Scientists at Northwestern University invented fluorescent inks that can be used as multicolored barcodes to authenticate products. The inks are invisible under normal light but visible under ultraviolet light, making them difficult for counterfeiters to mimic.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015
Researchers found that the butterfly's wing surface features irregular nanopillars with a random height, causing low reflection. This phenomenon allows the butterfly to evade predators and has potential applications in displays and lenses.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2015
Chemists at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a simple modular system that can attach proteins to cell membranes with precise control. The system uses light-activated anchors and SNAP-tags to direct protein movements, enabling researchers to study cellular processes in unprecedented detail.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 20, 2015
A new study found that a UV light robot can kill over 90% of bacteria in hospital rooms, including MRSA. The system has been shown to be effective in reducing bacterial growth and preventing hospital-acquired infections.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateApr 14, 2015
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.
Researchers used UV light to reveal coloration patterns on ancient seashells, showing 28 species with unique patterns, 13 of which are new species. The study helps understand relationships between ancient and modern cone snail species.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield used tampons to identify sewage pollution in rivers by detecting optical brighteners under UV light. The technique was found to be effective in detecting pollutants from just 0.01ml of detergent per litre of water, and helped pinpoint the sources of pollution.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalWater and Environment Journal·DateMar 30, 2015
Scientists have made significant discoveries about the Sun's behavior in soft X-rays, shedding light on heating mechanisms and coronal composition. The study found that nanoflares, tiny explosions on the Sun, could be responsible for increased soft X-ray emissions, which also affects space weather events near Earth.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 2015
Researchers at EPFL have captured a single snapshot of light exhibiting both wave-like and particle properties using electrons to image the phenomenon. The experiment demonstrates the simultaneous observation of quantization and interference pattern of a plasmonic near-field.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2015
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.
A team of researchers has discovered a very distant galaxy that contains a large amount of dust, changing astronomers' previous calculations of how quickly the dust was formed. The discovery suggests that galaxies were enriched with dust particles containing elements such as carbon and oxygen, which could form planets.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 2, 2015
UV radiation damages skin cells' DNA, even when sun is no longer present, according to a study published in Science. Melanin offers both protection and harm to skin cells.
The new material increases sensitivity and allows early detection of small particles in rapidly burning fires. Applications include specialist sensors for fire and gas detection, air pollution monitoring, and personal electronic devices.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 17, 2015
Researchers at North Carolina State University have synthesized a new material that efficiently converts mid-IR light into oscillating electrons, enabling applications in high-speed computing, solar energy, and biomedical devices.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 16, 2015
Astronomers successfully observed a 'fast radio burst', a brief flash of radio waves, in real-time using the Parkes telescope. The event was detected up to 5.5 billion light years away and suggested the presence of a magnetic field nearby.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
University of Pittsburgh researchers Matthew Koski and Tia-Lynn Ashman proved that Gloger's rule exists among flowers, where larger bull's-eye centers are associated with higher levels of ultraviolet light near the equator. This finding expands our understanding of biological responses to global climate change.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Plants·DateJan 8, 2015
Astronomers have developed a comprehensive picture of Eta Carinae, including Hubble Space Telescope images showing ionized gas racing away from the star at high speeds. New 3-D models reveal features of the stars' interactions, including spine-like protrusions in the gas flow along the edges of a spiral cavity.
Pilots flying at 30,000 feet receive the same amount of UV-A radiation as a 20-minute tanning bed session, increasing melanoma risk. Authors recommend sunscreen use and periodic skin checks for pilots and cabin crew.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A UBC research team has found a genetic link that can prevent sun-induced skin aging by blocking the activity of Granzyme B, an enzyme that breaks down collagen. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for various conditions, including heart attacks and lung diseases.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAging Cell·DateDec 16, 2014
Nonfatal indoor tanning-related injuries treated in US hospitals averaged 3,234 annually between 2003-2012. Most common types were skin burns, syncope, and eye injuries.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2014
In a breakthrough study, researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a technique to activate biomaterials containing peptide signaling molecules using ultraviolet light. By designing molecular 'hats' that shield the peptides from recognition by cells, they can deliver drugs or particles with their signal in the 'off' ...
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 15, 2014
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health are unraveling the mystery of how blue light from artificial lighting and electronic devices disrupts the human body's natural circadian rhythms. The study aims to understand the chemical basis for this disruption, which can lead to health problems such as sleep disorders, cancer ...
Researchers have created novel rewritable paper based on color switching property of commercial chemicals, allowing for up to 20 erasures without significant loss in contrast or resolution. The paper has potential applications in meeting increasing global needs for sustainability and environmental conservation.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2014
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.
Using supermassive black holes to measure cosmic distances provides precise distance measurements, removing uncertainty in calculating their mass. The new method shows that supermassive black holes are 40% heavier than previously estimated, fundamentally changing determinations of black hole masses.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel biomarker that can detect tumour cells and release anti-cancer drugs, opening up new doors in nanomedicine, bioimaging, and cancer therapeutics. The biomarker uses near-infrared light to penetrate deep tissue without causing damage to healthy cells.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSmall·DateNov 19, 2014
A new study reveals that environmental bleaching events caused by rising sea temperatures are impairing long-term coral reproduction. Even corals that didn't bleach are experiencing reduced fertility, which can persist for three additional years after the initial bleaching event.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateNov 19, 2014
Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed a new technique, Ultrafast photomodulation spectroscopy (UPMS), to help produce more reliable and robust next-generation photonic chips. This method uses ultraviolet laser pulses to change the refractive index of silicon in a tiny area on the chip.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 17, 2014
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.
Researchers at UC San Diego invented a new method of lithography using self-propelled nanorobots to create complex surface patterns on devices. The technology provides a framework for autonomous writing of nanopatterns at a fraction of the cost and difficulty of current state-of-the-art methods.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2014
Researchers discovered that certain peptides undergo a triplet state when exposed to UV light, leading to greater damage than fragmentation. This finding may help develop better UV protection mechanisms.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 21, 2014
Astronomers have combined traditional method with reverse engineering to improve accuracy in measuring distant galaxies. They calculated a robust distance measurement using near-infrared and visible-light photos, estimating a redshift of 10 for the galaxy.
SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 16, 2014
Berkeley Lab researchers used trARPES to measure the ultrafast response of electron self-energy to photo-excitation in a high-temperature superconductor. The results show a link between electron-boson coupling and superconductivity.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2014
Scientists use NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory to study a gigantic filament on the sun, which can last for days or weeks. The filament is 1 million miles wide and appears in different temperatures and wavelengths of extreme UV light.
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.
Researchers discovered that skin pigment eumelanin converts harmful UV radiation into heat through a rapid chemical reaction. This process has almost 100% efficiency and prevents UV energy from causing harm, making the body more resistant to sun damage.
SourceLund University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 26, 2014
Scientists replicated the structure of compound eyes to create miniature devices that emit light uniformly in all directions. The findings have potential applications for extremely wide field-of-view detectors, enabling new technologies.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 9, 2014
A new study suggests that spending time outdoors may contribute to the development of exfoliation syndrome in the eyes. The research found a link between UV radiation and the condition, with people living at higher latitudes and spending more time outside having a greater risk of developing XFS.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateSep 4, 2014
Researchers from UCL and collaborators aim to determine whether numerous small galaxies or rare quasars produce more ultraviolet light. A forthcoming survey will analyze detailed measurements of a million distant quasars to map the neutral hydrogen gas in the universe, revealing its history.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 27, 2014
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.
Researchers develop theoretical framework to generate coherent radiations in the water window range, enabling high-contrast imaging of biological samples. The study extends previous work on hydrogen and applies it to argon atoms, paving the way for improved spectroscopy techniques.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 21, 2014
Researchers at NIST have created hydrogen-treated optical fibers that can transmit stable, high-power ultraviolet laser light for hundreds of hours. The fibers were infused with hydrogen gas and cured with ultraviolet light to reduce errors in logic operations in quantum computing experiments.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 11, 2014
The Planck Telescope's most detailed map of the cosmic microwave background contains features that challenge the standard model of cosmology. By processing the data differently and including other effects, scientists have found that several anomalies disappear, but others may still persist.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateAug 4, 2014
Researchers at MIT have found a way to control graphene's electrical conductivity using extremely short light pulses. By modulating electron concentration, they can alter graphene's photoconductive properties from semiconductor-like to metallike behavior.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 1, 2014
A team of researchers at Montana State University published a paper on how DNA responds to ultraviolet light, revealing its super-fast mechanism to resist damage. The findings advance our understanding of the genetic code's resistance to UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer and aging.
SourceMontana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2014
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.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab and Intel have developed a new kind of resist that combines the best properties of two existing types, offering improved light sensitivity and mechanical stability. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of even smaller microprocessors with increased computation and energy efficiency.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNanotechnology·DateJul 15, 2014
A team of researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute and Aarhus University discovered that cosmic dust grains can form through shock interaction during a supernova explosion. The grains can grow to sizes large enough to survive the violent shockwaves, providing insight into their origin.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2014
A recent study finds a 400% discrepancy between expected and observed ultraviolet light in the cosmic budget, with implications for our understanding of dark matter. Scientists are working to shed light on the mystery, which may be explained by exotic new sources or decaying dark matter.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 8, 2014
Researchers recorded record-breaking solar ultraviolet radiation in the Bolivian Andes, significantly higher than normal levels. This extreme radiation is comparable to those found on early Mars and poses a threat to local ecosystems.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateJul 8, 2014
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.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and UC San Diego found that tiny galaxies contributed nearly 30% of UV light during reionization, marking a significant shift from previous focus on larger galaxies. Simulations show that small galaxies' high abundance and lower gas density allowed for more UV light to escape, illuminating the early universe.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 8, 2014
A new study reveals that tiny galaxies over 13 billion years ago contributed nearly 30 percent of UV light during reionization. These small galaxies formed stars and released UV light, which helped strip interstellar hydrogen of electrons.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 7, 2014
Researchers have developed a new type of optical fiber that can guide UV laser light without being damaged. The fiber has a hollow core with a diameter of 20 µm, which allows for single-mode transmission and reduces loss. This breakthrough enables new applications in precision spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and process plasmas.
SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 2, 2014
A new type of infrared photodetector has been proposed, featuring a nanoporous ZnO/n-Si structure that exhibits a double peak in transient photovoltage decay under near-infrared pulsed light irradiation. The device's photoresponse is highly sensitive to slight changes in laser pulse energy.
Researchers question long-held theory that Northern Europeans developed light skin for vitamin D production. Instead, genetic mutations compromising the skin's barrier function enabled survival at higher latitudes. High rates of filaggrin mutations in Northern European populations correlate with increased vitamin D levels.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalEvolutionary Biology·DateJun 30, 2014
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.
Researchers found that monarchs employ a light-dependent, inclination magnetic compass system for navigation similar to larger-brained migratory vertebrates like birds and sea turtles. The study suggests the compass serves as an important backup system when daylight cues are unavailable.
SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2014
Researchers used X-ray lasers to observe how thymine, a DNA building block, protects itself from UV damage. The experiment revealed a
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2014
A study found that UV-induced beta-endorphin production causes addiction-like symptoms in mice, including withdrawal symptoms when blocked. The researchers suggest that reducing skin cancer risk may require confronting factors influencing hazardous behavior.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateJun 19, 2014
Chronic UV radiation stimulates endorphin production, causing physical dependence and addiction-like behavior in mice. This finding could explain why people have an instinctive desire for sunlight despite its health risks. Researchers suggest that a conscious effort to limit sun exposure is needed to mitigate skin cancer risk.
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.
Researchers used ALMA to detect molecular gas in two galaxies rocked by gamma ray bursts, finding it concentrated towards the galaxy centers. The gas was scarce near the explosions, which occurred in dusty environments with little gas present, suggesting intense star formation before the GRBs.
SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2014
University of Michigan researchers have developed a polariton laser that can emit coherent light, works at room temperature, and requires significantly less power. The device is the most real-world ready of its kind and has potential applications in medical devices, treatments, and more.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2014
Researchers at NUS have successfully demonstrated a 'photosalient effect' driven by photochemical reactions in solids, converting light into mechanical motion. This phenomenon has potential applications in harnessing solar energy to power light-driven actuators and mechanical devices.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 2, 2014
Researchers have developed a new, non-destructive method to detect white-nose syndrome in bats by using ultraviolet light. The technique, which involves shining long-wave UV light at bat wings, produces a distinctive orange-yellow fluorescence that corresponds with microscopic skin lesions characteristic of the disease.
SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateMay 29, 2014
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.
Eumelanin, the primary pigment in human skin, hair, and eyes, has been found to absorb a broad spectrum of sunlight due to its unique physical arrangement. Researchers have identified that disorder in the material's structure plays a crucial role in its broadband blocking ability.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2014
A sunburn risk monitor, Smartsun, is now available for purchase online. The device, worn as a waterproof wristband, changes color in response to UV radiation levels, warning users of potential skin damage.
Recent NASA studies found that spore-forming bacteria like Bacillus pumilus can survive in space for up to 18 months, surviving harsh conditions including UV radiation and extreme temperatures. These hardy organisms may be able to carry life between planets via lithopanspermia.
SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·JournalAstrobiology·DateMay 2, 2014
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new Germanium-based photo initiator that hardens dental fillings faster. This innovation increases the hardening depth from 2 mm to 4 mm, making dental treatment more efficient.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 30, 2014
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.