Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Discovery of white dwarf pulsar sheds light on star evolution

Scientists have discovered a rare type of white dwarf pulsar, shedding light on stellar evolution and the origin of strong magnetic fields. The newly detected pulsar, J1912-4410, has a size similar to Earth but a mass at least as large as the Sun.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 15, 2023

Plate tectonics not required for the emergence of life

Scientists have discovered that stagnant lid tectonics, not plate tectonics, existed on early Earth, releasing heat and forming continents. This finding contradicts previous assumptions about the role of mobile plate tectonics in life's emergence, suggesting an alternative mechanism was present.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2023

Researchers succeed in arranging nanoscale quantum sensors on desired targets

Scientists at the University of Tokyo develop a technique to create nano-sized quantum sensors on measurement targets, enabling high-resolution magnetic field imaging with applications in superconductors and electronic devices. The breakthrough uses boron vacancies or lattice defects in hexagonal boron nitride film, allowing for easy d...

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023
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.

A new magnetizable shape memory alloy with low energy loss, even at low temperatures

A research group from Tohoku University has made a breakthrough in developing a palladium-based metamagnetic shape memory alloy that exhibits low energy loss, even at low temperatures. The new alloy significantly reduces energy loss compared to existing materials, making it suitable for applications such as magnetic sensors and actuators.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 13, 2023

A potential new therapeutic approach for curing neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have discovered a potential therapeutic approach for curing neurodegenerative diseases using magnetic fields. In vitro trials showed that damaged motor neurons can be restored by exposure to magnetic fields, leading to axonal transport and regeneration of mitochondria.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalCells·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Parker Solar Probe flies into the fast solar wind and finds its source

The Parker Solar Probe has detected streams of high-energy particles that match supergranulation flows within coronal holes, suggesting these are the origins of the fast solar wind. The solar wind's charged particles were accelerated by magnetic reconnection within funnel structures on the sun's surface.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

New study identifies mechanism driving the sun’s fast wind

Researchers used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to explain how the solar wind surpasses speeds of 1 million miles per hour. The energy released from the magnetic field near the sun's surface drives the fast solar wind, comprising ionized particles flowing outward from the sun.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023

Swarming microrobots self-organize into diverse patterns

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to control the behavior of swarming microrobots by varying their size. By mixing different sizes of microrobots, they can self-organize into diverse patterns that can be manipulated when a magnetic field is applied. This technique may help inform future applications such as targ...

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2023
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.

Brain imaging is on the move with wearable scanning development

Researchers have developed a wearable brain scanner that can measure brain function in people who are standing and walking. This breakthrough could help diagnose conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, stroke, and concussion. The system uses small sensors to detect magnetic fields generated by cellular activity in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Ferromagnetic single-atom spin catalyst for boosting water splitting reactions

Researchers developed a scalable approach to synthesize ferromagnetic single-atom spin catalysts, which exhibit interatomic quantum spin exchange interaction and induce local magnetic moments. The Ni1/MoS2 SASC demonstrates a dramatic enhancement of OER magnetocurrent by 3,000% under a mild magnetic field.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023
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.

Scientists find first evidence for new superconducting state in Ising superconductor

Researchers have found a new superconducting state in an Ising superconductor, which can resist magnetic fields and has the potential to control devices such as transistors. The discovery, published in Nature, was made possible by creating a device that can switch between different protection modes using an electric field.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Astronomers observe the first radiation belt seen outside of our solar system

Researchers have imaged a double-lobed structure resembling Jupiter's radiation belts around an ultracool dwarf, revealing the presence of high-energy electrons trapped in its magnetic field. This discovery provides a new method for assessing the shapes of magnetic fields on brown dwarfs and exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2023

Researchers discover twisted fields around mysterious fast radio burst

Researchers have identified extreme field reversals around FRB 20190520B, a persistently active repeating Fast Radio Burst. This finding provides insights into the turbulent magnetized environment surrounding the cosmic explosion, which may be caused by signal passage through a companion's halo.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2023
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.

Signature of spin-triplet exciton condensations in LaCoO3 at ultrahigh magnetic fields up to 600 T

Scientists at the University of Electro-Communications successfully measured the effects of an ultra-high magnetic field on a transition metal oxide, discovering signs of a new magnetic superfluid state. This achievement has significant implications for spintronics technology and potential applications in quantum computing.

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2023

Neutron star’s X-rays reveal ‘photon metamorphosis’

A Cornell astrophysicist explains how the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) satellite detected polarized X-rays from a magnetar, revealing 'photon metamorphosis' – a transformation of X-ray photons. The phenomenon is a natural consequence of quantum electrodynamics under strong magnetic field conditions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2023

Quantum sensing in your pocket

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have demonstrated a new chip-scale approach using OLEDs to image magnetic fields, offering a potential solution for portable quantum sensing. This technique enables small, flexible, and mass-producible sensing without requiring input from a laser or cryogenic temperatures.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Effects of brain stimulation amenable to conditioning

Scientists used paired-pulse TMS to condition brain responses in a group of 75 people, finding that listening to a tone triggered muscle contraction in the thumb. The study suggests TMS could be used therapeutically to improve mobility in Parkinson's disease patients or treat depression.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023
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.

Wonder material graphene claims yet another superlative

Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered that graphene displays a remarkably strong response to magnetic fields, reaching above 100% in standard permanent magnets. This is a record magnetoresistivity among all known materials, attributed to the presence of Dirac fermions in high-mobility graphene.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2023

Ultrasmall swirling magnetic vortices detected in iron-containing material

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered ultrasmall swirling magnetic vortices, known as merons and skyrmions, in an iron-containing material. These tiny magnetic structures show promise for future computer memory storage and high-efficiency microelectronics due to their stability and adaptability to binary code.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 30, 2023
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.

Cooking up plasmas with microwaves

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created stable plasmas using microwaves, a key step towards harnessing nuclear fusion's massive energy potential. The team identified three crucial steps in plasma production and used Heliotron J to generate the dense plasmas.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProblems of Atomic Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023
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.

Metal ion plasma generation under strong magnetic field

Researchers discovered metal ion plasma generation under strong magnetic field using microwave resonator, maintaining plasma state for extended periods. This method has potential to reduce energy consumption and improve semiconductor manufacturing processes.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAIP Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

South Korea debuts first search for DFSZ axion dark matter

A South Korean research team has successfully searched for Dine-Fischler-Srednicki-Zhitnitskii (DFSZ) axion dark matter using a new experimental setup. The group achieved a higher sensitivity than existing experiments, excluding axion dark matter around 4.55 µeV at DFSZ sensitivity.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2023

NYUAD researcher and colleagues develop novel “smart pills” that improve the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

Researchers have developed a new system to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. The ingestible 'smart pill' tracks movement through the GI tract using magnetic fields, allowing for more accurate and efficient diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023

Ingestible sensor could help doctors pinpoint GI difficulties

Engineers at MIT and Caltech have developed an ingestible sensor that can track its location as it moves through the digestive tract, revealing where slowdowns in digestion may occur. The sensor uses a magnetic field produced by an electromagnetic coil outside the body to calculate its position.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023
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.

Physicists observe rare resonance in molecules for the first time

Researchers at MIT have observed a rare resonance in colliding ultracold molecules for the first time, shedding light on the forces that drive molecules to chemically react. The discovery could lead to new ways to steer and control certain chemical reactions using magnetic fields.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2023

ERC Consolidator Grant for Philip J. W. Moll

Philip J.W. Moll's ERC Consolidator Grant aims to engineer electronic interactions within a single material, exploring new paradigms for interfaces between two regions of different electronic behaviors, such as superconductivity and magnetism.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·DateJan 31, 2023

Study: Superconductivity switches on and off in “magic-angle” graphene

Researchers at MIT have discovered a way to switch graphene's superconductivity on and off with short electric pulses, opening up new possibilities for ultrafast brain-inspired electronics. This discovery could lead to energy-efficient superconducting transistors for neuromorphic devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 30, 2023

Volcano-like rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

A study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that a volcano-like rupture on the surface of a neutron star could have caused its sudden slowdown. The research used X-ray data from orbiting telescopes to analyze the magnetar's rotation and found evidence supporting this theory.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023
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.

Quantum sensors see Weyl photocurrents flow

A team of researchers led by Boston College Assistant Professor Brian Zhou developed a new quantum sensor technique to image and understand the origin of photocurrent flow in Weyl semimetals. They found that the electrical current flows in a four-fold vortex pattern around where light is shined on the material.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter compare notes at Venus

The BepiColombo and Solar Orbiter missions provided a unique insight into Venus' atmosphere retention through their gravity-assist flyby. The study revealed that the induced magnetosphere protects the atmosphere from solar wind erosion, extending to an unexpected distance of 1,900 km above the planet's surface.

SourceEuroplanet·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2023

Watch this person-shaped robot liquify and escape jail, all with the power of magnets

Engineers design miniature robots that can rapidly shift between liquid and solid states, with magnetic properties, to overcome traditional robot limitations. The new material is used to remove foreign objects, deliver drugs, and assemble parts in hard-to-reach spaces, opening up new possibilities for medical and engineering applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

Exotic water ice contributes to understanding of magnetic anomalies on Neptune and Uranus

Researchers used density functional theory to investigate the mechanical properties of superionic ice XVIII, which is thought to make up a large part of Neptune and Uranus. The study found that dislocations in the crystal lattice produce shear, leading to macroscopic deformations and potentially influencing the planets' magnetic fields.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2023
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.

Light shaped as a smoke ring behaves like a particle

Researchers report the discovery of photonic hopfions, a new family of 3D topological solitons with freely tunable textures and numbers. These structures exhibit robust topological protection, making them suitable for applications in optical communications, quantum technologies, and metrology.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJan 19, 2023

The mechanism of cosmic magnetic fields explored in the laboratory

Researchers create a hydrogen plasma with known temperature anisotropy, demonstrating the Weibel instability and its potential to seed galactic dynamo magnetic fields. The study uses a novel experimental platform to measure the complex topology of generated magnetic fields.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

When migrating birds go astray, disturbances in magnetic field may be partly to blame

Researchers found a strong correlation between birds captured outside their expected range and geomagnetic disturbances. The study suggests that birds rely on magnetoreceptors for navigation, which can be affected by solar activity and other factors. This knowledge can help scientists understand threats to birds and the ways they adapt.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2023

Research news alert: sudden spin-down event illuminates magnetar mystery

Researchers observed a sudden slowing of the star's angular momentum, followed by three Fast Radio Burst-like radio bursts and a month-long episode of pulsed radio emission. The synchronicity of these events suggests an association between magnetar spin-down glitches and radio emissions.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 12, 2023

QUIJOTE maps the structure of our galaxy’s magnetic field

The QUIJOTE experiment has provided detailed maps of the galaxy's microwave emission processes, characterizing synchrotron emission with unprecedented accuracy. The new data also enable the study of anomalous microwave emission and offer insights into dark matter decay processes.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 12, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

SwRI scientists find evidence for magnetic reconnection between Ganymede and Jupiter

Scientists from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) used data from NASA's Juno spacecraft to observe magnetic reconnection between Ganymede and Jupiter. The study found accelerated electrons traveling along the magnetic field at Ganymede's magnetopause, indicating the presence of reconnection.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2023

Scientists develop low-cost system to measure space weather without leaving the ground

Researchers created a magneto-impedance sensor magnetometer that measures Earth's geomagnetic field fluctuations, enabling real-time monitoring of space weather and advancement of space research. The device is lightweight, power-efficient, and low-cost, making it suitable for constructing multi-point observation networks.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Space Physics·DateDec 16, 2022

Traveling with friends helps even mixed-up migrators find their way

A computer model simulates virtual groups of migrating animals and finds that sticking together is key to finding a destination, even when the magnetic compass is unreliable. The model showed that more than 70% of animals made it home simply by joining with others and following their lead.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 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.

Long-range information transport in antiferromagnets

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a new class of materials for transporting spin waves over long distances in antiferromagnets. This breakthrough could significantly increase computing speed and reduce waste heat in microelectronic devices.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2022

Making sense of coercivity in magnetic materials with machine learning

Researchers developed a new approach to analyze coercivity in soft magnetic materials using machine learning and data science. The method condenses relevant information from microscopic images into a two-dimensional feature space, visualizing the energy landscape of magnetization reversal. This study showcases how materials informatics...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Only left inferior frontal gyrus found responsible for action naming

A study by HSE researchers found that only the left inferior frontal gyrus is critically involved in action naming, which could help preserve speech in patients after brain surgery. The study used fMRI and rTMS to stimulate the brain and found that stimulating this region led to more accurate action naming.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateNov 25, 2022

A possible game changer for next generation microelectronics

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered tiny magnetic vortices called skyrmions that could store data in computers, promising 100-1000 times better energy efficiency than current memory. The team used AI and a high-power electron microscope to visualize and study the behavior of these micro-scale magnetic structures.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 21, 2022
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.

PPPL awarded more than $12 million to speed development of a fusion pilot plant

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has received over $12 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to speed up the development of a pilot plant powered by fusion energy. This initiative aims to accelerate the production of clean and abundant electricity, a crucial step towards mitigating climate change.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateNov 15, 2022

Next generation material that adapts to its history

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new material that changes its electrical behavior based on previous experience, effectively giving it adaptive memory. The material responds differently to varying magnetic field strengths, which affects its conductivity and allows for bistability and rudimentary learning-like properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 15, 2022

Using quantum sensor technology to improve brain tumor operations

The DiaQNOS project aims to develop quantum sensors for improved brain tumor surgery. Magnetic field sensors will refine neuronavigation, enabling more precise incision paths. Researchers from Mainz University and partners will create a device suitable for use in surgery.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateNov 15, 2022

Seeing clearly into a new realm – researchers prototype a new generation of quantum microscopy

A team of researchers has developed a prototype of a quantum microscope that can see electric currents, detect fluctuating magnetic fields, and even see single molecules on a surface. The microscope uses atomic impurities and van der Waals materials to achieve high resolution sensitivity and simultaneous imaging of magnetic fields and ...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022
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.

Magnetized dead star likely has solid surface

A new study published in Science found that a highly magnetised dead star, known as a magnetar, is likely to have a solid surface with no atmosphere. The research team used data from the NASA satellite IXPE to observe the polarisation of X-ray light emitted by the star, which revealed a signature consistent with a solid crust.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2022

How magnetism could help explain Earth’s formation

Researchers analyzed fluid dynamics and electrically conducting fluids to conclude the Earth must have been magnetized before or as a result of its formation. This discovery could help narrow down theories on the Earth-Moon system, with implications for future research.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

Magnetic sensors track muscle length

MIT researchers have developed a magnet-based system to track muscle length during movement, which could improve the accuracy of prosthetic limb control. The system uses small magnets implanted in muscle and measures distances between them using a credit-card-sized sensor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 25, 2022