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These sports sensors could curb ‘bad calls’ and help players during practices

Researchers developed a self-powered, hybrid nanogenerator sensor that can monitor performance in boxing and cricket, providing accurate data on accuracy, power, and speed. The device has the potential to explore other applications in sports, paving the way for more efficient practices and improved player performance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateFeb 21, 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.

High-performance and compact vibration energy harvester created for self-charging wearable devices

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a compact vibration energy harvester that amplifies electric power generated from human walking motion by about 90 times. The device can generate electricity from non-stationary vibrations, including walking motion, to power small wearable devices.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022

MIT engineers build a battery-free, wireless underwater camera

MIT researchers create a low-power, sound-harvesting camera that captures color photos and transmits data wirelessly. The autonomous device can run for weeks without power, enabling scientists to explore remote oceans and monitor climate change impacts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2022

Unique ferroelectric microstructure revealed for first time

The study reveals a new pathway to develop lead-free ferroelectric materials with strong piezoelectric properties. The novel hybrid improper ferroelectric material combines rotation and tilting of oxygen octahedra to produce polarization, enabling the creation of powerful piezoelectric systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2022

2D boundaries could create electricity

Researchers at Rice University have discovered piezoelectricity in two-dimensional materials across phase boundaries. The discovery enables the creation of ultra-sensitive temperature or pressure sensors and tiny actuators, revolutionizing electronic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New wind sensor uses smart materials to improve drone performance

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a more efficient wind sensor for drones, balloons, and autonomous aircraft. The sensor uses smart materials to measure wind speed and direction, improving safety and efficiency in autonomous flight.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Development of high-performance, high-tension wearable displacement sensors

A research team at Seoul National University developed a stretchable piezoelectric displacement sensor with high sensitivity and tensile properties using a kirigami design cutting. The sensor was successfully applied in various fields such as healthcare and sports equipment, including wireless haptic gloves for VR technology.

SourceSeoul National University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateJul 15, 2022

New CityU exfoliation technique “recovers” biomaterial’s piezoelectricity

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong developed a simple exfoliation method to prepare ultrathin films of small intestine tissues, which exhibit piezoelectricity. The team's findings reveal the hierarchical structure of collagen fibers as the key to generating the piezoelectric effect.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Towards indoor lighting-powered thin-film, flexible solar cells with piezophototronics

Ritsumeikan University researchers create a novel thin-film flexible piezoelectric-photovoltaic device that can generate electricity from indoor lighting. The device's performance is improved through strain-induced polarization in the ZnMgO layer, increasing open-circuit voltage and overcoming charge recombination issues.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop a ‘fabric’ that turns body movement into electricity

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a flexible and durable fabric that harnesses energy from human movements, providing a potential solution for wearable power sources. The fabric generates enough electricity to light up LEDs and charge capacitors, demonstrating its potential for use in smart textiles and wearable electronics.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 1, 2022

A helping hand for robotic manipulator design

MIT researchers develop an interactive design pipeline enabling users to create customized robotic hands with tactile sensors. The platform streamlines the process, allowing users to adjust palm and fingers and integrate tactile sensors, resulting in complex tasks like picking delicate items or using tools being performed flawlessly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2022

Electronic skin: Physicist at TU Graz develops multisensory hybrid material

A physicist at TU Graz has developed a three-in-one hybrid material that reacts to force, moisture and temperature with high spatial resolution. The smart skin has potential applications in robotics, smart prosthetics and healthcare, and its production can be easily scaled and implemented.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Researchers develop a paper-thin loudspeaker

Researchers at MIT have created a paper-thin loudspeaker that produces sound with minimal distortion while using a fraction of the energy required by traditional loudspeakers. The device, which is as thin as a dime and weighs about the same, can generate high-quality sound on any surface it is bonded to.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateApr 26, 2022
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.

Seeing below the surface of bimetallic nanoparticles

Researchers from Osaka University report a new technique for tracking the synthesis of core–shell bimetallic nanoparticles in real time, allowing for fine-tuning of nanomaterial preparation. The technique uses a piezoelectric resonator to monitor particle shape changes and track interdiffusion of metals.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

A possible paradigm shift within piezoelectricity

Researchers have found a new method to induce the piezoelectric effect in materials that are otherwise not piezoelectric. This breakthrough could lead to the development of biocompatible materials with properties similar to common lead-containing materials, and has the potential to expand the design of new electromechanical devices.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2022

Regrowing knee cartilage with an electric kick

Regrowing healthy cartilage in damaged joints is a promising approach to treating arthritis. UConn bioengineers successfully regrowed cartilage in a rabbit's knee using piezoelectricity, a phenomenon that also exists in the human body.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Story tips: Cooler vaccine transport, bioenergy boost and radiation-resistant sensors

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a retrofitted commercial refrigeration container to keep COVID-19 vaccines at ultra-low temperatures during transport. They've also identified and improved the usability of data to accelerate innovation in the bioeconomy, and investigated piezoelectric materials for radiation-...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalInternational Journal of Refrigeration·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2022
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.

Impaired-driver sensor could pave the way for safer vehicles

Researchers have developed heat-resistant piezoelectric sheet sensors that can detect driver impairment, including drowsiness and sudden illnesses. These sensors, attached to seats, can signal a future smart car to take action, potentially preventing accidents.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·DateDec 8, 2021

Study challenges standard ideas about piezoelectricity in ferroelectric crystals

Researchers at Penn State have found that the conventional wisdom about the relationship between domain size and piezoelectricity in ferroelectric materials is not always correct. In contrast to existing data suggesting smaller domains lead to higher piezoelectricity, this new study shows larger domain sizes can actually result in bett...

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 17, 2021

A traffic light for light-on-a-chip

A team of researchers at EPFL and Purdue University has developed a magnetic-free optical isolator using integrated photonics and micro-electromechanical systems. This device can couple to and deflect light propagating in a waveguide, mimicking the effects of magnet-driven isolators without requiring magnetic fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 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.

Stress can be good for you

UNSW researchers stabilize a new intermediate phase in a room-temperature multiferroic material under stress, boosting electromechanical response by double its usual value. This breakthrough has exciting implications for next-generation devices and provides a valuable technique for international material scientists.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Researchers discover way to switch on and speed up tendon healing

A team of researchers at CÚRAM has developed an implantable stimulator device that combines with body power to speed up treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. The device, powered by walking, controls tendon cell function and repair through electrical stimulation.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

New nanotech will enable a 'healthy' electric current production inside the human body

Researchers at Tel-Aviv University developed a new biological material that generates electric currents and voltage through mechanical force, enabling the creation of implantable devices without batteries. The material, similar to collagen, is non-toxic and piezoelectric, with potential applications in medicine and energy harvesting.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021
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.

The powerhouse future is flexoelectric

Scientists at the University of Houston have demonstrated giant flexoelectricity in soft elastomers, paving the way for improved robot movement range and self-powered pacemakers. The breakthrough could also enable human-like robots to perform physical tasks with greater flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 2, 2021

Eco-friendly device developed at UL, Ireland detects real-time pipe damage

A new low-cost, environmentally friendly sensor has been developed by University of Limerick researchers that can detect damage in pipelines and leaks as small as 2mm. The sensor uses highly sensitive eco-friendly crystals and has the potential to save water and reduce environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMay 12, 2021
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.

NTUsg researchers develop flexible piezoelectric crystal

Researchers at NTU Singapore have created a new material that can flex and bend 40 times more than its competitors, opening the way to better micro machines. The hybrid material generates electricity effectively when bent, potentially recharging batteries in gadgets from everyday movements.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 8, 2021

New piezoelectric material remains effective to high temperatures

A new piezoelectric material developed by Penn State researchers remained effective at elevated temperatures, allowing for the creation of self-powering sensors and energy harvesters. The material performed well beyond 482 F (250 C), enabling potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and wearable devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 3, 2021

Highly deformable piezoelectric nanotruss for tactile electronics

A research team at KAIST has developed a highly deformable ceramic piezoelectric material that can convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. The material's elastic strain limit is three times greater than that of bulk zinc oxide, making it suitable for advancing high-performing haptic technology.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 1, 2021

Nano-thin piezoelectrics advance self-powered electronics

A new type of ultra-efficient, nano-thin material has been developed by RMIT University that can convert mechanical pressure into electrical energy. The material is 800% more efficient than other piezoelectrics and can be easily fabricated through a cost-effective method using liquid metals.

SourceRMIT University·JournalMaterials Today·DateJan 19, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Grabbing viruses out of thin air

Researchers create biosensors using piezoelectric materials to detect specific viruses, including HPV and influenza A. Magnetostrictive materials are also being investigated for sensing bacterial infections.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 25, 2020

An underwater navigation system powered by sound

The new Underwater Backscatter Localization (UBL) system uses piezoelectric materials to reflect modulated signals, providing positioning information at net-zero energy. In shallow water, the researchers employed frequency hopping and reduced bitrate to overcome reflection issues, enabling precise tracking of moving objects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 2, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

PLUS takes 3D ultrasound images of solids

Researchers developed a new technology called PLUS to produce high-resolution 3D images of defects in metallic structures. This innovation uses non-destructive techniques to study structural integrity and identify potential flaws.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 25, 2020

Engineers imitate human hands to make better sensors

A research team created dual-mode sensors that capture texture and force, enabling precise measurement of movement magnitude, load, rate, duration, and direction. These sensors could aid people with severe injuries and contribute to advanced robotics.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 21, 2020

Researchers have developed the world's smallest ultrasound detector

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München and TUM developed the world's smallest ultrasound detector, leveraging silicon photonics technology to achieve super-resolution imaging. This innovation enables high-sensitivity detection in smaller sizes than previously possible, opening up new avenues for sensing and imaging applications.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

A touch of gold sends crystals electric with excitement

Physicists at the University of Warwick demonstrate that applying a noble metal to a crystal's surface can excite its structure, enabling new electrical effects such as converting movement and heat into electricity. This technique has great potential for use in sensors, energy conversion, and mobile technologies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

Researchers demonstrate fundamentally new approach to ultrasound imaging

North Carolina State University researchers have developed a novel ultrasonic imaging device that can optically display an acoustic signal on the surface of a piezoelectric transducer. This approach eliminates electrical signal processing altogether, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiency. The technology has the potential ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 13, 2020

Physicists find ways to control gamma radiation

Researchers have created an optical switch that can direct high-frequency gamma radiation by switching the acoustic field. This effect demonstrates controlled transparency of a resonant medium for gamma radiation, which may be useful for controlling generated radiation in modern synchrotron sources and X-ray lasers.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 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.

Shaking light with sound

Scientists combine piezoelectric aluminium nitride with ultralow-loss silicon nitride integrated photonics to create a hybrid circuit for on-chip acousto-optic modulation. The technology enables wideband actuation with ultralow electrical power, opening up new possibilities for precision-demanding applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2020

Liquid metal synthesis for better piezoelectrics: Atomically-thin tin-monosulfide

A new study applies liquid-metal synthesis to create atomically-thin tin-monosulfide with excellent electronic and piezoelectric properties, enabling flexible nanogenerators for wearable electronics and biosensors. The resulting material displays high durability and flexibility, making it suitable for commercial implementation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2020

Energy-saving servers: Data storage 2.0

Researchers at Mainz University have developed a technique that can halve the energy required to write data to servers by utilizing piezoelectric crystals. This innovation enables complex server architectures and reduces energy consumption, which is projected to increase significantly in the IT sector.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 1, 2020

Buzzing to rebuild broken bone

A team of UConn engineers has developed a scaffold that generates a controllable electrical field to encourage bone growth, providing a new approach for treating serious injuries. The device uses non-toxic poly(L-lactic acid) polymer and remotely-controlled ultrasound to stimulate bone regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 30, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

2D oxide flakes pick up surprise electrical properties

Researchers at Rice University found evidence of piezoelectricity in lab-grown molybdenum dioxide flakes due to trapped electrons in defects. The material exhibits strong piezoelectric response comparable to conventional materials like molybdenum disulfide.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 7, 2020

Scientists transform a BBQ lighter into a high-tech lab device

Researchers develop a cost-effective laboratory device called ElectroPen, which applies short bursts of electricity to temporarily open cell walls. The device is built using inexpensive components, including a piezoelectric crystal taken from a butane lighter, and can be assembled in just 15 minutes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 9, 2020

Mechanical force as a new way of starting chemical reactions

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new way to start chemical reactions using mechanical force, eliminating the need for organic solvents. The method, called mechanoredox reaction, generates highly reactive radicals that undergo bond-forming reactions with high efficiency.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A four-way switch promises greater tunability of layered materials

A new material phase has been discovered that enables unique control over material properties, including electrical conduction. This discovery paves the way for manipulating these properties using temperature, pressure, and electric fields, opening up exciting opportunities for ultrathin energy and electronics technologies.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 18, 2019

A battery-free sensor for underwater exploration

The MIT team has created a submerged system that harnesses the vibration of 'piezoelectric' materials to generate power, transmit data, and receive signals without batteries. This technology enables long-term underwater sensing for climate change research, marine life tracking, and potential applications on other planets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 20, 2019

Tiny vibration-powered robots are the size of the world's smallest ant

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed micro-bristle-bots that harness vibration to move and interact with their environment. The bots can be controlled by adjusting vibration frequencies and can potentially be used for tasks such as repairing injuries inside the human body or sensing environmental changes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateJul 17, 2019
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.

Samarium-doped crystals with 'giant' piezoelectricity

Researchers introduce trace amounts of samarium into PMN-PT crystals, significantly enhancing their piezoelectric properties. The results show nearly double the performance of traditional materials.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2019

Mechanical engineers develop process to 3D print piezoelectric materials

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a method to 3D print piezoelectric materials that can be custom-designed to convert movement, impact, and stress into electrical energy. The new printing technique enables the creation of smart materials with high sensitivities, flexibility, and programmable properties.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 21, 2019
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.

Flexible piezoelectric acoustic sensors for speaker recognition

Researchers developed flexible piezoelectric acoustic sensors for improved speaker recognition, achieving sensitivity over two times higher than conventional sensors. These sensors enable 97.5% accurate speaker recognition and diverse voice detection in various environments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 4, 2018

UBC breakthrough opens door to $100 ultrasound machine

Engineers at the University of British Columbia have developed a new ultrasound transducer that could lower costs to as low as $100. The device uses tiny vibrating drums made of polymer resin, reducing manufacturing costs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateSep 11, 2018