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Changing the color of 3-D printed objects

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL present ColorFab, a method for repeatedly changing the colors of 3-D printed objects after fabrication using custom ink and UV light. The system can recolor a multi-colored object in under 20 minutes, with the goal of reducing waste and increasing customization.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateJan 29, 2018
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.

Persistent photoconductivity used to stimulate neurotypic cells

Researchers have used a material's persistent photoconductivity to stimulate PC12 neurotypic cells, demonstrating a faster and noninvasive way to influence cellular behavior. The technique, which was shown to increase calcium ion levels within the cells, has the potential to advance research on cellular behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Omega·DateJan 22, 2018

Zoology: Luminescent lizards

Chameleons' bony tubercles on their heads emit blue fluorescent light when exposed to UV, creating distinct patterns that aid in species recognition. This phenomenon was previously unknown and is believed to play a role in mate attraction.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 15, 2018

Intoxicatingly light sensitive

Scientists at ETH Zurich have synthesised four variants of THC that can be altered with light, offering a potential tool for controlling and influencing CB1 receptors. These light-sensitive THC derivatives were tested in living cell cultures and found to activate and deactivate the receptors using specific wavelengths of light.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 10, 2018
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.

Temperature may affect pollen color

New research on Campanula americana found that temperature influences pollen pigmentation, with dark pollen outperforming light under higher temperatures but not elevated UV. This study suggests temperature stress may play a significant role in geographic variation of pollen color.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 5, 2018

Tweaking quantum dots powers-up double-pane solar windows

Researchers have created double-pane solar windows that generate electricity with greater efficiency, using two types of engineered quantum dots. The new technology utilizes a window architecture with two layers of low-cost materials, allowing for better sunlight collection and reduced energy losses.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 2, 2018

Ural scientists synthesized a new phosphor

Researchers at Ural Federal University and Institute of Chemistry of Solids created a new compound that converts UV radiation into visible light. The compound has potential uses in medical and optical devices, as well as air pollution analysis.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Luminescence·DateDec 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unleashing ultraviolet brings visible improvement

Researchers at KAUST have demonstrated rapid data transfer using ultraviolet-B light, overcoming interference issues with visible light and improving beam alignment challenges. The system achieved a record-breaking transmission rate of 71 megabits per second.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 18, 2017

Scientific achievements during the operation of Lomonosov satellite

The Lomonosov satellite detected air showers caused by high-energy space rays and registered transient light phenomena associated with storm ares. The satellite also observed gamma-ray bursts for the first time in history, allowing for simultaneous measurements in optic and gamma ranges.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalSpace Science Reviews·DateDec 15, 2017

UVB radiation influences behavior of sticklebacks

Increased UVB radiation leads to a decrease in body size and an increase in risk-seeking behavior among three-spined sticklebacks. The fish, which cannot see UVB rays, exhibit more thorough risk checking and exploration behavior when faced with predators.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 13, 2017

Tanners who use sprays and lotions less prone to get tattoos and piercings than sunbathers

A Baylor University study reveals that frequent tanners are more likely to engage in risky appearance-related behaviors, including tattoos and piercings, compared to infrequent tanners. The research suggests that excessive tanning may be a sign of body image concerns, making it essential to address social and appearance pressures.

SourceBaylor University·JournalFamily and Consumer Sciences Research Journal·DateDec 4, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Lighting the way to switch chemical reaction pathways

Researchers from QUT, KIT, and Ghent University create a light-switchable chemical reaction system to revolutionize chip printing. The system uses visible light to reversibly switch certain chemical processes, potentially making it cheaper, simpler and safer.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2017

Traces of life on nearest exoplanets may be hidden in equatorial trap

Researchers found that equatorial regions on planets like Proxima b and TRAPPIST-1d might trap ozone, hiding signs of life from telescopic observations. This discovery highlights the challenges in detecting life beyond Earth, requiring a more nuanced strategy for searching for life.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 29, 2017

Efficient synthesis of a photosynthetic pigment in mammalian cells for Optogenetics

Scientists successfully synthesized cyanobacterial photosynthetic pigment PCB in animal cells, enabling convenient use of the PhyB-PIF system for optogenetic control. The development opens up new possibilities for studying intracellular signal transduction and manipulating cellular structures.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2017

NIR-driven H2 evolution from water: Expanding wavelength range for solar energy conversion

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a device harnessing near-infrared light to drive the water-splitting reaction and produce hydrogen gas efficiently. This breakthrough enables a broader spectrum of light to be harvested, including UV, visible, and NIR, increasing the potential for clean energy storage.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 17, 2017

A new way to store thermal energy

Researchers at MIT have developed a new chemical composite that can store thermal energy during the day and release it when needed. The hybrid material uses molecular switches to change shape in response to light, allowing for controlled thermal energy storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2017
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.

Environmental factors may trigger lupus onset and progression

Researchers find that environmental triggers play a crucial role in lupus development alongside genetic predisposition. Environmental factors such as particulate air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and heavy metals can exacerbate the condition.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism·DateNov 16, 2017

Synthetic material acts like an insect cloaking device

Researchers have developed a synthetic material that can absorb light from all directions, making it suitable for antireflective coatings. This material is similar to the brochosomes used by leaf hopper insects to blend in with their backgrounds, allowing them to hide from predators.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2017

Climate change could decrease sun's ability to disinfect lakes

A new study finds that climate change could decrease the sun's ability to kill pathogens in lakes and waterways by increasing organic runoff. This can lead to an increase in waterborne illnesses, with 12-19 million people affected annually in the US.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 1, 2017

New findings explain how UV rays trigger skin cancer

Melanocyte stem cells can become cancerous when accumulating sufficient genetic mutations, which are activated by UV radiation from the sun. Researchers at Cornell University discovered a key gene, Hgma2, that facilitates melanoma development.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 18, 2017
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.

Breaking: the first light from two neutron stars merging

The first-ever detection of light from a gravitational wave source has been made, shedding new light on the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. The event, caused by two neutron stars colliding and merging together, was observed using numerous telescopes around the world.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2017

Self-folding electronics could enable advanced robotics (video)

Researchers have developed a way to print electronics that can fold themselves into desired shapes, addressing limitations of traditional 3D printing. The new ink-based method uses residual stress to create self-folding devices without additional processing steps or stimulus.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 13, 2017
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.

LED lights safer, more effective in producing Vitamin D3 than sunlight

Research published in Scientific Reports shows that RayVio's UV LED is more efficient than sunlight at producing vitamin D3 in skin samples. The study found that skin exposed to the LED for just 0.52 minutes produced more than twice as much vitamin D3 as samples exposed to 32.5 minutes of sunlight.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 13, 2017

'Vampires' may have been real people with this blood disorder

A genetic mutation in the CLPX gene has been identified as a potential cause of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a form of porphyria that may have inspired vampire folklore. The discovery highlights the complex genetic network underlying heme metabolism and holds promise for future therapies.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2017

Researchers propose how the universe became filled with light

A team of researchers at the University of Iowa suggests that black holes played a crucial role in making the universe visible. By ejecting matter violently, black holes may have pierced cloudy surroundings, enabling light from stars to escape. This theory is supported by observations of a nearby galaxy emitting ultraviolet light.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 30, 2017

Researchers validate UV light's use in improving semiconductors

A discovery by two scientists at NREL could aid the development of next-generation semiconductor devices. They used ultraviolet light to modify the interface between two dissimilar semiconductors, creating a flawless interface and enabling the integration of different classes of semiconductors.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 2017
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.

Eating habits affect skin's protection against sun

Research in mice suggests that eating at abnormal times can weaken the daytime potency of an enzyme protecting against UV radiation, leading to increased risk of sunburn and long-term effects like skin cancer. A normal eating schedule may provide better protection from UV rays during the day.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 15, 2017

NASA studies CubeSat mission to solve Venusian mystery

A NASA-led CubeSat mission, CUVE, is designed to investigate the nature of a mysterious absorber in Venus' uppermost cloud layer. The mission will utilize ultraviolet-sensitive instruments and a novel carbon-nanotube light-gathering mirror to gather data.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 15, 2017

Researchers set record for fastest light pulse

The team achieved an unprecedented wavelength and demonstrated the potential to capture slow-motion video of electrons in atoms and molecules with attosecond light pulses. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving the efficiency of solar panels by understanding photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2017
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.

High resolution without particle accelerator

Researchers successfully perform optical coherence tomography with XUV radiation at laboratory scale, producing strong image contrasts and achieving higher resolution than infrared-based methods. The technique has potential applications in biology, including non-destructive imaging of cells.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalOptica·DateAug 7, 2017

New method promises easier nanoscale manufacturing

Scientists at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to precisely pattern nanomaterials, enabling the creation of complex structures and paving the way for next-generation electronics. The DOLFIN technology makes it possible to mass-produce nanomaterials directly into usable devices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017

Astrophysicists map out the light energy contained within the Milky Way

A team of scientists has calculated the distribution of all light energy contained within the Milky Way, providing insight into galaxy formation and stellar processes. The research shows how stellar photons control gamma-ray production in the Universe.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 27, 2017
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.

Three new 'club-tailed' scorpions join the tree of life

Researchers have revised the understanding of a large group of Neotropical 'club-tailed' scorpions, revealing two new genera and three new species. The findings provide insight into the evolution and classification of these ancient arthropods, which are among the oldest living terrestrial species on Earth.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalBulletin of the American Museum of Natural History·DateJul 24, 2017

What makes red algae so different and why should we care?

The sequencing of Porphyra's genome revealed minimal structural elements in its cellular cytoskeletons, allowing it to thrive in extreme environments. The analysis also uncovered genes for UV protection and compounds that enable the organism to withstand desiccation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2017

Black light helps diagnose common skin problem found in pregnant women

Researchers found that using a black light helps dermatologists determine the extent of melasma, a hyperpigmentation condition that causes brown and gray patches on the face. This can lead to early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of the condition worsening over time.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJul 17, 2017
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.

ANU invention may help to protect astronauts from radiation in space

Researchers at Australian National University (ANU) have designed a new nano material that can reflect or transmit light on demand with temperature control. This innovation offers potential protection for astronauts in space from harmful radiation, increasing resistance threshold against radiation compared to current technologies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 3, 2017

Ozone recovery may be delayed by unregulated chemicals

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that unregulated chemicals like dichloromethane could substantially delay the recovery of Antarctic ozone levels. If continued emissions trends persist, ozone depletion could be offsetting some of the future benefits of the Montreal Protocol.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2017

Sunscreen creams break down into dangerous chemical compounds under the sunlight

Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University found that avobenzone, a popular UV filter in sunscreen products, breaks down into hazardous chemical compounds when exposed to chlorinated water and ultraviolet radiation. These compounds can be toxic and have been linked to liver and kidney dysfunction, as well as nervous system disorders.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalChemosphere·DateJun 27, 2017
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.

CWRU researchers find a chemical solution to shrink digital data storage

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found a way to store digital data in half the space required by current systems. They developed an optical storage system using polymer films containing two dyes, which can represent information using a quaternary code.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateJun 21, 2017

Solar material for producing clean hydrogen fuel

Osaka University researchers have developed a novel solar material that can efficiently split water to produce clean hydrogen fuel, outperforming traditional semiconductors. The three-part composite material maximizes light absorption and electron conduction, resulting in 60 times higher activity than pure lanthanum titanium oxide.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 14, 2017

Topical drug darkens human skin in a dish without UV

Researchers develop a class of small molecules that penetrate and darken human skin samples in the laboratory. The drug generates protective tans in red-haired mice, which are more susceptible to skin cancer via UV radiation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 13, 2017

Journal AAS publishes first data description paper: Data collection and sharing

The journal published two ultraviolet radiation datasets covering China, providing long-term measurements from 1961 to 2014. This move aims to promote translational applications for the general public by making atmospheric and physical oceanographic data traceable and citable.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 10, 2017
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.

Tiny glow sticks

Chinese researchers create microscale optical waveguides using lanthanide metal-organic frameworks, offering potential for low-loss light conduction and polarized emissions. The novel structures emit luminescence in different colors depending on the used lanthanide, making them suitable for color-tunable optical applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 8, 2017

Evidence shows increased risk of ozone loss over the United States in summer

Researchers found that stratospheric ozone concentrations in the US are vulnerable to water vapor and temperature variations from storm systems, posing a risk to human health and crops. The study calls for increased meteorological and chemical observations to forecast short-term and long-term ozone loss.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017

Shapeshifting materials: Using light to rearrange macroscopic structures

Researchers at OIST created self-assembling molecules that can be rearranged by ultraviolet light to form novel macroscopic structures. This breakthrough enables the creation of exotic nanostructures with tailored functions, holding potential for biological and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 19, 2017
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.

First direct exploration of magnetic fields in the upper solar atmosphere

A team of researchers has directly observed the magnetic field in the upper solar atmosphere for the first time using ultraviolet spectropolarimetry. The study reveals more complex structures in the chromosphere and transition region than expected, with polarization varying on a spatial scale of 10-20 arcseconds.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 17, 2017

'Persistent photoconductivity' offers new tool for bioelectronics

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new method for manipulating cells using light, creating an effective tool for bioelectronics. Persistent photoconductivity allows the material to become more conductive when exposed to light, increasing surface charge and directing cells to adhere.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSmall·DateMay 3, 2017

New organic lasers one step closer to reality

Researchers at Kyushu University's CENTER FOR ORGANIC PHOTONICS AND ELECTRONICS RESEARCH (OPERA) reported a breakthrough in developing new organic thin-film lasers that can continuously emit light for up to 30 ms, outperforming previous devices.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 28, 2017
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.

MIT engineers manipulate water using only light

Researchers at MIT have created a system that can manipulate the movement of water on a surface using visible light. The technology has potential applications in fields such as microfluidic diagnostic devices and oil-water separation, where it could enable more efficient and controlled separation of fluids.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 25, 2017

Scientist invents way to trigger artificial photosynthesis to clean air

Researchers have successfully triggered a chemical reaction in synthetic material that breaks down carbon dioxide into harmless organic materials, producing solar fuel. This process has great potential for reducing greenhouse gases linked to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateApr 25, 2017
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.

'Twist and shine': Development of a new photoluminescent sensor material

Researchers developed a new photoluminescent sensor material that retains properties over time and under repeated mechanical stress. The material incorporates a stress-sensing molecule into a common polymer, allowing for efficient triggering of light emission with increasing force.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2017