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Subsonic or supersonic?

Researchers propose a new analytical approach to determine the limiting velocity of an avalanche crack, revealing that it may propagate at supersonic speeds in certain situations. The findings reconcile conflicting interpretations and provide insights into designing structures impacted by snow masses.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalMatter·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2026

Cut it with a twist: Cutting changes kirigami material mechanics

Kirigami researchers create twisty structures for flexible robotic components and soft actuators, exploiting geometrical design to enable rotation under stretching. The unique mechanical properties of these kirigami materials offer new potential applications in robotics and engineering.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2026
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.

Light responsive hydrogels enable fast and precise control of soft materials

Researchers at Tampere University have developed light responsive hydrogel thin films that enable programmable surfaces with high sensitivity, rapid response, precise spatial control and reversibility. The technology opens new possibilities for tunable devices in photonics, sensing and biomedicine.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Millisecond electric pulse makes titanium stronger and tougher

Researchers from Kumamoto University and partners discovered a method to enhance titanium alloys using high-density pulsed electric current, achieving improved strength and toughness. The technique harnesses an electron wind force to reorganize the internal crystal structure, producing nanoscale martensitic phases that disperse stress ...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

How supercomputing reveals early red blood cell damage

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study how red blood cells deform under stress, shedding light on hemolysis risks in blood pump conditions. The study offers new insights that could lead to safer and more effective blood pump designs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2026

Machine learning designs cheaper and rust-proof steel for 3D printing

A new class of ultra-high strength and ductility steel has been created using machine learning, achieving a rare balance of extreme strength and ductility. The resulting metal resists corrosion and degrades slowly in salt-water tests.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 2, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coffee waste transformed into high-performance, biodegradable insulation material

Researchers developed a biodegradable composite made from spent coffee grounds and natural polymer, offering strong thermal insulation while being environmentally sustainable. The new material has a thermal conductivity comparable to commercial expanded polystyrene and is fully derived from renewable resources.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Crushing soda cans and the mathematics of corrugation formation

Scientists at the University of Manchester discovered a rare mathematical process underlying the formation of corrugations in soda cans. The sequence of buckles follows homoclinic snaking, a phenomenon where bumps or ripples appear one by one in a precise order.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCommunications Physics·DateApr 1, 2026

Thorny issue plaguing lithium-ion batteries laid bare in new study

Researchers directly measured lithium dendrites' mechanical strength, finding they exhibit unexpectedly high strength and brittle behavior under stress. The study provides insights into how dendrites respond to physical stresses within a battery cell, shedding light on the challenge of scale and access that hindered previous research.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026
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.

Cool satellites and flexible electronics

Researchers at Empa's Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures laboratory are working to improve the insulation material used in satellites and space probes. They have developed a new intermediate layer that makes the material more elastic and resistant to cracks and flaking, enabling better superinsulation for future satellites.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2025

Built to heal, born to vanish: the promise of iron-manganese alloys in bone healing

Researchers have identified iron-manganese alloys as promising candidates for temporary bone fixation. These alloys combine strength, biocompatibility, and degradation properties, allowing them to support bone healing while degrading naturally. However, challenges remain, including controlling the release of manganese, which can pose t...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 5, 2025
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.

Could a fungus provide a blueprint for next-gen hydrogels?

Researchers have found a fungus, Marquandomyces marquandii, that can grow into hydrogels with unique structural properties, such as high water absorption and elasticity. These properties make it a potential candidate for biomedical uses like tissue regeneration and flexible wearable devices.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJOM·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2025

Topology reveals the hidden rules of amorphous materials — Softness arises from hierarchical structures

A research team has discovered the structural origins of mechanical softness in amorphous materials like glass, attributing it to hierarchical ring structures that coexist with medium-range order and local disorder. This finding will accelerate the design of flexible and strong amorphous solids.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2025
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.

Solved: 90-year-old mystery in quantum physics

Researchers at the University of Vermont found an exact solution to a model that behaves as a damped quantum harmonic oscillator. This discovery has significant implications for ultra-precision sensor technologies and the measurement of quantum distances.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2025

Achieving both high strength and good corrosion resistance in a eutectic high-entropy alloy for marine application by utilizing multistage precipitation Ultra-Strong, Corrosion-Resistant Marine Alloy via Nano-Precipitation Engineering

Researchers developed a novel FeCrVNiAl eutectic high-entropy alloy that exhibits remarkable combination of mechanical strength and high corrosion resistance for marine environments. The alloy integrates hierarchical nanoscale precipitates of B2 (NiAl) and L2 (Fe2CrV) phases within its matrix, which are precisely controlled through sol...

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·DateAug 13, 2025

Patterns of patterns: Exploring supermoiré engineering

Twisted trilayer graphene creates a pattern that changes the material's properties and can turn it into a superconductor. Researchers used a microscope to probe the properties of supermoiré patterns, revealing new states of matter with precisely controllable properties.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2025
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.

Materials can remember a sequence of events in an unexpected way

Researchers found that some materials can store and recall sequences under specific conditions, defying mathematical predictions. This phenomenon relies on 'frustrated' hysterons, which are key to forming and recovering a sequence with asymmetric driving.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 29, 2025

NTU Singapore scientists develop 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon dioxide

Researchers have developed a 3D concrete printing system that captures and stores carbon dioxide, offering a promising alternative to traditional cement-based construction methods. The innovation improves printability, increases strength, and enhances mechanical properties, resulting in stronger and more eco-friendly buildings.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCarbon Capture Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Research shows feasting fungi could revolutionize carbon-fiber recycling

Researchers have developed a biotechnological process to break down and remove the matrix from carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), recovering valuable chemicals. Genetically modified fungi feed on benzoic acid produced during breakdown, yielding the compound OTA with potential medical applications.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 10, 2024

New facility for evaluating hydrogen-compatible materials now complete

The new facility enables the evaluation of materials under low-temperature hydrogen environments, critical for reducing production and operating costs. The facility will support the development of cost-effective hydrogen supply chains by validating material properties across a broader temperature range.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024
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.

Enhancing compatibility and biodegradability of PLA/biomass composites via forest residue torrefaction

Researchers developed a method to enhance compatibility and biodegradability of PLA/biomass composites through forest residue torrefaction. The composite showed improved tensile strength without compromising biodegradability, making it a more sustainable option for disposable products.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024

Sustainable hydrophobic cellulose could soon be a reality!

Researchers developed a sustainable, high-performance material suitable for packaging and biomedical devices by exploiting the mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibres. Adding small peptides improves their mechanical performance and water-resistance.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024

Advanced printing crafts precision scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Researchers developed core-shell microfibrous scaffolds that excel in rotator cuff repair, restoring natural morphology and mechanical properties. The acellular, in situ tissue engineering technology harnesses stem cell regenerative abilities to provide robust biological regeneration without cell seeding.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 24, 2024

New concept explains how tiny particles navigate water layers – with implications for marine conservation

Researchers have unveiled insights into how microscopic organisms such as marine plankton move through water with different density layers. The study reveals two types of microscopic swimmers that navigate density gradients differently, with pullers moving parallel to the gradient and pushers swimming perpendicular.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2024

Understanding why carbon nanotube bundles become mechanically weak when twisted

Researchers discovered that twisting carbon nanotube bundles creates long, curved disclination lines, decreasing their mechanical strength. The study sheds light on the correlation between microscopic internal changes and material properties, paving the way for potential solutions to realize high-performance CNT yarns.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024
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.

Researchers create new class of materials called ‘glassy gels’

Glassy gels are a new class of materials that combine the properties of glassy polymers and gels, with unique characteristics including high elasticity and adhesive surfaces. The materials were created by mixing liquid precursors with an ionic liquid, resulting in a hard yet stretchable material.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Wearable devices get signal boost from innovative material

Researchers at Rice University developed a new material that mimics skin elasticity and motion types while preserving signal strength in electronics. The material, made by embedding ceramic nanoparticles into an elastic polymer, stabilizes radio-frequency communication and minimizes energy loss.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2024

What fire ants can teach us about making better, self-healing materials

A Binghamton University professor investigates the adaptive response of fire ant rafts to mechanical load, discovering that they exhibit catch bond behavior under force, which enhances cohesion for survival. This phenomenon is being explored to develop artificial materials with autonomous self-strengthening properties.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

In-situ alloying of NiTiNb shape memory alloys by additive manufacturing

Scientists at Shandong University have created a novel approach to fabricate high-performance NiTiNb shape memory alloys using laser powder bed fusion. The in-situ alloying process yields good mechanical and functional properties, surpassing conventional casting methods. By integrating material synthesis and structure forming, research...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 16, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How to make the chips produced in the cutting process useful?

Researchers from Tsinghua University propose a novel process to convert cutting chips into unique microstructures, transforming waste into valuable materials. The finding has potential applications in enhanced heat transfer, anti-icing, and antibacterial properties.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 26, 2024

Generative model unveils secrets of material disorder

Scientists at National University of Singapore developed a hybrid generative machine learning model to explore structural disorders in complex materials. The model unveiled pathways to material disorder, shedding light on factors affecting piezoelectric response. It also found evidence that domain boundaries maximize entropy.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 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.

CityU joint research creates 3D-printed aluminium alloy with unprecedented fatigue resistance

A team of researchers from City University of Hong Kong and Shanghai Jiao Tong University has developed a novel aluminium alloy with unprecedented fatigue resistance using advanced 3D printing techniques. The new alloy, called NTD-Al, surpasses the fatigue strength of high-strength wrought Al alloys and conventional metals.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

How new plant cell walls change their mechanical properties after cell division

New plant cell walls exhibit significantly different mechanical properties compared to surrounding parental walls, enabling cells to alter their local shape and influence the growth of plant organs. Researchers have discovered that new cell walls in some plants are 1.5 times stiffer than the parental cell walls.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Front cover highlights "innovative approach" of research into 2D materials

Lancaster University researchers have developed a novel scanning thermal microscopy approach to directly measure the heat conductivity of two-dimensional materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient waste heat scavengers generating cheap electricity, new compact fridges, and advanced optical and microwave sensors and ...

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023
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.

New biodegradable plastics are compostable in your backyard

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed bioplastics that degrade on the same timescale as banana peels and can be processed at home. These spirulina-based bioplastics are stronger, stiffer, and more fire-resistant than previous attempts, making them suitable for various industries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 10, 2023

New laser-based method could help scientists discover new puncture-resistant materials

Researchers at NIST have developed a laser-based method that bridges the gap between material's microscopic properties and its real-world behavior. The LIPIT test uses high-intensity lasers to launch microprojectiles into small samples, analyzing energy exchange and predicting puncture resistance.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 29, 2023

Towards rapid tissue regeneration

Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 27, 2023
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.

How do ceramic particles strengthen metallic copper?

Scientists review preparation techniques for copper matrix composites with ceramic particles, enhancing mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. The study highlights the importance of particle characterization, interfacial bonding, and advanced preparation methods to optimize composite performance.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 25, 2023

From functional to intelligent: laser powder bed fusion additive manufactured NiTi shape memory alloys

Researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology have developed a systematic review of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)-fabricated NiTi alloys. The study highlights the effect of process parameters on printability, mechanical properties, and functional behaviors of NiTi shape memory alloys. These findings provide evidence for...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 5, 2023

“Hightech” materials from nature

A research team at Göttingen University has discovered that mobile and stationary cells have different mechanical properties due to their cytoskeleton. The study found that intermediate filaments, which are crucial for cell stability, exhibit metal-like plasticity when stretched, similar to non-biological materials.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMatter·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2023
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.

What do we know about the mechanics of two-dimensional materials?

Researchers comprehensively reviewed recent discoveries in 2D material mechanics, highlighting elastic properties, failure, and interfacial behaviors. Computational advancements are crucial for understanding dynamic behaviors and practical applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMay 22, 2023

Smart material prototype challenges Newton’s laws of motion

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a smart material prototype that can control the direction and intensity of energy waves. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various fields, including military and commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2023

Dexamethasone for inpatients with COVID-19 in a national cohort

A national cohort study found that early dexamethasone administration reduced odds of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The treatment was not associated with improved outcomes for those without such needs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 17, 2023

3D printing with bacteria-loaded ink produces bone-like composites

EPFL researchers have created a 3D printing ink containing calcium carbonate-producing bacteria that produces bone-like composites. The resulting bio-composite is exceptionally strong, light, and environmentally friendly. This innovation has potential applications in art restoration, coral reef regeneration, and biomedical fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMaterials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023
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.

Wear and forget: an ultrasoft material for on-skin health devices

Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2023