without relying on air conditioning

Researchers developed the Cold Tube, a system of rectangular panels that absorb heat radiation from a person's body, creating a cooling sensation. This technology can be used in outdoor spaces like summer fairs and public markets, reducing energy consumption by up to 50%.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2020

Photo and collage by Elle Starkman/PPPL Office of Communications

Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory discover a network of interacting waves that plays a key role in triggering edge localized modes (ELMs) in fusion facilities. The findings provide new insights into the ELMs process and may help tame potentially damaging processes.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateAug 17, 2020
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.

Researchers design efficient low-cost system for producing power at night

Researchers have designed an off-grid, low-cost modular energy source that can efficiently produce power at night. The rooftop radiative cooling system uses commercially available technology and can generate up to 2.2 Watts per square meter, enough to power sensors in security or environmental applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 13, 2020

Analyzing pros and cons of two composite manufacturing methods

Researchers at the University of Illinois compared two composite manufacturing methods, frontal polymerization and bulk polymerization. Frontal polymerization, a new out-of-autoclave method, offers several advantages, including reduced capital investment, faster curing times, and lower environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalComposites Science and Technology·DateAug 3, 2020

Thermal storage units that repair themselves

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg developed a method to incorporate paraffin wax into the shell of thermal storage tanks, reducing heat loss and promoting self-healing. The study's findings suggest a potential solution for storing renewable energy in the medium term.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2020
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.

A new idea on how Earth's outer shell first broke into tectonic plates

A new theory proposes that early Earth's lithosphere heated up and expanded, causing cracks that eventually divided the planet into plates. The model, developed by Dr. Alexander Webb and his team, suggests that volcanic heat loss led to thermal contraction, which in turn caused the outer shell to warm up and expand.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2020

Tulane scientists build high-performing hybrid solar energy converter

Researchers developed a hybrid solar energy converter that generates both electricity and thermal energy with high efficiency and low cost, enabling zero-net-energy development and greenhouse-gas-free operations. The system demonstrated 85.1% efficiency and is projected to have a system levelized cost of 3 cents per kilowatt hour.

SourceTulane University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 15, 2020

Russian scientists have discovered a new physical paradox

Researchers at Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University discovered a new physical effect where mechanical oscillations can be excited only due to internal thermal resources. This phenomenon, called ballistic resonance, grows in amplitude over time and can resolve the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou paradox.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJul 13, 2020
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.

How does Earth sustain its magnetic field?

The geodynamo generates Earth's magnetic field through the motion of liquid iron in the outer core. New research examines how lighter elements like silicon could drive this process, suggesting a concentration of 8 weight percent silicon is sufficient to sustain the geodynamo on heat transmission alone for the planet's entire history.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2020

Flexible material shows potential for use in fabrics to heat, cool

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a flexible material made of tiny carbon nanotubes that can heat or cool the wearer on demand. The material has a combination of thermal, electrical, and physical properties that make it an appealing candidate for next-generation smart fabrics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJul 2, 2020
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.

What has caused more extreme summer heat events over northeast Asia?

A recent study found that an anomalous anticyclone over Northeast Asia contributed nearly half to the magnitude of extreme heat events in 2018. The researchers also discovered that such anomalies have become more common and severe in recent decades.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 15, 2020

Discovery of long sought tiny explosions on the Sun

A team of scientists at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research has detected tiny flashes of radio light from all over the Sun, identified as evidence for small magnetic explosions. These discoveries could explain the long-standing coronal heating problem, with preliminary estimates suggesting that these tiny explosions collectively hav...

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 2, 2020
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.

Often and little, or rarely and to the full?

Scientists have discovered that more energy can be stored by charging less frequently, but right up to 100%. The study found that dividing the storage system into compartments increases energy storage. This discovery may revolutionize electric car battery technology and lead to significant increases in capacity.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review E·DateApr 20, 2020

New textile could keep you cool in the heat, warm in the cold

Researchers develop strong, comfortable fabric that adapts to changing weather conditions by absorbing and releasing thermal energy. The fabric, made from silk and chitosan with phase-changing polymer PEG, can be worn indoors or outdoors, reducing the need for air conditioning or heat.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 15, 2020

Water pressure: Ancient aquatic crocs evolved, enlarged to avoid freezing

A recent study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that ancient aquatic crocodiles evolved to enormous sizes due to water pressure. The minimum survivable size threshold for these aquatic species was found to be around 10 kilograms, and they surpassed their semi-aquatic and landlocked counterparts in average weight by a fa...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalEvolution·DateMar 30, 2020
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.

This wearable device camouflages its wearer no matter the weather

Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors, adapting to temperature changes in just a few minutes. The device uses phase-changing materials and thermoelectric alloys to insulate the wearer's body heat, keeping them comfortable.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 3, 2020

Electric solid propellant -- can it take the heat?

High-performance electric propellants have a higher enthalpy due to internal energy storage, which affects efficiency. The study predicts the material's conductivity and ionization at extreme temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer·DateFeb 13, 2020

Something from nothing: Using waste heat to power electronics

A University of Tsukuba-led research team created a thermocell with a material exhibiting temperature-induced phase transition, boosting output voltage from tens of millivolts to around 120 mV. This design enables efficient energy harvesting from waste heat to power small electronics sustainably.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2020
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.

A novel formulation to explain heat propagation

Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel formulation that describes how heat spreads within crystalline materials. This breakthrough will help engineers design next-generation electronic devices by explaining hydrodynamic phenomena, which are prevalent in materials like graphite and graphene.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 11, 2020