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NIST team shows atoms can receive common communications signals

The NIST team used cesium atoms to receive digital bits in phase shifting format, receiving up to 5 megabits of data per second. The atom-based system showed decent accuracy with an error vector magnitude (EVM) below 10 percent.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateSep 5, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

E-cigarettes disrupt lung function and raise risk of infection

Chronic e-cigarette vapor exposure damages lungs by disrupting normal lung structure and function, reducing immune cell response to viral infections. The study also found abnormal lipid accumulation within resident macrophages, leading to increased susceptibility to diseases like influenza.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 4, 2019

Nicotine-free e-cigarettes can damage blood vessels

A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that nicotine-free e-cigarettes can immediately reduce vascular function and impair blood flow. The researchers used MRI exams on healthy adults to measure changes in blood vessels after vaping a single e-cigarette, revealing significant damage.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateAug 20, 2019

Improving heat recycling with the thermodiffusion effect

Numerical simulations reveal that thin films with negative thermodiffusion coefficients increase the absorption of vapour, improving heat recycling. The study offers valuable new insights into enhancing the performance of falling film absorbers.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 15, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Quantum computing boost from vapor stabilizing technique

Researchers from the University of Bath have patented a technique that allows electrons to be accessed for applications including quantum computing, atom cooling, and precision measurements. The innovation uses gold nanoparticles to stabilize alkali metal vapors, enabling fast and reproducible control over the vapor density.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

Study reveals final fate of levitating Leidenfrost droplets

A team of researchers has detailed the final fate of levitating Leidenfrost droplets, finding that smaller drops escape and larger ones explode violently. The study's findings suggest that contaminants play a crucial role in determining the droplets' behavior, with minute quantities having significant effects on their lifetime.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 6, 2019

City trees can offset neighborhood heat islands, Concordia researcher says

A new study by Concordia researcher Carly Ziter shows that extensive tree canopy cover in urban areas can dramatically reduce temperatures, making a significant difference even within a few city blocks. The study found that temperatures vary as much within the city as they do between the city and surrounding countryside.

SourceConcordia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2019
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.

Meteoroid strikes eject precious water from moon

Scientists found evidence of water vapor in lunar exosphere after analyzing data from NASA's LADEE mission, which orbited the Moon from October 2013 to April 2014. The team detected dozens of events where meteoroids struck the Moon's surface, releasing a short-lived water vapor that could be used as a resource for future human explorat...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 15, 2019

NASA launches two rockets studying auroras

NASA has launched the AZURE mission, carrying instruments to measure atmospheric density and temperature in auroral regions. The mission will release colorful gas tracers to track particle flow and provide valuable data on ionosphere dynamics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 9, 2019

Vapor drives a liquid-solid transition in a molecular system

Researchers from Kanazawa University have discovered a novel system where a liquid-solid transition is driven by guest vapor, exhibiting selectivity for alkane vapors. This unique property enables the development of new vapor detection systems and adhesion materials.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 27, 2019
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.

Scaling forward

A researcher at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a faster way to create molecular models, accelerating the screening of potential new organic materials for electronics. The approach uses machine learning to predict electronic properties and enables scientists to screen more packing arrangements than before.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2019

Turning a porous material's color on and off with acid

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a porous material that turns yellow to reddish-brown when exposed to acid vapor, returning to its original color upon removal. The material's stability is remarkable, maintaining its structure at high temperatures and resisting common organic solvents.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 8, 2019

Unexpected link between air pollutants from plants and manmade emissions

A breakthrough discovery has identified new links between natural air pollutants and manmade emissions, which could lead to more accurate climate-related legislation. The study found that particles formed from a mixture of natural and man-made vapours are significantly reduced compared to individual components.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2019

£700k award funds new research into ways to control liquid droplets

Academics from Northumbria University are continuing their groundbreaking research on liquid droplet behavior. They will investigate ways to control the formation of droplets using electrical voltages, which has never been possible before. This technology could lead to innovative techniques for printing and coatings applications.

SourceNorthumbria University·DateJan 28, 2019

Self-propulsion of levitated droplets

Researchers discovered that levitated droplets can self-propel across a cryogenic liquid surface, gliding and oscillating without friction. The phenomenon is driven by an asymmetry between the front and back of the drop, emerging in the supporting film's thickness.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019
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.

Jumpin' droplets! Researchers seek to improve efficiency of condensers

Materials scientists have developed a new strategy to keep condensed droplets from coalescing into a film, allowing for more efficient heat transfer. The approach uses superomniphobic surfaces with knife-like ridges to create 'jumping' droplets that repel and move away from the condenser surface.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 28, 2018

Study suggests vaping does not stain teeth

A recent study by British American Tobacco found that e-cigarettes and tobacco heating products significantly reduce enamel discoloration compared to conventional cigarettes. The researchers assessed the impact of these products on teeth using an in vitro study and found minimal staining.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·DateOct 14, 2018
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.

Gas stations vent far more toxic fumes than previously thought

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found gas station vent pipes release vapors containing toxic chemicals like benzene. The researchers' findings exceed safe limits for benzene exposure, prompting officials to reconsider setback regulations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateOct 4, 2018

Improved thermal-shock resistance in industrial ceramics

A new coating has been shown to reduce heat transfer and alleviate tensile stresses in ceramic materials, improving their thermal-shock behavior. The coating creates a vapor film that insulates the material from rapid temperature changes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 21, 2018

NASA-developed coating investigated for protecting Smithsonian specimens

Scientists are testing a NASA-coated material to reduce mercury vapor and other contaminants in the Smithsonian Institution's cultural artifacts and natural-science specimens. The Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC) is being evaluated for its effectiveness in protecting the over 54-million collection items.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 26, 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.

Western-led research team uncovers lost images from the 19th century

A team of scientists, led by Madalena Kozachuk, has recovered two previously hidden daguerreotype images from the National Gallery of Canada's photography research unit. The images, taken possibly as early as 1850, were damaged due to tarnish and other degradation, but were restored using synchrotron technology.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2018

New PSU study shows higher formaldehyde risk in e-cigarettes than previously thought

Researchers revisited a 2015 study finding e-cigarette vapor contains new forms of formaldehyde, which are bound to particulates and deposited deeper in the lungs, posing higher risks than previously known. The study found both gaseous and new formaldehyde compounds exceeding OSHA workplace limits even at lower heat settings.

SourcePortland State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 21, 2018

Understanding steam burns

Researchers have solved the mystery of steam burns, revealing that water vapour penetrates skin pores to cause second-degree burns. The epidermis cannot protect against steam, which condenses in the lower dermal layer, releasing thermal energy and triggering damage. To minimize damage, cooling is essential for a long time.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 14, 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.

Water-repellent surfaces can efficiently boil water, keep electronics cool

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that superhydrophobic materials can boil water efficiently when air and vapor are removed from the system. This breakthrough enables highly effective boiling, allowing for improved cooling of high-power electronics and enhancing thermal management technologies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2018

Mini toolkit for measurements: New NIST chip hints at quantum sensors of the future

Researchers at NIST developed a miniature chip that uses laser light to measure quantities like length with quantum precision. The design packs the atom cloud and structures for guiding light waves into less than 1 square centimeter, achieving a hundredfold increase in measurement precision compared to other devices.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateApr 10, 2018

Study suggests vaping does not stain teeth

A recent study published by British American Tobacco found that vaping does not cause the same level of tooth discoloration as smoking. The research used cow's teeth to test the impact of e-cigarette vapour and tobacco-heated products on tooth colour, with surprising results.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·DateMar 24, 2018
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.

Research suggests vapers are vulnerable to pneumonia

Research suggests that e-cigarette vapour can increase susceptibility to lung infection with pneumococcal bacteria, similar to traditional cigarette smoke or particulate matter from fossil-fuel pollution. Long-term vaping may raise the risk of bacterial lung infection.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateFeb 7, 2018
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.

Studies support the reduced-risk potential of glo™

Scientists ranked glo™ and other next-generation products against conventional cigarettes, finding reduced toxicants in vapour and biological impact on cells. Glo™ produced a substantially reduced response compared to cigarette smoke.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·DateOct 24, 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.

Portland State study links cancerous toxins to cannabis extract

Researchers at Portland State University found benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals in butane hash oil vapor, raising health concerns about dabbing. The study highlights the need for further toxicology research to guide future policy on marijuana consumption.

SourcePortland State University·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 26, 2017

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...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGlobal Challenges·DateAug 13, 2017

New phase change mechanism could lead to new class of chemical vapor sensors

Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory have discovered a new phase change mechanism in monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) that can be used to create highly sensitive chemical vapor sensors. The sensors can detect nerve agents and explosives with high selectivity and sensitivity.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 25, 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.

Solar paint offers endless energy from water vapor

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a solar paint that can split water atoms to generate hydrogen fuel, the cleanest source of energy. The innovative material, synthetic molybdenum-sulphide, catalyses the reaction and acts as a semi-conductor, making it efficient in producing hydrogen from solar energy and moist air.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 14, 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.

Vapor from novel tobacco hybrid device minimally impacts human cells

A study found that vapour from a novel hybrid tobacco heating product and two standard THPs had little to no impact on human cells in lab-based biological tests. The results suggest these products could reduce smoking-related disease risks when compared to cigarette smoking.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateJun 4, 2017

Artificial transpiration for solar water purification

Researchers have developed a 3D graphene oxide based artificial transpiration device with high solar vapor efficiency, minimizing convection and conduction losses. The device can also collect more sunlight throughout the day and enable effective water treatment through two pathways.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 1, 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.

Off-the-shelf, power-generating clothes are almost here

Researchers at UMass Amherst create a breathable, pliable, metal-free electrode coating that can be applied to off-the-shelf clothing without compromising comfort. The coating generates small electric currents through triboelectric charging and has been tested on various fabrics with promising results.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 23, 2017

Jumping droplets extinguish unpredictable hotspots in electronics

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 'jumping droplet' technique that effectively cools mobile hotspots by harnessing the power of surface energy. This breakthrough method, reported in Applied Physics Letters, enables efficient heat dissipation in all directions, outperforming existing methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 4, 2017

Jumping droplets whisk away hotspots in electronics

Engineers have developed a technology to cool hotspots in high-performance electronics by leveraging the same physical phenomenon that cleans cicadas' wings. Droplets jump toward hotspots, bringing cooling where it's needed most, and the results appear online.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 3, 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.

New type of sensor material developed

Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a nickel complex that changes color and magnetism when exposed to methanol vapor. The material exhibits vapochromic properties, making it suitable for chemical sensing applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 28, 2017