Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Scientists make sound-waves from a quantum vacuum at the Black Hole laboratory

Researchers have developed a new theory for observing the quantum vacuum, which could lead to new insights into black hole behavior. By using sound particles and ultra-cold atoms, they created a two-dimensional cloud where sound waves become audible to an accelerated observer in a silent phonon vacuum.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 23, 2020

NIST scientists get soft on 3D printing

Researchers at NIST create complex structures with nanometer-scale precision using a new 3D-printing method, enabling the production of tiny medical devices such as flexible electrodes. The technique uses electron beams or X-rays to initiate gel formation, allowing for finer structural detail than traditional methods.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 22, 2020

Plasma electrons can be used to produce metallic films

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to create thin metallic films using free electrons in a plasma, eliminating the need for powerful molecular reducing agents. This innovation enables the production of processors and similar components without the constraints of traditional chemical vapor deposition methods.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films·DateMay 7, 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.

NIST researchers link quartz microbalance measurements to international measurement system

Researchers at NIST have found a way to link measurements made by a device integral to microchip fabrication directly to the recently redefined International System of Units (SI), increasing users' confidence in their measurements. The device, a quartz crystal microbalance, is critically important to industries that rely on precision c...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateFeb 12, 2020

Spider-Man-style robotic graspers defy gravity

Researchers created a suction unit that can grip rough surfaces, overcoming vacuum leakage limitations. The zero-pressure difference method uses a high-speed rotating water ring to maintain vacuum and achieve energy efficiency.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 17, 2020

Heat energy leaps through empty space, thanks to quantum weirdness

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that heat energy can be transferred across a few hundred nanometers of empty space through the Casimir interaction, a quantum mechanical phenomenon. This finding could have profound implications for designing microelectronic components where heat dissipation is key.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2019
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.

New instrument extends LIGO's reach

The new instrument has helped scientists pick out dozens of gravitational wave signals, including one from a binary neutron star merger. This extended range has enabled LIGO to detect gravitational waves on an almost weekly basis, with the detectors now reaching distances of over 400 million light years.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2019

Vaginal tearing: Why are episiotomies down despite some benefits?

New UBC research finds a higher risk of severe tears with unassisted episiotomies, while assisted births like forceps deliveries show some protection against perineal injury. The study suggests caution in applying general guidelines for all vaginal deliveries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 21, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quantum vacuum: Less than zero energy

A research team investigated the possibility of negative energy in quantum physics, finding that while energy can be less than zero under certain conditions, it must be paid back. The study placed tight bounds on negative energy and connected it to quintessential properties of quantum mechanics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 2, 2019

Could vacuum physics be revealed by laser-driven microbubble?

Researchers at Osaka University discover novel mechanism of microbubble implosion, achieving ultrahigh electrostatic field near Schwinger limit. The density during compression reaches several hundred thousand to one million times solid density.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJul 9, 2019

Extracting something from nothing: A bright glow from empty space

A new study reveals that charged particles can emit bright flashes of gamma rays by interacting with the quantum vacuum, challenging a long-held assumption about the nature of empty space. The researchers used high-powered lasers and strong magnetic fields to create conditions where Cherenkov emission could occur in vacuum.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 25, 2019

New concept for novel fire extinguisher in space

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a novel fire extinguisher concept called Vacuum Extinguish Method (VEM), which uses vacuum to suck in flames and combustion products. This method is suitable for enclosed spaces like spacecraft or submarines, where traditional extinguishers can spread harmful gases.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFire Technology·DateApr 18, 2019
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.

Shape shifting mirror opens a vista for the future

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a glue-free bimorph deformable mirror that can be used in vacuum chambers. The new technology uses inorganic silver nanoparticles to bond PZT actuators to a mirror substrate, allowing for precise shape modification and high-precision optics.

SourceOsaka University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 28, 2019

Revealing the secret of the vacuum for the first time

A new research group at the University of Jena has demonstrated quantum vacuum processes for the first time, using strong fields and high-performance lasers. The experiments aim to provide evidence for fundamental physics assumptions, with potential applications in medicine, life sciences, and materials research.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateMar 19, 2019

One among many

Researchers Korbut observed crowds in metro-mobs to understand how they move and coordinate actions, finding that individuals follow free space minimization rules and rely on others' movements for direction. The study highlights the importance of speed control, stopping signals, and joining methods in mob organization.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalSociological Journal·DateMar 12, 2019
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.

Researchers make liquid crystals do the twist

The research team measured the Casimir torque's effect on liquid crystals, proving its significance in twisting them. The findings could lead to new nanoscale devices, such as actuators or motors, and help researchers understand nanoscale part motions powered by the Casimir effect.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateDec 19, 2018

Scientists enter unexplored territory in superconductivity search

Researchers use newly connected tools to map out previously inaccessible details of a high-temperature superconductor's phase diagram. The study reveals interesting characteristics on the 'far side' of the dome, including simpler quirkiness that disappears on the overdoped far side.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2018

A new way to measure nearly nothing

A new portable vacuum gauge, developed by NIST scientists, tracks changes in the number of cold lithium atoms trapped by laser and magnetic fields to measure pressure. This innovation uses ultracold trapped lithium atoms, which have an exceptionally low vapor pressure at room temperature.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateOct 19, 2018
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.

New study sets a size limit for undiscovered subatomic particles

Researchers from Yale, Harvard, and Northwestern University found that many theorized heavy particles may not exist, contradicting the Standard Model. The study's results suggest a smaller electron EDM, challenging alternative theories like supersymmetry and grand unified theories.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateOct 17, 2018

Can the timing of pushing during delivery affect outcomes?

A randomized clinical trial examined the timing of pushing during delivery, finding no significant difference between immediate and delayed pushing in rates of natural delivery or adverse outcomes among newborns. However, rates of hemorrhage and infection were higher among women who delayed pushing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 9, 2018

The world's cleanest water droplet

Scientists at TU Wien and Cornell University develop a novel method to create ultra-pure ice and apply it to titanium dioxide surfaces, revealing that smallest impurities are surprisingly significant. The study finds that two organic acids, acetic acid and formic acid, are the main culprits behind surface contamination.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018
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.

World's fastest man-made spinning object could help study quantum mechanics

Researchers at Purdue University have created a machine that spins at over 60 billion revolutions per minute, allowing them to study the properties of vacuum and its effects on materials. This breakthrough technology has the potential to advance our understanding of quantum mechanics and material science.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2018

Colombia peace deal brings new threat to country's rainforest

Mass deforestation in Colombia's Andes-Amazon 'biodiversity bridge' is threatening the region's ecosystems and thousands of rare species. The area, once controlled by FARC soldiers, has been cleared at an alarming rate for farms and coca crops.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalConservation Letters·DateJul 19, 2018

360 dust analysis at IUPUI offers free test of household dust contaminants

The IUPUI 360 Dust Analysis project offers free testing of household dust contaminants, including lead and chromium, which can be tracked inside or blown in from outside. Participants receive detailed information about their dust and suggestions to mitigate any health risks.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·DateJul 12, 2018
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.

Single molecular insulator pushes boundaries of current state of the art

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a single molecular insulator that can effectively block leakage current in transistors, paving the way for smaller and more efficient devices. The breakthrough uses quantum interference-based approach to create a novel technique for blocking tunnelling conduction at the nanoscale.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2018

Sirius qualifies suppliers for the high-tech market

Brazil's new synchrotron light source, Sirius, has selected 23 suppliers from 18 firms to develop its high-tech components. The suppliers were chosen based on their ability to develop world-class advanced technologies and meet the project's strict parameters.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMay 2, 2018

Getting a better look at living cells

A new device has been developed to reduce radiation exposure in nanoscale-level imaging of living cells, allowing for more accurate and undamaged images. This innovation enables the study of biological, chemical, and materials science samples in their near-native environments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 24, 2018
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.

Filling lithium-ion cells faster

Scientists at TUM found that electrodes are wetted twice as fast in a vacuum than under normal pressure. The liquid spreads evenly from all four sides, reducing electrolyte absorption by ten percent.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 20, 2018

Boron can form a purely honeycomb, graphene-like 2-D structure

Researchers successfully synthesized a purely honeycomb borophene sheet on an Al(1 1 1) surface, exhibiting a planar, non-buckled honeycomb lattice similar to graphene. Theoretical calculations show that the structure is energetically stable and could enable superconductivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMar 14, 2018

NASA's Webb telescope emerges from Chamber A

After completing 100 days of cryogenic testing, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has emerged from Chamber A at the Johnson Space Center. The telescope is now set to be integrated with its spacecraft element in California, marking a crucial step towards its launch as the world's premier infrared space observatory.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 1, 2017
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.

Astronomers reveal evidence of dynamical dark energy

Researchers have discovered evidence of dynamical dark energy, suggesting that the nature of dark energy may not be a constant vacuum energy. The discovery was made possible by high-precision measurements of Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations and will require confirmation from next-generation astronomical surveys.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 3, 2017

Application of air-sensitive semiconductors in nanoelectronics

Gallium selenide, a 2D semiconductor, loses electrical conductivity in air due to oxidation, hindering its application in nanoelectronic devices. Encapsulating GaSe in vacuum-manufactured devices with protective layers can maintain its optoelectronic properties.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalSemiconductor Science and Technology·DateSep 21, 2017
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.

NASA's Webb Telescope summertime deep-freeze continues

The telescope is cooled to minus 387 Fahrenheit as scientists and engineers monitor its performance with temperature sensors and cameras. Once complete, the telescope will be integrated with the spacecraft and sunshield at Northrop Grumman, California, before undergoing final tests called 'observatory-level testing,'

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 9, 2017

New CubeSat propulsion system uses water as propellant

A new micropropulsion system for CubeSats uses an innovative design of tiny nozzles that release precise bursts of water vapor to maneuver the spacecraft. The FEMTA thruster technology demonstrates a thrust-to-power ratio of 230 micronewtons per watt, making it a viable method for attitude control of CubeSats.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 7, 2017
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.

NASA's Webb telescope gets freezing summertime lodging in Houston

The James Webb Space Telescope will undergo a three-month test period at NASA's Johnson Space Center to prove its ability to operate in space-like conditions. Chamber A, a historic Apollo-era test chamber, simulates temperatures as low as -393 degrees Fahrenheit, essential for detecting infrared light from distant objects.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 22, 2017

How to reduce shockwaves in quantum beam experiments

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a method to overcome the fundamental limit on particle density in atomic and molecular-beam experiments. By cooling skimmers to lower temperatures, they significantly reduced shockwaves and increased beam density, enabling more interesting chemical reactions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 2017

New electron source for materials analysis

Researchers at Jülich's Peter Grünberg Institute have created a new method for high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) that allows for fast and efficient measurements. This innovation enables scientists to investigate unstable or sensitive samples, paving the way for breakthroughs in materials analysis.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 15, 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.

New method uses heat flow to levitate variety of objects

Researchers used a temperature gradient to levitate ceramic, polyethylene spheres, glass bubbles, ice particles, lint strands and thistle seeds in a vacuum chamber for over an hour. The method achieved radial and vertical stability, expanding possibilities for particle dynamics and interactions in microgravity environments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 15, 2017

Traffic jam in empty space

Researchers detect electromagnetic fluctuations in the quantum vacuum using a world-leading optical measurement technique. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in understanding radiation and material properties.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2017

First signs of weird quantum property of empty space?

Researchers have detected linear polarisation in the light passing through the vacuum surrounding a neutron star, suggesting that strong magnetic fields can affect the properties of empty space. This finding provides experimental support for predictions made 80 years ago about vacuum birefringence.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 30, 2016
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.

Light and matter merge in quantum coupling

Researchers successfully merge light and matter, creating a new condensed matter state with strongly coupled electrons. The discovery could advance technologies like quantum computers and communications by revealing new phenomena in cavity quantum electrodynamics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 2016

Electron spin control: Levitated nanodiamond is research gem

Purdue University researchers have successfully controlled the electron spin of a levitated nanodiamond using lasers in a vacuum, enabling potential applications in quantum information processing, sensors, and fundamental physics studies. The technique could also be used to detect and measure gases, such as oxygen, with improved accuracy.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2016

NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft in thermal vacuum testing

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is being tested in a thermal vacuum chamber to evaluate its performance under extreme conditions. The 22-day test will assess the spacecraft's instruments and systems, ensuring they can withstand the harsh environment of space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 8, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Solar cells as light as a soap bubble

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to making solar cells, resulting in the thinnest and lightest complete solar cells ever made. The new process enables the creation of ultra-thin, flexible solar cells that can be integrated into various materials or surfaces, opening up new possibilities for portable electronic devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalOrganic Electronics·DateFeb 26, 2016

On-the-go ultrahigh vacuum storage systems

Researchers developed a portable ultrahigh vacuum storage system to securely transport air-sensitive platinum metal clusters for XAFS measurements. The 'suitcase' can store up to three samples and is designed for public transportation, reducing travel time and increasing accessibility.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films·DateDec 8, 2015

NASA's Webb Telescope science instruments begin final super cold test

The James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module has begun its final cryogenic test at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test, which will last several months, aims to ensure the instruments are ready for flight and can withstand the extreme temperatures they will encounter in space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 28, 2015