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Spray coated tactile sensor on a 3D surface for robotic skin

A KAIST research team has reported a stretchable pressure insensitive strain sensor by using an all solution-based process. The new electronic skin can distinguish mechanical stimuli analogous to human skin and can be uniformly coated on 3-dimensional surfaces.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 20, 2018

Watching neurons in action

Researchers from OIST have developed a novel technique to record the activity of single neurons in awake animals, allowing for the detection of even the smallest changes in voltage. This breakthrough enables the study of how neurons function in living organisms, providing insights into brain function and behavior.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2018

In a Weyl thermopile

Physicists at the University of Tokyo have discovered a new method to generate electricity in special materials called Weyl magnets, exploiting temperature gradients. This could lead to the creation of low-power, low-maintenance electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 30, 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.

Toward a secure electrical grid

Researchers propose a new method to protect power grid systems from cyber-attacks by utilizing PMUs and machine learning algorithms to identify real oscillations. This approach can help prevent catastrophic failures caused by GPS spoofing attacks

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalIEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement·DateJul 19, 2018

Switched on: a breakthrough for spintronics

A new tri-layer structure made of Cr2O3, YIG, and Pt enables significant control over the transmission of spin current at room temperature. This discovery is a major breakthrough in spintronics, paving the way for more efficient information processing devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 28, 2018

Switching with molecules

Researchers have developed molecular nanoswitches that can switch between two states using an applied voltage, enabling the development of novel electro-optical devices. This breakthrough could replace silicon-based components with organic molecules, reducing component sizes in electronics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018

Remote control of transport through nanopores

Scientists have developed a way to alter external factors like voltage to control the transport of molecules through biological channels. The study, published in EPJ E, shows that applying an electric current can overcome energy barriers and facilitate molecule transfer.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 22, 2018
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.

Levers and zippers in the cell's 'customs'

Researchers have discovered a non-canonical pathway that triggers the opening or closing of ion channels through a zipper-like mechanism. This finding offers insights into how these channels regulate vital processes such as heartbeat and pain transmission.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 17, 2018

The first wireless flying robotic insect takes off

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a wireless flying robotic insect called RoboFly that can take independent flaps. The insect uses a laser beam to power its wings and is controlled by a microcontroller that mimics the fluttering of a real insect's wings.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMay 15, 2018

Study shows how bacteria guide electron flow for efficient energy generation

Researchers at the University of Illinois have isolated a protein supercomplex from a bacterial membrane that generates a voltage across the bacterial membrane, enabling efficient ATP production. The study's findings will inform future efforts to obtain the atomic structures of large membrane protein supercomplexes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2018

NASA eyes versatile carbon-nanotube technology for spaceflight applications

Carbon nanotubes are proving to be highly versatile for all types of spaceflight applications, including analyzing the chemical properties of rocks and soil on airless bodies. The nanotechnology works as envisioned, emitting enough electrons to excite samples and offering significant improvements over existing instruments.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 10, 2018

Voltage loss in cable bacteria

Using Raman spectroscopy, researchers have followed electrons through individual cable bacteria and found that voltage loss prevents efficient functioning beyond 3 cm into the sediment. The bacteria can distribute energy between cells using cytochromes, but lose electrical potential when electrons are unloaded to oxygen.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 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.

A novel voltage peak in the metal nanowire-superconductor hybrid structure

A novel voltage signal has been observed in a hybrid metal nanowire-superconductor structure, where the voltage peak appears at the proximity-induced superconducting transition temperature and is proportional to the cooling rate. This finding offers a new method for detecting superconductivity without damaging or dissipating current.

SourceScience China Press·DateMay 2, 2018

New research could literally squeeze more power out of solar cells

Scientists at University of Warwick discovered that physically deforming semiconductors used in commercial solar cells can generate a non-centrosymmetric structure, allowing for the bulk photovoltaic effect. This could potentially increase power generation efficiency by overcoming the Shockley-Queisser Limit.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2018

Charge density wave inhomogeneity and pseudogap in 1T-TiSe2

A new study reveals the existence of a pseudogap state in 1T-TiSe2, which shares similarities with high-Tc cuprates. The discovery indicates that CDW and superconductivity do not compete in this material, providing insight into the superconducting mechanism and its interplay with CDW.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 18, 2018

Breakthrough made in atomically thin magnets

Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in controlling atomically thin magnets using an electric field, opening the door to more powerful and efficient data storage. This technology has the potential to replace current methods that consume electrical power and create heat.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 4, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Turning polymer films into self-sensing high-tech actuators

Researchers at Saarland University develop a new generation of electroactive polymers, which can act as sensors and actuators, requiring minimal energy and resources. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including self-metering valves, motorless pumps, and tactile aids for touchscreens.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 26, 2018

Electric textile lights a lamp when stretched

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a fabric that converts kinetic energy into electric power. The textile generates electricity when stretched or exposed to pressure, and can currently light an LED, send wireless signals, or drive small electric units.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateMar 22, 2018

How cells protect themselves against mechanical stress

Researchers have discovered that Piezo channels are highly sensitive to changes in membrane voltage, which helps cells protect themselves from mechanical overstimulation. This mechanism has been found to exist in humans, mice, flies, and fish, and is even more pronounced in older species.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2018

Seeing the brain's electrical activity

Researchers at MIT have created a fluorescent sensor that allows them to image neurons' electrical communications without electrodes. This breakthrough could enable the study of brain activity in millisecond-by-millisecond detail, revolutionizing our understanding of neural behavior and cognition.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 26, 2018
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.

Electric eel-inspired device reaches 110 volts

Researchers developed an electric eel-inspired device that produced 110 volts from gels filled with varying strengths of salt water, leveraging ion gradients across hydrogels. The team hopes to increase the current and develop a power source for implantable devices utilizing existing human body ionic gradients.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 19, 2018

Columbia engineers develop flexible lithium battery for wearable electronics

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a flexible spine-like lithium-ion battery with high energy density, stable voltage, and excellent mechanical properties. The battery's design is inspired by the human spine and provides remarkable flexibility and durability, making it a promising candidate for wearable electronics.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 31, 2018

NIST's superconducting synapse may be missing piece for 'artificial brains'

Researchers at NIST have built a superconducting switch that learns like a biological system, connecting processors and storing memories in future computers operating like the human brain. The synapse can process incoming electrical spikes to customize spiking output signals, using less energy than the human brain.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 26, 2018

Slow 'hot electrons' could improve solar cell efficiency

Researchers have discovered a new material that slows down the decay of hot electrons in solar cells, allowing for more energy to be harvested. This could lead to a significant increase in solar cell efficiency, from 33% to 66%, and make a major contribution to providing clean and sustainable energy.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2018
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.

Making waves for ultrahigh definition displays

The researchers have designed non-planar vertical semiconductor fin-like structures that are laterally interconnected to form wavy transistor arrays. This design widens the transistors by 70% without expanding their occupied pixel area, doubling the transistor performance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalSmall·DateJan 16, 2018

Making the Internet of Things possible with a new breed of 'memristors'

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new breed of 'memristors' that can store data for more than 10 years without power and work with low voltages. These ferroelectric tunnel junctions have the potential to revolutionize neuromorphic computing and enable efficient IoT processing.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 10, 2018

Artificial muscles power up with new gel-based robotics

Researchers at Shinshu University have designed a wearable robot that utilizes plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel to provide assistance for individuals with weakened muscles and mobility issues. The system consists of mesh electrodes and applied voltage, enabling natural movement while decreasing muscular activity.

SourceShinshu University·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

Scientists discover path to improving game-changing battery electrode

Researchers at Stanford University and national labs uncover mechanism behind voltage loss in lithium-rich cathodes, paving the way for optimized performance. The discovery could enable batteries to store more energy, allowing electric cars to travel longer distances between charges.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2017

New power devices could drastically reduce energy waste

Researchers at MIT developed a new design for gallium nitride power devices that can handle higher voltages, potentially reducing energy waste in electric vehicles, data centers and the power grid. The device uses a bladelike fin design to confine current, improving efficiency and heat dissipation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 7, 2017

Highly flexible organic flash memory for foldable and disposable electronics

Researchers at KAIST developed ultra-flexible organic flash memory that can be applied to non-conventional substrates like plastics and papers. The memory technology exhibits a significantly-long projected retention rate with programming voltages on par with industrial standards.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 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.

Jellyfish-inspired electronic skin glows when it gets hurt

Researchers developed an electronic skin that glows when subjected to high-pressure, mimicking the Atolla jellyfish's bioluminescent response. This innovation improves prosthetics and robotics by detecting a wider range of pressures, addressing the limitations of current technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 1, 2017

Voltage-driven liquid metal fractals

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that applying low voltage to gallium indium can induce the formation of unique fractal patterns. The discovery has significant implications for controlling liquid metals, as it allows for reversible and effective manipulation of surface tension.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 30, 2017

Scientists update 4 key fundamental constants

The updated values of Planck Constant and others bring world closer to revised measurement system, ensuring uniformly precise measurements that scale smoothly from almost infinitesimal to enormous. The new definition will redefine the SI's seven base units, including kilogram, kelvin, and ampere.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateOct 23, 2017

Taming 'wild' electrons in graphene

Researchers successfully controlled electrons in graphene using a high-tech microscope, paving the way for novel electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to ultra-fast transport of electrons with low energy loss in applications such as transistors and sensors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 23, 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.

Electron behavior under extreme conditions described for the first time

Researchers have successfully modelled electrons under extreme temperatures and densities, providing new insights into fusion experiments and potentially leading to a clean source of energy. The study solves a decades-old problem in physics by accurately simulating the thermodynamic properties of interacting electrons.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 6, 2017

Noise reduction: Scientists clear the chatter of buck converters

Researchers design a second-order sliding mode controller to eliminate frequency fluctuations and improve control of DC-DC buck converters. The new method retains robustness while allowing flexibility in the sliding line parameter.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 31, 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.

Researchers create magnetic RAM

A team of researchers has developed a novel type of memory called magnetoelectric memory, which reduces energy consumption by a factor of 10,000. This breakthrough technology could enable instant device startup and lower energy costs in computing hardware applications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 22, 2017

New thruster design increases efficiency for future spaceflight

Researchers developed a new inlet design for Hall thrusters that significantly increases thrust by creating a vortex in the discharge channel. The design improvement resulted in higher gas density and uniformity, leading to improved performance and increased specific impulse of up to 53.5%.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 15, 2017

Smart surface enables advanced manipulation of droplets

Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a smart surface that can repel and absorb liquids, controlled by applying electric potential. The copper-based surface exhibits rapid and reversible changes in wetting behavior, making it suitable for various industrial and consumer applications.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 25, 2017

Manipulating electron spins without loss of information

Researchers from the University of Basel create a chip that maintains and transmits electron spin information over large distances using electrical voltages. The technique overcomes spin decay, allowing for targeted spin manipulation without information loss.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 19, 2017
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.

New material resembling a metal nanosponge could reduce computer energy consumption

Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a new nanoporous material that can increase magnetic domain orientation efficiency, reducing the energy needed to process data. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve computer energy efficiency and increase mobile device autonomy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 13, 2017

New method of measurement could lead to cheaper, more accurate sensors

Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed a new sensor technology that can measure tiny objects with high accuracy, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medical diagnosis and gas detection. The sensor uses electromagnetism to determine mass, reducing interference and enabling wireless transmission of results.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMeasurement·DateJun 30, 2017
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.

New measurement will help redefine international unit of mass

Researchers at NIST have made the most precise determination yet of Planck's constant, a fundamental value that will help redefine the kilogram. The new measurement has an uncertainty of just 13 parts per billion, exceeding international requirements for redefining the unit.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateJun 30, 2017

NIST 'noise thermometry' yields accurate new measurements of boltzmann constant

Researchers at NIST have contributed to accurate new measurements of the Boltzmann constant using a novel technique called noise thermometry. This approach measures the random motion of electrons in a resistor, allowing for more precise temperature measurements and potentially better thermometers for industry.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMetrologia·DateJun 29, 2017

New millimeter-wave technology could make future vehicles much safer

A new millimeter-wave amplifier developed by Hiroshima University and Mie Fujitsu Semiconductor can operate at a power supply voltage of 0.5 V, significantly reducing energy consumption and increasing reliability. This technology has the potential to improve driver-assistance and self-driving capabilities in vehicles.

SourceHiroshima University·DateJun 4, 2017

Zap! Graphene is bad news for bacteria

Researchers discovered laser-induced graphene is highly effective against bacteria and resists biofouling. When electrified, LIG kills bacteria through a combination of contact with its rough surface, electrical charge, and toxicity from hydrogen peroxide production.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2017

'Hot' electrons don't mind the gap

Researchers found that hot electrons can create a photovoltage about a thousand times larger than what is seen if there is no gap. The discovery shows the potential for nanoscale photodetectors to convert light into electricity and sensors or other sophisticated electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 8, 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.

Refrigerator for quantum computers discovered

A new quantum-circuit refrigerator has been invented by Mikko Möttönen and his team at Aalto University, which reduces errors in quantum computing. The device uses a nanoscale cooling mechanism to cool qubits, making them more reliable and powerful.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

'Smart contact lens sensor' for diabetic and glaucoma diagnosis

Researchers developed a smart contact lens sensor that can monitor biomarkers for diabetes and glaucoma, allowing real-time health monitoring and wireless transmission of data. The sensor uses transparent and flexible materials, maintaining its characteristics even when deformed or exposed to human tears.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2017