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Overturning a 200-year belief: new surface design enabling two distinct wetting states on a single substrate

Researchers at NIMS have discovered a phenomenon where droplets on a single solid surface exhibit both 'sticky' and 'repellent' states simultaneously. By controlling the number of hydrogen bonds between the solid surface and oil, they can create a universal surface design principle that causes this phenomenon.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2026

Creating ice layer by layer: the secret mechanisms of ice formation revealed

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, used molecular-scale simulations to understand ice formation. They found that the arrangement of water molecules in the two layers closest to the surface is crucial for nucleation, promoting a low-dimensional hexagonal crystal lattice at the surface.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJun 4, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Breakthrough in battery technology: unraveling the mystery of electrolyte wetting in advanced lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have developed a new understanding of electrolyte wetting in advanced lithium-ion batteries, addressing a critical bottleneck in manufacturing. The study's findings reveal that manufacturing processes impact wetting behavior through key parameters like permeability and capillary forces.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

Cellular liquid droplets can cut membranes

Scientists have found that biomolecular condensates can cross membranes without specialized cutting proteins, a process called wetting, which is essential for plant survival. The study shows that these liquid droplets can exert large capillary forces on membranes, cutting them in two and enabling material exchange between cell parts.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2024
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.

Physicists explain—and eliminate—unknown force dragging against water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces

Researchers from Aalto University have identified the previously unidentified physics at play when water droplets move on superhydrophobic surfaces. By adapting a novel force measurement technique, they eliminated the drag-like force and proposed a solution to improve the performance of hydrophobic surfaces.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2024

A nanoscale view of bubble formation

A German-Chinese research team has created a more precise understanding of the behavior of tiny droplets and vapor bubbles using computer simulation. The findings have the potential to improve cooling systems for microprocessors and enhance the efficiency of green hydrogen production, as well as aid in the development of new materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New software platform advances understanding of the surface finish of manufactured components

Scientists developed a software platform to analyze surfaces, creating digital twins that predict material properties like adhesion and durability. The contact.engineering platform standardizes procedure and facilitates open science, allowing users to share measurements and collaborate.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalSurface Topography Metrology and Properties·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 19, 2022

Measuring the ‘wettability’ of graphene and other 2D materials

Researchers successfully measured the wettability of graphene and other 2D materials using VSFG, a surface-selective tool that connects macroscopic and molecular-level properties. The study found that graphene's 'wetting transparency' diminishes with increasing layers, becoming hydrophobic at a certain point.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 26, 2022
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.

Controlling how “odd couple” surfaces and liquids interact

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to control the interaction between liquids and solids, allowing for the creation of surfaces with high or low wettability. This breakthrough has potential applications in various industries, including thermal management, protective coatings, and heat pipes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2022

Why teapots always drip

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully described the 'teapot effect' with a theoretical analysis and experiments. The effect occurs when a liquid is poured out of a teapot too slowly, causing it to dribble down the outside of the pot due to an interplay of inertia, viscous, and capillary forces.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Making seawater drinkable in minutes

Researchers developed a stable performance electrospun nanofiber membrane to turn seawater into drinking water without wetting issues. The membrane can operate for 30 days with high salt rejection rates, making it suitable for long-term membrane distillation applications.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateJun 29, 2021

'Magical' fire suppressant kills zombie fires 40% faster than water alone

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new fire suppressant that can kill zombie fires 40% faster than using water alone. The agent reduces surface tension and acts thermally to encapsulate the fire, bringing down temperature and removing heat from the fire triangle.

SourceImperial College London·JournalInternational Journal of Wildland Fire·DateMar 12, 2021
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.

Masks, PPE materials should be hydrophilic

Researchers found that making masks and PPE with hydrophilic surfaces can reduce the drying time of droplets, cutting COVID-19 infection risk in half. A superhydrophobic surface requires more extreme modification to achieve optimal results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 11, 2020

Wetting property of Li metal with graphite

Graphite has been found to be intrinsically lithiophilic at 500K, contradicting previous conclusions that it was lithiophobic. The study uses ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and shows that surface chemistry plays a key role in the wetting performance of Li metal on graphite.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 10, 2020
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.

New research takes p*** out of incontinence

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have identified chemicals in urine specific to overactive bladder, which could lead to a diagnostic gadget similar to a pregnancy test. The device is expected to be simple, accurate, and cost-effective, saving millions from painful procedures and long waits for diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

New understanding of condensation could lead to better power plant condenser, de-icing materials

New research shows that the slipperiness between droplets and solid surfaces is more critical for clearing condensation than previously thought. The findings could lead to cost-effective alternatives to water-repellent materials, such as ceramic or metal surfaces, which could last longer and be more durable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2020
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.

Detraction-free light-matter interaction

Quantum dots have been successfully modified to produce interference-free photons, paving the way for quantum communication. Researchers eliminated interferences by adding an aluminium arsenide layer grown above the quantum dots in the wetting layer.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateAug 23, 2019

Making a splash is all in the angle

Researchers found that dynamic contact angle is crucial in predicting splashing behavior, contradicting previous static droplet angle method. The study enables creation of splash-free coatings by pre-treating surfaces to increase wettability.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2019
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.

Understanding surface science to manufacture quality cosmetics

A research team studied liquid penetration on rough surfaces, providing key findings for everyday products like cosmetics and industrial applications. The study identifies five variables controlling cavity-filling rates, required for liquids to penetrate cavities in surfaces.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2018

Bio-inspired materials decrease drag for liquids

Researchers from KAUST developed nature-inspired surfaces that decrease frictional drag at the liquid-pipe interface without chemical coatings. The microtextured surfaces, mimicking springtail skins, sustain trapped air for extended periods, reducing surface drag and enhancing oil- and water-repellent properties.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 6, 2018

Wetting of surfaces is surprisingly difficult to measure reliably

A group of researchers from Aalto University and Sun Yat-sen University present a rigorous methodology for measuring wetting, proposing a universal procedure for the research community. This approach allows comparison between research groups to promote the development of new wetting materials.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Protocols·DateJul 10, 2018
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 microscope sets a record for visualizing surface wetting properties

Aalto University researchers developed Scanning Droplet Adhesion Microscopy (SDAM) to understand and characterize the wetting properties of superhydrophobic materials. The microscope is 1,000 times more precise than current techniques, enabling the creation of wetting maps that reveal microscopic defects on surfaces.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Nature provides a key to repelling liquids

Researchers at KAUST have developed a method to create omniphobic surfaces, repelling liquids, using doubly reentrant microcavities. This technique has the potential to reduce hydrodynamic drag and antifouling in industries such as oil-water separation and membrane distillation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 30, 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

New theory predicts wetted area of droplets colliding with flat surface

Researchers at Kumamoto University have derived a new theoretical formula to predict the wetting and spreading behavior of droplets on flat surfaces. The formula allows for quantification of the maximum wetted area of droplets after collision, influencing equipment quality and efficiency.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 2017

Shaping drops: Control over stiction and wetting

Researchers have created a surface with switchable wetting and adhesion using a single layer of boron nitride. The surface can be made water-repellent or wettable by applying an electrical voltage, opening up potential applications in daily life and space travel.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 29, 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.

How to look for a few good catalysts

Scientists at MIT discovered that non-wetting surfaces promote chemical reaction rates, while hydrophilic surfaces inhibit them. This finding enables researchers to predict a material's suitability as a catalyst based on its wettability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJul 30, 2015

Potty training before age 2 linked to increased risk of later wetting problems

Children who start toilet training before age 2 have a three times higher risk of developing daytime wetting problems later, according to new research. Early trainers are more prone to subsequent voiding dysfunction due to holding stool or urine, reducing bladder capacity and causing nerve damage.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalResearch and Reports in Urology·DateOct 7, 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.

Berkeley Lab team uncovers secrets of biological soil crusts

A research team from Berkeley Lab has reported a unique molecular-level analysis of a BSC cyanobacterium responding to wetting and drying of its environment. They found that within three minutes after wetting began, metabolic processes in dormant microbial cells came alive.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJun 14, 2013

How 'transparent' is graphene?

Recent research at MIT shows that adding a layer of graphene to a surface has little effect on its interaction with liquids, except for extreme cases. The team's findings demonstrate the ability to manipulate wettability while preserving electrical conductivity and optical properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 3, 2012

A new look at wetting models: Continuum analysis

Researchers propose a continuum-based model that illustrates contact line pinning at phase interfaces between materials, differing from traditional Wenzel and Cassie models. The study shows the macroscopic contact angle depends solely on the triple contact line's properties.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 27, 2012
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 discover how to tame hammering droplets

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new process relating to the way drops of water spread after striking a surface, which could help engineers design more durable condensing surfaces. The effect explains why blades used in power-plant turbines tend to degrade rapidly and need frequent replacement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 21, 2011

Physicists saved from drowning in complexities of wetting theory

Physicists have made significant breakthrough in understanding wetting theory with the development of a new simplified mathematical formula. The formula explains fluctuations in liquid droplets on surfaces, resolving long-standing problems and outstanding discrepancies between experiments and simulations.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2008

One in 50 teenagers still wet the bed

A study of over 16,500 children aged 5-19 found that 1 in 50 teenagers still experience bedwetting. The researchers found that children with severe bedwetting problems are more likely to continue experiencing problems into adulthood. Mild bedwetting is more common among younger children, but severe problems increase with age.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalBJU International·DateMay 17, 2006

Turf management education resource published

The American Society of Agronomy has published a new CD, 'Soil Wetting Agents', providing practical information on the technology behind soil wetting agents to improve water absorption on golf courses. The resource addresses a gap in turf management education and is available for purchase online.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateDec 15, 2005
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.

Wetting Of Structured Or Imprinted Surfaces - Zooming Down Onto The Nanoscale

Scientists at Max Planck Institute discover new wetting phenomena on micrometer-scale surfaces with hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. The discovery leads to the formation of 2D wettability patterns that act as templates for 3D liquid morphology, enabling the creation of microbridges for fluid microchips and reactors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 31, 1998