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New design brings world's first solar battery to performance milestone

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed the world's first aqueous solar flow battery, which achieves a 20% energy savings over traditional lithium-iodine batteries. The new design combines a solar cell and a battery into a single device using a water-based electrolyte and a solid sheet solar panel.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 1, 2015
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.

Meet the high-performance single-molecule diode

Researchers create high-performing single-molecule diode by controlling electrostatic environment, increasing rectification ratio to 200, and enabling faster electronics. The breakthrough enables new routes to charge and energy flow at the nanoscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 29, 2015

Toward tiny, solar-powered sensors

MIT researchers have created a new ultralow-power circuit that can harness more than 80% of the energy from tiny solar cells, enabling it to run for months without battery changes. The chip achieves this efficiency improvement while powering devices directly from batteries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 23, 2015

Hematite 're-growth' smoothes rough edges for clean energy harvest

A team of researchers from Boston College and China's University of Science and Technology has developed a new method to harness the power of solar water splitting using hematite and silicon as absorbers. The 're-growth' technique improved the material's surface, doubling electrical yield and achieving a record low turn-on voltage.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 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.

Unlocking nanofibers' potential

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique for producing nanofibers that increases the rate of production fourfold while reducing energy consumption by over 90%. The technique uses tiny emitters to regulate fluid flow, resulting in uniform fibers even at high manufacturing rates.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNanotechnology·DateJun 4, 2015

Taking control of light emission

By pairing graphene and hexagonal boron nitride, researchers can control light waves and create unique optical materials. This enables the development of tiny optical waveguides and new applications in infrared spectroscopy and imaging devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 20, 2015

Tunable liquid metal antennas

North Carolina State University researchers develop tunable liquid metal antenna controlled by voltage, allowing for dynamic changes in operating frequency and radiation pattern. This innovation enables miniaturization and adaptation to correct near-field loading problems, making it highly desirable for mobile devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 19, 2015
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.

Artificial photosynthesis: New, stable photocathode with great potential

Researchers have developed a novel photoelectrode that solves the problems of inefficient hydrogen generation in acidic electrolytes. The new composite presents high photovoltage and photocurrent densities, as well as chemical protection against corrosion.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 12, 2015

New device could greatly improve speech and image recognition

Researchers have developed a magnonic holographic memory device that can recognize patterns and improve speech and image recognition hardware. The device uses spin waves to encode and decode information, allowing for parallel processing and potentially more efficient computation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 11, 2015
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.

Battery energy storage project shows promise for electricity network

A Griffith University research project has developed an intelligent scheduling system to manage peak demand and load balancing in low-voltage electricity distribution networks. The system uses battery energy storage to store surplus energy during the day and distribute it when needed, reducing peak generation charges and improving powe...

SourceGriffith University·JournalApplied Energy·DateApr 2, 2015
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.

Soft, energy-efficient robotic wings

Dielectric elastomers have made significant breakthroughs in soft robotics applications, enabling the creation of flapping robotic wings with high-energy conversion efficiencies. The new resonance phenomenon discovered by researchers can make the artificial joint bend up and down, mimicking the motion of a bird's wing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 31, 2015

'Smart bandage' detects bed sores before they are visible to doctors

The smart bandage detects early tissue damage from pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, by exploiting electrical changes that occur when a healthy cell starts dying. It uses impedance spectroscopy to create a spatial map of the underlying tissue based on the flow of electricity at different frequencies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

Radio chip for the 'Internet of things'

Researchers at MIT have developed a new transmitter design that reduces off-state leakage 100-fold, allowing for longer battery life in IoT devices. The circuit uses a charge pump to generate a negative charge when idle, reducing power consumption by 20 picowatts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 2015

Extreme-temperature electronics

Researchers discover molybdenum disulfide thin-film transistors functional at high temperatures, demonstrating potential for extreme-temperature electronics. The material's stable operation after two months suggests new applications in harsh environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 10, 2015

Carbon nanoballs can greatly contribute to sustainable energy supply

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that adding carbon nanoballs to insulation plastic can increase the voltage by up to 26%, resulting in a 26% efficiency gain in electric power transmission. This could lead to more efficient power grids and sustainable energy systems.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 27, 2015
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.

'Mind the gap' between atomically thin materials

Scientists at Penn State have discovered a miniscule vacuum gap that creates an energy barrier for electrons moving between layers of material. This gap is crucial for designing next-generation electronic devices, such as vertical tunneling field effect transistors.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 23, 2014
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.

Scientists measure speedy electrons in silicon

Researchers used attosecond XUV spectroscopy to capture individual snapshots of electrons transitioning from the valence shell to the conduction band in silicon. The transition takes less than 450 attoseconds, allowing scientists to study complex electronic processes that were previously too fast to be approached experimentally.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2014

Researchers develop world's thinnest electric generator

Scientists have created the world's thinnest electric generator by harnessing the piezoelectric properties of a single atomic layer of MoS2. The device is optically transparent, extremely light, and bendable, making it ideal for wearable applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 2014

New UT Dallas technology may lead to prolonged power in mobile devices

Researchers from UT Dallas have created a new technology that can extend the power life of wearable computers and smartphones. The technology uses a single electron to control energy consumption inside transistors, reducing operating voltage and increasing signal strength.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2014

Sensing neuronal activity with light

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new tool that uses genetic engineering and light to visualize and map neural networks in living organisms. The tool, which detects changes in membrane voltage, allows for real-time observation of neuronal activity and its effects on behavior.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2014

Researchers control surface tension to manipulate liquid metals

Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a method for controlling the surface tension of liquid metals by applying very low voltages. This allows researchers to manipulate the shape of antennas, complete or break circuits, and explore various applications in microfluidic channels, MEMS, photonic and optical devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014
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.

Two-dimensional electron liquids

Researchers have discovered a novel form of superconductivity in two-dimensional electron liquids, characterized by the presence of quantum point contacts. These tiny channels enable the flow of superconducting currents, but with a twist: the spin degree of freedom is broken, allowing for new types of electron transport.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

Cool calculations for cold atoms

Researchers at Joint Quantum Institute develop universal theory for Efimov states, enabling prediction of chemical processes involving three or more atoms. The new theory successfully incorporates short-distance regime and van der Waals force, predicting a series of Efimov states with varying binding energies.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 2, 2014

Revolutionary microshutter technology hurdles significant challenges

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center team has demonstrated that electrostatically actuated microshutter arrays are as functional as magnetically activated arrays, eliminating macro-moving parts and lowering voltage needs. This advancement makes them suitable for Explorer-class missions and larger fields of view.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 2014

Scientists develop force sensor from carbon nanotubes

Researchers from Russia, Belarus and Spain create a microscopic force sensor based on carbon nanotubes, allowing accurate control over coaxial cylinders in two-layer nanotubes. The device can measure forces as small as tenths of a nN, opening up potential applications beyond micro scales.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateJun 30, 2014

Bending the rules

Yu Chen and colleagues find that superconductivity and dissipation can coexist under generic conditions in a universal manner, thanks to a peculiar nonequilibrium state of quasiparticles. The researchers also discover an unexpected property: when a magnetic field is applied, the superconducting area expands and is enhanced.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 29, 2014
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.

Diamond plates create nanostructures through pressure, not chemistry

Researchers have developed a method to produce silver nanostructures using high-pressure diamond plates, outperforming traditional chemical methods. This approach enables the creation of flexible electronics, transparent electrodes, and new classes of chemically and mechanically stable nanostructures.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2014

This FIB doesn't lie: New NIST microscope sees what others can't

Researchers at NIST have created a new type of FIB microscope that can image nonconductive materials and analyze chemical composition. The instrument uses lithium ions to produce lower-energy beams than traditional SEMs, enabling greater detail in nanostructure imaging.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalUltramicroscopy·DateMay 8, 2014

Researchers find the accelerator for molecular machines

A Danish/American research team has discovered an accelerator pedal that controls the speed of a molecular machine. By varying the distance between the starting and stopping points, researchers can increase or decrease the speed of the molecule.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 1, 2014

Nanotube coating helps shrink mass spectrometers

Researchers at Purdue University developed a nanotube coating that significantly reduces the voltage required for mass spectrometers, allowing for miniaturization and increased portability. The technique simplifies analysis by nearly eliminating background noise, making it gentler on fragile molecules.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 25, 2014
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.

Tiny transistors for extreme environs

Researchers at the University of Utah created the smallest plasma transistors that can operate in extreme environments, including nuclear reactors. These devices have the potential to enable innovative applications such as medical X-ray imaging and real-time air quality monitoring, and could be used to control robots in nuclear reactors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateMar 19, 2014

Kinetic battery chargers get a boost

Researchers have developed a kinetic energy harvester that captures the energy generated by human movements and converts it into electrical energy. The system uses a flexible cantilever to bend with body movements, producing a small but significant voltage that can be stored in a capacitor.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics·DateFeb 19, 2014

Brain process takes paper shape

A paper-based device replicating human brain's electrochemical signalling has been created by Chinese researchers. The thin-film transistor (TFT) can mimic the biological synapse and could be used to build lightweight and biologically friendly artificial neural networks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateFeb 12, 2014

Tune in, turn on, power up

Researchers develop a new method of wirelessly recharging medical device batteries with ultrasound, offering a safe and efficient means of wireless power transmission. The technology has been tested in animal tissue and demonstrated promising results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateDec 4, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bring a 50,000-degree plasma into your living room

Researchers at PPPL have developed an online experiment that allows users to control a real physics laboratory from any location. The Remote Glow Discharge Experiment enables users to interact with a plasma discharge, observing and controlling its effects on the apparatus.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 12, 2013

Super-thin membranes clear the way for chip-sized pumps

A new super-thin silicon membrane developed at the University of Rochester enables the creation of miniaturized pumps that can be powered by small batteries, paving the way for portable diagnostic devices. This breakthrough could lead to applications in medical and electronic device cooling, as well as cost-effective fabrication methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Market bubbles may be predictable, controllable

A new study suggests that market bubbles can be predicted and controlled using chaos theory. Researchers found that extreme events, such as market crashes, follow power law distributions, allowing for early intervention to prevent them. Tiny nudges may make a big difference in controlling these events.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 17, 2013

Researchers find rust can power up artificial photosynthesis

Boston College chemists develop unique photoanodes and photocathodes using hematite and nickel iron oxide to achieve a 50% increase in photovoltage. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to harnessing artificial photosynthesis for efficient solar energy storage.

SourceBoston College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 11, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers a step closer to finding cosmic ray origins

Researchers have used data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory to identify new information about the origin of cosmic rays. The study provides new constraints for models explaining the acceleration and propagation of cosmic rays, with potential implications for understanding their impact on human DNA and electronics in space.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPhysical Review D·DateAug 30, 2013

Peering into the protein pathways of a cell

Researchers from UConn have captured the structural dynamics of a protein channel in the mitochondrion using fluorescent probes. The study reveals that the channel complex changes its structure in response to changes in the inner membrane's electrical field, providing new insights into how cellular transport systems harness energy.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 7, 2013

Designer droplets with 'pupils' open a world of possibilities

Researchers from NTNU have developed a method to control the behavior of oil droplets using an electric field, which could improve emulsion stability and prevent separation. This technique may be useful in various industries, including food production, cosmetics, and oil recovery.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 5, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Galactic knee and extragalactic ankle

The KASCADE-Grande experiment detected a bend in the energy spectrum of high-energy cosmic rays at different energies for light and heavy particles. The study reveals a flattening of the spectrum beyond the knee, indicating extragalactic acceleration, with the ankle structure appearing first in light primary particles.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPhysical Review D·DateJun 3, 2013

Graphene joins the race to redefine the ampere

A graphene single-electron pump provides a fast enough electron flow to create a current standard, overcoming the Achilles heel of metallic pumps. This innovation marks a major step forward in using graphene to redefine the ampere.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 12, 2013

Solid-state controllable light filter may protect preterm infants from disturbing light

A new solid-state controllable light filter has been developed to shield preterm infants from most wavelengths of visible light, promoting better maturation. The device switches between blocking out all light and allowing red light through, enabling medical staff and parents to monitor the infants without disrupting their sleep.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 6, 2013

Graphene's high-speed seesaw

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a graphene-based transistor with bistable characteristics, which can rapidly switch between two electronic states. This technology has potential applications in medical imaging and security screening, as well as enabling the creation of new architectures for electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 2013

Battery and memory device in 1

ReRAM cells exhibit battery voltage properties, violating traditional memristor theory. Researchers reveal new insights into the electrochemical components, enabling optimized design and potential new applications

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2013
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.

MIT researchers develop solar-to-fuel roadmap for crystalline silicon

A team of MIT researchers has published a detailed analysis of the factors that limit the efficiency of artificial leaf systems, which could lead to the production of a commercial viable prototype. The study suggests that combining the right solar cells and catalysts can improve efficiencies of 16 percent or more.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2013

Bioelectric signals can be used to detect early cancer

Biologists at Tufts University have identified a unique bioelectric signal in cells that are likely to develop into tumors, which they can use to detect early cancer. By manipulating the electrical charge across cells' membranes, they can lower the incidence of cancerous cells and suppress abnormal cell growth.

SourceTufts University·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateFeb 1, 2013

Power spintronics: Producing AC voltages by manipulating magnetic fields

Researchers have developed a novel application of spintronics that converts magnetic energy to electric voltage efficiently and directly. The device utilizes magnetic nanostructures and manipulates magnetization dynamics to generate alternating current (AC) voltages from direct current (DC) magnetic fields.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 3, 2013
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.

Novel NIST process is a low-cost route to ultrathin platinum films

NIST scientists discovered a simple and fast process to deposit uniform, ultrathin layers of platinum atoms on a surface. By increasing the voltage beyond normal levels, they created a hydrogen layer that quenches further metal deposition, allowing for precise control over film thickness.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2012

Less of a shock

Researchers have developed a low-energy defibrillation scheme that significantly reduces the energy needed to re-establish a normal rhythm in the heart's main chambers. This novel electrotherapy could be less painful than existing implantable defibrillators and may even fall beneath the threshold at which patients begin to perceive pain.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 13, 2012