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EPFL researchers simulate the process of adhesive wear

Researchers at EPFL's LSMS digitally simulated how surface roughness changes over time, capturing the entire process from initial geometry to final fractal geometry. Their findings suggest that wear debris is present for surfaces to develop self-affine roughness and could lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and costs.

Solving a sticky problem

Tevis Jacobs will study individual nanoparticles using electron microscopy to understand atomic-scale relationships between adhesion and coarsening. The award enables the development of new methods for measuring nanoparticle attachment and stability on surfaces.

Simulated ocean mesoscale structures induce air-sea interaction

Researchers used a high-resolution model to study mesoscale air-sea interaction, revealing its significant impact on oceanic circulation, atmospheric processes, and cloud formation. The study highlights the importance of resolving oceanic mesoscale eddies and fronts in global coupled models.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study unfolds a new class of mechanical devices

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a new class of mechanical devices called 'developable mechanisms' that can transform into useful functions without taking up space. These devices can be integrated into surfaces to create compact machines with complex tasks.

Leuven experts push the boundaries of 3D microscopy

Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have developed new methods for 3D microscopy, including ALMOST, which provides unprecedented imaging of reflective opaque objects. Additionally, a modernized Golgi staining technique has been optimized to study neurons in more detail, preserving ultrastructural details.

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.

Artificial sensor mimics human sense of touch

Researchers developed an artificial tactile sensor that detects surface information like shapes, patterns, and structures with high accuracy. The sensor uses piezoelectric materials to mimic the properties of human skin, offering advantages over existing sensors, including detection through touch and sliding.

Inspired by feet

A research team from Kiel University has developed a method to boost the adhesive effect of silicone materials by combining surface structuring with plasma treatment. They found that surfaces with a mushroom-like microstructure exhibit significantly improved adhesion, even when bent to varying degrees. This breakthrough could enable ne...

High-resolution imaging of nanoparticle surface structures is now possible

Researchers have successfully imaged the surface structures of silver nanoparticles at atomic resolution using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The technique allows for the identification of individual parts of molecules on the nanoparticle's surface, providing insights into their chemical properties and molecular interactions.

Building bridges with water molecules

A team at TU Wien has uncovered the mystery behind water molecule structures on iron oxide surfaces, revealing complex bridge-like structures that play a significant role in chemical reactions. These findings have wide-ranging implications for processes such as corrosion and catalyst function, and pave the way for further research into...

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.

Three Argonne scientists receive DOE early career awards

Three researchers at Argonne National Laboratory, Prasanna Balaprakash, Karen Mulfort, and Zhang Jiang, have earned the DOE's Early Career Research Program awards. They will receive funding to advance their research in machine learning, molecular interactions, and advanced materials imaging.

Tiny structures -- huge impact

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have successfully created tailored surface structures on curved carbon fibers using laser technology, enabling new applications in composite materials and optical devices. The method allows for precise control over the structure's size and shape, opening up possibilities for improving m...

Mapping battery materials with atomic precision

Researchers mapped battery materials with atomic precision, finding that surface structure differs from interior and optimizing performance by varying lithium-to-metal ratios. The study used advanced electron microscopy techniques to analyze cathode material structures, revealing new insights into phase transformations and capacity loss.

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.

Math gets real in strong, lightweight structures

Rice researchers successfully printed complex schwarzite structures with computer algorithms and 3-D printers, showcasing their strength, lightness, and durability. The discovery may lead to high-load-bearing components for buildings, cars, and aircraft, as well as nanoscale electronic devices and battery components.

Spots on supergiant star drive spirals in stellar wind

Researchers found that spots on the surface of Zeta Puppis, a supergiant star, create large-scale spiral structures in its stellar wind. The team observed periodic signals in the star's light and wind behavior, indicating a link between surface variations and wind clumping.

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.

Stopping problem ice -- by cracking it

Researchers at NTNU have developed a novel approach to prevent ice build-up by cracking it. By adding inner pillars and holes to surfaces, they can create macro-cracks that allow ice to fall off, reducing adhesion strengths by up to 50%. This method has the potential to revolutionize anti-icing technology in various industries.

A novel and practical fab-route for superomniphobic liquid-free surfaces

Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel fabrication technology to produce superomniphobic surfaces that can repel liquids, including water and oil. The new approach uses localized photofluidization of azobenzene molecule-containing polymers, resulting in a superior superomniphobic property.

Chemical hot spots

Researchers at Technical University of Munich used a scanning tunneling microscope to analyze the surface activity of catalysts. They found that defects on the surface create ideal conditions for catalysis by attracting but not holding onto hydrogen ions.

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.

Vapor harvesting gets the edge

Scientists at KAUST have found that the edge of a surface structure plays a crucial role in water-droplet formation during vapor harvesting. This discovery reveals that rough-edged structures mimicking nature can be highly effective in collecting atmospheric water vapor, potentially improving efficiency in regions with limited rainfall...

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.

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.

The repulsion trick: A self-solving puzzle for organic molecules

Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich develop a method to mix molecules with opposing intermolecular interactions, creating tailored surface structures. The technique enables the controlled production of active layer systems, which are crucial for organic electronics applications.

Imaging at the speed of light

Scientists have developed a technique to visualize the complete evolution of micro- and nanostructure formation on a material's surface. This allows for better control over these structures, which are crucial for improving various technologies such as anti-corrosive materials, energy absorbers, and medical instrumentation.

Researchers achieve meter-scale optical coherence tomography for first time

A team of researchers has achieved the first optical coherence tomography images of cubic meter volumes, offering opportunities for long-range measurements and imaging. The new technology could be used to monitor processes, take technical measurements and nondestructively evaluate materials in industrial settings.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cicada wings inspire antireflective surfaces

A team of Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers developed antireflective structures capable of suppressing visible light at different angles of incidence. The structures, inspired by cicada wings, were fabricated using titanium dioxide and show great potential for photovoltaic devices like solar cells.

'sensing skin' detects cracks, harmful chemicals in structures

The sensing skin detects cracks and harmful chemicals in structures using three layers: one for crack detection, a buffer layer, and another with metal nanoparticles that respond to specific chemicals. The technology can be applied to various materials and can detect problems early on.

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.

Alaska's 'Sleeping Lady'

Scientists have overturned traditional interpretations of the Susitna basin in Alaska, discovering that it was formed by a southwest-dipping thrust fault. This finding changes our understanding of the region's geologic evolution and the formation of iconic landmarks like Mount Susitna.

NASA looks at a strengthening Tropical Storm Darby

Tropical Storm Darby strengthened rapidly, with maximum sustained winds reaching 70 mph and gusts exceeding 110 kph. NASA used satellite imagery to estimate the storm's minimum central pressure at 998 millibars.

A drop of water as a model for the interplay of adhesion and stiction

Researchers developed an electrically switchable nanomesh that alters the contact angle of a drop of liquid, enabling precise control over adhesion and stiction. This breakthrough has potential applications in biology and technology, including controlling cell movement and flow resistance in capillary pumps.

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 mathematics accurately captures liquids and surfaces moving in synergy

A new mathematical framework developed by Robert Saye accurately resolves intricate fluid dynamics near evolving interfaces, allowing for the study of complex phenomena like bubble aeration and propeller blade optimization. High-order methods outperform low-order methods in accuracy and computing power.

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.

A foldable material that can change size, volume and shape

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a tunable, self-actuated 3-D material that can alter its size, volume and shape. The structure is inspired by origami techniques and can be programmed to deform specific hinges using embedded pneumatic actuators.

New research introduces 'pause button' for boiling

A team of researchers has developed a method to create a single vapor bubble in a pool of liquid that can remain stable on a surface for hours. This technique enables the microscopic study of vapor bubbles and the optimization of the boiling process, which could lead to advancements in heat transfer systems.

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.

A new look at surface chemistry

A new analytical method using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) has resolved the unique atomic structure at the surface of a material for the first time. This breakthrough enables direct information on both surface and bulk atoms, improving understanding of critical reactions such as catalysis and corrosion.

Rafts on the cell membrane

Researchers used advanced techniques to study single molecules and protein interactions on the cell membrane. The findings revealed that lipid rafts, previously thought to move within the membrane, do not exist. Instead, proteins may be anchored at specific positions on the surface, influencing cellular processes.

Quantum model reveals surface structure of water

A new quantum model has been used to determine the molecular structure of water's liquid surface, revealing the intrinsic asymmetry of hydrogen bonds and their role in the surface's molecular orientation. The results accurately capture the properties of liquid water and offer a promising platform for molecular exploration.

Light reveals new details of Gauguin's creative process

A team of scientists and art conservators used a simple light bulb, SLR camera and computational power to uncover new details of Gauguin's printmaking process. The technique allowed them to measure the surface structure of prints, revealing that white lines were on a flat surface and ink sat atop ridges in the paper.

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.

Cellulose with Braille for cells

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop a method to produce pre-structured cellulose materials with three-dimensional micro-structures, enhancing biocompatibility. This leads to reduced inflammation and rejection reactions when using artificial implants.

Researchers from MIPT predict properties of surface

Researchers from MIPT use the USPEX method to predict the structure and properties of rutile's surface. This resolves existing discrepancies between empirical and theoretical data, paving the way for understanding chemical reactions on the catalyst.

Study: Atom-high steps halt oxidation of metal surfaces

Researchers discovered that aluminum atoms involved in forming oxide stripes come exclusively from the steps, not the terraces. The growing oxide stripes are confined to the flat terraces and must push the steps away as oxygen continues to grab aluminum atoms from the edges.

Restrooms: Not as unhealthy as you might think

Microbial succession in restrooms begins with gut and vaginal bacteria, followed by skin and outdoor microbes. Skin and outdoor taxa comprise most of the cultured communities, suggesting restrooms are not significantly unhealthy or healthy.

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.

Faster X-ray technology paves the way for better catalysts

Researchers have developed a novel X-ray technique that enables the rapid determination of atomic surface structures and live recordings of surface reactions like catalysis and corrosion. This breakthrough paves the way for designing better catalysts and materials on an atomic level.