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Tiny magnets could hold the secret to new quantum computers

Scientists have achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which can host magnons and exchange energy and information. This achievement may be useful for creating new quantum information technology devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2022

Engineers develop a ‘magnetic tentacle robot’ to pass into the narrow tubes of the lung

A team of engineers and scientists has developed a proof-of-concept for a magnetic tentacle robot that can navigate the narrow tubes of the lung, enabling doctors to take tissue samples or deliver cancer therapy. The device measures just 2 millimeters in diameter and uses an autonomous magnetic guidance system to guide it into place.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeCase study·DateMar 21, 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.

Spintronics: Innovative crystals for future computer electronics

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have grown crystals with rare-earth atoms that exhibit surprising fast magnetic properties. The team found that the strength of these reactions can be adjusted by choosing different atoms, opening up possibilities for optimizing spintronics components.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Touch sensitive brain cells controlled by micromagnets

Researchers at UCL have created a technique called magnetomechanical stimulation that uses microscopic magnetic particles to control touch-sensitive brain glial cells. This allows for precise and remote activation of astrocytes, providing a new tool for understanding their function and potential treatment of neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Evidence for exotic magnetic phase of matter

Researchers discovered a novel type of magnet, the antiferromagnetic excitonic insulator, which involves strong magnetic attraction between electrons in a layered material. The new state emerges when electrons form bound pairs with holes and trigger an antiferromagnetic alignment of adjacent electron spins.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Strong magnets put new twist on phonons

Rice University scientists discovered that strong magnetic fields can manipulate the material's optical phonon mode, a phenomenon previously unseen. The effects were much stronger than expected by theory, revealing a new way of controlling phonons.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Success in efficient fabrication of high-performance neodymium magnets using machine learning

Researchers at NIMS successfully fabricated high-performance neodymium magnets using machine learning, optimizing processing conditions with limited experimental data. By leveraging active learning and Bayesian optimization, they were able to achieve better magnetic properties than conventional sintered magnets.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2022

Harvard-led researchers document the presence of quantum spin liquids, a never-before-seen state of matter

Researchers at Harvard have successfully observed quantum spin liquids, a previously unseen state of matter that has been elusive for nearly 50 years. By manipulating ultracold atoms in a programmable quantum simulator, the team was able to create and study this exotic state, which holds promise for advancing quantum technologies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Researchers at TAU decipher critical features of a protein behind ALS

Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have shed light on the Sigma-1 receptor's topology and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals that the receptor is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and its amino end faces the cytoplasm, providing a crucial mechanism for therapeutic approaches to alleviate suffering from ALS.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2021
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.

A new topological magnet with colossal angular magnetoresistance

Researchers discovered a new topological magnet that can induce a billion-fold change in resistance by rotating the magnetic field angle. This phenomenon, called colossal angular magnetoresistance, enables efficient detection of electronic spin states and opens up new opportunities for spin-electronic applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Shape-morphing microrobots deliver drugs to cancer cells (video)

Researchers have developed fish-shaped microrobots that can guide themselves to cancer cells using magnets, where a pH change opens their mouths to release chemotherapy. The microrobots demonstrate promising capabilities for targeted cancer treatment, but need further improvements in size and tracking methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 17, 2021

Waste of space

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets, allowing for gentler maneuvering and potential repair of malfunctioning objects. The technology has the potential to help clear space junk from Earth's orbit and extend the life of satellites.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

Magnetic material 3D-printed from nonmagnetic powder

Researchers at Skoltech and their colleagues have successfully created a magnetic material by 3D printing a gradient alloy from nonmagnetic powders. The resulting alloy exhibits ferromagnetic properties, opening up potential applications in machine engineering, such as electrical motors.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Processing Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Children’s ingestion of tiny magnets, button batteries increased significantly during pandemic, new research shows

A recent study has found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in cases of children ingesting small magnets and button batteries, which can cause serious harm or even death. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that emergency departments saw a higher proportion of battery and magnet ingestions during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 8, 2021

Story tips: Carbon goes to space, cybersecurity put to the test, fusion’s power trip, cost-cutting controls and fungal infusion

Researchers have developed a novel process to manufacture extreme heat-resistant carbon-carbon composites, which will be tested on a U.S. Navy rocket launching with NASA this fall. Additionally, they created a technology that more realistically emulates user activities to improve cyber testbeds and prevent cyberattacks.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Magnets could offer better control of prosthetic limbs

Magnetomicrometry offers a new approach to controlling prosthetic limbs by measuring muscle length and speed, providing more precise control than existing methods. The technology involves inserting small magnetic beads into muscle tissue, which can be precisely measured within milliseconds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateAug 18, 2021
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.

Free electron laser insight: laser-beam interaction in a dipole magnet

Researchers have directly measured the interaction between an ultraviolet laser and a relativistic electron beam in a dipole magnet. The study shows that energy modulation of the electron beam can be effectively tailored, leading to precise bends in the pathway and improved FEL pulse properties.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2021

The movement of small water droplets is controlled by means of a magnet

Scientists have developed a paramagnetic ring that encapsulates water droplets under a magnetic field, enabling precise manipulation. The ring, made of an oil-based ferrofluid, forms spontaneously around the droplet and can be moved remotely by changing the magnetic field.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

Main attraction: Scientists create world's thinnest magnet

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed an ultrathin magnet that operates at room temperature, enabling high-density, compact spintronic memory devices and new tools for studying quantum physics. The discovery makes a significant breakthrough in creating 2D magnetic materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 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.

Researchers identify ultrastable single atom magnet

Researchers at Ewha Womans University have created ultra-stable single-atom magnets that can maintain their magnetic state over days. Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, the team achieved atomic-scale control of magnetic fields within quantum architectures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2021

Novel magnet design with magic mirror-like properties

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new magnet design that changes brightness based on viewing angle, utilizing chiral organic molecules in layered crystal structures. The material exhibits magic mirror characteristics and can be switched by low magnetic fields.

SourceTohoku University·DateJun 11, 2021

Water droplets become hydrobots by adding magnetic beads

Scientists create hydrobot, a small water droplet manipulated by magnetic beads, for various applications. Hydrobot can move with precision and even stop at random, making it suitable for dust collection and surface cleaning.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJun 3, 2021

Shining light on two-dimensional magnets

A team of researchers has successfully controlled the magnetic state of two-dimensional van der Waals magnets using light, enabling efficient data storage and fast data processing. By inducing 'magnetic anisotropy' with ultrashort pulses of light, the scientists can manipulate the material's magnetic properties on demand.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 2, 2021

Chirality memory effect of ferromagnetic domain walls

The study investigates chirality in magnetic structures, revealing a memory effect for helicity after phase transition to achiral state. Coauthors describe the importance of chirality in defects and dislocations.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 20, 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.

Researchers develop magnetic thin film for spin-thermoelectric energy conversion

A new class of magnetic materials has been introduced for spin caloritronics, paving the way for versatile recycling of ubiquitous waste heat. The developed molecule-based magnet exhibits low thermal conductivity and efficient magnon excitations, making it an attractive alternative for energy harvesting from waste heat.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021

Fivefold rise in young children swallowing magnets over past 5 years in UK

A recent study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found a significant rise in young children swallowing magnets over the past 5 years in the UK. Nearly half of these cases required surgery for retrieval, highlighting the dangers of small, powerful magnets, especially those intended for toys.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateMay 11, 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles pull valuable elements from water sources

The patented technology uses magnetic nanoparticles to capture lithium and other critical materials from brines, offering a more efficient and cost-effective process. This innovation has the potential to reduce energy consumption and create new domestic supply chains for these essential elements.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMay 10, 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.

New pulsed magnet reveals a new state of matter in Kondo insulator

Researchers have discovered an exotic new state of matter in the Kondo insulator ytterbium dodecaboride, which exhibits properties of both metals and insulators. The study used a newly developed 75-tesla duplex magnet to suppress insulating properties and measure quantum oscillations.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 19, 2021

Water and quantum magnets share critical physics

Physicists discovered a discontinuous phase transition in a quantum magnet, mirroring the behavior of water, allowing for precise control over its quantum properties. The study reveals critical-point physics, which is essential for understanding topological phases and protected qubits in these materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateApr 14, 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.

Calls to poison centers about high-powered magnets increased by 444% after ban lifted

A recent study found a significant increase in high-powered magnet-related injuries in children after the ban was lifted, with cases increasing by 355% and hospitalizations rising by 39%. The study calls for stricter regulations on these products to protect children and emphasizes the importance of keeping them out of reach of young ones

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 15, 2021

Scientists induce artificial 'magnetic texture' in graphene

Researchers induced artificial magnetic texture in nonmagnetic graphene by pairing it with a magnet, overcoming a long-standing obstacle in the field of spintronics. The findings have potential to revolutionize electronics and enable more powerful semiconductors, quantum computers, and other devices.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 25, 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.

Scientists manipulate magnets at the atomic scale

Researchers successfully manipulated magnets at the atomic level using ultrashort laser pulse excitation, reducing magnetic switching time by 1000 times. This breakthrough enables novel means to control magnetism, essential for efficient data processing technologies.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 12, 2021

Scientists suggested using non-symmetrical magnets for target drug delivery

Researchers developed more efficient magnets to control magnetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. Non-symmetrical magnet combinations showed almost ten times stronger magnetic force than regular cylindrical magnets, which could potentially apply to humans too.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateFeb 9, 2021
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.

Keeping the costs of superconducting magnets down using ultrasound

A team of scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a cost-effective method to enhance the properties of magnesium diboride superconductors using ultrasonication. This approach resulted in a higher critical current density, making bulk MgB2 more accessible and simpler to fabricate.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·DateJan 14, 2021

Novel public-private partnership facilitates development of fusion energy

Researchers at PPPL and Commonwealth Fusion Systems successfully simulated particle confinement in the SPARC tokamak device, crucial for achieving commercial fusion energy. The study predicts well-confined alpha particles will minimize damage to the facility, paving the way for plasma self-heating and improved techniques for control.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Plasma Physics·DateDec 30, 2020

Researchers develop new way to break reciprocity law

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new way to break the reciprocity law by changing material properties periodically. This breakthrough could lead to efficient nonreciprocal devices, such as compact isolators and circulators, for next-generation communication systems.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 23, 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.

Magnetic vortices come full circle

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute report the discovery of three-dimensional magnetic 'vortex rings' within a tiny pillar made of gadolinium cobalt. These structures, consisting of doughnut-shaped vortices, provide fundamental insight into intricate nanoscale structures inside bulk magnets.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 30, 2020

Magnet swallowing by children after changes in federal regulations

Researchers found a significant increase in emergency department visits for children who swallowed small high-powered magnets after changes in federal regulations. The study suggests that the rise in magnet-related injuries may be attributed to the new rules, which have allowed for the sale of these magnets without safety restrictions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 24, 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.

Scientists develop a magnetic switch with lower energy consumption

Researchers have created a magnetic switch that requires less energy to alter its orientation, a potential breakthrough in storing data in personal electronics. The new technology uses voltage instead of current to reorient magnetic materials, resulting in significant energy savings.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2020

Electrified magnets: researchers uncover a new way to handle data

Physicists at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and Central South University found a way to enhance magnetism's response to electrical fields by stacking magnetic layers. This mechanism can be precisely controlled, allowing for efficient electrical control of magnetic signals.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2020

Scientists design magnets with outstanding properties

Scientists have discovered a new way to design magnets with high operating temperatures, large coercivity, and low density. The novel lightweight magnets could complement or compete with traditional inorganic magnets in various applications.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2020

A new candidate material for quantum spin liquids

Scientists have successfully produced and studied a quantum spin liquid (QSL) in a new material called EDT-BCO. The QSL emerges due to the unique structure of the material, which includes triangularly organized dimers and sublattice of carboxylate anions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2020

Towards next-generation molecule-based magnets

Researchers have developed a lightweight molecule-based magnet with unprecedented magnetic properties, exhibiting a 'memory effect' at elevated temperatures. The compound contains abundant metal chromium and inexpensive organic molecules, making it a promising alternative to current inorganic commercial magnets.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 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.

High-speed photos shine a light on how metals fail

High-speed cameras reveal intricate behavior of metal alloy samples under extreme stretching. Researchers discovered that a well-established magnetism model can accurately predict material deformation, offering new insights into the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

New shortcut enables faster creation of spin pattern in magnet

Researchers have discovered a new approach to create a spin pattern in a magnet, enabling faster creation of skyrmions. This discovery offers an additional method for more efficient magnetic data storage, with potential applications in cloud data centers.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 5, 2020
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.

Extra stability for magnetic knots

Researchers at Kiel University found that neglected magnetic interactions play a key role in stabilizing skyrmions, increasing their lifetime and opening up new material systems. The discovery could enhance the stability of skyrmions, enabling their use in future electronic devices and data storage concepts.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2020