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Mastering a prickly problem in ferrofluids

A KAUST research team has developed a computational model of ferrofluid motion, overcoming limitations in previous models. The new model eliminates singularities in the magnetic field, allowing for more robust simulations and accurate predictions of ferrofluid behavior.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 15, 2019
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 2D magnet draws future devices closer

Researchers discovered a new metallic and air-stable 2D magnet in platinum diselenide (PtSe2), which can be manipulated by strategically placing defects across its surface. This breakthrough has the potential to enable ultra-thin metallic magnets for future spin-transfer torque magnetic random-access memory devices.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 17, 2019

Researchers develop new lens manufacturing technique

Scientists at Washington State University and Ohio State University have developed a novel method for creating custom lenses using magnetic liquid droplets. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for expensive metal molds, enabling mass production of high-quality lenses in various shapes and sizes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 20, 2019

Energy-free superfast computing invented by scientists using light pulses

Researchers at Lancaster University developed a method to record computer data using magnets and light pulses, reducing energy consumption. The new approach uses ultrashort pulses of light concentrated by special antennas on top of a magnet to switch the orientation of tiny magnets in magnetic hard-drives.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2019

Magnets can help AI get closer to the efficiency of the human brain

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a process to use magnetics with brain-like networks to program and teach devices to better generalize about different objects. The technology has the potential to improve object recognition tasks, enabling robots to distinguish between thousands of products in a store.

SourcePurdue University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 25, 2019
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.

New lens system for brighter, sharper diffraction images

The new focusing system overcomes the space charge effect, allowing for improved resolution and brighter diffraction data. The team's advanced design uses quadrupole magnets to tune the electron beam, enabling on-the-fly adjustments and optimal beam quality.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 25, 2019

Lasers make magnets behave like fluids

Scientists at CU Boulder discovered that zapped magnets exhibit fluid-like behavior, with spins changing orientation like waves in an ocean. This phenomenon occurs after a short laser pulse, leading to the formation of 'droplets' with consistent magnetic properties.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2019

Cleaning up oil using magnets

Functionalised iron oxide particles can attract hydrocarbons, including crude oil and petrol, allowing for easy removal by magnet. The process is environmentally-friendly and can be reused, reducing the impact of contamination on the environment.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 1, 2019
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.

A compass pointing west

At the level of nanoscopic structures made of magnetic layers, researchers at PSI have discovered a special magnetic interaction that enables the development of planar magnetic networks. These interactions allow for the creation of synthetic antiferromagnets and logical gates suitable for constructing computer memories and switches.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2019

Rapid magnetic 3D printing of human cells

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a method to create artificial tumours using magnetic 3D printing, enabling faster and more affordable testing of new treatments. The technique uses magnets to concentrate human cells in a predetermined area, forming 3D cell clusters that mimic human tissues.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalResearch·DateMar 23, 2019

'Particle robot' works as a cluster of simple units

Researchers developed particle robotics systems comprising disc-shaped units that can push and pull each other in coordinated movement. The cluster can gravitate toward light sources and transport objects, with particles able to add or subtract without impacting the group.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2019

'Terminator'-like liquid metal moves and stretches in 3D space (video)

Researchers created a magnetic liquid metal that can move and stretch both horizontally and vertically without being fully immersed in liquid. The material exhibits high conductivity, low melting point, and deformability, making it suitable for use in soft robotics and flexible electronics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 20, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Measuring differences in brain chemicals in people with mild memory problems

A pilot study by Johns Hopkins researchers found decreases in GABA and glutamate in people with mild cognitive impairment compared to healthy individuals. The study used strong magnets to measure multiple brain metabolites simultaneously, potentially revealing the earliest changes in brain chemistry associated with dementia.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateMar 19, 2019

Speeding the development of fusion power to create unlimited energy on Earth

Physicist Jon Menard's study examines the potential of compact tokamaks with high-temperature superconducting magnets to produce fusion reactions. The findings suggest that lower aspect ratios could improve plasma stability and confinement, but also require new techniques to produce initial plasma current.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateMar 19, 2019

A quantum magnet with a topological twist

Researchers at Princeton University observed exotic electronic properties in kagome magnets, including negative magnetism and flat-band electrons. The study used state-of-the-art scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to explore the behavior of electrons in a kagome-patterned crystal.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 22, 2019

Topological defects could be key to future nano-electronics

Emerging research on topological structures and their potential applications in nanotechnology and nanoelectronics is reviewed in Nature Materials. Topological defects, such as domain walls, can exhibit intrinsic properties and significantly affect material properties.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 22, 2019
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.

Scientists discover new type of magnet

Researchers at New York University have discovered a new type of magnet that exhibits unique properties, including sudden transitions and strong coupling with electric currents. This discovery has the potential to enhance data storage technologies and improve performance bottlenecks.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

Pressure tuned magnetism paves the way for novel electronic devices

A team of researchers has found a surprising link between emergent magnetism and mechanical pressure in artificially engineered non-magnetic oxide heterostructures. The study reveals that the strength of magnetism can be controlled by applying pressure to the material, opening new routes for developing novel spintronic devices.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 17, 2018

Half moons and pinch points: Same physics, different energy

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have developed a unified theory explaining the formation of pinch points and half moons in frustrated magnets. The theory reveals that these patterns arise from the same underlying physics, with pinch points representing equilibrium and half moons signifying violation of local conservation laws.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateNov 11, 2018

Freshwater turtles navigate using the sun

A recent study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that freshwater turtle hatchlings use the sun as their primary navigational cue. When released into a circular field arena with simulated daylight six hours earlier than usual, the turtles shifted their course by approximately 90 degrees.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateNov 9, 2018

A faster, cheaper path to fusion energy

Scientists are working on a new, powerful magnet design using high-temperature superconductors to build the world's first energy-producing fusion experiment. The goal is to achieve a net energy gain by 2025 and make fusion a viable source of clean energy.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 5, 2018
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.

Flexy, flat and functional magnets

Researchers have discovered a new class of 2D magnetic materials with promising applications in electronics. These ultra-thin layers exhibit unique properties, such as ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, and magnetism control, which can be manipulated electrically or optically.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Scientists discover first high-temperature single-molecule magnet

Researchers at University of Sussex create breakthrough SMM with blocking temperature above 77 K, overcoming liquid helium temperature barrier. The discovery paves the way for advancements in molecular information storage materials and potentially increases hard disk storage capacity.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

Molecular memory can be used to increase the memory capacity of hard disks

Scientists have created a single-molecule magnet that retains its memory properties above -196°C, paving the way for higher-capacity hard disks. The breakthrough, led by University of Jyväskylä researchers, uses liquid nitrogen instead of liquid helium, making it more affordable and accessible.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2018

A new path to solving a longstanding fusion challenge

A new compact fusion reactor design using high-temperature superconducting magnets can effectively shed excess heat, a longstanding challenge in fusion power plants. This approach makes it possible to open the device's internal chamber and replace critical components.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFusion Engineering and Design·DateOct 9, 2018

Critical Materials Institute takes major step toward printed anisotropic magnets

The Critical Materials Institute has made a breakthrough in printing aligned anisotropic magnets using additive manufacturing. By applying magnetic alignment, researchers were able to improve the magnetic performance of the magnets without using more critical rare earth materials.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateOct 2, 2018
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.

Keep cool: Researchers develop magnetic cooling cycle

Scientists create six-step cycle that uses magnetic materials to cool down, reducing greenhouse impact of traditional refrigerants. The technology could be more efficient than vapor compression and has potential for widespread use.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 17, 2018

Device harvests energy from low-frequency vibrations

Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, producing enough power to run a personal health monitoring system. The device is more efficient than standard electromagnetic harvesters and can sustain high strains without cracking.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 30, 2018
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.

'Smart' machine components alert users to damage and wear

Researchers at UConn and UTRC developed 'smart' machine components that alert users to damage and wear using advanced additive manufacturing technology. The components use semisolid metal ink to create conductive silver filament lines that act as wear sensors, detecting damage in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateJul 30, 2018

In a Weyl thermopile

Physicists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a new method to generate electricity in special materials called Weyl magnets, exploiting temperature gradients. This could lead to the creation of low-power, low-maintenance electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 30, 2018

A step closer to single-atom data storage

EPFL researchers use Scanning Tunneling Microscopy to demonstrate the stability of a holmium single-atom magnet in extreme conditions. They achieve record-breaking coercivity and show that these atoms can withstand high temperatures without demagnetizing.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 11, 2018

Engineer creates new design for ultra-thin capacitive sensors

A new capacitive sensor design created by Binghamton University professor Ron Miles allows for efficient sound sensing in devices without significant electrostatic forces. The flexible sensor can move with small air movements, addressing issues with existing sensors and expanding possibilities for applications.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateJun 26, 2018
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.

Magnetic 3D-printed structures crawl, roll, and jump

Researchers develop magnetically activated soft robots with controlled movements, enabling remote control in enclosed spaces. The new technique uses a new type of 3D-printable ink infused with magnetic particles, allowing for fast, forceful, and body-benign movement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Strain directs spin waves

Spin waves transmitted through a magnetic insulator film have the advantage that energy loss is small and long-distance transmission is possible. By studying the influence of stress magnitude on spin waves, researchers found that large stress can transmit spin waves even with weak permanent magnets attached.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateMay 23, 2018

Atomically thin magnetic device could lead to new memory technologies

Scientists have created an atomically thin magnetic device that can store data at a greater density and with improved energy efficiency. The breakthrough could revolutionize cloud computing and consumer electronics by enabling multi-bit information storage and reducing operation energy.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateMay 3, 2018

Writing and deleting magnets with lasers

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed a method to create and erase magnetic areas in an alloy using lasers, transforming its magnetic behavior. The process involves heating the alloy with ultra-short laser pulses, allowing it to form a magnet.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 18, 2018
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.

Creating a 2-D platinum magnet

Researchers have induced magnetism in platinum with an electric field created by a paramagnetic ionic liquid, creating a switchable 2D ferromagnet. This breakthrough could lead to the development of devices that can simultaneously control charge and spin.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 6, 2018

Breakthrough made in atomically thin magnets

Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in controlling atomically thin magnets using an electric field, opening the door to more powerful and efficient data storage. This technology has the potential to replace current methods that consume electrical power and create heat.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 4, 2018

NSF 'supermagnet' laboratory receives $184 million renewal

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has received a $184 million funding renewal from NSF over five years. The lab provides access to powerful instruments, including the world's strongest magnets, enabling scientists to advance fundamental science and applied research.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 2, 2018

Riding the (quantum magnetic) wave

Scientists have successfully converted quantum waves into electrical current using an organic-based magnet, paving the way for faster and more efficient electronics. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at the University of Utah, could lead to new generations of electronic systems that use magnons instead of electrons.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 12, 2018

Scientists realize breakthrough in controlling the transmission of light

Researchers at ASRC have developed a new light wave-isolation method that ensures highly efficient broad bandwidth isolation without using external magnetic fields or devices. This breakthrough has potential uses in consumer communication systems, laser devices, automotive technology, and more.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 8, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Virtual reality goes magnetic

An international research team created an ultrathin electronic magnetic sensor that can be worn on skin, enabling a touchless manipulation of virtual and physical objects. The device uses magnetic fields to detect body motion and translate it into the virtual world.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 19, 2018

Monopole current offers way to control magnets

Researchers from RIKEN in Japan have discovered a new method to control magnets by manipulating the properties of virtual monopoles. By applying a magnetic field, they can control the behavior of north and south poles in frustrated magnets, leading to a dissipationless current.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 1, 2017
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.

Monopole current offers way to control magnets

Researchers from RIKEN discovered a way to control the properties of north and south poles in frustrated magnets using monopole currents. The system's conductivity can be controlled by applying magnetic fields, enabling efficient magnetism control with minimal energy loss.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 13, 2017

Molecular magnetism packs power with 'messenger electron'

Researchers have created a molecule that harnesses the power of unpaired electrons to create permanent magnetism. The 'messenger electron' plays a crucial role in controlling the spins of these electrons, resulting in added strength and durability.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateNov 13, 2017

'Perfectly frustrated' metal provides possible path to superconductivity

Researchers at Ames Laboratory have discovered a metallic material, CaCo1.86As2, with a perfectly frustrated magnetic state that persists even at low temperatures. This finding offers a new pathway for studying frustrated magnets and their potential applications in quantum computing and high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 9, 2017

Magnetic cellular 'Legos' for the regenerative medicine of the future

Scientists successfully aggregate cells using only magnets without an external matrix, forming a deformable tissue that can be stretched or compressed at will. This breakthrough approach could revolutionize regenerative medicine by providing a powerful tool for biophysical studies and tissue engineering.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2017

Physicists find strange state of matter in superconducting crystal

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found a unique state of matter in CeRhIn5, a superconducting crystal, where electrons unite to flow in the same direction. This 'electronic nematicity' state is a rare phenomenon between liquid and crystal, and its relationship with superconductivity is still being explored.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

A pair of medical magnets shows promise as a new tool for creating an anastomosis

A new device using magnetic compression has been shown to be safe and easy for surgeons to use, offering a faster alternative to traditional suturing or stapling methods. The device was tested in a proof-of-concept clinical trial involving patients with complicated surgical reconstructions.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 23, 2017

Scientists discover new magnet with nearly massless charge carriers

Researchers at Louisiana State University and Tulane University have observed topological behavior in a magnet, Sr1-yMn1-zSb2, which displays nearly massless electronic charge carriers. This discovery holds promise for novel device concepts with reduced power consumption and heat production.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 28, 2017

Reality check for 'wonder material'

Researchers investigated the surface states and bulk material of topological insulators, finding that a considerable part of charge transport occurred in the bulk phase, not just at the surface. The imperfect crystal structure was found to be the reason for this, with freely moving electrons generating electric current in the bulk.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 27, 2017
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.