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Chemists design "molecular sea of flags"

Researchers create large molecular rings that self-assemble into a sheet-like structure on surfaces, allowing for adjustable mesh size and attachment of bulky molecules. This technology has the potential to enable novel catalysts and measure nanomechanical properties of proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 26, 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.

Sugar could help repair artificial human joints

Researchers at Durham University have developed a sugar-containing polymer coating that can repair damaged artificial joint implants by mimicking the way cartilage works to lubricate human joints. The coating uses water to create a slippery surface, protecting the surfaces from wear and tear.

SourceDurham University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Catalysts: Poisoned and very much alive at the same time

Researchers at TU Wien discovered that a rhodium catalyst can be highly chemically active in some regions while completely inactive in others. The team found that the arrangement of atoms on the surface differs from grain to grain, leading to varying catalytic properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Czech scientists become first to observe an inhomogeneous electron charge distribution on an atom

Scientists confirm existence of sigma-hole, a phenomenon previously predicted but never directly observed. This breakthrough enables understanding of interactions between individual atoms or molecules, facilitating refinement of material and structural properties.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 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.

An artificial material that can sense, adapt to its environment

Researchers at University of Missouri and University of Chicago develop an artificial material that can respond to its environment, make decisions, and perform actions not directed by humans. The material uses a computer chip to control information processing and convert energy into mechanical energy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2021

3D printing frames a restoration for coral

Researchers at KAUST have developed a new approach to coral restoration using 3D printing, which accelerates coral growth and reef recovery. The method uses eco-friendly calcium carbonate ink and attaches coral microfragments to the printed skeleton, providing corals with a head start.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Hubble finds evidence of persistent water vapor in one hemisphere of Europa

The discovery suggests a long-term presence of a water vapor atmosphere only in Europa's trailing hemisphere. This finding advances our understanding of the atmospheres of icy moons and paves the way for future studies of Europa by probes like NASA's Europa Clipper mission.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

‘I saw cancer cells just popping up at me’

La Trobe University researchers developed a smart microscope slide that can detect cancer cells using enhanced color contrast. The technology uses nanoscale modifications to distinguish cancer cells from normal tissue, making early diagnosis more efficient.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021
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.

Scientists have proposed effective ways to reduce metal cavitation damage

Researchers developed a WC-20CrC-7Ni coating with high anti-cavitation resistance, extending the life of aquatic environment mechanisms. The coating's fine structure increases surface area, requiring more energy for crack formation. This innovation can protect critical equipment parts in power engineering, metallurgy, and shipbuilding.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Thermal Spray Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Time to shine: scientists reveal at an atomic scale how chlorine stabilizes next-gen solar cells

Researchers have solved the mystery of chlorine's role in perovskite solar cells by imaging atoms at the surface. The team found that chlorine is incorporated into the material through grain boundaries, increasing stability and efficiency. An optimal concentration of chlorine was discovered to deliver high stability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 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.

Light-induced shape shifting of MXenes

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered that MXenes can be switched repeatedly between a flat and a rippled shape by applying femtosecond laser pulses. This discovery could lead to improved energy storage capacity, enhanced catalytic or antibiotic activity, and new applications in sensing and active plasmonic devices.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 1, 2021

A new approach creates an exceptional single-atom catalyst for water splitting

Scientists created a new approach to anchoring individual iridium atoms on the surface of a catalytic particle, increasing its efficiency in splitting water molecules to record levels. This breakthrough could ease the bottleneck for sustainable energy production by enabling more efficient electrolysis.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

A skin crawling treatment for acne?

A team of scientists at McGill University has invented a smart device for personalized skin care inspired by the male diving beetle. The device collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases like acne.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology study examines thin film surface symmetries

Researchers at GIST develop a non-contact, nondestructive approach to characterize crystal structures in thin films, shedding light on surface symmetries in SrRuO3. The technique offers a platform for structural characterization of surfaces and interfaces using optical techniques.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Dragonfly mission to Titan announces big science goals

The Dragonfly mission will investigate Titan's surface and atmosphere, searching for chemical biosignatures and exploring the moon's active methane cycle. By analyzing the prebiotic chemistry currently taking place in Titan's atmosphere and on its surface, scientists hope to gain insights into the potential for life on the moon.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateAug 10, 2021

Green hydrogen: Why do certain catalysts improve in operation?

Researchers discovered that certain catalyst materials, such as erythrite, improve in performance over time due to restructuring. This process increases the surface area of the material, allowing for more reactions to occur, resulting in higher oxygen yields and doubled electrical current generation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 9, 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.

Scientists discover ‘bulkheads’ between liver cells

Researchers at Skoltech have discovered structures called apical bulkheads in liver cells that are responsible for the narrow shape of bile canaliculi. The discovery reveals a key role for the Rab35 protein in regulating hepatocyte lumina formation and suggests potential avenues for medical applications in fatty liver disease and fibrosis

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

A ‘solid’ approach to sustainable shale gas ethylene conversion

A team of Lehigh University researchers is studying a promising alternative catalytic process based on solid acid catalysts for ethylene dimerization. Using in situ and operando molecular spectroscopy, they aim to understand the surface structures of the catalyst and design more active catalysts with reduced environmental impact.

SourceLehigh University·DateJul 29, 2021

New method for molecular functionalization of surfaces

Researchers have developed a new approach to create stable and ordered single molecule layers on silicon surfaces through self-assembly. They use N-heterocyclic carbenes, which can form strong covalent bonds with silicon while maintaining mobility to arrange into regular molecular structures.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 21, 2021

Ganoderic acid increases radiosensitivity of cancer cell

Researchers discovered that Ganoderic acid can increase the radiosensitivity of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to radiation therapy. This breakthrough provides new hope for cancer treatment and could lead to improved patient outcomes.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalToxicology Research·DateMay 31, 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.

Study reveals degradation of antibiotics in water by iron-based fenton catalytic

Researchers develop an iron-based catalyst that rapidly removes sulfadiazine antibiotic residues from water by activating H2O2 to generate free radicals. The catalyst shows high efficiency and stability, making it a potential solution for tackling micro-pollutants in water.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateMay 31, 2021

Observing individual atoms in 3D nanomaterials and their surfaces

KAIST researchers have developed a deep learning approach to accurately determine the 3D surface atomic structure of nanoparticles. The method enhances precision by nearly 70% and improves surface atom identification, enabling the study of catalytic properties at the atomic scale.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

Thirteen UNIST researchers awarded prestigious 2021 Sejong Science Fellowship!

Thirteen researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have been selected for the 2021 Sejong Science Fellowship, a program aimed at supporting postdoctoral researchers. The fellowship provides financial support to promote their work, helping them make substantial contributions to their field.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMar 24, 2021
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.

How metal atoms can arrange themselves on an insulator

Researchers at Bielefeld University have successfully arranged individual metal atoms on an insulator surface at room temperature. The ordered structure is created because the molybdenum acetate molecules align precisely with the charge distribution on the calcite surface, firmly anchoring them in place.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2021

SARS-CoV-2-like particles very sensitive to temperature

A study found that moderate temperature increases break down SARS-Cov-2 virus-like particles on surfaces, while humidity has little impact. This degradation suggests a potential surge in COVID-19 infections during winter months.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateDec 17, 2020

Seismic Hazard Assessment: Campotosto, Italy

Researchers provide a 4D image of an active linkage zone between two major faults, offering insights into fault behavior and implications for seismic hazard assessment. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating 'silent' seismogenic sources in assessing earthquake risk.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateDec 16, 2020

Silicone surface mimics topology, wettability of a real human tongue

A team of scientists developed a soft, 3D silicone surface that replicates the topography and wettability of a real human tongue. The biomimetic surface demonstrated similar frictional properties to an actual human tongue, making it suitable for studying mechanical interactions with food, liquids, and medicines.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 11, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Goby fins have fingertip touch sensitivity

Researchers discovered that goby fins possess fingertip-like touch sensitivity, allowing fish to detect surface details. The study reveals that the fish's fins are capable of encoding texture patterns, mirroring human primate finger pads.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 3, 2020

Printing organic transistors

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a new method for printing organic transistors, which could lead to the development of new display technologies and wearable electronic products. The breakthrough uses a lyophobic surface and a special U-shaped metal-film pattern to create uniformly grown semiconductor films.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

The mathematical magic of bending grids

A team of mathematicians from TU Wien has developed a technique to calculate flat grids that can be unfolded into desired three-dimensional shapes. The method uses findings in differential geometry and has been successfully tested in practice, resulting in stable and structurally sound 3D structures with good static properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 24, 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.

The Venus 'ring of fire'

Computer simulations revealed that Venus' coronae topography depends on crust thickness and magma activity, classifying over 100 large coronae into active and inactive groups. The 'Ring of Fire' in Venus' southern hemisphere is a zone expelling high levels of rising plume material.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 21, 2020

Microlandscaped abrasive tools deliver perfect grinding results

Researchers at Saarland University have developed microlandscaped abrasive tools with structured surfaces made from cemented carbides, enabling precise grinding results. The tools are created using laser surface texturing and can be replicated in large numbers using electrochemical machining.

SourceSaarland University·DateJun 17, 2020

Scientists find key factors impacting sideswiping tropical cyclone precipitation

Researchers found that extreme rainfall events from STCs can occur over inland areas far from coastlines due to amplification of local terrain and large-scale forcing. The study suggests further investigation into asymmetrical distribution of STP, differences between STP and landfalling precipitation, and comparisons with other datasets.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020

Clean without scrubbing and using chemicals

Dresden scientists have created a periodic surface structure that repels water and ice, while also removing dirt particles solely by rolling water drops. This technology has potential applications in the automotive, food, and home appliance industries.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateMay 27, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Tuning the surface gives variations to metal foils

The research team created A4 paper-sized single-crystal metal foils with various surface structures by seeded annealing. They found that the surface energy of Cu foils can be tuned to produce desired surface types, enabling scalable synthesis of large transition metal single crystal foils.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateMay 27, 2020
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.

Study reveals unique physical, chemical properties of cicada wings

A new study reveals that cicada wings are coated in a stew of hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and oxygen-containing molecules, which contribute to their ability to repel water and kill microbes. The ratio of surface chemicals differs between two cicada species, and altering the surface chemicals changes the nanopillar structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2020

Leaf-inspired surface prevents frost formation

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new way to reduce frost formation on any surface using a leaf-inspired design. The study found that the optimized surface structure reduces frost by up to 60% and can be defrosted with considerably less energy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 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.

The origins of roughness

Scientists discovered that all materials develop identical statistical properties when exposed to mechanical deformation, leading to self-affine surface roughness. This finding explains the observed universality of surface roughness across different scales and materials.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 17, 2020

Our memory prefers essence over form

A study by UNIGE and CY Cergy Paris University reveals that our memory organises experiences based on structural features, rather than superficial similarities. This finding has significant implications for education, highlighting the need to focus on conceptual aspects of situations to help pupils make use of relevant features.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalActa Physiologica·DateFeb 14, 2020
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.

The shape of water: What water molecules look like on the surface of materials

Researchers used persistent homology and molecular dynamics simulations to study water molecules on graphene surfaces. They found that water molecules form stable polygonal shapes, which evolve into 3D tetrahedral structures after three layers are added. This discovery provides insights into the transition between surface and free water.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 5, 2020

Lasers etch a 'perfect' solar energy absorber

Scientists at the University of Rochester develop a new material that selectively absorbs light only at solar wavelengths, increasing efficiency by 130%. This innovation enhances solar power generation and has potential applications for thermal energy harvesting devices.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 5, 2020

Engineers develop 'chameleon metals' that change surfaces in response to heat

Researchers at Iowa State University have created liquid metal alloys that can change their surface structure in response to heat, allowing for the development of 'smart' alloy systems. This technology could inspire design of tunable surface patterns and their composition with temperature for applications such as sensing and catalysis.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJan 13, 2020

Spiders and ants inspire a metallic structure that refuses to sink

Scientists develop a waterproof metal structure, repelled by water after being submerged for long periods, thanks to femtosecond laser patterns mimicking spiders' diving bell webs and fire ants' air-trapping abilities. The unique etching technique traps air within the structure, preserving its buoyancy even when damaged.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 6, 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.

Direct method to etch-embed Ce onto Cu-based oxide

Researchers developed a direct method to etch-embed cerium (Ce) onto copper-based oxide surfaces, resulting in highly interactive surface structures with synergistic effects. The obtained catalysts exhibited attractive catalytic performance even in the presence of SO2.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateJun 19, 2019

Gold makes invisible surfaces visible in CT

Researchers at University of Cologne and Bonn developed a method to visualize fine surface structures using gold-coated samples in computer tomography. This technique allows for detailed analysis of organisms with previously invisible features, with applications in biology, taxonomy, and education.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateMay 8, 2019

VisiBlends, a new approach to disrupt visual messaging

Computer scientists at Columbia University developed VisiBlends, a platform that combines human steps with AI to create visually blended images. The system enabled novice designers to produce 10 times as many creative results as unguided brainstorming sessions.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMay 8, 2019

Searching for the surface of water through a single molecule

Researchers have isolated single H2O molecules using cryogenic ion spectroscopy and observed individual frequencies of related OH groups. The vibrational frequencies demonstrate site-dependent behavior and reveal that bound OH companions account for lower energy bands in the spectrum.

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

Flies smell through a Gore-Tex system

A research group has identified the gene responsible for the formation of nanopores in fruit flies, allowing them to detect chemicals in the air. The gore-tex gene plays a crucial role in envelope curvature and odor receptivity, essential functions for insects.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 18, 2019
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.