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Political echo chambers and accuracy of beliefs

Participants showed improved accuracy in responding to controversial facts after being exposed to others' responses, reducing polarization and partisan bias. This finding contradicts traditional polarization theory and suggests that information sharing within homogeneous networks can increase belief accuracy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019
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.

Dark matter experiment finds no evidence of axions

The ABRACADABRA experiment, led by MIT physicists, detected no evidence of axions within a specific mass range. The team reported that axions in this mass range do not exist or have an even smaller effect on electricity and magnetism than previously thought.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 28, 2019

Intuition and failure as valuable ingredients in chemical research

A new machine learning methodology was developed by researchers at NCCR MARVEL to capture chemical intuition from partially failed trials. This approach helps chemists improve their synthesis conditions and create novel materials with higher surface areas.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2019

Breaching the horizons: Universal spreading laws confirmed

Researchers at IBS confirmed wave spreading mechanisms in a cloud of quantum particles, extending computational horizons from one day to 60 years. They used novel toolbox and Discrete Time Quantum Walks for fast simulations, revealing subdiffusive cloud spreading up to record timescales.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 1, 2019

Graphene crinkles can be used as 'molecular zippers'

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that graphene crinkles can be used to assemble molecules into linear arrays, known as 'molecular zippers'. This phenomenon enables easier manipulation and study of molecules, which could have applications in studying biomolecules like DNA and RNA.

SourceBrown University·DateJan 31, 2019

Classic double-slit experiment in a new light

A research team at the University of Cologne has successfully performed a variant of the double-slit experiment using resonant inelastic X-ray scattering. The experiment provided valuable information about the dynamic physical properties of solids and proved a fundamental theoretical prediction from 1994.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pitt chemical engineers develop new theory to build improved nanomaterials

Researchers have developed a new theory to better predict the behavior of nanoclusters when a metal is introduced, reducing experimental time and costs. The theory enables the precise control of nanocluster size, shape, and composition, opening doors for tailored properties in nanotechnology.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateDec 11, 2018

Doing the wave: how stretchy fluids react to wavy surfaces

Researchers at OIST investigate viscoelastic fluid flow over wavy surfaces, revealing unexpected effects of elasticity. The critical layer, a region where vortices are amplified, is confirmed experimentally for the first time.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 7, 2018

Herpesvirus and multiple sclerosis

Researchers discovered that herpesvirus 6 infection before inducing EAE significantly accelerated the disease's progression in marmosets. This finding supports the hypothesis that viral infections can increase susceptibility to autoimmunity by triggering a heightened immune state.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2018

Quantum mechanics work lets oil industry know promise of recovery experiments

Scientists at Vanderbilt University have developed a method to predict the outcomes of various additive combinations used to extract more oil from wells. By using quantum mechanical simulations and experimentation, they found that calcium, magnesium, and sulfates can enhance oil recovery by modifying the surface charge on calcite.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateSep 28, 2018
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.

Biophysical Journal Outstanding Poster Award ainners announced

The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its Outstanding Poster Award, recognizing outstanding scientific achievements in biophysics. The student winners were selected for their research on HERG kinetics, while the postdoctoral winner was recognized for her work on cardiac resynchronization therapy.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateSep 18, 2018

Dr. Annick Bricaud selected as 2018 recipient of the Jerlov Award

Dr. Annick Bricaud received the 2018 Jerlov Award for her pioneering work in ocean optics, covering experimental and theoretical studies on seawater optical properties. Her research has been widely cited with over 11,400 citations, and she is a pioneer among female researchers in optical oceanography.

SourceThe Oceanography Society·DateSep 13, 2018
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.

MIT mathematicians solve age-old spaghetti mystery

Researchers at MIT have found a way to break dry spaghetti into exactly two pieces by twisting and then slowly bending it. The team developed an apparatus to control the twist and bend, and used it to test hundreds of sticks, finding that this method works consistently across different types of spaghetti.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Braille-like system for mechanical memory

Scientists encode information on a cylindrical elastic shell with stable dimples, enabling reprogrammable storage and erasure. The system could serve as the basis for small-scale mechanical memories.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 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.

Control of quantum state of optical phonon in diamond induced by ultrashort light pulses

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology successfully formulated and experimentally verified a unified theory for controlling coherent optical phonons in diamond. The theory explains the generation and detection of coherent optical photons based on a model involving two states of electrons and the quantum harmonic oscillator.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 25, 2018

Graphene carpets: So neurons communicate better

Researchers at SISSA observed an increase in nerve cell activity on graphene carpets, attributed to ion 'trapping' that modulates its composition. This phenomenon enhances neuronal excitability, with specific effects depending on the graphene's support material.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 12, 2018

Scientists improve ability to measure electrical properties of plasma

Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory discovered a way to more accurately measure the electrical properties of plasma. They found that a positive charge can sometimes surround probes, contradicting long-held assumptions about the plasma-wall sheath.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateMay 29, 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.

The apparent inner calm of quantum materials

Researchers from UNIGE and CEA have discovered a novel topological phase transition in BACOVO, governed by two different sets of topological excitations. The team was able to control which set dominated the other, yielding a quantum phase transition.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 7, 2018

Majorana trilogy completed

Researchers at Delft University of Technology provide definite proof for Majorana particle existence, showcasing perfect quantization of zero-bias peak. This achievement enables exploration of Majorana quantum computing, with potential applications in topological quantum computing.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2018

A new twist to an old story of cellular signaling in the eye of a fly

A new study reveals that the regeneration of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) in the fly eye is not as straightforward as previously thought. The researchers found that PIP2 cycle may be an 'open cycle' where breakdown products are siphoned away to other biochemical pathways.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalFEBS Journal·DateMar 13, 2018

Mastering metastable matter

Researchers created metastable states in an artificial quantum many-body system, observing the switching dynamics between two states. They found that thousands of atoms move through quantum tunnelling during the process.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

Precision experiments reveal gaps in van der Waals theory

Researchers performed synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on titanium disulfide and compared results with theoretical calculations. They found that interlayer interactions are stronger than theory indicates, involving significant electron sharing.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 16, 2018

Breaking bad metals with neutrons

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used neutron scattering to study the behavior of correlated electron systems, gaining insight into material properties. The technique allowed for accurate predictions and comparison to theoretical models, enabling a more ambitious approach to discovering new materials.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 11, 2018

At least 3 out of 5 people who try a cigarette become daily smokers

A recent study found that at least 61% of people who try their first cigarette become daily smokers, suggesting the need to prioritize efforts to reduce cigarette experimentation among adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 215,000 survey respondents and published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJan 9, 2018
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.

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.

Researchers find a surprise just beneath the surface in carbon dioxide experiment

A team of researchers from Caltech and Berkeley Lab found that tiny amounts of oxygen beneath the copper catalyst's surface play a critical role in activating carbon dioxide for conversion to ethanol. The discovery sheds light on the atomic-level details of the reaction, enabling scientists to predict ways to improve efficiency.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

New clues emerge about how fruit flies navigate their world

Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have discovered how fruit flies use a specialized nerve cell system to navigate their environment, involving the activation and suppression of neighboring neurons. The discovery sheds light on the fly's internal picture of the outside world and its cognitive processes.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2017

Testing quantum field theory in a quantum simulator

Researchers at TU Wien and Heidelberg University have demonstrated how to test quantum field theories in a quantum simulator, using thousands of ultra cold atoms. This allows for unprecedented study of fundamental quantum processes and their correlations.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 17, 2017
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.

Researchers discover new type of memory effect in transition metal oxides

Scientists have discovered a new type of memory effect in transition metal oxides, which could lead to breakthroughs in security technology. The phenomenon allows for the creation of multiple memories in a single physical space, making it potentially useful for secure data storage and encryption.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 23, 2017

Small nanoparticles have surprisingly big effects on polymer nanocomposites

Scientists found that small nanoparticles, even those as small as 1.8 nm, can dramatically improve the properties of polymer materials. This is because smaller particles interact with fewer polymer segments, allowing for new properties such as improved temperature resistance and faster viscosity changes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 8, 2017

Understanding what's happening inside liquid droplets

Using toroidal droplets, scientists at Georgia Tech develop new understanding of shape changes in biological materials. The findings could improve fuel injectors and chemical processes dependent on droplet formation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 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.

New materials could turn water into the fuel of the future

Researchers developed a high-throughput method to identify new photoanode materials, doubling the number of compounds with potential for use in solar fuels. The approach combines computational and experimental approaches, revealing how to 'tune' properties to make better photoanodes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

New materials could turn water into the fuel of the future

Researchers have discovered 12 new photoanodes that can split water using sunlight, a significant step towards creating practical solar fuels. The new materials discovery pipeline promises to speed up the development of commercially viable solar fuels.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2017

Research journey to the center of the Earth

Scientists have identified three potential light elements - hydrogen, silicon, and sulfur - that could make up the remaining 5% of the Earth's core. These findings are based on experiments simulating the core's extreme conditions and matching them with seismological observations.

SourceTohoku University·DateJan 31, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The discrepancy between the results of a system of biological interest is resolved

A study by the UPV/EHU and University of Bologna has resolved a discrepancy in a biological system through accurate characterization using microwave spectroscopy. The research targets the 2-hydroxypyridine/2-pyridone model system, where different structures coexist under the same molecular formula.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 23, 2017

Should biomedical graduate schools ignore the GRE?

A UNC research team found that GRE scores don't forecast productivity or success in graduate programs within the experimental sciences. The study recommends devaluing or eliminating the GRE from applications for biomedical PhD candidates, citing a stronger correlation between graduation rates and first-author publications.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 11, 2017

Existence of a short-lived tetraneutron predicted

Physicists have predicted the existence of a short-lived tetraneutron, a particle consisting of four neutrons, with a lifetime of 5×10<sup>−22</sup> sec. Theoretical computations based on new interactions and supercomputer simulations correlate with experimental findings and suggest unprecedented properties.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 22, 2016

Cerium hexaboride challenges physicists to come up with new theory

Researchers discovered unusual phenomena in a single cerium hexaboride crystal, exceeding theoretical expectations and sparking new research directions. The study offers a way to test the validity of accepted scientific theories, emphasizing the importance of recognizing fundamental results over practical applications.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2016
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.

Physicist honored for finding new symmetry in space and time

Carl M. Bender was awarded the 2017 Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics for his development of PT symmetry theory in quantum systems. This theory has generated profound new mathematics and impacted broad areas of experimental physics, inspiring generations of mathematical physicists.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateNov 1, 2016

How water flows near the superhydrophobic surface

Scientists investigate how water flows near superhydrophobic surfaces, finding that liquids can exhibit unusual properties like hydrodynamic slip. The research uses an atomic-force microscope to measure the slip length and develop new theories for these systems.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 13, 2016

Scientists simplify model for human behavior in automation

Researchers create a closed-loop system to test their proposed method, which is a better fit for how humans actually behave compared to traditional models. The new model uses fractional order calculus to describe human operator behavior, providing a unified and formalized description.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 13, 2016
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.

PPPL and Princeton help lead center for study of runaway electrons

Researchers aim to develop a recipe for solving runaway electron problems using simulations and data from worldwide experiments. The Simulation Center for Runaway Electron Avoidance and Mitigation will explore causes and solutions for relativistic runaway electrons traveling at nearly the speed of light.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateAug 22, 2016

Closing in on the elusive rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra

A team of theoretical chemists at Queen's University compared experimental and theoretical methods for interpreting the rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra. They were able to develop a new assignment of the experimental results, reducing errors from 30 cm-1 to 2 cm-1.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 24, 2016

New material combines useful, typically incompatible properties

A team of engineers and physicists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison created a compound that combines polar and metallic properties, defying scientific conventions. The new material exhibits both insulating and conducting properties, paving the way for devices with simultaneous electrical, magnetic, and optical functions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2016

Nanoparticles can grow in cubic shape

Scientists at the University of Helsinki and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully grown iron nanoparticles in a cubic shape. The researchers used a mathematical model to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, which is thermodynamically unexpected.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 4, 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.

Why you may skimp on your Valentine's Day gift

New research from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business suggests that people are more likely to opt for inferior gifts if it maximizes overall benefits for themselves and their loved ones. In a series of experiments, researchers found that participants prioritized total benefits over selflessness when making decisions abou...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 10, 2016

New in the Hastings Center Report: Next steps for epigenetics, big data and informed consent, whatever happened to human 'experimentation,' and more in the January-February 2016 issue

Recent epigenetics research highlights molecular mechanisms influencing gene expression through socioenvironmental factors. Big data raises concerns over immortalized participant data, privacy, and anonymity, prompting recommendations for strengthening ethical consent practices.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateFeb 1, 2016

Coulomb blockade in organic conductors found, a world first

A team at Osaka University has successfully demonstrated experimental evidence and theoretical calculations to show that Coulomb blockade occurs on two-dimensional organic conducting polymer films. This breakthrough could revolutionize our understanding and design properties of organic and molecular devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 3, 2016
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.

Spintronics, low-energy electricity take a step closer

EPFL scientists have identified a new class of topological insulators, with bismuth iodide as the first representative material. Its atomic structure is unique and has fewer natural defects than previously known materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 14, 2015