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Novel magnetic stirrer speaks to lab equipment

The Smart Stirrer, a novel magnetic stirrer, monitors multiple parameters such as color, transparency, conductivity, viscosity, and temperature wirelessly to enable real-time tracking of chemical reactions. This innovative device allows for automation, reproducibility, and safety in laboratory settings.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Sensors·DateAug 3, 2020

Children's National Hospital case report sounds the alarm for antibiotic resistance

A case report from Children's National Hospital reveals isolated N. meningitidis testing positive for resistance to two antibiotics it has historically been susceptible to, raising concerns about the rise in antibiotic resistance. The finding could lead to changes in laboratory and clinical practices across the US.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 3, 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.

Army project turns to nature for help with self-healing material

Researchers created a self-healing polymer that can repair itself in one second, while retaining its original strength, and is also biodegradable and recyclable. The material mimics the squid's ability to heal itself in nature, with potential applications for robotic machines, prosthetic legs, and personal protective equipment.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 27, 2020

Predicting the quality of romantic relationships

A machine-learning approach analyzing 2,413 measures from 11,196 couples identified key predictors of relationship quality. Life satisfaction and emotional health were strong individual characteristics associated with relationship quality.

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

Physicists take stop-action images of light-driven molecular reaction

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a method to visualize light-induced molecular ring-opening reactions using free-electron lasers. The study reveals the speed and mechanisms behind these reactions, which are essential for understanding biological processes like vitamin D formation.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2020
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.

Low-cost catalyst helps turn seawater into fuel at scale

A new catalyst has been developed that efficiently and reliably converts carbon dioxide from seawater into carbon monoxide, a critical step in producing liquid hydrocarbons. This breakthrough could enable Navy ships to produce fuel directly from seawater, eliminating the need for periodic refueling.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateJul 15, 2020

New solar material could clean drinking water

Researchers developed a new aluminum panel that concentrates solar energy to evaporate and purify contaminated water, reducing contaminants to safe levels for drinking. The technology uses a burst of laser pulses to etch the surface of aluminum, creating a super-wicking and light-absorbing surface that can efficiently purify water.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 13, 2020

New insights into van der Waals materials found

The study observed a rare phenomenon known as the dynamic breaking of Friedel's Law in layered van der Waals materials, where the pairs of Bragg peaks show opposite oscillating patterns. This unique behavior is attributed to the lattice structure of the material and its effect on electron diffraction.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 6, 2020

Identified the genetic landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms

A study published in the Journal Blood reveals the molecular landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN), a group of rare malignancies with overlapping features. The researchers identified genotype-phenotype associations and potential diagnostic molecular markers that can improve diagnosis and risk stratificatio...

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBlood·DateJul 1, 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.

Clues to COVID-19 complications come from NET-like inflammatory response

A study by University of Utah Health and PEEL Therapeutics found that an overactive NET immune response may lead to increased blood clotting, disease severity, and death from COVID-19. A naturally occurring protein, nNIF, quiets this hyperactive response, potentially opening new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalBlood·DateJun 29, 2020

Scientists devise gentle technique to study heart tissue functioning

Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a method to observe excitation waves in heart tissue without the need for fluorescent dyes. This approach allows for more independent results, is cheaper, and can be used for longer observations than conventional methods.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020

The CNRS 2020 Innovation Medal

The CNRS 2020 Innovation Medallists have made significant contributions to various fields, including graft rejection treatment and high-precision sensors. Their work has led to the development of innovative technologies with applications in industry, healthcare, and research.

SourceCNRS·DateJun 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New Editor-in-Chief appointed for Journal of Photonics for Energy

Sean Shaheen, associate professor at University of Colorado Boulder, takes over as new editor-in-chief of Journal of Photonics for Energy in July 2020. He aims to publish emerging science and technology concepts in photonics for renewable energy harvesting and applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 16, 2020

Scientists find key factors impacting sideswiping tropical cyclone precipitation

Researchers found that extreme rainfall events from STCs can occur over inland areas far from coastlines due to amplification of local terrain and large-scale forcing. The study suggests further investigation into asymmetrical distribution of STP, differences between STP and landfalling precipitation, and comparisons with other datasets.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020

Tiny pump builds polyrotaxanes with precision

Researchers developed an artificial molecular pump to install rings onto polymer strings, enabling precise control over ring threading and opening up new possibilities for scratch-resistant coatings and actuators. Polyrotaxanes show promise in soft materials and can be fine-tuned by accurately defining the polymer's structure.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 2020
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.

Army researchers enhance communications for multi-agent teaming

Scientists from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory have improved distributed algorithms for multi-agent coordination, enabling better situational awareness and communication capabilities for Soldiers in limited bandwidth scenarios.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateJun 8, 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.

Small study demonstrates sample inactivation may lead to SARS-CoV-2 false negatives

A small study investigates the effect of sample inactivation on SARS-CoV-2 detection and finds that viral inactivation may contribute to false negatives. The researchers tested several inactivation methodologies, including TRIzol, which showed the least effect on RNA copy number, making it recommended for sample inactivation.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJun 2, 2020

Army Research Laboratory supporting Texas A&M research on armor performance

A Texas A&M University research project, led by Dr. Justin Wilkerson, aims to identify the damaging effects of vacancies in aluminum's atomic structure on ballistic performance. The study uses supercomputing facilities to calculate changes due to vacancies over time and may lead to improved armor materials for the US Army.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 1, 2020

Simple and readily available saline solution can reliably transport COVID-19 samples to testing labs

A new study published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics found that phosphate buffered saline (PBS) can reliably transport COVID-19 samples to testing labs for up to 18 hours. This inexpensive and commonly available solution overcomes the shortage of virus transport media, enabling faster diagnosis and more widespread surveillance.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateMay 27, 2020
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.

What information is coded in bird alarm calls -- a new study from Korea

Researchers found Oriental tit birds give distinct alarm calls to snakes and chipmunks, warning nestlings of snake threat but not chipmunk danger. The study suggests a specific call signals 'be aware of a snake' rather than general predator alert.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalEthology·DateMay 25, 2020

Mysterious glowing coral reefs are fighting to recover

Researchers found that corals producing a 'sunscreen layer' can encourage symbionts to return, boosting recovery prospects. Colourful bleaching events occur in association with brief or mild heat stress episodes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 21, 2020

ACMG updates seminal laboratory standard on CFTR variant testing

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released an updated technical standard for CFTR variant testing, incorporating revised information about cystic fibrosis and the CFTR gene. The new guidelines aim to improve the accuracy and efficiency of genetic screening and diagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMay 14, 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.

Clever new robot rover design conquers sand traps

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a new robot rover, the Mini Rover, that can climb sand-covered hills and avoid getting stuck. The rover uses a unique gait that combines paddling, walking, and wheel spinning motions to create a robust and adaptable locomotion system.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScience Robotics·DateMay 14, 2020

Study shows how microorganisms survive in harsh environments

Researchers discovered that microorganisms change the nature of rock they occupy by extracting water, causing a phase transformation. This finding has implications for life support systems and biomanufacturing in extreme environments.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2020
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.

Print your own laboratory-grade microscope for US$18

The OpenFlexure Microscope is a fully automated, laboratory-grade instrument that can be 3D printed for as little as $18. It features motorised sample positioning and focus control, producing high-quality images.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMay 4, 2020

Jajodia & Sun developing joint laboratory with Dartmouth researchers

A joint laboratory is being developed by George Mason University and Dartmouth researchers to extract knowledge bases from technical documents. The U.S. Department of the Navy has allocated $529,194 for this project, which aims to create a distributed computing system to achieve large-scale document generation.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 1, 2020

UCF researchers develop groundbreaking new rocket-propulsion system

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a rotating detonation rocket engine that can sustain continuous Mach 5 explosions, improving rocket-engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. This technology has the potential to increase space mission capabilities and reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCombustion and Flame·DateApr 30, 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.

Initial motivation, a key factor for learning in massive open online courses

Researchers from the University of Seville found that initial motivation is related to individual differences in drop-out probability and satisfaction with the learning experience. The study suggests designing personalized learning plans based on a good initial diagnosis of students' learning intentions and motivational profiles.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalEducational Technology Research and Development·DateApr 28, 2020

Eye pupil an indicator of effective decision making, study finds

Researchers found that pupil features correlate with cognitive processes involved in mental arithmetic and decision-making. The study used pupil-tracking technology to measure changes in pupil size over time, revealing two distinct influences: a rapid, transient effect and a longer-lasting, sustained influence.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2020

New design could make fiber communications more energy efficient

Researchers developed a new design to reduce energy loss in optical fiber communications by radiating light in a single direction. This breakthrough has the potential to improve data communications for commercial data centers and enable battery-powered photonic computers.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 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.

MDI Biological Laboratory-led program reveals high arsenic in well water

A new program analyzing Maine and New Hampshire well water samples found that 25% exceed the New Hampshire maximum safety level of 5 ppb, while 62% of homeowners haven't had their water tested. The results highlight the need for improved testing and mitigation strategies to protect residents from arsenic-related health risks.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·DateApr 15, 2020

Tree rings could pin down Thera volcano eruption date

Researchers at the University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research used a hybrid approach to assign calendar dates to tree rings, potentially pinning down the Thera volcano eruption date. The study spans over 2,000 years and provides context for civilizations in the Bronze and Iron Ages.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020
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.

AI-powered shoes unlock the secrets of your sole

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an AI-powered smart insole that turns any shoe into a portable gait-analysis laboratory. The technology provides accurate real-time data on stride length, speed, and power, overcoming limitations of existing wearable technologies.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMar 17, 2020

New error correction method provides key step toward quantum computing

Researchers have developed a novel approach for quantum error correction that can mitigate certain types of random fluctuations, enabling the creation of more efficient quantum computers and sensors. By targeting specific noise sources, this method could significantly improve the performance of quantum systems.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2020

Climate change could threaten sea snails in mid-Atlantic waters

A Rutgers-led study found that climate change could threaten the survival and development of common whelk in the mid-Atlantic region. The species' spawning cycle is closely linked to temperature, which is expected to increase due to rising temperatures.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHelgoland Marine Research·DateMar 11, 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.

The ink of the future in printed electronics

Researchers at Linköping University have created an organic material with superb conductivity by mixing two polymers, eliminating the need for doping. This breakthrough could lead to improved efficiency in organic solar cells and bioelectronic applications.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 9, 2020

Researchers identify novel cybersecurity approach to protect Army systems

A team of researchers has identified a novel cybersecurity approach called SymTCP to enhance the effectiveness and timeliness of protection against attacks on Army systems. The approach uses symbolic execution to explore the state of TCP implementation and identify ways to reach critical points in the code.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateMar 4, 2020
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.

New tool aims to expedite military evacuation of civilians during crisis

A new tool, designed for both planning and operation phases, aims to optimize evacuation routes and supply logistics in near-real time. Researchers focus on noncombatant evacuation operations in the Republic of Korea, but it can be applied to various scenarios.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Defense Analytics and Logistics·DateMar 3, 2020

Tracking down the mystery of matter

Researchers at PSI measured a property of the neutron more precisely than ever before, finding it has a significantly smaller electric dipole moment. This challenges the long-held assumption that this dipole moment could help explain the excess of matter in the universe.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2020

Celestial hourglass

The Gemini Observatory has captured an exquisite image of the planetary nebula CVMP 1, also known as a celestial hourglass. This object is formed when a massive star undergoes a catastrophic explosion, leaving behind a hot core that energizes the ejected gases, causing them to glow and form the striking hourglass shape.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateFeb 26, 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.

Design of the W7-X fusion device enables it to overcome obstacles

Researchers at W7-X facility demonstrate key step in overcoming plasma leakage problem in stellarators, validating optimized design that reduces neoclassical transport and improves heat control. The breakthrough enables high-performance stellarator designs to produce clean and safe fusion reactors.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateFeb 24, 2020

Future soldiers may get improved helmet padding

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed new materials and manufacturing methods to create higher performing helmet padding that reduces the likelihood of head injury. The new padding consists of highly-tuned open-cell lattice structures, demonstrating a 27% increase in energy attenuation efficiency compared to existing foam pads.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalMatter·DateFeb 19, 2020