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Insect wings inspire new ways to fight superbugs

Researchers have discovered how insect wing-inspired nanomaterials kill bacteria on contact, with patterns that stretch, slice or tear cells apart. The findings hold promise for developing low-cost and scalable anti-bacterial surfaces for use in implants and hospitals to combat deadly superbugs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateAug 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dartmouth's Yan Li wins ASME Early Career Award

Yan Li received the ASME ORR Early Career Award for her groundbreaking work on predicting fracture toughness in ceramic composites and polycrystalline metals. Her research aims to advance design of fracture-resistant materials and microstructures.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateAug 11, 2020

Electronic components join forces to take up 10 times less space on computer chips

A new study demonstrates the successful integration of individual elements that make up electronic filters onto a single component, significantly reducing space taken up by devices. The researchers ditched conventional designs and created a single, self-rolling membrane that contains both independently designed elements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Rail industry to benefit from robot tech and data project

The Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance project aims to reduce costs, increase reliability, and enhance safety through the use of industrial automation and advanced condition monitoring. The project will explore the potential of data analytics to plan and schedule maintenance more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateAug 7, 2020
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.

Developing a quicker, safer method of cleaning peanut butter factories

A new grant will fund the research, which aims to develop an effective and efficient cleaning method for peanut butter processing facilities. The technology has the potential to reduce cleaning time by nearly a week and minimize the risk of Salmonella contamination in peanut butter production.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 4, 2020

University of Arizona awarded $26M to architect the quantum internet

The University of Arizona will lead a new National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center to architect the quantum internet, revolutionizing computing, communication, and sensing. The center aims to create a fabric connecting quantum computers, data centers, and gadgets using qubits.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateAug 4, 2020

Light shines on chemical production method

Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a novel light-based reaction that yields high numbers of a key chemical component. The method uses green visible light to selectively reorganize chemical components, resulting in the production of multisubstituted cyclobutanes with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateAug 3, 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.

Faraday Institution announces six industry fellowships

The Faraday Institution has selected six industry fellows to undertake electrochemical energy storage research projects, aiming to solve critical industrial problems. The programmes will enable academics and industrialists to work together, establishing valuable career development experience and potential for longer-term collaborations.

SourceThe Faraday Institution·DateJul 30, 2020
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.

Using artificial intelligence to smell the roses

A team of researchers at UC Riverside used machine learning to understand what chemicals smell like, predicting how any chemical will smell to humans. This breakthrough technology has vast applications in the food, flavor, and fragrance industries, including discovering new flavors and insect repellents.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaliScience·DateJul 28, 2020

Rise and fall of Negev viticulture

Researchers uncovered evidence of Negev viticulture's rise from the 4th to 6th centuries CE, driven by Mediterranean trade. The industry declined due to climate change, plague, or sociopolitical changes, with no link to the Islamic conquest.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Dartmouth-industry collaborations improve computer graphics

Researchers at Dartmouth have developed two new software techniques that can create more realistic lighting effects in computer-generated images. The new techniques focus on 'real-time' graphics, which need to maintain the illusion of interactivity as scenes change in response to user moves.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 24, 2020
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.

Seeing the light: Researchers combine technologies for better light control

A new technology has been developed by Penn State researchers that enables better light control without requiring large materials and structures. This hybrid photonic architecture combines the best qualities of photonic integrated circuits and metasurfaces, paving the way for multifunctional devices with flexible access to free space.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 23, 2020

How a few negative online reviews early on can hurt a restaurant

A recent study published in Papers in Applied Geography found that just a few negative online reviews can determine early on how many reviews a restaurant receives long-term. The study also discovered that restaurants with a smaller number of reviews had a higher likelihood of low ratings, while those with more reviews were more likely...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPapers in Applied Geography·DateJul 22, 2020

New research finds graphene can act as surfactant

New research finds that graphene flakes can attract water at their edges but repel it on their surface, making them a new generation of surfactant. This property allows graphene to stabilise oil and water mixtures, opening up possibilities for environmentally friendly extraction of minerals and crude oil.

SourceCranfield University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 22, 2020

What silicone wristbands say about chemical exposure in Uruguayan children

A study of Uruguayan children wearing silicone wristbands found an average of 13 pollutants, including industrial and agricultural chemicals banned in the US. The researchers detected pesticides like DDT and brominated flame retardants, highlighting concerns about long-term environmental and health impacts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 20, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Shells and grapefruits inspire first manufactured non-cuttable material

Researchers develop Proteus, a lightweight material that turns back the force of cutting tools upon itself, making it resistant to angle grinders, drills, and high-pressure water jets. The unique structure of ceramic spheres encased in cellular aluminium creates an interlocking, vibrational connection that repulses any attack.

SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 2020
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.

Construction: How to turn 36 seconds into USD 5.4 billion

A study from Aarhus University links national productivity statistics with actual work done on construction sites, revealing a decline in productivity since the 1970s. By optimizing processes, contractors can generate an estimated $5.4 billion annually in the US and Canada by spending just 36 seconds more per hour on value-adding work.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Construction Engineering and Management·DateJul 10, 2020

Science education community should withdraw from international tests

Researchers argue that international tests like PISA have forced schools to adopt narrow curricula and pedagogies, leading to a lack of scientific literacy. The study calls for a shift towards more inclusive and engaging science education, with a focus on the environment and health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal for Activist Science and Technology Education·DateJul 9, 2020
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.

Knitting together a novel method for simulating yarn-cloth patterns

A team of computer scientists developed a novel method for simulating yarn-cloth patterns, accurately capturing the physics of fabrics including stretching and bending response. The technique enables faster and more accurate simulations of knitted and woven materials while preserving material properties.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 8, 2020

Menthol cigarette ban in the US may lower number of smokers

A study published in BMC Public Health suggests that extending US menthol cigarette flavor bans could encourage smokers to quit and lower smoking rates. The authors estimate that up to 45% of current US menthol smokers may quit in response to a ban, while some retailers continue to sell banned products.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 8, 2020

Engineers use electricity to clean up toxic water

Researchers from the University of Sydney developed an electrochemical oxidation process to clean up complex wastewater containing toxic chemicals. The process transforms organic contaminants into harmless gases or minerals without requiring additional chemicals or severe operation conditions.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAlgal Research·DateJul 7, 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.

Skoltech researchers solve a 60-year-old puzzle about a superhard material

Researchers at Skoltech have solved the long-standing puzzle of tungsten boride's crystal structure, revealing a new material with exceptional mechanical properties. The discovery of WB5-x has exciting implications for various industrial applications, including drilling technology.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 3, 2020

Carbon-loving materials designed to reduce industrial emissions

Researchers have developed a novel fluorinated gas membrane material that exceeds the Robeson upper limit, surpassing current bottlenecks in selectivity and permeability. This breakthrough enhances carbon-capture performance in real environments, offering a promising solution for reducing industrial carbon emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChem·DateJul 2, 2020

Crystal wars

A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2020
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.

Development of a small sensor capable of continuously monitoring the phytohormone ethylene

Researchers at NIMS and AIST have developed a small, energy-efficient sensor that can continuously monitor ethylene gas levels in fruits and vegetables, allowing for optimal transportation and storage schedules. This new sensor enables accurate estimation of ripening progression and potential reduction of food waste.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Sensors·DateJun 29, 2020

The geological record of mud deposits

Researchers analyzed cores from the Basque Mud Patch to determine sedimentation rates and detect environmental contamination. The study found that metals and contaminants accumulate at an approximate rate of one millimeter per year, highlighting human activity's impact on the coastal area.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalQuaternary International·DateJun 26, 2020

Genomes front and center of rare disease diagnosis

The UK NIHR BioResource study used whole genome sequencing to diagnose hundreds of patients with rare diseases, identifying new genetic causes and improving treatment options. The study showed that sequencing the entire genomes of patients with rare diseases can lead to quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

SourceDon Powell Associates Ltd·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2020

Supply chain expert reveals methodology behind Bordeaux pricing model

A study published in Production and Operations Management reveals a new methodology behind the Bordeaux pricing model, which uses four factors to estimate prices for fine wines. The model provides a transparent approach to setting realistic prices, reducing opportunistic behavior and adding systemic structure to decision-making.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJun 23, 2020
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.

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.

One minute simultaneous analysis of pungency components in kimchi

A new analysis method developed by the World Institute of Kimchi allows for the rapid detection of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in kimchi, reducing analysis time from an hour to just 53 seconds. This technique improves detection sensitivity by 4,230 times and 2,382 times compared to conventional HPLC methods.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJun 15, 2020

New efficient ships won't be enough to curb shipping sector's environmental damage

A University of Manchester study reveals that existing ships will dominate the sector's impact on climate change, and could even swallow up shipping's entire safe carbon budget. Retrofitting existing ships and implementing emission-reducing measures such as slower speeds and renewable technologies are key to reducing committed emissions.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMC Energy·DateJun 11, 2020

An essential sustainable farming practice faces one big limitation: Land to produce seeds

The use of cover crops is increasing globally due to their environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and improving water quality. However, planting millions of acres of cover crops will require huge extensions of land to produce cover crop seed, posing a limitation to its widespread adoption.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 11, 2020
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 'hole' lot of sponge! New technique to create super-sponges is a game changer

Researchers from DGIST introduce a new post-synthetic modification (PSM) method for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), generating highly porous mesostructures. This technique enables the introduction of desired functional groups and mesoscopic holes, improving adsorption kinetics.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2020

Engineers find neat way to turn waste carbon dioxide into useful material

Chemical engineers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new technology to convert waste carbon dioxide into chemical building blocks, producing syngas that can be used in industrial products like fuel and plastics. The process uses nanoparticles created by flame spray pyrolysis, which is cheaper and more scalable than existing methods.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 10, 2020

Essential components of dietary restriction revealed

Researchers at Monash University have discovered that reducing two essential amino acids, threonine and tryptophan, can lead to increased calorie burn and improved health in young mice. A low-threonine diet also protected obese mice from developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2020

Red tape may have a silver lining for micro businesses -- new study

A new study from the University of Bath found that regulation can trigger significant benefits for micro firms, including new business opportunities and strategies. The research suggests that regulation can protect existing markets and ensure a level playing field across the industry.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCompetition & Change·DateJun 8, 2020
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.

Next-generation cockroach-inspired robot is small but mighty

Researchers at Harvard have developed HAMR-JR, a half-scale cockroach-inspired microrobot that can run, jump, carry heavy payloads, and turn on a dime. The tiny robot, about the size of a penny, boasts unprecedented dexterity and speed, defying conventional design limitations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateJun 3, 2020

Metasurface opens world of polarization

Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a metasurface that can continuously tune from linear to elliptical birefringence, opening up the entire space of polarization control with just one device.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2020

Blockchain to the rescue of small publishers

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a blockchain prototype system for digital rights management and royalty distribution, creating new revenue streams for small publishers. The project enabled micro-payments via smart contracts to creative professionals involved in the writing and publishing process.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJun 1, 2020
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.