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Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Efficient, stable, and eco-friendly thermoelectric material discovered

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has developed a barium cobalt oxide thermoelectric converter that is reproducibly stable and efficient at temperatures as high as 600°C. This breakthrough material shows promise for wide deployment in high-temperature thermoelectric conversion devices.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Thermoelectrics: From heat to electricity

Scientists have discovered a way to optimize thermoelectric properties in one material by exploiting the Anderson transition, where electrons move freely, enabling efficient energy conversion. This breakthrough could lead to improved performance in thermoelectric devices and applications, such as power generation and waste heat recovery.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022
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.

Converting solar energy to electricity on demand

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully converted solar energy into electricity using a thermoelectric generator. The new technology can store solar energy for up to 18 years and release it when needed, making it a promising solution for renewable energy production.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Solar cell keeps working long after sun sets

Researchers developed a photovoltaic cell that harnesses energy from temperature differences between the cell and surrounding air, generating 50 milliwatts per square meter at night. The device avoids need for batteries and can be incorporated into existing solar cells, making it suitable for remote locations with limited resources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 5, 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.

Boosting thermopower of oxides via artificially laminated metal/insulator heterostructure

Researchers developed a new method to significantly enhance thermoelectric voltage at low temperatures by creating laminate structures with transition metal oxide and insulating layers. The 'phonon-drag effect' is responsible for the enhancement, where flowing phonons drive electrons to produce extra thermoelectric voltage.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Thermoelectric crystal conductivity reaches a new high

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a Ta2PdSe6 crystal with an unprecedented large Peltier conductivity, reaching 100 A cm^-1 K^-1 at 10 K. The team attributes this to the high mobility and low concentration of holes within the crystal.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Physics Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 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.

Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power

Researchers have developed a new material that can convert heat into energy, with potential applications in textiles and electronics. The woven nanotube fibers show promise as building blocks for fiber and textile electronics, and could also be used to cool sensitive electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021
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.

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant breakthroughs in developing a highly effective COVID-19 antibody therapy and an efficient thermoelectric system that can convert waste heat to electricity. The new antibody, S309, has been shown to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains and may be more difficult for new mutants to escape.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2021

New material offers ecofriendly solution to converting waste heat into energy

Researchers have developed a high-performing thermoelectric material that converts heat to electricity with record-high efficiency, making it suitable for widespread industrial applications. The purified tin selenide in polycrystalline form overcomes earlier oxidation problems, enabling the production of low-cost and efficient devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

A new 'gold standard' compound for generating electricity from heat

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a single compound that functions as an efficient thermoelectric generator, producing power from waste heat. The compound's unique property allows it to carry both positive and negative charges independently, generating electricity without moving parts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Current trend reversed

Researchers demonstrate controlled reversal of thermoelectric current in a tiny cloud of atoms by tuning interaction strength. This breakthrough advances the fundamental understanding of interacting quantum systems and paves the way for designing efficient thermoelectric materials.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 13, 2021

Nontoxic, flexible energy converters could power wearable devices

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new method to harness waste heat from wearables using nanotube-based thermoelectric generation. This technology converts uneven heat distribution into electrical energy, reducing the need for batteries and making wearable devices more sustainable.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 27, 2021

Better metric for thermoelectric materials means better design strategies

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a new quantity to measure the dimensionality of thermoelectric nanomaterials. This metric varies differently with conductivity for 1D, 2D, and 3D systems, providing clear distinctions in how it changes, agreement with theoretical predictions.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateApr 10, 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.

Development of source technology for the use of wearable devices without recharging

A South Korean research team has developed a high-efficiency flexible thermoelectric device capable of autonomously generating electricity from body heat. The device features a sponge-like configuration that enhances thermal insulation, allowing it to perform better than existing flexible thermoelectric devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 5, 2021

Uranium compound achieves record anomalous Nernst conductivity

A new research study has demonstrated that a magnetic uranium compound can have strong thermoelectric properties, generating up to four times the transverse voltage from heat as previous records. This discovery unlocks a new potential for the actinide elements and points to a fresh direction in research on topological quantum materials.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 26, 2021

Demonstration of unconventional transverse thermoelectric generation

Researchers at NIMS demonstrated a record-high transverse thermopower using a composite of thermoelectric and magnetic materials. The hybrid structure generated +82 μV/K positive and -41 μV/K negative thermopowers, more than 10 times larger than the previous highest recorded thermopower.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 23, 2021

https://discovery.kaust.edu.sa/en/article/1098/the-right-ring-count-to-harness-waste-heat

Researchers at KAUST have developed electron-transporting, air-stable organic semiconductors that can generate electricity from waste heat. The polymers' unique design enhances electrical conductivity and thermoelectric performance, paving the way for scalable, sustainable energy solutions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 17, 2021
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.

Reduced heat leakage improves wearable health device

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a flexible thermoelectric generator that converts body heat into electrical energy with improved efficiency. The device achieves significant reductions in heat leakage, resulting in higher output power density figures compared to previous versions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateMar 8, 2021

New wearable device turns the body into a battery

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder developed a low-cost wearable device that turns the human body into a biological battery. The device generates electricity by converting body heat into thermoelectric energy, making it a potential power source for wearable electronics.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 10, 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.

From waste heat to electrical power: A new generation of thermomagnetic generators

Scientists have developed a new generation of thermomagnetic generators that can convert waste heat into electrical power at small temperature differences. The devices, based on Heusler alloy films, increased electrical power per footprint by a factor of 3.4 and reached a maximum power of 50 microwatts per square centimeter.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJoule·DateFeb 3, 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.

Energy harvesting made possible with skin temperature

Researchers developed flexible thermoelectric devices that can generate electricity from human skin temperature, overcoming limitations of existing rigid devices. The new technology allows for mass production of wearable devices with high power generation performance, solving the power-source issue for battery-based sensor systems.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2021

Record-setting thermoelectric figure of merit achieved for metal oxides

Scientists at Hokkaido University have achieved a record-setting thermoelectric figure of merit for metal oxides, which can be used to enhance thermoelectric power generation. The material exhibits a high ZT value and stability across a range of operating temperatures.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateDec 22, 2020

UMBC team reveals possibilities of new one-atom-thick materials

New computational research by UMBC's Can Ataca and Daniel Wines predicts desirable properties of new 2D materials, saving experimental researchers time and money. The study focuses on group III nitrides, identifying stable alloys with tunable electric and thermoelectric properties.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 14, 2020
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.

Converting waste heat to usable power

A UVA-led research team designs and manufactures thermoelectric devices with increased efficiency and reduced costs. They employ additive manufacturing and advanced materials science techniques to bridge the gap between material performance and device efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateNov 10, 2020

Clemson researchers decode thermal conductivity with light

A team of Clemson researchers and international scientists have discovered a new way to measure thermoelectric material properties by using light. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient thermoelectric materials with higher zT values, which convert heat energy into useful electric energy.

SourceClemson University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 9, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Energy-harvesting plastics pass the acid test

A KAUST team engineered self-powered devices using a conducting polymer containing PEDOT:PSS chains, which exhibited improved thermoelectric behavior. The researchers discovered that polyethylenimine coating enhanced the device's lifetime and energy harvesting capabilities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 6, 2020

Boundaries no barrier for thermoelectricity

Researchers at Rice University found that electricity generated by temperature differences in gold nanowires is not affected by grain boundaries, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery could enable the detection of crystalline defects using a novel optical detection system.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2020

Researchers design efficient low-cost system for producing power at night

Researchers have designed an off-grid, low-cost modular energy source that can efficiently produce power at night. The rooftop radiative cooling system uses commercially available technology and can generate up to 2.2 Watts per square meter, enough to power sensors in security or environmental applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 13, 2020

ORNL-produced plutonium-238 to help power perseverance on Mars

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's production of ORNL-produced plutonium-238 enables the Perseverance rover to power its journey across Mars. The lab has been consistently increasing its Pu-238 production capabilities, aiming to produce 1.5 kilograms per year by 2026.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJul 29, 2020
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.

Flexible material shows potential for use in fabrics to heat, cool

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a flexible material made of tiny carbon nanotubes that can heat or cool the wearer on demand. The material has a combination of thermal, electrical, and physical properties that make it an appealing candidate for next-generation smart fabrics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJul 2, 2020

Outer tube-selectively boron-doped double-walled carbon nanotubes for thermoelectric applications

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a method to selectively dope boron into the outer tubes of double-walled carbon nanotubes, increasing electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. This advancement enables highly enhanced thermoelectric performance in boron-doped DWNTs for waste heat harvesting and other applications.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMay 2, 2020

Abundant element to power small devices

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed an iron-based thermoelectric material that can convert waste heat into electricity. The material, which is mostly iron and relatively inexpensive, has shown promise in powering small devices such as remote sensors and wearable devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 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.

Untwisting plastics for charging internet-of-things devices

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a new material that can efficiently charge Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices using body heat. The breakthrough involves adding an ion electrolyte gel to a conducting polymer, which untwists the polymer chain and creates links between its crystalline parts, improving electron conductivity.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 2020

Creating stretchable thermoelectric generators

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a soft and stretchable organic thermoelectric module that can harvest energy from body heat. The breakthrough was made possible by a new composite material with high electrical conductivity and good thermoelectric properties.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2020

Power dressing

Researchers at KAUST have developed a stretchy and self-healing thermoelectric material that can generate electricity using body heat. The material has been shown to be robust enough to withstand daily stress and strain, making it a promising candidate for powering wearable technologies.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

Fine-tuning thermoelectric materials for cheaper renewable energy

Researchers have developed new thermoelectric materials, halide perovskites, which can convert heat into electricity at lower costs. The team improved the materials' properties through partial oxidation and doping techniques, paving the way for their use in sustainable energy applications.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2019
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.

New material breaks world record turning heat into electricity

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new thermoelectric material with a ZT value of 5 to 6, generating electrical current very efficiently from temperature differences. This enables sensors and small processors to supply themselves with energy wirelessly.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2019
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.

Psychosensory electronic skin technology for future AI and humanoid development

A team of researchers from DGIST developed a psychosensory electronic skin technology that can detect pain and temperature sensations like humans. The technology uses zinc oxide nano-wire technology to measure pressure and temperature simultaneously, and can be applied to various tactile systems.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSoft Robotics·DateAug 29, 2019

Physicists' study demonstrates silicon's energy-harvesting power

A University of Texas at Dallas physicist has teamed with Texas Instruments Inc. to design a better way for electronics to convert waste heat into reusable energy. Thermoelectric nanoblades have been shown to greatly increase silicon's ability to harvest energy from heat, making it mass-producible.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Electronics·DateAug 26, 2019