What new materials are there?

[publiusr]

Cold-forming

New class of polymer lubricants could revolutionize the cold forming of metals

Metals can be processed into wires by cold forming—an extremely complex process. However, the lubricants needed for this often do not meet the requirements of the end processors.

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New ceramics on the way

Computational method discovers hundreds of new ceramics for extreme environments

If you have a deep-seated, nagging worry over dropping your phone in molten lava, you're in luck. A research team led by materials scientists at Duke University has developed a method for rapidly discovering a new class of materials with heat and electronic tolerances so rugged that they could...

phys.org

crumpletronics

A butterfly-inspired design to create crumple-recoverable electronics

Over the past decades, electronics engineers have created devices of various shapes and with increasingly sophisticated designs. This includes electronics that can be folded onto themselves, such as foldable phones, along with various other compressible devices.

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Piezo composites with carbon fibers for motion sensors

An international research group has engineered a novel, high-strength flexible device by combining piezoelectric composites with unidirectional carbon fiber (UDCF), an anisotropic material that provides strength only in the direction of the fibers. The new device transforms kinetic energy from...

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A novel avenue for engineering 2D MXene family via precious metals atomic layer deposition techniques

A team of researchers, led by Professor Soo-Hyun Kim in the Graduate School of Semiconductors Materials and Devices Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UNIST has made significant progress in precisely controlling precious metals (Ru, Ir, Pt, Pd) incorporation...

phys.org

Coal-tronics and more

Better microelectronics from coal

Coal is an abundant resource in the United States that has, unfortunately, contributed to climate change through its use as a fossil fuel. As the country transitions to other means of energy production, it will be important to consider and reevaluate coal's economic role.

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Researchers create first functional semiconductor made from graphene

Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created the world's first functional semiconductor made from graphene, a single sheet of carbon atoms held together by the strongest bonds known. Semiconductors, which are materials that conduct electricity under specific conditions, are...

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Researchers boost signal amplification in perovskite nanosheets

Perovskite materials are still attracting a lot of interest in solar cell applications. Now, the nanostructures of perovskite materials are being considered as a new laser medium. Over the years, light amplification in perovskite quantum dots has been reported, but most of the works present...

phys.org

Non-toxic quantum dots pave the way towards CMOS shortwave infrared image sensors for consumer electronics

Invisible to our eyes, shortwave infrared (SWIR) light can enable unprecedented reliability, function and performance in high-volume, computer vision first applications in service robotics, automotive and consumer electronics markets.

phys.org

Quantum thermal transistors: Harnessing quantum measurement and feedback

Researchers are actively engaged in the dynamic manipulation of quantum systems and materials to realize significant energy management and conservation breakthroughs.

phys.org

Flat lens

Nanostructured flat lens uses machine learning to 'see' more clearly, while using less power

A front-end lens, or meta-imager, created at Vanderbilt University can potentially replace traditional imaging optics in machine-vision applications, producing images at higher speed and using less power.

phys.org

Chemical generation and fouling prevention

Research team combines two catalysts to make common chemical production safer, more environmentally friendly

The chemical industry has long been shadowed by unwelcome images of billowing smokestacks and pipes discharging toxic effluent. Modern manufacturing practices have done much to mitigate the industry's environmental impact, but there remains room for improvement.

phys.org

Research aims to convert greenhouse gas into valuable products with electricity

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing ways to convert waste into fuels and other products, using processes that are energy efficient and powered by renewable sources.

phys.org

Developments in dual-atom catalysts make renewable energy sources more efficient

The rapidly developing field of green energy constantly seeks improvements, and recent advances in dual-atom catalysts hold the potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies.

phys.org

Chemical synthesis using titanium dioxide: An eco-friendly and innovative approach

Heterocyclic compounds are organic molecules with a ring structure comprising at least two or more elements. In most cases, these rings are composed of carbon atoms along with one or more other elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. They are highly sought after as raw materials in the...

phys.org

Scientists discover new method for generating metal nanoparticles to use as catalysts

A team of researchers from the ITACA Institute of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and the Research Institute of Chemical Technology, a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the UPV, has discovered a new method for the manufacture of metal nanocatalysts...

phys.org

In a world run by catalysts, why is optimizing them still so tough?

We depend on catalysts to turn our milk into yogurt, to produce Post-It notes from paper pulp, and to unlock renewable energy sources like biofuels. Finding optimal catalyst materials for specific reactions requires laborious experiments and computationally intensive quantum chemistry calculations.

phys.org

New crystalline sponge method proposed for undergraduate courses

The crystal sponge technology is a revolutionary technique, which enables the direct and precise determination of the molecular structure of liquid and gas targets. The technique uses a special network complex to selectively absorb liquid or gas target molecules and order them over long...

phys.org

Microtexturing soft materials to remove aqueous microfoulants

The process of crystallization fouling is a phenomenon where scale forms on surfaces. It is widespread in nature and technology and affects the energy and water industries. Despite previous attempts, rationally designed surfaces with intrinsic resistance remain elusive due to a lack of...

phys.org

Tetraneutrons

Hunting for elusive tetraneutrons with thermal fission

The possible emission rate of particle-stable tetraneutron, a four-neutron system whose existence has been long debated within the scientific community, has been investigated by researchers from Tokyo Tech. They looked into tetraneutron emission from thermal fission of 235U by irradiating a...

phys.org

Asbestos

Size and shape of inhaled asbestos nanofibers may be exclusively responsible for pulmonary fibrosis

The pathogenic potential of inhaling the inert fibrous nanomaterials used in thermal insulation (such as asbestos or fiberglass) is actually connected not to their chemical composition, but instead to their geometrical characteristics and size. The reason for this is the inability of the...

phys.org

Med-x today

Aided by AI, new catheter design helps prevent bacterial infections

Bacteria are remarkably good swimmers—a trait that can be detrimental to human health. One of the most common bacterial infections in a health care setting comes from bacteria entering the body through catheters, thin tubes inserted in the urinary tract. Though catheters are designed to draw...

medicalxpress.com

Treating tuberculosis when antibiotics no longer work

Researchers have identified new antibiotic molecules that target Mycobacterium tuberculosis and make it less pathogenic for humans. In addition, some of the discovered substances may allow for a renewed treatment of tuberculosis with available medications—including strains of the bacterium that...

medicalxpress.com

Evolutionary 'U-turn' may mitigate antibiotic resistance, study finds

In a scientific breakthrough, Monash University researchers have discovered a revolutionary "U-turn" in the evolution of antibiotic resistance, challenging the widely accepted notion that traits once developed are irreversible.

phys.org

ChatGPT found to have very low success rate in diagnosing pediatric case studies

A trio of pediatricians at Cohen Children's Medical Center, in New York, has found ChatGPT's pediatric diagnostic skills to be considerably lacking after asking the LLM to diagnose 100 random case studies. In their study, reported in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, Joseph Barile, Alex Margolis and...

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Adhesion

Versatile fibers offer improved energy storage capacity for wearable devices

The latest wearable devices, such as Samsung's Galaxy Ring and Apple's Vision Pro, are taking health care a step further and even enabling people to work virtually. Given the characteristics of wearable devices that require them to be small and lightweight, there is an inevitable limitation on...

techxplore.com

New device harnesses sweat power for fitness trackers

A small amount of sweat could be all that's needed to power fitness trackers of the future, new research led by Deakin University's Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) reveals.

phys.org

Researchers use machine learning to create a fabric-based touch sensor

A new study from NC State University combines three-dimensional embroidery techniques with machine learning to create a fabric-based sensor that can control electronic devices through touch. The paper is published in the journal Device.

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New tagging method provides bioadhesive interface for marine sensors on diverse, soft and fragile species

Tagging marine animals with sensors to track and study their movements can provide researchers with important environmental and behavioral information, including energy usage, habitat changes, and migration patterns. But existing techniques to attach sensors currently largely rely on invasive...

phys.org

'One ring to rule them all': How actin filaments are assembled by formins

Actin is a highly abundant protein that controls the shape and movement of all our cells. Actin achieves this by assembling into filaments, one actin molecule at a time. The proteins of the formin family are pivotal partners in this process: positioned at the filament end, formins recruit new...

phys.org

Short circuits

A new light on arc-faults: Enhancing electrical fire safety

An arc-fault is an electrical discharge between two conductors due to poor contact. These discharges cause sparks that can reach temperatures as high as 1000 degrees Celsius, making them one of the major causes of electrical fires. In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association...

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Reducing cavitation

Bubble simulation: Model improves prediction of cavitation nuclei

Small gas bubbles that form and collapse in a liquid—a process known as cavitation—can cause big problems for equipment like ship propellers. Imploding bubbles create noise and vibration, interfering with acoustic sensors, and even erode metal over time.

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Beam welding

Korean researchers achieve local production of electron beam welding system

Dr. Han Seong-Tae's team at KERI's Industry Applications Research Division has developed the core technology of "electron guns," the heart of "electron beam welders," which had been dependent on imports for more than 99%.

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[bobbymike]

Disordered enthalpy–entropy descriptor for high-entropy ceramics discovery - Nature

DEED captures the balance between entropy gains and costs, allowing the correct classification of functional synthesizability of multicomponent ceramics, regardless of chemistry and structure, and provides an array of potential new candidates, ripe for experimental discoveries.

www.nature.com

 

[publiusr]

Sound dampener and acoustics

Molecularly designing polymer networks to control sound damping

The world is filled with myriad sounds and vibrations—the gentle tones of a piano drifting down the hall, the relaxing purr of a cat laying on your chest, the annoying hum of the office lights. Imagine being able to selectively tune out noises of a certain frequency.

phys.org

A magnetically actuated acoustic metamaterial

Space coiling acoustic metamaterials are static and require manual reconfiguration for sound-field modulation. In a new report published in Communications Materials, Christabel Choi, and a team of scientists in computer science and engineering in the U.K., and Italy, developed an approach for...

phys.org

Shape of water jet found to influence sound of impact on still water

A trio of mechanical engineers at Seoul National University has found that the shape of a water jet dropped into a glass of water is the determining factor in the noise that results. In their paper published in the journal Physical Review Fluids, Mouad Boudina, Joonoh Kim and Ho-Young Kim...

phys.org

Chiral fluids

Stripes in a flowing liquid crystal suggest a route to 'chiral' fluids

Hold your hands out in front of you, and no matter how you rotate them, it's impossible to superimpose one over the other. Our hands are a perfect example of chirality—a geometric configuration by which an object cannot be superimposed onto its mirror image.

phys.org

Mars building info

Potential solvents identified for building on the moon and Mars

Researchers have taken the first steps toward finding liquid solvents that may someday help extract critical building materials from lunar- and Martian-rock dust, an important part of making long-term space travel possible.

phys.org

Brr, it's cold in here! NASA's cryo efforts beyond the atmosphere

Establishing sustained operations at the moon and Mars presents a multitude of opportunities and challenges NASA has yet to encounter. Many of these activities require new technologies and processes to ensure the agency is prepared for its ambitious Artemis missions and those beyond.

phys.org

Lubrication oddity

Scientists resolve intriguing phenomenon of superlubricity and formulate its laws

Skoltech researchers have explained why very weak friction obeys different laws than those governing regular friction as we know it from school physics. Among other unexpected and counterintuitive features, the alternative friction laws formulated by the team reveal why increasing the weight of...

phys.org

Scientists examine how friction forces propel development in a marine organism

As the potter works the spinning wheel, the friction between their hands and the soft clay helps them shape it into all kinds of forms and creations. In a fascinating parallel, sea squirt oocytes (immature egg cells) harness friction within various compartments in their interior to undergo...

phys.org

For boats and pumps

Fastest swimming insect could inspire uncrewed boat designs

Whirligig beetles, the world's fastest-swimming insect, achieve surprising speeds by employing a strategy shared by speedy marine mammals and waterfowl, according to a new Cornell University study that rewrites previous explanations of the physics involved.

phys.org

How a sea animal with a 'snot palace' could inspire better pumps

To build more efficient pumping systems, engineers might take inspiration from a tiny filter-feeding sea creature encased in a gelatinous structure known as a "mucus house" or "snot palace."

phys.org

Aero-design

Study examines aerodynamic performance of nylon shuttlecocks

Badminton traces its roots back more than a millennium, but the modern version of the racket game originated in the late 19th century in England. Today, it is the second most popular sport in the world behind soccer, with an estimated 220 million people who enjoy playing. For the last three...

phys.org

Titanium

Study uncovers low-temperature deformation mechanism of pure titanium

Titanium (Ti), often hailed as the wonder metal for its remarkable properties, has many applications in aerospace, marine, and biomedicine industries. Known for their low density, high strength, high ductility, great corrosion resistance, and excellent biocompatibility, Ti and its alloys have...

phys.org

Filter

Engineers create a zwitterionic hydrogel system to swiftly eliminate micropollutants from water

"Zwitterionic" might not be a word you come across every day, but for Professor Patrick Doyle of the MIT Department of Chemical Engineering, it's a word that's central to the technology his group is developing to remove micropollutants from water. Derived from the German word "zwitter," meaning...

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Blood battery?

First battery prototype using hemoglobin developed

A team with the Chemical Institute for Energy and the Environment (IQUEMA) at the University of Cordoba has come up with a battery that uses hemoglobin as an electrochemical reaction facilitator, functioning for around 20–30 days.

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Superconductor find and other tech

'Sudden death' of quantum fluctuations defies current theories of superconductivity

Princeton physicists have discovered an abrupt change in quantum behavior while experimenting with a three-atom-thin insulator that can be easily switched into a superconductor.

phys.org

Thin film reveals origins of pre-superconducting phase

RIKEN physicists have found an ideal platform for exploring the behavior of electrons in a material as it approaches superconductivity. This could help to develop new superconductors that operate at more convenient temperatures than existing ones. The study is published in the journal Physical...

phys.org

Transparent brain implant can read deep neural activity from the surface

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a neural implant that provides information about activity deep inside the brain while sitting on its surface. The implant is made up of a thin, transparent and flexible polymer strip that is packed with a dense array of...

phys.org

A new method to develop recyclable, organic and flexible electronics

The electronics industry has been in continuous development over the past decades, leading to the development, fabrication and sale of a broad range of consumer devices. In recent years, many engineers have been focusing their efforts on flexible electronics that can be used to create wearable...

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Light-emitting textiles for diverse flexible and wearable displays

Textile research has highlighted the advances in electroluminescent threads as suitable biomaterials for driving growth in the wearable electronics market. While the direct embroidery of textiles with custom designs and patterns can offer substantial benefits, machine embroidery can challenge...

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Scientists come up with technology to recycle used clothes rather than simply burning them

When you go running in the woods in your running tights, elastane is the reason they fit you so comfortably. Elastane is an elastic material that allows the fabric to stretch and adapt to your body.

phys.org

Researchers develop a versatile, reconfigurable and damage-tolerant single-wire sensor array

Researchers from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a sensor array design technology inspired by the human auditory system. By mimicking the human ear's ability to distinguish sounds through tonotopy, this innovative sensor array approach could optimize the...

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Transferring laser-induced graphene at extremely low temperatures for ultrathin bioelectronics

A recent study published in Nature Electronics discusses stretchable graphene–hydrogel interfaces for wearable and implantable bioelectronics.

phys.org

Scientists use heat to create transformations between skyrmions and antiskyrmions

In an experiment that could help the development of new spintronics devices with low energy consumption, researchers from RIKEN and collaborators have used heat and magnetic fields to create transformations between spin textures—magnetic vortices and antivortices known as skyrmions and...

phys.org

Research offers insights into the metal-to-insulator transition without breaking symmetry

Metal-to-insulator transition—a process that turns materials from a conductor to an insulator—has been a crucial process behind microelectronic switches, nonvolatile memory, and neuromorphic computing materials. In many cases, this transition is accompanied by drastic changes in the electronic...

phys.org

Superconductors that are wild

New superconducting material discovered in transition-metal dichalcogenides materials

With the support of electrical transport and magnetic measurement systems of Steady High Magnetic Field Facility (SHMFF), a research team from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), discovered a new superconducting material called (InSe2)xNbSe2, which...

phys.org

Making a superconductor liquid–solid out of the vacuum with hundred-exatesla-strong magnetic fields

The discovery of superconductivity more than a century ago has significantly changed our world.

phys.org

Chemistry finds

Researchers report successful synthesis of specific chiral molecules using rearrangements of simple hydrocarbons

In nature, organic molecules are either left- or right-handed, but synthesizing molecules with a specific "handedness" in a lab is hard to do. Make a drug or enzyme with the wrong "handedness," and it just won't work. Now chemists at the University of California, Davis, are getting closer to...

phys.org

Study show dry-cleaning fluid holds promise for sustainable organic synthesis

The widely used dry-cleaning and degreasing solvent perc can be converted to useful chemicals by a new, clean, safe, and inexpensive procedure. The Kobe University discovery using on-demand UV activation may open the path to upcycling perc and thus contribute to a more sustainable society.

phys.org

AI helps whittle down candidates for hydrogen carriers in liquid form from billions to about 40

In a computational study leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have assessed 160 billion molecules, a number exceeding the people born in the entire span of human history. Their goal was to screen the molecules...

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Team develops light-powered catalyst to make hydrogen

A team from the UPC and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) has designed an efficient and stable photocatalyst capable of producing hydrogen directly using sunlight. The results are published in the journal Nature Communications.

phys.org

Looking at the sides of molecules: Lateral force microscopy reveals previously unseen hydrogen atoms

Researchers at the University of Regensburg and the Graz University of Technology have shown that hydrogen atoms at the sides of molecules lying on a surface can directly be seen. The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, describes that by looking...

phys.org

Researchers experimentally determine the reaction mechanism for catalytic ammonia production

Researchers at Stockholm University have for the first time been able to study the surface of iron and ruthenium catalysts when ammonia is formed from nitrogen and hydrogen. The study, "Operando Probing of the Surface Chemistry During the Haber-Bosch Process," is published in Nature.

phys.org

Chemists develop new approach to inserting single carbon atoms into rings

Molecules with a central ring system play an important role in the search for active ingredients for new pharmaceutical products—and it is important that the rings should have the correct size if the desired product is to be manufactured as efficiently as possible.

phys.org

Process for the optical analysis of trace gases optimized

Laser-based absorption spectroscopy is an important method for determining the concentration of gas components in a sample. Modern devices are highly specialized for detecting very specific gases, such as trace gases in the atmosphere, in combustion exhaust fumes and in technical applications of...

phys.org

A chemical reaction key to various industries just got greener

From alleviating your allergy symptoms to optimizing herbicide performance, alkylamines are molecules that have many uses. Unfortunately, common methods of producing alkylamines result in harmful waste byproducts. A method of synthesizing alkylamines in a sustainable yet cost-effective way has...

phys.org

New steel

“Cannot Be Explained” – Scientists Unveil Revolutionary SS-H2 Steel

A team headed by Professor Mingxin Huang from the University of Hong Kong's Department of Mechanical Engineering has achieved a significant advancement in the field of stainless steel. This recent innovation focuses on the development of stainless steel designed for hydrogen applications, known as S

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[publiusr]

Armor for steel

Armor for steel: New method could enable advances in energy, electronics and aerospace

Researchers have demonstrated that stainless steel and other metal alloys coated with hexagonal boron nitride, or hBN, exhibit non-stick or low-friction qualities along with improved long-term protection against harsh corrosion and high-temperature oxidation in air. The work has been published...

phys.org

Better boron

Chemists find new way to rid boron nitride nanotubes of impurities

Very strong, light materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures could usher in next-generation spacecraft, enhance current devices or enable the development of new biomedical imaging or hydrogen storage applications, among others.

phys.org

Stronger concrete

Concrete made stronger and more durable with resin

Engineering structures made of concrete, steel, or other materials are subject to vibrations and stress. Because of this, small cracks appear, which grow and eventually lead to destruction. This phenomenon is called "fatigue failure."

phys.org

Aircraft that morph?

Material science advance could lead to airplanes that optimize their shape in flight

Materials and objects could take on different shapes by themselves through a method developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Breakthrough tests showed how microscale melting and cooling of a wide range of materials—such as plastics and metals—can be manipulated to reorganize their mass...

techxplore.com

New plastic

Creating a new, sustainable plastic using physics

For the past three years, Ph.D. candidate Sophie van Lange has been dedicated to one clear goal: producing plastic that is both hard and sustainable. The plastics we use today are either recyclable or strong and hard—not both. Van Lange stepped away from traditional chemical approaches to...

phys.org

Going beyond plastic: Tara gum as a green polymer

Synthetic, non-biodegradable plastics are major sources of environmental pollution and have prompted rising interest in sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from natural polymers. "Tara gum," derived from the seeds of the tara tree (Caesalpinia spinosa), stands out as a promising...

phys.org

Aerogel

Scientists open door to achieving high-precision 'slippery structural hydrogel'

Hydrogels inevitably undergo dehydration, structural collapse, and shrinkage deformation due to the uninterrupted evaporation in the atmosphere, thereby losing their flexibility, slipperyness, and manufacturing precision.

phys.org

Friction control

A means for tuning friction on a flat surface without the use of math

A team of microsystems engineers at Université de Lyon, École Centrale de Lyon has developed a method to create a desired amount of friction between two flat surfaces without resorting to math. Their project is reported in the journal Science. Viacheslav Slesarenko and Lars Pastewka, both with...

phys.org

Anti-icing find and liquids

Research team develops anti-icing film that only requires sunlight

A KAIST research team has developed an anti-icing and de-icing film coating technology that can apply the photothermal effect of gold nanoparticles to industrial sites without the need for heating wires, periodic spray or oil coating of anti-freeze substances, and substrate design alterations.

phys.org

Water molecule discovery contradicts textbook models

Textbook models will need to be re-drawn after a team of researchers found that water molecules at the surface of salt water are organized differently than previously thought.

phys.org

From disorder to design: Exploring electrical tuning of branched flow in liquid crystal films

A new study in Nature Communications investigates the electrical tuning of branched light flow in nematic liquid crystal (NLC) films, revealing controlled patterns and statistical characteristics with potential applications in optics and photonics.

phys.org

Glass

Stability of rings of atoms in glass materials can help predict performance of glass products

Glass is being used in a wider range of high-performance applications, including those for consumers and industry, military and aerospace electronics, coatings and optics. Because of the extreme precision demanded for use in products such as mobile phones and jet aircraft, glass substrates must...

phys.org

Thermo-electricity and more

Advancement in thermoelectricity could light up the Internet of Things

Imagine stoplights and cars communicating with each other to optimize the flow of traffic. This isn't science fiction—it's the Internet of Things (IoT), i.e., objects that sense their surroundings and respond via the internet. As the global population rises and such technologies continue to...

techxplore.com

New fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power sensors, communications

A Northwestern University-led team of researchers has developed a new fuel cell that harvests energy from microbes living in dirt.

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Researchers develop eco-friendly material from mushrooms, coffee grounds and natural pineapple fibers

Researchers have developed a novel eco-friendly material, dubbed "mycelium-based composites (MBCs)." Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are renowned for their unique properties, making them an increasingly popular choice in various industries, particularly for applications where sustainability and...

phys.org

Hydrogen from urea and other chemistry news

New material opens up possibility of converting water pollutants into hydrogen gas

WPI Researchers have developed a material to remove urea from water and potentially convert it into hydrogen gas. By building these materials of nickel and cobalt atoms with carefully tailored electronic structures, the group has unlocked the potential to enable these transition metal oxides and...

phys.org

Discovery enables cost-effective and eco-friendly green hydrogen production

A breakthrough technology has been developed that enables the production of green hydrogen in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner, bringing us closer to a carbon-neutral society by replacing expensive precious metal catalysts.

techxplore.com

The pros and cons of oxygen mediating the performance of nickel catalysts in dry reforming of methane

Catalysis is one of the key technologies in the chemical industry and has a wide-reaching impact on various aspects of our daily lives, including plastics manufacturing, drug synthesis, and production of both fertilizers and fuels. It is estimated that over 90% of chemical products are nowadays...

phys.org

Chemists create the first 2D heavy fermion with heavier-than-normal electrons

Researchers at Columbia University have successfully synthesized the first 2D heavy fermion material. They introduce the new material, a layered intermetallic crystal composed of cerium, silicon, and iodine (CeSiI), in a research article published in Nature.

phys.org

Artificial 'power plants' harness energy from wind and rain

Fake plants are moving into the 21st century. Researchers developed literal "power plants"—tiny, leaf-shaped generators that create electricity from a blowing breeze or falling raindrops—and described them in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. The team tested the energy harvesters by...

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Chemical synthesis: New strategy for skeletal editing on pyridines

A team from the University of Münster has introduced a strategy for converting carbon–nitrogen atom pairs in a frequently used ring-shaped compound into carbon–carbon atom pairs. The method has potential in the quest for active ingredients for new drugs, for example. The results are published in...

phys.org

Machine learning method speeds up discovery of green energy materials

Researchers at Kyushu University, in collaboration with Osaka University and the Fine Ceramics Center, have developed a framework that uses machine learning to speed up the discovery of materials for green energy technology.

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Unlocking the secrets of quasicrystal magnetism: Revealing a novel magnetic phase diagram

Quasicrystals are intermetallic materials that have garnered significant attention from researchers aiming to advance condensed matter physics understanding. Unlike normal crystals, in which atoms are arranged in an ordered repeating pattern, quasicrystals have non-repeating ordered patterns of...

phys.org

Using AI to develop a battery that uses less lithium

A team of AI researchers at Microsoft working with colleagues from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has used AI to develop a battery that uses less lithium. Together, they have published a paper describing their work on the arXiv preprint server.

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[publiusr]

Here is a biggie from ADVANCED MATERIALS Jan 2. edition:

"Ultrastrong and High Thermal Insulating Porous High-Entropy Ceramics up to 2000°C."

--as reported in phys.org:

"Scientists announce breakthrough in hypersonic heat shield."

The 9PHEB-9-cation diboride was developed in Guangzhou University School of Materials Science and Engineering.

Scientists announce breakthrough in hypersonic heat shield

In a giant leap for future hypersonic flight, Chinese scientists have turned to multi-scale technology to develop a revolutionary new material that has achieved record high marks in tests for vital strength and thermal insulation properties.

techxplore.com

Anti-ice coating

https://phys.org/news/2024-01-hybrid-superamphiphobic-anti-corrosion-icing.htmln

Rubber and plastics

New methods show promise for boosting rubber production in US

With disease and high demand posing threats to the world's primary natural rubber supply in Southeast Asia, scientists are working to ramp up the U.S. rubber market by advancing methods to extract latex from two sustainable North American plant sources: a dandelion species and a desert shrub.

phys.org

Scientists solve long-standing block copolymer research conundrum through polymer chain end modifications

Plumber's nightmare structure presents itself as an assemblage where all exits seem to converge inward—a plumber's nightmare but an anticipated uniqueness for researchers, suggesting distinctive traits divergent from traditional materials. Nonetheless, this intricate configuration was deemed...

phys.org

Silk

Scientists spin naturalistic silk from artificial spider gland

Researchers have succeeded in creating a device that spins artificial spider silk that closely matches what spiders naturally produce. The artificial silk gland was able to re-create the complex molecular structure of silk by mimicking the various chemical and physical changes that naturally...

phys.org

How materials age and AI chemistry

Physicists identify a surprising phenomenon of aging in materials over time

Physicists in Darmstadt are investigating aging processes in materials. For the first time, they have measured the ticking of an internal clock in glass. When evaluating the data, they discovered a surprising phenomenon.

phys.org

Autonomous synthesis robot uses AI to speed up chemical discovery

Chemists of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have developed an autonomous chemical synthesis robot with an integrated AI-driven machine learning unit. Dubbed "RoboChem," the benchtop device can outperform a human chemist in terms of speed and accuracy while also displaying a high level of...

phys.org

Cellular scaffolding rewired to make microscopic railways

Princeton researchers have learned to harness the gossamer scaffolding that maintains the structure of living cells and used it to develop a nanotechnology platform. The technique eventually could lead to advances in soft robotics, new medicines, and the development of synthetic systems for...

phys.org

Combining two types of molecular boron nitride could create hybrid material for faster, more powerful electronics

In chemistry, structure is everything. Compounds with the same chemical formula can have different properties depending on the arrangement of the molecules they're made of. And compounds with a different chemical formula but a similar molecular arrangement can have similar properties.

phys.org

Breaking bonds--and keeping things separate

Researchers engineer bacteria that eat plastic, make multipurpose spider silk

Move over Spider-Man: Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a strain of bacteria that can turn plastic waste into a biodegradable spider silk with multiple uses.

phys.org

Teaching nature to break man-made chemical bonds

For the first time, scientists have engineered an enzyme that can break stubborn man-made bonds between silicon and carbon that exist in widely-used chemicals known as siloxanes, or silicones. The discovery is a first step toward rendering the chemicals, which can linger in the environment...

phys.org

Tiny water-walking bugs provide scientists with insights on how microplastics are pushed underwater

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can cause big problems when they enter the water supply. One way my fluid dynamics lab explores microplastic movement is by studying how tiny water-walking insects are pushed underwater by raindrops.

phys.org

What coffee with cream can teach us about quantum physics

Add a dash of creamer to your morning coffee, and clouds of white liquid will swirl around your cup. But give it a few seconds, and those swirls will disappear, leaving you with an ordinary mug of brown liquid.

phys.org

How to shift gears in a molecular motor

A study published in Chemistry—A European Journal presents a proof-of-principle design of molecular motors.

phys.org

Scientists develop high-precision droplet printing platform for single cell phenotype screening

With the rapid development of genome synthesis and editing technologies, droplet-based single-cell phenotype screening has become increasingly important. However, precise and high-throughput distribution of target droplets into specific macroscopic media for downstream multi-omics analysis...

phys.org

Deposition and epitaxy

New design improves water decontamination via plasma jet

Plasma is an ionized gas—that is, a gas containing electrons, ions, atoms, molecules, radicals, and photons. It is often called the fourth state of matter, and surprisingly, it permeates everything. Plasmas, which are artificially generated by transmitting energy to a gas, are found in the...

phys.org

Researchers grow a twisted multilayer crystal structure for next-gen materials

Researchers with the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University and the DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) have grown a twisted multilayer crystal structure for the first time and measured the structure's key properties. The twisted structure...

phys.org

Hacking DNA to make next-gen semiconductor materials

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, Columbia University, and Stony Brook University have developed a universal method for producing a wide variety of designed metallic and semiconductor 3D nanostructures—the potential base materials for...

phys.org

Closing the green gap: A cubic III-nitride active layer with 32% internal quantum efficiency

Color mixing is the process of combining two or more colors: red and green make yellow, blue and red make purple, red and green and blue make white. This process of mixing colors is the basis for the future of solid-state lighting. While currently white light is achieved by phosphor...

phys.org

Shedding light on grapevine growth: Unraveling the impact of LED light quality on photosynthesis and carbon metabolism

Grapevines, essential for wine and raisins, suffer losses due to poor establishment and decline of newly planted vines. Advances in manipulating nursery light spectra show promise for healthier vines, yet the exact mechanisms are unclear.

phys.org

X-rays light the way to more stable solar cell materials

Using the bright X-rays of the Advanced Photon Source and a custom-built characterization platform, scientists have traced the ion movements inside perovskites, a potential material for new solar energy harvesting devices.

techxplore.com

Wing structure

Using dragonfly wings to study the relationship between corrugated wing structure and vortex motions

Scientists from Hiroshima University undertook a study of dragonfly wings in order to better understand the relationship between a corrugated wing structure and vortex motions. They discovered that corrugated wings exhibit larger lift than flat wings.

phys.org

Physics of V-shaped flight formations offer insights into energy efficiency

Birds have inspired human flight for centuries, but Shabnam Raayai thinks they can also offer lessons in reducing energy consumption.

phys.org

Extracting iron

A method for extracting iron from aluminum production waste

A team of metallurgists in Germany has developed a technique for extracting iron from aluminum production waste. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group outlines their process and its degree of efficiency. Chenna Rao Borra, with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, has...

techxplore.com

Researchers investigate strange transient responses of organic electrochemical transistors

Organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs) are a highly sought-after class of materials for non-conventional applications, such as bioelectronics, neuromorphic computing, and bio-fuel cells, due to their two-in-one electronic and ionic conduction properties.

techxplore.com

The small scale

Gravity helps show strong force strength in the proton

The power of gravity is writ large across our visible universe. It can be seen in the lock step of moons as they circle planets; in wandering comets pulled off-course by massive stars; and in the swirl of gigantic galaxies. These awesome displays showcase gravity's influence at the largest...

phys.org

Chemists tie a knot using only 54 atoms

A trio of chemists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, working with a colleague from the University of Western Ontario, has tied the smallest knot ever, using just 54 atoms. In their study, published in the journal Nature Communications, Zhiwen Li, Jingjing...

phys.org

sensors

Enabling distributed quantum sensors for simultaneous measurements in distant places

A research team has succeeded in implementing a distributed quantum sensor that can measure multiple spatially distributed physical quantities with high precision beyond the standard quantum limit with few resources. Their findings are published in the journal Nature Communications.

phys.org

Pumps

The physics behind 300-year-old firefighting methods could inform knowledge of how our hearts work

Today, water pressure technology is ubiquitous, and any person who showers, waters a garden, or fights fires is benefiting from the technology devised to harness it. In the 17th and 18th centuries, though, a steady stream of water not punctuated by pressure drops was a major breakthrough.

phys.org

What today's architects can learn from a lost ventilation system used in 19th century building design

By revamping a forgotten heat recovery technique used in the design of Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University researchers say modern temperature control and ventilation design could be transformed.

techxplore.com

False vacuum decay

New research sheds light on a phenomenon known as 'false vacuum decay'

An experiment conducted in Italy, with theory support from Newcastle University, has produced the first experimental evidence of vacuum decay.

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Graphene for X-rays

Using graphene to generate powerful and focused X-rays using electron waveshaping

Scientists have developed and simulated a new energy-efficient way to generate highly focused and finely controlled X-rays that are up to a thousand times more intense than those from traditional methods.

www.nanowerk.com

Nanodots

The curious case of zero dimensions in nanomaterials (w/video)

Explore the intriguing world of zero-dimensional nanomaterials, from quantum confinement to future tech applications, in an easily digestible guide.

www.nanowerk.com

Starlink as radar

Germany demonstrates passive radar system using Starlink satellite radiation

Germany has built a passive radar demonstrator that tracks targets using radiation from Starlink satellites opportunistically.

www.naval-technology.com

On/off superconductor

Argonne National Lab Reveal Superconductor with On-off Switches | NextBigFuture.com

Researchers used the Advanced Photon Source to confirm the rare properties of this material, which could lead to more efficient large-scale computing.

www.nextbigfuture.com

Researchers optimize the performance of novel organic electrochemical transistors

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have recently received a lot of interest and attention in the research community, not only for their biocompatibility but also for other novel characteristics like the amplification of ionic–electronic signals and the detection of ions and molecules.

phys.org

The surface knows what lies beneath: Physicists show how to detect higher-order topological insulators

Just like a book can't be judged by its cover, a material can't always be judged by its surface. But, for an elusive conjectured class of materials, physicists have now shown that the surface previously thought to be "featureless" holds an unmistakable signature that could lead to the first...

phys.org

Engineers propose hybrid urban water sourcing model using reclaimed wastewater

Houston's water and wastewater system could be more resilient with the development of hybrid urban water supply systems that combine conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater, according to a study by Rice University engineers now published in Nature Water.

techxplore.com

How living materials from algae can best capture carbon

Scientists from TU Delft have found how confined microalgal cells grow optimally in photosynthetic engineered living materials. With the use of light energy, the microalgae convert CO2 from the air into sugars, energy and oxygen for their survival. Such algae-based living materials could be used...

phys.org

Physicists identify overlooked uncertainty in real-world experiments

The equations that describe physical systems often assume that measurable features of the system—temperature or chemical potential, for example—can be known exactly. But the real world is messier than that, and uncertainty is unavoidable. Temperatures fluctuate, instruments malfunction, the...

phys.org

Can technology clean up our air? An atmospheric scientist got a glimpse of the future

Every few years I visit CES (formerly the Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, a goliath event that is equal parts shameless spin and publicity, trade show and business conference. I'm an atmospheric scientist, and I want to get some insight into the technologies that might reduce our...

phys.org

Researchers realize ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction over single-atom catalyst

Ethylene methoxycarbonylation reaction is the key process in the alpha-route to produce methyl methacrylate industrially. This approach has the advantages of using widely available raw materials, having high atomic efficiency as well as high selectivity, compared with traditional approaches such...

phys.org

Terahertz sensors and other tech

Engineers develop terahertz imaging system capable of capturing real-time, 3D multi-spectral images

Terahertz waves can penetrate opaque materials and provide unique spectral signatures of various chemicals, but their adoption for real-world applications has been limited by the slow speed, large size, high cost and complexity of terahertz imaging systems. The problem arises from the lack of...

phys.org

New carbon-based tunable metasurface absorber paves the way for advanced terahertz technology

Working in the terahertz (THz) range offers unique opportunities in various applications, including biomedical imaging, telecommunications, and advanced sensing systems. However, because of the unique properties of electromagnetic waves in the 0.1 to 10 THz range, it has proven difficult to...

phys.org

Unlocking the magnetic superpowers of topological magnons

In the ever-evolving landscape of condensed matter physics, a recent breakthrough has emerged from the collaborative efforts of researchers at the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-1), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Paul Scherrer Institut in Switzerland, and the Jülich Centre for Neutron...

phys.org

New tomographic reconstruction algorithm sets world record

Advanced synchrotron tomography is a critical research tool, allowing scientists to explore the intricate structures of objects in extremely high resolution. Because this technique enables researchers to capture dynamics in real-time, it can capture ongoing changes in living organisms (cellular...

phys.org

Higher measurement accuracy opens new window to the quantum world

A team at HZB has developed a new measurement method that, for the first time, accurately detects tiny temperature differences in the range of 100 microKelvin in the thermal Hall effect. Previously, these temperature differences could not be measured quantitatively due to thermal noise.

phys.org

Smart devices' ambient light sensors pose imaging privacy risk

In George Orwell's novel "1984," Big Brother watches citizens through two-way, TV-like telescreens to surveil citizens without any cameras. In a similar fashion, our current smart devices contain ambient light sensors, which open the door to a different threat: Hackers.

techxplore.com

Tracking molecules at turbo speed

Microbiologists and biophysicists from the University of Bonn have developed a method that makes the high-throughput process for observing molecules five times faster, enabling insights to be gained into hitherto unknown cellular functions.

phys.org

Ultrafast ultrasound: First successful contrast agent-free imaging of complex structure of kidneys

A research team at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has investigated kidney diseases using ultrafast ultrasound that captures 1,000 images in just one second.

medicalxpress.com

Researchers turn up the heat on flexible temperature sensor development using microwaves

Engineers from UK universities have developed a new method of measuring temperature through the interaction of a soft and flexible "smart skin" sensor with electromagnetic waves.

techxplore.com

Tiny capsules that transform in the blink of an eye could be key to developing smaller electronics

Our phones and electronic devices could soon be smaller and sleeker without the risk of overheating thanks to microcapsules that transform in the blink of an eye.

phys.org

Energy harvest
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-01-powered-sensor-automatically-harvests-magnetic.html

 

[publiusr]

Supersolids

The first observation of a material exhibiting a supersolid phase of matter

Through experimental research, a team of physicists affiliated with multiple institutions in China has observed a material in a supersolid phase of matter for the first time. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes the experiments they conducted to accomplish this...

phys.org

Impact resistant material

Benchtop test quickly identifies extremely impact-resistant materials

An intricate, honeycomb-like structure of struts and beams could withstand a supersonic impact better than a solid slab of the same material. What's more, the specific structure matters, with some being more resilient to impacts than others.

techxplore.com

The reverse sprinkler---ramifications for depots?

How does a 'reverse sprinkler' work? Researchers solve decades-old physics puzzle

For decades scientists have been trying to solve Feynman's Sprinkler Problem: How does a sprinkler running in reverse—in which the water flows into the device rather than out of it—work? Through a series of experiments, a team of mathematicians has figured out how flowing fluids exert forces and...

phys.org

Bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production via overall hydrazine splitting

Hydrogen is widely recognized as a promising clean energy source, primarily due to its high energy density and the absence of carbon emissions during its utilization. This characteristic makes hydrogen an ideal candidate for addressing the growing energy demand and mitigating the environmental...

phys.org

New plastic

A type of plastic that can be shape-shifted using tempering

A team of molecular engineers have developed a type of plastic that can be shape-shifted using tempering. In their paper published in the journal Science the team, from the University of Chicago, with a colleagues from the US DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, the National...

phys.org

Structural color ink: Printable, non-iridescent and lightweight

A new way of creating color uses the scattering of light of specific wavelengths around tiny, almost perfectly round silicon crystals. This Kobe University development enables non-fading structural colors that do not depend on the viewing angle and can be printed. The material has a low...

phys.org

Scientists find a close-loop recycling process for one of the most widely used plastics

A pioneering development enables the targeted replication of the chemical structure of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a plastic that has been difficult to imitate until now, and shows great potential for sustainable alternatives in the plastics industry.

phys.org

Metal glass

Unveiling oxidation-induced super-elasticity in metallic glass nanotubes

Oxidation can degrade the properties and functionality of metals. However, a research team co-led by scientists from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) recently discovered that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain, outperforming most...

phys.org

Solving mysteries of metallic glass at the nanoscale

The matter of how metals deform or respond to external stresses has been extensively studied among metallurgists for centuries. When it comes to conventional metals—the crystalline kind with atoms that line up in neat patterns—the process is fairly well understood. But for the deformation of...

phys.org

Sand

To stick or not to stick? Mixed sand columns illuminate design of better materials

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have been studying the strength and toughness of sand columns made of a mixture of sticky and non-sticky grains. They have uncovered the mechanism behind how the strength changes as grains are mixed in different ratios, and how a mixture can help...

phys.org

Wood's return

How wood is making a comeback in construction

We've been using wood to build things for a very long time. According to the recently discovered remains of a half-a-million-year-old wooden structure in Africa, we've been building with wood before we were even fully human. From those early beginnings to the stave churches of Scandinavia to...

techxplore.com

Nanosheets

Joint research team develops edge-to-edge assembly technique for 2D nanosheets

A collaborative research team has fabricated a soccer ball-shaped construction using edge-to-edge assembly of 2D semiconductor materials. The research has been featured on the cover of the online edition of the Angewandte Chemie International Edition journal.

phys.org

A method to fabricate long rolls of subnanocomposite dielectric polymers

Engineers and material scientists have been trying to develop increasingly advanced devices, to meet the growing needs of the electronics industry. These devices include electrostatic capacitors, devices that can store electrical energy in a dielectric between a pair of electrodes through the...

phys.org

Study unveils key dynamics of 2D nanomaterials with view to larger-scale production

A team of Rice University researchers mapped out how flecks of 2D materials move in liquid ⎯ knowledge that could help scientists assemble macroscopic-scale materials with the same useful properties as their 2D counterparts.

phys.org

New fibers--

Engineers fashion strands of conductive fiber that can be woven into clothes

A team of engineers affiliated with a host of institutions in China and two in Singapore has developed a type of conductive fiber that can be woven into clothes to give them smart device capabilities. The study is published in Nature. Xiaoting Jia and Alex Parrott from Virginia Tech have...

techxplore.com

Spider-silk inspired electrode offers new possibilities for the next generation of biomedical devices

An international team of scientists has developed a flexible electrode that wraps around muscles, nerves and hearts to deliver electrical stimulation to tissues or record electrical activity. Inspired by spider silk, the electrode contracts to conform to biological tissues, is non-toxic and...

medicalxpress.com

Scientists manufacture a surface that has virucidal properties but does not use any chemicals

A team of researchers from the URV and the RMIT University (Australia) has designed and manufactured a surface that uses mechanical means to mitigate the infectious potential of viruses. Made of silicon, the artificial surface consists of a series of tiny spikes that damage the structure of...

phys.org

A positive spin: Electrospinning and electrospraying synergism for the nanomaterials industry

Combining two twins-tech—electrospinning and electrospraying—to fabricate novel nanomaterials is an urgent area of research for materials scientists and biomedical engineers, according to a new paper by Professor Hu Jinlian of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) published in Matter.

phys.org

Optical LaGrange points and more

A Trojan approach to guide and trap light beams via Lagrange points

Reliably guiding and capturing optical waves is central to the functioning of various contemporary technologies, including communication and information processing systems. The most conventional approach to guide light waves leverages the total internal reflection of optical fibers and other...

phys.org

Novel time-resolved atomic force microscopy technique captures ultrafast light-induced phenomena

Despite remarkable progress in science and technology, rapid advancements have exposed limitations in many technological domains. A pressing challenge in semiconductor devices, which underpin ultrahigh-speed communications and artificial intelligence (AI), is the development of high-performance...

phys.org

New research shows how light propagates in integrated circuits on chips

The field of photonic integrated circuits focuses on the miniaturization of photonic elements and their integration in photonic chips—circuits that carry out a range of calculations using photons, rather than electrons as are used in electronic circuits.

phys.org

Photonics-based wireless link breaks speed records for data transmission

From coffee shop customers who connect their laptops to the local Wi-Fi network to remote weather monitoring stations in the Antarctic, wireless communication is an essential part of modern life. Researchers worldwide are currently working on the next evolution of communication networks, called...

techxplore.com

Enhancing solid-state phosphorescence in π-electronic molecules

Photoluminescent molecules, capable of absorbing and re-emitting light, play an important role in the development of technologies such as light-emitting diodes, sensors, and displays. Among them, ordered arrangements of π-electronic molecules such as crystals of organoplatinum(II) complexes...

phys.org

Researchers discover new ways to excite spin waves with extreme infrared light

As demands for computing resources continue to increase rapidly, scientists and engineers are looking for ways to build faster systems for processing information. One possible solution is to use patterns of electron spins, called spin waves, to transfer and process information much more rapidly...

phys.org

Progress on chip-based spontaneous four-wave mixing quantum light sources

A single-photon detector (SPD) is sensitive to incidence of individual quanta of light and has many applications in photonics, such as fluorescence measurements, laser ranging, optical time-domain reflectometer, and quantum optics experiments.

phys.org

Physicists develop novel concept for detecting chiral molecules

In contrast to conventional mirrors, light can be reflected on surfaces known as metasurfaces without changing its polarization. This phenomenon has now been proven by physicists at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light...

phys.org

Research team demonstrates robust light propagation in open systems

Physicists from the University of Rostock, the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat, the Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg and the Indiana University Indianapolis (IUPUI) have shown for the first time that light can propagate without any loss in systems that interact with their environment...

phys.org

Ultrathin membranes for uncovering the atomic scale problem in operando conditions

When someone comes up with the word "magnify," it is referring either to making distant objects closer or making small objects bigger on a tangible scale. There is no doubt that the power of magnifying instruments, regardless of the scale and direction, can lead to the advancement of the...

phys.org

Researchers control biofilm formation using optical traps

Biofilms—slimy layers formed when bacteria stick together on a surface—allow bacteria to shield themselves from extreme environments and even evade antibiotics. In a new study, researchers have shown that laser light in the form of optical traps can be used to control biofilm formation. The...

phys.org

Researchers slow down light in metasurfaces with record low loss

The speed of light can be intentionally reduced in various media. Various techniques have been developed over the years to slow down light, including electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), photonic crystals, and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS).

phys.org

A new wavelength of scientific exploration with single-photon detectors

From the minuscule bindings of molecules to the far reaches of space, we're exploring the universe around us by catching sight of the smallest particles of light.

phys.org

Bessel-beam-based side-view measurement of seven-core fiber internal core distribution

Optical fiber, as the basic carrier of modern high-speed and high-capacity communication, is the key to the interconnection of the world. With the rapid development of the communications industry in recent decades, ordinary single-mode optical fiber can no longer meet the special needs of...

phys.org

Scientists build high power cladding-pumped Raman fiber laser at 1.2 μm waveband

Laser sources operating at the 1.2 μm wavelength band have some unique applications in photodynamic therapy, biomedical diagnosis and oxygen sensing. Additionally, they can be adopted as pump sources for mid-infrared optical parametric generation as well as visible light generation by frequency...

phys.org

Generating powerful optical vortices directly from a thin-disk laser oscillator

In recent years, optical vortices have attracted extensive attention in laser advanced manufacturing because of their annual intensity distribution and orbital angular momentum.

phys.org

Magnetic manipulation

Team shows how uranium ditelluride continues superconducting even in high magnetic fields

Superconductivity is well understood in so-called "conventional" superconductors. More recent, however, are unconventional superconductors, and it is as yet unclear how they work.

phys.org

Sensors

A new nose-like sensor sniffs out toxic ammonia gas

Engineers in Australia have developed a small ammonia gas sensor that could enable safer hydrogen storage and specialized medical diagnostic devices.

phys.org

Sound-powered sensors stand to save millions of batteries

Sensors that monitor infrastructure, such as bridges or buildings, or are used in medical devices, such as prostheses for the deaf, require a constant supply of power. The energy for this usually comes from batteries, which are replaced as soon as they are empty. This creates a huge waste...

techxplore.com

When dissipative solitons vanish, breathing dynamics occur: Study

Solitons are quasiparticles that propagate along a non-dissipative wave. Put another way, they are waveforms that hold their shape as they move—like a single wave moving across the surface of a pond. They can also show particle-like behavior, such as collision, attraction, and repulsion.

phys.org

Small tech

New material design for transistors could downsize next-gen tech

By better taming the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of an alternative to the semiconductor—one that transitions from electricity-resisting insulator to current-conducting metal—Nebraska's Xia Hong and colleagues may have unlocked a new path to smaller, more efficient digital devices. The team reports...

techxplore.com

Quantum material-based spintronic devices operate at ultra-low power

As artificial intelligence technologies such as Chat-GPT are utilized in various industries, the role of high-performance semiconductor devices for processing large amounts of information is becoming increasingly important. Among them, spin memory is attracting attention as a next-generation...

phys.org

Device could jumpstart work toward quantum internet

In research that could jumpstart work toward the quantum internet, researchers at MIT and the University of Cambridge have built and tested an exquisitely small device that could allow the quick, efficient flow of quantum information over large distances.

phys.org

Experimentation explores defects and fluctuations in quantum devices

Experimental research conducted by a joint team from Los Alamos National Laboratory and D-Wave Quantum Systems examines the paradoxical role of fluctuations in inducing magnetic ordering on a network of qubits.

phys.org

Enhancing solid-state phosphorescence in π-electronic molecules

Photoluminescent molecules, capable of absorbing and re-emitting light, play an important role in the development of technologies such as light-emitting diodes, sensors, and displays. Among them, ordered arrangements of π-electronic molecules such as crystals of organoplatinum(II) complexes...

phys.org

High harmonic spectroscopy retrieves electronic structure of high-pressure superconductors

High pressure has revealed surprising physics and created novel states in condensed matter. Exciting examples include near room temperature superconductivity (Tc > 200 K) in high-pressure hydrides such as H3S and LaH10.

phys.org

'Flawed' material resolves superconductor conundrum

Christopher Parzyck had done everything right. Parzyck, a postdoctoral researcher, had brought his nickelate samples—a newly discovered family of superconductors—to a synchrotron beamline for X-ray scattering experiments. He was measuring his samples, which he'd synthesized with a new method, in...

phys.org

Will electric fields lead the way in developing semiconductors with high power efficiency?

In the realm of material science, the phenomena of polarization and polarity have conventionally been associated with insulators. However, envision a scenario where these characteristics could be induced in metals, potentially mitigating power losses attributed to semiconductors and extending...

phys.org

Hexagonal copper disk lattice unleashes spin wave control

A collaborative group of researchers has potentially developed a means of controlling spin waves by creating a hexagonal pattern of copper disks on a magnetic insulator. The breakthrough is expected to lead to greater efficiency and miniaturization of communication devices in fields such as...

phys.org

Room-temperature long-range ferromagnetic order realized in a confined molecular monolayer

How can we manipulate intermolecular exchange interaction to achieve long-range spin ordering? The answer to this question is of great importance in understanding and modulating magnetic behavior at the microscopic scale and in developing new macroscopic magnetic materials and devices.

phys.org

Mathematicians create algorithm that could accelerate IoT by using optimal traffic division

Mathematicians from RUDN University have created a new routing algorithm in the Internet of Things network. It optimally splits traffic, which improves network speed and reliability. The results were published in Mathematics.

phys.org

Short X-ray pulses reveal source of light-induced ferroelectricity in SrTiO₃

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) in Hamburg, Germany and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in the United States have gained new insights into the development of the light-induced ferroelectric state in SrTiO3.

phys.org

First tetratomic supermolecules realized at nanokelvin temperatures

A team of experimentalists at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) and theorists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has succeeded for the first time in populating and stabilizing a new type of molecule, so-called field-linked tetratomic molecules. These "supermolecules" are so...

phys.org

Researchers showcase new breakthroughs for unlocking the potential of plasmonics

Plasmonics are special optical phenomena that are understood as interactions between light and matter and possess diverse shapes, material compositions, and symmetry-related behavior. The design of such plasmonic structures at the nanoscale level can pave the way for optical materials that...

phys.org

How to make bright quantum dots even brighter

Quantum dots are a kind of artificial atom: just a few nanometers in size and made of semiconductor materials, they can emit light of a specific color or even single photons, which is important for quantum technologies. The discoverers and pioneers of the commercial production of quantum dots...

phys.org

Research reveals quantum entanglement among quarks

Collisions of high energy particles produce "jets" of quarks, anti-quarks, or gluons. Due to the phenomenon called confinement, scientists cannot directly detect quarks. Instead, the quarks from these collisions fragment into many secondary particles that can be detected.

phys.org

Researchers apply no-core Gamow shell model to investigate first excited state of α particle

The α particle, also known as helium-4, consists of two protons and two neutrons. Although it is one of the most extensively studied atomic nuclei, the precise nature of its excited states remains unclear.

phys.org

Reefer tech

Researchers develop highly efficient heat-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator

Researchers have developed an innovative heat-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator (HDTR) with a novel bypass configuration that significantly improves the efficiency of this technology.

techxplore.com

Beyond Euclid

A manifold fitting approach for high-dimensional data reduction beyond Euclidean space

Statisticians from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have introduced a new technique that accurately describes high-dimensional data using lower-dimensional smooth structures. This innovation marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of complex nonlinear dimension...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Heat resistant compound

Researchers develop thermal radiation controllable epsilon-near-zero material that can withstand extreme environments

Thermal radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by all objects with temperature and most representatively, there is the solar radiation spectrum that enters the Earth and causes the greenhouse effect.

phys.org

General deep learning framework for emissivity engineering

Wavelength-selective thermal emitters (WS-TEs) have been frequently designed to achieve desired target emissivity spectra, as in typical emissivity engineering, for broad applications such as thermal camouflage, radiative cooling, and gas sensing, etc.

phys.org

Coatings for steel

Researchers create coating solution for safer food storage

In a collaborative effort to improve the food industry, Dr. Mustafa Akbulut, professor of chemical engineering, and Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, professor of horticultural science, have developed a two-step coating solution for galvanized steel that is more hygienic and reduces the risk of corrosion.

phys.org

Team describes how to produce 'green' steel from toxic red mud

The production of aluminum generates around 180 million tons of toxic red mud every year. Scientists at the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, a center for iron research, have now shown how green steel can be produced from aluminum production waste in a relatively simple way. In an electric...

phys.org

Cleaned surfaces may be germ-free, but they're not bare

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, surfaces in public spaces have been cleaned more often. While disinfectant solutions eliminate germs, they don't leave behind a truly bare surface. They deposit a thin film that doesn't get wiped up, even after giving the surface a good polish. Researchers...

phys.org

A novel technique for creating superhydrophobic surfaces

Superhydrophobic surfaces, characterized by their ability to repel water with a contact angle above 150° and a sliding angle below 10°, offer a range of applications from self-cleaning and anti-corrosion to oil/water separation and droplet manipulation. Traditionally, creating such surfaces has...

phys.org

Toughness trade off

Researchers figure out optimal stiffness-toughness trade-off

Using 3D printing, researchers at the U of A and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a novel approach for achieving an optimal combination of stiffness and toughness in microstructured composites.

techxplore.com

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adk4284

Invisibility

Metamaterial chimera nearly undetectable across visible light, microwave, and infrared spectra

A multi-institutional team of optoelectronic and materials engineers in China has developed a type of metamaterial that is nearly invisible across visible light, microwave and infrared spectra. In their paper, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes...

phys.org

MXene-coated devices can guide microwaves in space and lighten the payload

One of the most important components of satellites that enable telecommunication is the waveguide, which is a metal tube for guiding radio waves. It is also one of the heaviest payloads satellites carry into orbit. As with all space technology, reducing weight means reducing the amount of...

phys.org

New materials research

New AI tool discovers realistic 'metamaterials' with unusual properties

A coating that can hide objects in plain sight, or an implant that behaves exactly like bone tissue—these extraordinary objects are already made from "metamaterials." Researchers from TU Delft have now developed an AI tool that not only can discover such extraordinary materials but also makes...

phys.org

Physicists detect elusive 'Bragg glass' phase with machine learning tool

Cornell quantum researchers have detected an elusive phase of matter, called the Bragg glass phase, using large volumes of X-ray data and a new machine learning data analysis tool. The discovery settles a long-standing question of whether this almost–but not quite–ordered state of Bragg glass...

phys.org

Surprise physics in insulating material offer path for faster tech

Researchers led by Cornell have discovered an unusual phenomenon in a metal-insulating material, providing valuable insights for the design of materials with new properties by way of faster switching between states of matter.

phys.org

Quantum materials: A new state of matter with chiral properties

An international research group has discovered a new state of matter characterized by the existence of a quantum phenomenon called chiral current. These currents are generated on an atomic scale by a cooperative movement of electrons, unlike conventional magnetic materials whose properties...

phys.org

Zero-index metamaterials and the future

In the realm of materials science, electromagnetic (EM) metamaterials have emerged as a revolutionary class of engineered composites capable of manipulating electromagnetic waves in ways never before possible. Unlike their naturally occurring counterparts, EM metamaterials derive their...

phys.org

New approach to predict properties of undiscovered nuclei and border of nuclear landscape

With new generation radioactive-ion beam facilities, previously challenging experiments can be conducted for discovering new isotopes and for revealing physics related to the exotic nuclei far from the β-stability valley, which deepens the understanding of the origins of the chemical elements in...

phys.org

GPT-3 transforms chemical research

Artificial intelligence is growing into a pivotal tool in chemical research, offering novel methods to tackle complex challenges that traditional approaches struggle with. One subtype of artificial intelligence that has seen increasing use in chemistry is machine learning, which uses algorithms...

phys.org

Tape

New adhesive tape picks up and sticks down 2D materials as easily as child's play

Materials just atoms in thickness, known as two-dimensional (2D) materials, are set to revolutionize future technology, including in the electronics industry. However, commercialization of devices that contain 2D materials has faced challenges due to the difficulty in transferring these...

phys.org

A new 'metal swap' method for creating lateral heterostructures of 2D materials

Electronically conducting two-dimensional (2D) materials are currently hot topics of research in both physics and chemistry due to their unique properties that have the potential to open new avenues in science and technology. Moreover, the combination of different 2D materials, called...

phys.org

New lens and optics finds

Spiral-shaped lens provides clear vision at a range of distances and lighting conditions

Researchers have developed a spiral-shaped lens that maintains clear focus at different distances in varying light conditions. The new lens works much like progressive lenses used for vision correction but without the distortions typically seen with those lenses. It could help advance contact...

phys.org

Researchers develop cluster glass for fluorescence and nonlinear optical properties

Glass can be synthesized through a novel "crystal-liquid-glass" phase transformation. Crystalline materials can be fine-tuned for desired properties such as improved mass transfer and optical properties through coordination chemistry and grid chemistry design principles.

phys.org

A machine learning framework that encodes images like a retina

EPFL researchers have developed a machine learning approach to compressing image data with greater accuracy than learning-free computation methods, with applications for retinal implants and other sensory prostheses.

medicalxpress.com

Solving an age-old mystery about crystal formation

A million years ago, the oldest known species to walk upright like a human, the Homo erectus, had a human-like fascination with crystals. Historians can even pin down the possible reasons—crystals didn't look like anything around at the time—trees, valleys, mountains. Crystals were a material to...

phys.org

Harnessing light-powered nanoscale electrical currents to propel emerging technologies

Traditional microelectronic architectures, with transistors to control electrical currents along wires, power everything from advanced computers to everyday devices.

phys.org

Structural isomerization of individual molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope probe

An international research team has succeeded for the first time in controlling the chirality of individual molecules through structural isomerization. The team, led by NIMS, the Osaka University Graduate School of Science and the Kanazawa University Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)...

phys.org

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-boundaries-quantum-photonics-nanocavities-frontiers.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-image-denoising-diffractive-material.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-stable-intense-supercontinuum-generation-1khz.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-laser-spatial-resolution-approaching-quantum.html

Pores

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-nanofiber-coated-cotton-bandages-infection.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-small-pores-big-difference-filtering.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-carbon-nanotubes-electrocatalysts-neutrality.html

Radiation and water

Scientists uncover a new model for the effects of radiation in water systems

What happens when radiation hits water? This is a question that has an impact every time you get an X-ray at the doctor's office, given you are mostly made of water. A team of theoretical physicists at DESY has worked on data taken by colleagues from Argonne National Laboratory in the US at the...

phys.org

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-australian-method-accurately-underground-nuclear.html

Altermagnets

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-altermagnets-chapter-magnetism-thermal-science.html

Electronics

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-advanced-unravel-nanoscale-phenomena-tungsten.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-scientists-class-unconventional-superconductors.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-magnesium-tantalum-material-qubits.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-view-tantalum-oxidation-impedes-qubit.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-solvent-sieve-method-perovskite-emitting.html

Synmoss

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-synmoss-moss-partially-synthetic-genes.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-dna-cell-identities.html

Plasma for medicine

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-artificially-intelligent-software-jets-plasma.html

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-visualizing-multiple-sclerosis-mri-procedure.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-protein-superglue-crucial-dna.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-technology-unscrambles-chatter-microbes.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-simple-recipe-limb.html

Concussion reduction

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-drug-brains-concussions.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-02-kinds-padding-football-gear-bike.html

Suspended animation drug

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-02-animation-drug-aid-transplantation-survival.html

Innovation cycle

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-mathematical-obsolescence-insights-diverse-fields.html

Keep your books

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-screens-paper-effective-absorb-retain.html

 

[publiusr]

True one-way glass

A new optical metamaterial makes true one-way glass possible

A new approach has allowed researchers at Aalto University to create a kind of metamaterial that has so far been beyond the reach of existing technologies. Unlike natural materials, metamaterials and metasurfaces can be tailored to have specific electromagnetic properties, which means scientists...

phys.org

Railway black ice

Engineers reveal chemicals responsible for 'black ice' on railway lines

A new insight into how leaves transform into slippery layers on railway lines, causing delays for passengers and costing the rail industry millions of pounds every year, has been revealed by engineers at the University of Sheffield.

techxplore.com

Nano-diamonds to cool

Nanodiamonds could hold key to cool clothing

Researchers from RMIT University are using nanodiamonds to create smart textiles that can cool people down faster. Their study, published in the journal Polymers for Advanced Technologies, found fabric made from cotton coated with nanodiamonds, using a method called electrospinning, showed a...

phys.org

Research team develops wearable device for fashionable personal thermal comfort

Imagine adjusting your clothes to beat the summer heat or winter chill just by changing the temperature of your clothes, on the go. Wearable thermal control devices promise just that, offering portable personal thermal comfort. Not only that, but these devices also have other applications such...

techxplore.com

DMD-3DSIM Imaging free on GitHub---an Terahertz tech

Super-resolution microscopy harnesses digital display technology

In the ever-evolving realm of microscopy, recent years have witnessed remarkable strides in both hardware and algorithms, propelling our ability to explore the infinitesimal wonders of life. However, the journey towards three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3DSIM) has been...

phys.org

Terahertz spatiotemporal wave synthesis in random systems

A research team has developed a new technique that enables precise spatiotemporal control of terahertz waves as they pass through disordered materials.

phys.org

Microparticles

A first in the lab: A tiny network of microparticles that is both strong and flexible

Daniela Kraft's group has succeeded in creating a network of microparticles that is both strong and completely flexible. This may sound simple, yet they are the first in the world to succeed in doing so. The achievement represents a real breakthrough in soft matter physics. The study is...

phys.org

Nanoscrolls

Scientists find new way to roll atomically thin nanosheets into scrolls

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have come up with a new way of rolling atomically thin sheets of atoms into "nanoscrolls." Their unique approach uses transition metal dichalcogenide sheets with a different composition on either side, realizing a tight roll that gives scrolls down...

phys.org

Materials research

Thermally engineering templates for highly ordered self-assembled materials

Self-assembled solidifying eutectic materials directed by a template with miniature features demonstrate unique microstructures and patterns as a result of diffusion and thermal gradients caused by the template. Despite the template trying to force the material to solidify into a regular...

phys.org

Nanomaterial with potential to tackle multiple global challenges could be developed without risk to human health

A revolutionary nanomaterial with huge potential to tackle multiple global challenges could be developed further without acute risk to human health, research suggests. The study is published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

phys.org

A 'quantum leap' at room temperature: Ultra-low noise system achieves optical squeezing

In the realm of quantum mechanics, the ability to observe and control quantum phenomena at room temperature has long been elusive, especially on a large or "macroscopic" scale. Traditionally, such observations have been confined to environments near absolute zero, where quantum effects are...

phys.org

Synthetic fibers and tire abrasion found to have the strongest impact on corals

Corals feed on plankton that they catch from the seawater. Due to the increasing pollution of the oceans, they also ingest tiny plastic particles. Sometimes, the corals are unable to expel the microplastics from their bodies. Instead, they store it in their calcareous skeleton, which can be bad...

phys.org

Greetings from the island of enhanced stability: The quest for the limit of the periodic table

Since the turn of the century, six new chemical elements have been discovered and subsequently added to the periodic table of elements, the very icon of chemistry. These new elements have high atomic numbers up to 118 and are significantly heavier than uranium, the element with the highest...

phys.org

Astronomy observation instrument used to uncover internal structure of atomic nuclei

A group of researchers has used equipment originally intended for astronomy observation to capture transformations in the nuclear structure of atomic nuclei, reports a new study in Scientific Reports.

phys.org

Engineering a coating for disease-free produce

Dr. Mustafa Akbulut, professor of chemical engineering, has teamed up with horticultural science professor Luis Cisneros-Zevallos to engineer longer-lasting, bacteria-free produce.

phys.org

Researchers use electron beams to eradicate forever chemicals in water

Using nonstick cookware to fry your bacon and eggs can make your life easier at that moment, but scientists believe there may be long-term consequences because the chemicals used to make it nonstick are so difficult to destroy. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFAS...

phys.org

Chemistry in fits and starts

How 'have you tried turning it off and on again?' works for chemistry, not just computers

A new study from Tel Aviv University has discovered that a known practice in information technology can also be applied to chemistry. Researchers found that to enhance the sampling in chemical simulations, all you need to do is stop and restart.

phys.org

A new study from Tel Aviv University has discovered that a known practice in information technology can also be applied to chemistry. Researchers found that to enhance the sampling in chemical simulations, all you need to do is stop and restart.

Ultrasound's deep reach

Acoustic invention enhances ultrasound to access enclosed metal spaces

The inside of underwater pipes and enclosed nuclear containers were inaccessible—until recently. Acoustics researchers in Penn State's College of Engineering have developed a way to convey energy and transmit communications through metal walls using ultrasound.

phys.org

Novel metamaterial allows ultrasound detection of hidden structural faults

A high-efficiency circular vibration/polarization ultrasonic conversion technology capable of detecting internal fractures, which can occur in various directions within a structure, has been developed by a joint research team led by Min-woo Kweun of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials...

techxplore.com

Optics

Breakthrough in single-photon integration holds promise for quantum computing, cryptography

A recent study has unveiled a significant advancement toward the on-chip integration of single-photon sources at room temperature. This achievement represents a significant step forward in the field of quantum photonics and holds promise for various applications, including quantum computing...

phys.org

Swimming electrons

Scientists report first look at electrons moving in real-time in liquid water

In an experiment akin to stop-motion photography, scientists have isolated the energetic movement of an electron while "freezing" the motion of the much larger atom it orbits in a sample of liquid water.

phys.org

What did the electron 'say' to the phonon in the graphene sandwich?

A TU/e and Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology-led collaboration involving researchers from around the world has the answer, and the why, and the results have been published in the journal Science Advances.

phys.org

Altermagnetism

Altermagnetism experimentally demonstrated

Ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism have long been known to scientists as two classes of magnetic order of materials. Back in 2019, researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) postulated a third class of magnetism, called altermagnetism. This altermagnetism has been the subject of...

phys.org

Altermagnetism: A new type of magnetism, with broad implications for technology and research

There is now a new addition to the magnetic family: thanks to experiments at the Swiss Light Source SLS, researchers have proved the existence of altermagnetism. The experimental discovery of this new branch of magnetism is reported in Nature and signifies new fundamental physics, with major...

phys.org

New LEDs

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-avenues-efficient-stable-blue-oled.html

The Three-Body Problem

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-breakthrough-chaotic-outcomes-body.html

On cables

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-dynamics-deformable-unravels-mathematical-mystery.html

 

[Richard N]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAiggoGBXD8

 

[publiusr]

Just the thing to fight nacelle droop on AMT Enterprises

This too

Bright and tough: A material that heals itself and glows

A research team at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) has succeeded in developing a self-healing material that is also capable of emitting a high amount of fluorescence when absorbing light. The research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could lead...

phys.org

Tough Alloy research

New structural insights could lead to mechanical enhancement in alloys

A new class of metallic materials with potential applications in airplane turbines, nuclear reactors and equipment for space exploration can withstand extreme temperatures and resist fractures, but scientists haven't understood why until now.

techxplore.com

New isotopes

Researchers synthesize two new isotopes, osmium-160 and tungsten-156

Researchers at the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and their collaborators have synthesized two new isotopes—osmium-160 and tungsten-156—which sheds new light on nuclear structures and hints that lead-164 could be a doubly magic nucleus with increased...

phys.org

On Graphene

Electrons become fractions of themselves in graphene, study finds

The electron is the basic unit of electricity, as it carries a single negative charge. This is what we're taught in high school physics, and it is overwhelmingly the case in most materials in nature.

phys.org

Research team introduces new non-toxic method for producing high-quality graphene oxide

Researchers from Umeå University in Sweden have found a new way to synthesize graphene oxide, which has significantly fewer defects compared to materials produced by the most common method. Similarly good graphene oxide could be synthesized previously only by using a rather dangerous method...

phys.org

Graphene research: Numerous products, no acute dangers

Think big. Despite its research topic, this could well be the motto of the Graphene Flagship, which was launched in 2013: With an overall budget of one billion Euros, it was Europe's largest research initiative to date, alongside the Human Brain Flagship, which was launched at the same time.

phys.org

Throwing lithography a curve: Research introduces mask wafer co-optimization method

At the heart of advancing semiconductor chip technology lies a critical challenge: creating smaller, more efficient electronic components. This challenge is particularly evident in the field of lithography, the process used to create intricate patterns on semiconductor materials (called wafers)...

phys.org

New matter phase

A new phase of matter: Physicists achieve first demonstration of non-Abelian anyons in a quantum processor

Our physical, 3D world consists of just two types of particles: bosons, which include light and the famous Higgs boson; and fermions—the protons, neutrons, and electrons that comprise all the "stuff," present company included.

phys.org

Exploring microstructures for high-performance materials

In just the first few months of 2024, the journal Nature has published two scientific papers co-authored by Kun Luo, an Iowa State University postdoctoral research associate in materials science and engineering.

phys.org

Nuclear matter imprint and magnetics

Super strong magnetic fields leave imprint on nuclear matter

A new analysis by the STAR collaboration at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), a particle collider at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, provides the first direct evidence of the imprint left by what may be the universe's most powerful magnetic fields...

phys.org

Researchers harness 2D magnetic materials for energy-efficient computing

Experimental computer memories and processors built from magnetic materials use far less energy than traditional silicon-based devices. Two-dimensional magnetic materials, composed of layers that are only a few atoms thick, have incredible properties that could allow magnetic-based devices to...

phys.org

Spintronics research finds magnetic state of certain materials can be switched using surface induced strain

Electronics are based on electrical charges being transported from one place to another. Electrons move, current flows, and signals are transmitted by applying an electrical voltage. However, there is also another way to manipulate electronic currents and signals: using the properties of the...

phys.org

Researchers achieve breakthrough in silicon-compatible magnetic whirls

Researchers from Oxford University's Department of Physics have made a breakthrough in creating and designing magnetic whirls in membranes that can be seamlessly integrated with silicon. These hurricane-like magnetic whirls, thought to move at incredible speeds of up to kilometers per second...

phys.org

Magnetic effects at the origin of life? It's the spin that makes the difference

Biomolecules such as amino acids and sugars occur in two mirror-image forms—in all living organisms, however, only one is ever found. Why this is the case is still unclear. Researchers at Empa and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany have now found evidence that the interplay between electric and...

phys.org

anti-matter studies

Experiment paves the way for new set of antimatter studies by laser-cooling positronium

AEgIS is one of several experiments at CERN's Antimatter Factory producing and studying antihydrogen atoms with the goal of testing with high precision whether antimatter and matter fall to Earth in the same way.

phys.org

Chemistry imaging and more

Enhanced 3D chemical imaging with phase-modulation

Understanding complex biological and biomedical systems is greatly aided by 3D imaging, which provides much more detailed information than traditional two-dimensional methods. However, live cell and tissue imaging remain challenging due to factors like limited imaging speed and significant...

phys.org

A new chapter for all-attosecond spectroscopy: Researchers achieve 1 kilohertz repetition rate

A team of researchers from the Max Born Institute in Berlin has, for the first time, demonstrated attosecond-pump attosecond-probe spectroscopy (APAPS) at a repetition rate of 1 kilohertz. This became possible by the development of a compact, intense attosecond source using an out-of-focus...

phys.org

Chemists synthesize unique anticancer molecules using novel approach

Nearly 30 years ago, scientists discovered a unique class of anticancer molecules in a family of bryozoans, a phylum of marine invertebrates found in tropical waters.

phys.org

Applying green chemistry principles to iron catalysis

At the Leibniz Institute for Catalysis in Rostock, Dr. Johannes Fessler has developed new methods for the synthesis of drug precursors using catalysts made of iron, manganese and cobalt. Each of these three chemical elements has the potential to replace a number of noble metals that are commonly...

phys.org

AI-assisted robot lab develops new catalysts to synthesize methanol from CO₂

Artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure are massively accelerating the development of new chemical catalysts. With these tools, researchers at ETH Zurich are developing catalysts for efficiently and cost-effectively synthesizing the energy source methanol from CO2.

phys.org

Researchers synthesize a new manganese-fluorine catalyst with exceptional oxidizing power

A research team, affiliated with UNIST has unveiled a cutting-edge catalyst with exceptional oxidizing power, capable of extracting electrons from compounds. Anticipated to revolutionize various fields, including the development of metal catalysts and synthetic chemistry, this catalyst marks a...

phys.org

Looking at the importance of catalyst sites in electrochemical CO₂ conversion

Intense research efforts have been directed toward studying the electrochemical conversion of CO2, a major greenhouse gas, into platform chemicals and fuels. The success of this technology can enable the decarbonization of some of the largest CO2 emitters, including steel, cement, and chemical...

phys.org

Unraveling the pH-dependent oxygen reduction performance on single-atom catalysts

A group of researchers has answered some pressing questions regarding a new, promising class of catalysts known as single-atom catalysts (SACs).

phys.org

Scientists discover exotic quantum interference effect in a topological insulator device

In a novel experiment, physicists have observed long range quantum coherence effects due to Aharonov-Bohm interference in a topological insulator-based device. This finding opens up a new realm of possibilities for the future development of topological quantum physics and engineering.

phys.org

A multi-camera differential binocular vision sensor for robots and autonomous systems

Recent technological advances have enabled the development of increasingly sophisticated sensors, which can help to advance the sensing capabilities of robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, and other smart systems. Many of these sensors, however, rely on individual cameras, thus the accuracy of...

techxplore.com

New anti-venom and drug model

Universal antivenom for lethal snake toxins developed by researchers

Scripps Research scientists have developed an antibody that can block the effects of lethal toxins in the venoms of a wide variety of snakes found throughout Africa, Asia and Australia.

phys.org

New model identifies drugs that shouldn't be taken together

Any drug that is taken orally must pass through the lining of the digestive tract. Transporter proteins found on cells that line the GI tract help with this process, but for many drugs, it's not known which of those transporters they use to exit the digestive tract.

medicalxpress.com

Research team develops universal and accurate method to calculate how proteins interact with drugs

A research team from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences / IOCB Prague has developed a novel computational method that can accurately describe how proteins interact with molecules of potential drugs and can do so in a mere tens of minutes. This...

phys.org

Chemists produce all eight possible variants of polypropionate building blocks from one starting material

To synthesize potential drugs or natural products, you need natural substances in specific mirror-image variants and with a high degree of purity. For the first time, chemists at the University of Bonn have succeeded in producing all eight possible variants of polypropionate building blocks from...

phys.org

Scientists develop more effective treatment for chronic wounds with plasma-activated hydrogel dressings

A team of international scientists has developed a more effective treatment for chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics or silver-based dressings, but an ionized gas called plasma.

medicalxpress.com

Additional study shows promise for low-intensity ultrasound as a non-invasive approach to alleviate pain

Virginia Tech researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC report that applying low-intensity focused ultrasound to an area deep within the brain may point to new ways to help people cope with chronic pain.

medicalxpress.com

 

[publiusr]

Sterilize!

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-electron-sterilize-medical-equipment.html

On ink

Beyond the ink: Painting with physics

Falling from the tip of a brush suspended in mid-air, an ink droplet touches a painted surface and blossoms into a masterpiece of ever-changing beauty. It weaves a tapestry of intricate, evolving patterns. Some of them resemble branching snowflakes, thunderbolts or neurons, whispering the unique...

phys.org

On adhesion

How surface roughness influences the adhesion of soft materials

Adhesive tape or sticky notes are easy to attach to a surface, but are difficult to remove. This phenomenon, known as adhesion hysteresis, can be fundamentally observed in soft, elastic materials: Adhesive contact is formed more easily than it is broken.

techxplore.com

Nano-ribbons

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-ballistic-molecular-wires-porphyrin-nanoribbons.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-ways-biomimetic-spider-silk.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-successful-synthesis-helical-polymers-circular.html

Hydrogen production

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-hydrogen-method-simpler-safer.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-materials-capable-catalyzing-conversion-ortho.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-scientists-reveal-role-neighboring-adsorbates.html

Optics breakthroughs

Science fiction meets reality as researchers develop techniques to overcome obstructed views

After a recent car crash, John Murray-Bruce wished he could have seen the other car coming. The crash reaffirmed the USF assistant professor of computer science and engineering's mission to create a technology that could do just that: See around obstacles and ultimately expand one's line of vision.

techxplore.com

Angle-dependent holograms made possible by metasurfaces

Recently, a research team from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has employed metasurfaces to fabricate angle-dependent holograms with multiple functions. This technology allows holograms to display multiple images based on the observer's viewing angle. The findings were...

phys.org

Neural networks made of light: Research team develops AI system in optical fibers

Artificial intelligence is pivotal in advancing biotechnology and medical procedures, ranging from cancer diagnostics to the creation of new antibiotics. However, the ecological footprint of large-scale AI systems is substantial. For instance, training extensive language models like ChatGPT-3...

techxplore.com

Lab-grown diamonds put natural gems under pressure

The glittering diamonds sparkle the same but there are key differences: mined natural gems are more than a billion years old, while laboratory-made rocks are new and cost less than half the price.

phys.org

Photon upconversion: Steering light with supercritical coupling

National University of Singapore researchers and their collaborators have unveiled a novel concept termed "supercritical coupling" that enables a several-fold increase in photon upconversion efficiency. This discovery not only challenges existing paradigms, but also opens a new direction in the...

phys.org

Terahertz biosensor detects skin cancer with remarkable accuracy, advancing new era of early detection

Researchers have developed a revolutionary biosensor using terahertz (THz) waves that can detect skin cancer with exceptional sensitivity, potentially paving the way for earlier and easier diagnoses. Published in IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, the study presents a significant...

medicalxpress.com

Spy satellite images offer insights into historical ecosystem changes

A large number of historical spy-satellite photographs from the Cold War Era were declassified decades ago. This valuable remote sensing data has been utilized by scientists across a wide range of disciplines from archaeology to civil engineering. However, its use in ecology and conservation...

phys.org

14 parameters in one go: New instrument for optoelectronics

An HZB physicist has developed a new method for the comprehensive characterization of semiconductors in a single measurement. The "Constant Light-Induced Magneto-Transport (CLIMAT)" is based on the Hall effect and allows the recording of 14 different parameters of transport properties of...

phys.org

Coordination polymer crystals show promise as new generation of light sources for industry, medicine

New forms of the light-emitting materials called phosphors, with enhanced versatility relative to existing options, are being developed by researchers at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan, with colleagues at Tokyo University of Science and Hokkaido University. Their...

phys.org

Anti-fouling membrane

Researchers develop coral-tentacle-inspired antifouling membrane spacer

A research group led by Prof. Wan Yinhua from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a coral-tentacle-inspired antifouling membrane spacer through the sequential growth of functional polymer brushes on the spacer surface. The study was...

phys.org

Bio-tech

Shimmering seaweeds and algae antennae: Sustainable energy solutions under the sea

How could tiny antennae attached to tiny algae speed up the transition away from fossil fuels? This is one of the questions being studied by Cambridge researchers as they search for new ways to decarbonize our energy supply, and improve the sustainability of harmful materials such as paints and...

phys.org

Cobalt blues

A new vibrant blue pottery pigment with less cobalt

Whether ultramarine, cerulean, Egyptian or cobalt, blue pigments have colored artworks for centuries. Now, seemingly out of the blue, scientists have discovered a new blue pigment that uses less cobalt but still maintains a brilliant shine.

phys.org

Hiroshima fallout debris linked to first solar system condensates

The atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, by the United States in August 1945 was not only devastating at the time, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people, but it has had long-standing impacts to the present day, particularly the elevated incidence of cancer from radiation.

phys.org

Chemistry

New electrochemical system enables efficient metal recovery from industrial wastewater

A research team at Tsinghua University led by Professor Huijuan Liu has developed a new electrochemical system that promises to revolutionize metal recovery from industrial wastewater. The research was published in Engineering.

techxplore.com

Membrane technology: Looking deep into the smallest pores

Membranes of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VaCNT) can be used to clean or desalinate water at high flow rate and low pressure. Recently, researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and partners carried out steroid hormone adsorption experiments to study the interplay of forces...

phys.org

Researchers assemble patterns of micro- and nanoparticles without using solvents

Researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Riga Technical University and the MESA+ Institute at the University of Twente have succeeded in arranging very small particles (10 µm to 500 nm, 10 to 100 times thinner than a human hair) in a thin layer...

phys.org

New technique for sorting micro-particles uses sound waves

Thanks to the rapid progress in tiny tech, we've been mainly using microfluidics to sort tiny particles by size. But now, there's a new way to sort them by shape, which could be a big deal for medical tests and chemistry. A recent study introduces a new method using sound waves to separate oddly...

phys.org

 

[Michel Van]

They successfully developed a functional semiconductor using graphene

https://twitter.com/x/status/1762404632024723886

View: https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1762404632024723886

 

[Rhinocrates]

3D printed titanium structure shows supernatural strength

A new 3D printed ‘metamaterial’ boasts levels of strength for weight not seen in nature or the manufacturing world.

www.rmit.edu.au

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adma.202308715

[H]ollow-strut lattice (HSL) metamaterials have proven to allow outstanding structural efficiency, with a multifunctional architecture ideal for lightweight, biomedical, microfluidic, and thermal engineering. [...] Fabricated in titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V with densities of 1.0–1.8 g cm−3 , this thin-plate integrated hollow-strut lattice (TP-HSL) metamaterials achieve relative yield strength that well surpasses the empirical upper limit of all cellular metals, including HSL and solid-strut lattice (SSL) metamaterials made from various metallic alloys.

 

[publiusr]

More on titanium

Scientists propose anti-fatigue preparation for 3D-printed titanium alloy

A research team led by Profs. Zhang Zhefeng and Zhang Zhenjun from the Institute of Metal Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has proposed an innovative strategy to fabricate an anti-fatigue 3D-printed titanium alloy by separately regulating their microstructure and defects, called as...

techxplore.com

AI accelerates process design for 3D printing metal alloys

In order to successfully 3D-print a metal part to the exacting specifications that many in industry demand, process parameters—including printing speed, laser power, and layer thickness of the deposited material—must all be optimized.

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Anti-slosh tech

Mathematicians discover how to stop sloshing using porous baffles

Studies by applied mathematicians at the University of Surrey are helping to identify ways of reducing how much liquids slosh around inside tanks.

phys.org

Binding metal to nanotubes

Researchers discover way to bind nanotubes to metals

Carbon nanotubes have shown promise for everything from microelectronics to aviation to energy storage. Researchers think this material might one day fulfill the science fiction dream of creating an elevator to space.

phys.org

Antenna tech

Researchers create new compound to build space-age antennas

In a first-of-its-kind development, UBC Okanagan researchers, in collaboration with Drexel University, have created a new compound that can be used to 3D print telecommunication antennas and other connectivity devices. These 3D printed products, created by combining a two-dimensional compound...

techxplore.com

On hydrogen embrittlement

Researchers closer to understanding hydrogen's greatest challenge: Embrittlement

Embrittlement is one of the biggest obstacles facing the transition to a global hydrogen economy. A new process uncovered by researchers at the University of Sydney is helping shed light on how to better prevent it.

phys.org

Researchers directly visualize products of mutual neutralization of hydronium and hydroxide

Using the unique DESIREE facility, researchers at Stockholm University and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have for the first time been able to directly visualize the neutral products of the mutual neutralization of hydronium and hydroxide, and report three different product channels: two...

phys.org

Heat resistant super material

Device that withstands 1,400°C temperatures could improve solar energy production

An innovative probe which can operate in temperatures as high as molten lava has been created by researchers.

techxplore.com

adhesives

Adhesives from feathers

Adhesives are almost always based on fossil raw materials such as petroleum. Researchers at Fraunhofer have recently developed a process that allows to utilize keratin for this purpose. This highly versatile protein compound can be found, for instance, in chicken feathers. Not only can it be...

phys.org

Recycling and coatings

Recycling research finds new process to transform glass fiber-reinforced plastic into silicon carbide

Glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), a strong and durable composite material, is widely used in everything from aircraft parts to windmill blades. Yet the very qualities that make it robust enough to be used in so many different applications make it difficult to dispose of—consequently, most...

phys.org

A bright idea for recycling rare-earth phosphors from used fluorescent bulbs

Recycling facilities collect glass and mercury from thrown-away fluorescent bulbs, but discarded lighting could also supply rare-earth metals for reuse. The 17 metals referred to as rare earths aren't all widely available and aren't easily extracted with existing recycling methods.

phys.org

Scientists use food industry byproduct to recover gold from electronic waste

Transforming base materials into gold was one of the elusive goals of the alchemists of yore. Now Professor Raffaele Mezzenga from the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich has accomplished something in that vein. He has not of course transformed another chemical element...

techxplore.com

A new type of metallacrown ether based on polyoxometalate opens research opportunities

Crown ethers were discovered in 1967. They were then modified by adding a metal-containing unit, creating metallacrown ethers. These metallacrown ethers have been the subject of intensive research. Depending on the molecular makeup of the metallacrown ethers and their resultant architecture, the...

phys.org

Umbrella for atoms: The first protective layer for 2D quantum materials

As silicon-based computer chips approach their physical limitations in the quest for faster and smaller designs, the search for alternative materials that remain functional at atomic scales is one of science's biggest challenges.

phys.org

New class of 2D material displays stable charge density wave at room temperature

Quantum materials have generated considerable interest for computing applications in the past several decades, but non-trivial quantum properties—like superconductivity or magnetic spin—remain in fragile states.

phys.org

Particle oddity and small tech

It's not only opposites that attract: New study shows like-charged particles can come together

"Opposites charges attract; like charges repel" is a fundamental principle of basic physics. But a new study from Oxford University, published today in Nature Nanotechnology, has demonstrated that similarly charged particles in solution can in fact attract each other over long distances. Just as...

phys.org

Magnetizing water drops to make them hop

A small combined team of material scientists from Sun Yat-sen University and Dalian University of Technology, both in China, has found that it is possible to make a single drop of water hop in desired ways by putting a magnetic particle inside of it and turning an electromagnet on and off. The...

phys.org

Merons realized in synthetic antiferromagnets

The electronic devices we use on a day-to-day basis are powered by electrical currents. This is the case with our living room lights, washing machines, and televisions, to name but a few examples. Data processing in computers also relies on information provided by tiny charge carriers called...

phys.org

When the music changes, so does the dance: Controlling cooperative electronic states in kagome metals

Playing a different soundtrack is, physically speaking, only a minute change of the vibration spectrum, yet its impact on a dance floor is dramatic. People long for this tiny trigger, and as a salsa changes to a tango completely different collective patterns emerge.

phys.org

Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines

Scientists from Australia and the United States have found a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells—a process used to make many vital medicines including insulin—much more efficiently than standard industry techniques.

phys.org

Better neutron mirrors can reveal the inner secrets of matter

Improved neutron mirrors can increase the efficiency of material analysis in neutron sources such as the European Spallation Source. The improved mirror has been developed by researchers at Linköping University by coating a silicon plate with extremely thin layers of iron and silicon mixed with...

phys.org

A new method for successfully measuring electrical conductivity in microorganisms

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have developed an innovative methodology for measuring the electrical conductivity of microbial communities. This methodology holds promise for the development of batteries and electrochemical sensors using microorganisms and may serve as a pivotal tool...

phys.org

Researchers discover tunable room-temperature nonlinear Hall effect in bismuth thin films

A research team from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and the University of Salerno in Italy has discovered that thin films of elemental bismuth exhibit the so-called non-linear Hall effect, which could be applied in technologies for the controlled use of terahertz high-frequency...

phys.org

Unconventional piezoelectricity in ferroelectric hafnia

Hafnium oxide thin films are a fascinating class of materials with robust ferroelectric properties in the nanometer range. While the ferroelectric behavior is extensively studied, results on piezoelectric effects have so far remained mysterious.

phys.org

Researchers achieve real-time microscopic imaging during plasma treatment

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Antwerp (Belgium) successfully conducted in-situ studies with a plasma generated inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). This marks the first time live SEM imaging while treating the sample with a plasma was achieved. The study...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

More on Fusion

One way to improve a fusion reaction: Use weaknesses as strengths

In the Japanese art of Kintsugi, an artist takes the broken shards of a bowl and fuses them back together with gold to make a final product more beautiful than the original.

phys.org

Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion

In the predawn hours of Sept. 5, 2021, engineers achieved a major milestone in the labs of MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC), when a new type of magnet, made from high-temperature superconducting material, achieved a world-record magnetic field strength of 20 tesla for a large-scale...

phys.org

Plasma oscillations propel breakthroughs in fusion energy

Most people know about solids, liquids, and gases as the main three states of matter, but a fourth state of matter exists as well. Plasma—also known as ionized gas—is the most abundant, observable form of matter in our universe, found in the sun and other celestial bodies.

phys.org

Reducing air resistance

Deep learning tool may help cut emissions caused by air resistance

Deep learning tools have revolutionized aerodynamic engineering for planes, cars and ships, enabling these vehicles to be more fuel efficient and structurally refined. A new computational model pushes the science of reproducing airflow further yet, by relying on neural network architecture to...

techxplore.com

On heat transfer

Researchers find exception to 200-year-old scientific law governing heat transfer

A team of researchers led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has recently found an exception to the 200-year-old law, known as Fourier's Law, that governs how heat diffuses through solid materials.

phys.org

Coatings

Introducing multi-component liquid-infused surfaces for adaptive and functional coatings

Surface coatings have long been essential in various industries, offering protection and functionality. In recent years, liquid-infused surfaces (LIS) have emerged as a groundbreaking technology, revolutionizing how we approach surface coatings.

phys.org

Why paper curls

Mystery of curling paper solved

Although mankind has been using paper for at least 2,000 years, it still presents us with one or two mysteries. For example, it was previously unknown why paper printed on one side using inkjet printing starts to curl up after a few hours to days, even if it was flat after printing and drying.

phys.org

New soft material

New soft magnetic materials for a high-frequency future

Imagine tiny magnets powering our world, silently switching energy on and off in phones, cars, and even power grids. These unsung heroes are called soft magnetic materials. However, as devices become faster and more efficient, traditional materials struggle to handle the high frequencies needed...

phys.org

Underwater touchscreen

Research team develops mechanoluminescent touchscreen that works underwater

Optical properties of afterglow luminescent particles (ALPs) in mechanoluminescence (ML) and mechanical quenching (MQ) have attracted great attention for diverse technological applications. A team of researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has garnered attention by...

techxplore.com

Breakthrough in nanostructure technology for real-time color display

A technology that enables the real-time display of colors and shapes through changes in nanostructures has been developed by Professor Kang Hee Ku and her team in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST. The technology has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including...

phys.org

On Dark Energy

Beam balance designs could elucidate the origins of dark energy

One of the greatest problems in modern physics is to reconcile the enormous difference between the energy carried by random fluctuations in the vacuum of space, and the dark energy driving the universe's expansion.

phys.org

Gravity experiments on the kitchen table: Why a tiny, tiny measurement may be a big leap forward for physics

Just over a week ago, European physicists announced they had measured the strength of gravity on the smallest scale ever.

phys.org

Optics

Researchers develop method to manipulate structured light without distortion

The many properties of light allow it to be manipulated and used for applications that range from very sensitive measurements to communications and intelligent ways to interrogate objects. A compelling degree of freedom is the spatial pattern, called structured light, which can resemble shapes...

phys.org

Researchers use liquid crystals to control polarization inside laser-written waveguides

Researchers have developed a new way to control and manipulate optical signals by embedding a liquid crystal layer into waveguides created with direct laser writing. The new devices enable electro-optical control of polarization, which could open new possibilities for chip-based devices and...

phys.org

Light droplets

Optically trapped quantum droplets of light can bind together to form macroscopic complexes

Condensed matter systems and photonic technologies are regularly used by researchers to create microscale platforms that can simulate the complex dynamics of many interacting quantum particles in a more accessible setting. Some examples include ultracold atomic ensembles in optical lattices...

phys.org

these mechanisms allowed Antonio Gianfrate and Danielle Sanvitto at CNR Nanotec in Lecce to optically pump multiple polariton droplets that could interact and hybridize into macroscopic complexes. They could tailor and reversibly configure molecular arrangements and chains using this new form of artificial atoms: condensates of negative-mass BIC polaritons.

Ruler for light

'Ruler for light' could enable detailed measurement in personal devices

Stanford researchers have unveiled a new type of frequency comb, a high-precision measurement device, that is innovatively small, ultra-energy efficient, and exceptionally accurate. With continued development, this breakthrough "microcomb"—which is detailed in a study published March 7 in...

phys.org

Using light to precisely control single-molecule devices

In a new Nature Communications study, Columbia Engineering researchers report that they have built highly conductive, tunable single-molecule devices in which the molecule is attached to leads by using direct metal-metal contacts. Their novel approach uses light to control the electronic...

phys.org

Light-into-microwaves and chip-tech

New compact chips can convert light into microwaves

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and its collaborators have delivered a small but mighty advancement in timing technology: compact chips that seamlessly convert light into microwaves. This chip could improve GPS, the quality of phone and internet connections, the...

techxplore.com

3D reflector microchips could speed development of 6G wireless

Cornell University researchers have developed a semiconductor chip that will enable ever-smaller devices to operate at the higher frequencies needed for future 6G communication technology.

techxplore.com

Scientists enhance wireless communication with three-dimensional processors

Scientists at the University of Florida have pioneered a method for using semiconductor technology to manufacture processors that significantly enhance the efficiency of transmitting vast amounts of data across the globe. The innovation, featured on the current cover of the journal Nature...

techxplore.com

Multiparticle nanostructures for building better quantum technologies

In Nature Physics, the LSU Quantum Photonics Group offers fresh insights into the fundamental traits of surface plasmons, challenging the existing understanding. Based on experimental and theoretical investigations conducted in Associate Professor Omar Magaña-Loaiza's laboratory, these novel...

phys.org

Scientists shine new light on the future of nanoelectronic devices

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform technologies as diverse as solar panels, in-body medical sensors and self-driving vehicles. But these applications are already pushing today's computers to their limits when it comes to speed, memory size and energy use.

phys.org

Nano-thin printing of electronics hardware could slash costs

Engineering researchers have developed a 2D printing process using liquid metals that they say could create new ways of creating more advanced and energy efficient computing hardware that is manufactured at the nanoscale.

phys.org

Spontaneous curvature the key to shape-shifting nanomaterials, finds study

Inspired by nature, nanotechnology researchers have identified 'spontaneous curvature' as the key factor determining how ultra-thin, artificial materials can transform into useful tubes, twists and helices.

phys.org

Silica reduction in pipes

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-scientists-reveal-molecular-mysteries-silica.html

H2O2 35% on Al 5083 at 150° gives 'limescale'

Hi, In our production line we are heating h2o2 in a heater made of Alu 5083 to 150° for the disinfection of plastic bottles. After 6 months we needed to revise and clean our heater due to some sort of "limescale" formation. It only occurs at the beginning of the heater (I guess before...

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Shortcut to success: Toward fast and robust quantum control through accelerating adiabatic passage

In work published in Physical Review Letters researchers at Osaka University's Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research (SANKEN) used "the shortcuts to the adiabaticity (STA)" method to greatly speed-up the adiabatic evolution of spin qubits. The spin flip fidelity after pulse...

phys.org

Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water

Levofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic prescribed to treat pneumonia, bacterial rhinosinusitis, bacterial prostatitis, pyelonephritis, urinary tract infections, skin disorders, and skin structure infections, among other conditions. The drug is prevalent in aqueous environments owing to its low...

phys.org

Sensor tech and DIY microscopes

Research team develops a wireless sensor for spotting chemical warfare agents

The urgent need for advanced detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) to ensure global security has led to the development of a novel gas sensor. This sensor is distinguished by its rapid response, high sensitivity, and compact size, crucial for the early detection of CWAs.

phys.org

Correlation spectroscopy research shows network of quantum sensors boosts precision

Quantum sensor technology promises even more precise measurements of physical quantities. A team led by Christian Roos at the University of Innsbruck has now compared the signals of up to 91 quantum sensors with one another and thus successfully eliminated the noise caused by interactions with...

phys.org

Ultraviolet spectroscopy: A leap in precision and accuracy at extremely low light levels

Ultraviolet spectroscopy plays a critical role in the study of electronic transitions in atoms and rovibronic transitions in molecules. These studies are essential for tests of fundamental physics, quantum-electrodynamics theory, determination of fundamental constants, precision measurements...

phys.org

Newly developed nano-thermometers enable real-time temperature detection in transmission electron microscopy

A method for measuring the temperature of nanometer-sized samples within a transmission electron microscope (TEM) has been developed by Professor Oh-Hoon Kwon and his research team in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST.

phys.org

An approach to realize in-sensor dynamic computing and advance computer vision

The rapid advancement in machine learning techniques and sensing devices over the past decades have opened new possibilities for the detection and tracking of objects, animals, and people. The accurate and automated detection of visual targets, also known as intelligent machine vision, can have...

techxplore.com

Researchers enhance peripheral vision in AI models

Peripheral vision enables humans to see shapes that aren't directly in our line of sight, albeit with less detail. This ability expands our field of vision and can be helpful in many situations, such as detecting a vehicle approaching our car from the side.

techxplore.com

Glovebox-assisted magnetic force microscope offers easier image of air-sensitive samples

A research team led by Prof. Lu Qingyou from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) achieved a breakthrough by creating a Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM) that can image air-sensitive materials without requiring surface protection coatings.

phys.org

New nano-microscope enables simultaneous measurement of nano-composite material properties

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has developed a hybrid nano-microscope capable of simultaneously measuring various nano-material properties. This nano-microscope is essential for researching the properties of nano-composite materials and is also suitable for...

phys.org

Scientists unveil a DIY structured-illumination microscope

For hundreds of years, the optical microscope was the only tool available to scientists wanting to study the movement of cells, bacteria and yeast. But the diffraction of light made it impossible to observe objects at resolutions of less than 100 nm because the resulting images were too blurry...

phys.org

water harvesting

Dancing droplets' new spin on water harvesting

A more efficient way to capture fresh water from the air could be inspired by a phenomenon of motion first glimpsed in bowls of breakfast cereal.

phys.org

Harmful 'forever chemicals' removed from water with new electrocatalysis method

Scientists from the University of Rochester have developed new electrochemical approaches to clean up pollution from "forever chemicals" found in clothing, food packaging, firefighting foams, and a wide array of other products. A new Journal of Catalysis study describes nanocatalysts developed...

phys.org

Researchers use 2D bimetallic MOFs to create Se-containing electrocatalysts for overall water splitting

Transition metal selenides have been considered to be a good choice for electrocatalytic water splitting. In addition, Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been used to make catalysts with good electrocatalytic capabilities. Traditionally, the MOF-derived selenides are produced via the...

phys.org

Bubble motion

Researchers uncover new principle of motion in liquid crystals

A research team affiliated with UNIST has unveiled for the first time a new principle of motion in the microworld, where objects can move in a directed manner simply by changing their sizes periodically within a substance known as liquid crystal.

phys.org

Tiny tools

Nanosurgical tool could be key to cancer breakthrough

A high-tech double-barrel nanopipette, developed by University of Leeds scientists, and applied to the global medical challenge of cancer, has—for the first time—enabled researchers to see how individual living cancer cells react to treatment and change over time—providing vital understanding...

medicalxpress.com

New microscopy tech answers fundamental questions in neuroscience

The mammalian brain is a web of densely interconnected neurons, yet one of the mysteries in neuroscience is how tools that capture relatively few components of brain activity have allowed scientists to predict behavior in mice. It is hard to believe that much of the brain's complexity is...

medicalxpress.com

Micro mirage: Researchers fabricate the world's smallest QR code using infrared information carrier

Credit cards embedded chips, national mints printed watermarks, and high-profile locations installed retina scanners all for the same reason—to protect information. As attackers grow smarter, so must defense.

phys.org

New method measures the 3D position of individual atoms

For more than a decade it has been possible for physicists to accurately measure the location of individual atoms to a precision smaller than one-thousandth of a millimeter using a special type of microscope. However, this method has so far only provided the x and y coordinates. Information on...

phys.org

Novel device for stomach complaints is successful in human trial

An endoscopic mapping device, developed over the course of a decade by scientists at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, consists of an inflatable sphere covered in sensors, delivered down the esophagus and able to measure electrical activity in the gut.

medicalxpress.com

Researchers demonstrate control of living cells with electronics

E. coli bacteria and an electronic device might seem to have little in common, but in a recent experiment, University of Maryland researchers linked them into the first closed-loop system able to communicate across the technological–biological divide.

phys.org

Communication between rotors in molecular motor observed for the first time

A pair of chemists at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, has observed communication between rotors in a molecular motor. In their study, reported in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Carlijn van Beek and Ben Feringa conducted experiments with alkene-based molecular motors.

phys.org

Corrosion

Stainless Steel corrosion issue

Not my issue directly, more a case of relaying the problem, but here goes. My girlfriend works for a company that makes bioanalytical units, and is part of their validation team in particular. They’ve started running into an issue with a stainless steel solenoid valve where it is, for lack of a...

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Wet corrosion of CuNiFer pipe in seawater

This CuNiFer alloy pipe is used in a seawater cooling system and is electrical insulted with nearby metals; this prevents galvanic corrosion to occur since there is no contact with other metals. I've seen multiple sources that say CuNiFer is very corrosion resistance. The pipe is still...

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Annealing mu-metal in hydrogen to retain max permeability?

Mumetal is a high magnetic permeability alloy. It is known any kind of mechanical deformation changes its microstructure leading to loss of superior magnetic properties. Annealing of machined parts fabricated from mumetal is standard. I keep reading in literature, perhaps everyone getting...

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Chemistry

Study finds world's most prolific CO₂-fixing enzyme is slowly getting better

New research led by the University of Oxford has found that rubisco—the enzyme that fuels all life on Earth—is not stuck in an evolutionary rut after all. The largest analysis of rubisco ever has found that it is improving all the time—just very, very slowly. These insights could potentially...

phys.org

Advanced microscopy reveals proteins that power photosynthesis

The secrets of photosynthesis have been discovered at the atomic level, shedding important new light on this plant super-power that greened the Earth more than a billion years ago.

phys.org

Research team designs small-scale 'chemical nose'

A living organism's nose is essentially a biological molecule detector that sends neurological signals to the brain, which then decodes a particular scent. Human noses, with six million olfactory receptors, can distinguish more than one trillion scents, while some canine noses possess up to 300...

phys.org

Researchers use electrocatalysis for site-specific protein modification

Boston College researchers used a mild charge of electricity to precisely modify proteins, a new tool that can be used to develop novel biotherapeutics and protein-based research tools, the team reported recently in the journal Nature Chemistry.

phys.org

New strategy boosts direct electrolysis of dilute carbon dioxide

Converting carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial point sources to chemicals and fuels utilizing renewable energy can help to tackle the climate crisis. CO2 electrolysis is one promising route.

phys.org

Active copper structures in ZnO-Cu interfacial catalysis: CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol

Recent research published in the journal Science China Chemistry explores active copper structures in ZnO-Cu interfacial catalysis. Many experiments, including catalyst preparation, structural characterizations, catalytic performance evaluation, and DFT calculations, were performed.

phys.org

Aluminum nanoparticles make tunable green catalysts

Catalysts unlock pathways for chemical reactions to unfold at faster and more efficient rates, and the development of new catalytic technologies is a critical part of the green energy transition.

phys.org

Study shows 3D-covalent organic frameworks can be tuned using structural isomers

Porous solids are abundant in the world. Examples include activated carbon, zeolite, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Solid electrolytes in next-generation batteries have ion migration channels and hence are porous solids in a broad sense. Because the properties of porous solids are dictated...

phys.org

Scientists develop new machine learning method for modeling chemical reactions

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Los Alamos National Laboratory have used machine learning to create a model that can simulate reactive processes in a diverse set of organic materials and conditions.

phys.org

Chemists break barriers and open up super-resolution molecule mass analysis

A team of chemists led by Prof. Albert Heck puts a new spin on analyzing and understanding molecules. By ingeniously improving current measuring equipment, the team was able to trap and observe individual molecules for a much longer period—up to 25 seconds. This extended observation time enabled...

phys.org

Weird electron behavior gets even weirder: Charge fractionalization observed spectroscopically

A research team led by the Paul Scherrer Institute has spectroscopically observed the fractionalization of electronic charge in an iron-based metallic ferromagnet. Experimental observation of the phenomenon is not only of fundamental importance. Since it appears in an alloy of common metals at...

phys.org

Open quantum system shows universal behavior

Universal behavior is a central property of phase transitions, which can be seen, for example, in magnets that are no longer magnetic above a certain temperature. A team of researchers from Kaiserslautern, Berlin and Hainan, China, has succeeded for the first time in observing such universal...

phys.org

New technique developed for measurement of temperature distribution inside single catalyst particle

Chemical reactions are usually accompanied by thermal effects, inevitably resulting in temperature changes in the reaction system. Therefore, temperature is an important parameter in reactions, which can affect chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics.

phys.org

Researchers create a paradigm shift in catalyst active site categorization, opening doors to new catalyst design

In collaboration with researchers in the United States, China, and the Netherlands, Davidson School of Chemical Engineering's Dr. Zhenhua Zeng and Professor Jeffrey Greeley, have advanced catalysis research and catalyst design through their exploration of active sites.

phys.org

Discovering the molecular recognition of technological solids by mutant self-assembling peptides

In a study recently published in the journal Small, researchers from Nano Life Science Institute (WPI NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Japan, collaborating with Professor Sarikaya, Seattle, U.S., used frequency modulated atomic force microscopy to reveal the molecular architecture of genetically...

phys.org

The technological challenge of non-stick pans: Teflon is still more effective than other coatings

A protocol designed by the University of Cordoba yields a simple and robust evaluation of the efficiency and durability of different commercial non-stick coatings used for food preparation

phys.org

Healable cathode could unlock potential of solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers have moved one step closer to making solid-state batteries from lithium and sulfur a practical reality. A team led by engineers at the University of California San Diego developed a new cathode material for solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries that is electrically conductive and...

techxplore.com

Nanodevices can produce energy from evaporating tap or seawater

Evaporation is a natural process so ubiquitous that most of us take it for granted. In fact, roughly half of the solar energy that reaches the Earth drives evaporative processes. Since 2017, researchers have been working to harness the energy potential of evaporation via the hydrovoltaic (HV)...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

On combustion, aviation

A theory linking ignition with flame provides roadmap to better combustion engines

In a study published on January 18, 2024 in the journal Physics of Fluids, researchers from Tohoku University theoretically linked ignition and deflagration in a combustion system, unlocking new configurations for stable, efficient combustion engines due to the possible existence of any number...

phys.org

General concept for autoignitive reaction wave covering from subsonic to supersonic regimes

We consider a one-dimensional (1D) autoignitive reaction wave in a reactive flow system comprising unburned premixed gas entering from the inlet boundary and bu

pubs.aip.org

You didn't see it coming: New research shows turbulent flows can be caused by minute triggers

We experience turbulence every day: a gust of wind, water gushing down a river, or mid-flight bumps on an airplane.

phys.org

New ceramics promise hotter gas turbines that produce more power

Skoltech researchers have identified promising ceramic materials for metal coatings that would boost gas turbine efficiency. If further experimental tests prove successful, the coatings will enable power plants to produce more electricity and jet planes to consume less fuel. With the material...

phys.org

Study finds rerouting of airplanes to reduce contrails not as expensive as thought

A small team of environmental scientists has found via simulations that rerouting commercial airplanes to reduce contrails would be less expensive than previously thought. In their study, published in the journal Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability, the group used data from...

techxplore.com

Boil-off prevention and fluid dynamics

Zero-boil-off tank experiments to enable long-duration space exploration

Do we have enough fuel to get to our destination? This is probably one of the first questions that comes to mind whenever your family gets ready to embark on a road trip. If the trip is long, you will need to visit gas stations along your route to refuel during your travel.

phys.org

Cicadas' unique urination unlocks new understanding of fluid dynamics

Cicadas are the soundtrack of summer, but their pee is more special than their music. Rather than sprinkling droplets, they emit jets of urine from their small frames. For years, Georgia Tech researchers have wanted to understand the cicada's unique urination.

phys.org

A 3D view into chaos: Researchers visualize temperature-driven turbulence in liquid metal for the first time

Experiments with liquid metals could not only lead to exciting insights into geophysical and astrophysical flow phenomena, such as atmospheric disturbances at the rim of the sun or the flow in the Earth's outer core, but also foster industrial applications, for example, the casting of liquid steel.

phys.org

New technique in tiny tool tuning: Making microscopic measurements more accurate

Fluidic force microscopy (FluidFM) combines the sensitivity of atomic force microscopy with microfluidics' capabilities, necessitating precise calibration of its cantilevers for reliable data. Traditional methods, however, struggle with the unique internal structure of FluidFM cantilevers...

phys.org

Interesting mineral

Scientists reveal the first unconventional superconductor that can be found in mineral form in nature

Scientists from Ames National Laboratory have identified the first unconventional superconductor with a chemical composition also found in nature. Miassite is one of only four minerals found in nature that act as a superconductor when grown in the lab. The team's investigation of miassite...

phys.org

Quantum-mechanical 'molecules' spotted in superconducting devices

Electronic states that resemble molecules and are promising for use in future quantum computers have been created in superconducting circuits by physicists at RIKEN.

phys.org

New solar cell material

Engineering team discovers new high-performance solar cell material

A Dartmouth Engineering-led study published in Joule has reported the discovery of an entirely new high-performance material for solar absorbers—the central part of a solar cell that turns light into electricity—that is stable and Earth-abundant. The researchers used a unique high-throughput...

techxplore.com

Scientists achieve record efficiency for next-generation roll-to-roll printed solar cells

Scientists from Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, have led an international team to a clean energy breakthrough by setting a new efficiency record for fully roll-to-roll printed solar cells.

techxplore.com

Researchers prove fundamental limits of electromagnetic energy absorption

Electrical engineers at Duke University have determined the theoretical fundamental limit for how much electromagnetic energy a transparent material with a given thickness can absorb. The finding will help engineers optimize devices designed to block certain frequencies of radiation while...

phys.org

Brazilian scientists obtain a material that could be useful for hydrogen production

Hydrogen (H2) is considered a possible alternative to fossil fuels, which are responsible for a large proportion of atmospheric emissions and global warming, but production costs must be lowered if it is to become a viable option.

phys.org

On Glass

Soft support can make unexpectedly stable glass

Glasses are ubiquitous materials found in building materials, beverage containers, soft electronics, and mobile phone screens. The creation of naturally dense and rigid glass occurs through a process known as aging. It involves a slow transformation that can take place over millennia to hundreds...

phys.org

Team achieves successful mass production of metalenses designed for application in the ultraviolet region

Ultraviolet rays find diverse applications in medical and health care, serving purposes such as disinfection, sterilization, and therapy. They are also used in the semiconductor industry for creating microcircuits and patterns.

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Optics

Ultrablack thin-film coating could make next-gen telescopes even better

Sometimes, seeing clearly requires complete black. For astronomy and precision optics, coating devices in black paint can cut down on stray light, enhancing images and boosting performance. For the most advanced telescopes and optical systems, every little bit matters, so their manufacturers...

phys.org

Tungsten for fusion

New research on tungsten unlocks potential for improving fusion materials

In the pursuit of clean and endless energy, nuclear fusion is a promising frontier. But in fusion reactors, where scientists attempt to make energy by fusing atoms together, mimicking the sun's power generation process, things can get extremely hot. To overcome this, researchers have been diving...

phys.org

Study shows inverting fusion plasmas improves performance

To become commercially viable, fusion power plants must create and sustain the plasma conditions necessary for fusion reactions. However, at high temperatures and densities, plasmas often develop gradients in those temperatures and densities. These gradients can grow into instabilities such as...

phys.org

Preventing magnet meltdowns before they can start

The particle accelerators that enable high-energy physics and serve many fields of science, such as materials, medical, and fusion research, are driven by superconducting magnets that are, to put it simply, quite finicky.

phys.org

Papertronics and more

New 'papertronics' offer biodegradable alternative to traditional circuits

As the Internet of Things connects more devices into a collective network—even single-use sensors like food packaging, agriculture or "smart bandages"—the need for biodegradable electronics grows increasingly urgent.

techxplore.com

Flexible AI optoelectronic sensors pave the way for standalone energy-efficient health monitoring devices

From creating images, generating text, and enabling self-driving cars, the potential uses of artificial intelligence (AI) are vast and transformative. However, all this capability comes at a very high energy cost. For instance, estimates indicate that training OPEN AI's popular GPT-3 model...

phys.org

Researchers devise new ways to engineer carbon-based semiconductors for electronics of the future

It might look like a roll of chicken wire, but this tiny cylinder of carbon atoms—too small to see with the naked eye—could one day be used for making electronic devices ranging from night vision goggles and motion detectors to more efficient solar cells, thanks to techniques developed by...

phys.org

Scientists use novel technique to create new energy-efficient microelectronic device

A breakthrough could help lead to the development of new low-power semiconductors or quantum devices.

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Giving particle detectors a boost: New device acts like a superconductivity switch

In particle colliders that reveal the hidden secrets of the tiniest constituents of our universe, minute particles leave behind extremely faint electrical traces when they are generated in enormous collisions. Some detectors in these facilities use superconductivity—a phenomenon in which...

phys.org

Reconfigurable electronics: More functionality on less chip area

Even the most complicated data processing on a computer can be broken down into small, simple logical steps: You can add individual bits together, you can reverse logical states, you can use combinations such as "AND" or "OR." Such operations are realized on the computer by very specific sets of...

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Communications and ultra-sound

Researchers develop an ultrasensitive broadband transparent ultrasound transducer

The 'ultrasound-photoacoustic dual-modal imaging system' combines molecular imaging contrast with ultrasound imaging, and it can visualize molecular and structural information inside the body in real time without any ionizing radiation. This advantage gives it the potential to enhance medical...

medicalxpress.com

New type of tunable filter reveals the potential for terahertz wireless communications

Electromagnetic waves in the terahertz frequency range offer many advantages for communications and advanced applications in scanning and imaging, but realizing their potential poses challenges. Researchers at Tohoku University have addressed one of the key challenges by developing a new type of...

phys.org

Electro-adhesives

You don't need glue to hold these materials together—just electricity

Is there a way to stick hard and soft materials together without any tape, glue or epoxy? A new study published in ACS Central Science shows that applying a small voltage to certain objects forms chemical bonds that securely link the objects together. Reversing the direction of electron flow...

phys.org

Study shows for the first time that different forms of cellular adhesion structures can interconvert

Cells form adhesion structures to anchor themselves in their environment. The coordinated assembly and disassembly of these adhesions also enables cells to move from one place to another.

phys.org

Dirac electrons

Photon-like electrons in a four-dimensional world discovered in a real material

Dirac electrons were predicted by P. Dirac and discovered by A. Geim, both of whom were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933 and in 2010, respectively. Dirac electrons behave like photons rather than electrons, for they are considered to have no mass, and in materials they move with light...

phys.org

Quantum dance to the beat of a drum: Researchers observe how energy of single electron is tuned by surrounding atoms

Physicists at the University of Regensburg have choreographed the shift of a quantized electronic energy level with atomic oscillations faster than a trillionth of a second.

phys.org

Good prospects for altermagnets in spin-based electronics

Altermagnets represent a newly recognized class of materials in magnetism that could enable novel applications in spin-based electronics. Their magnetically ordered state consists of an antiparallel arrangement of microscopic magnetic moments, so-called spins, as in antiferromagnets.

phys.org

Exotic molecules embedded into continuum refuse to break apart, defying initial expectations

Researchers have unveiled the extraordinary behavior of weakly-bound three-atomic molecules, defying conventional understanding of quantum mechanics. In a study recently published in Nature Communications, a team of scientists from Bar-Ilan University in Israel, in collaboration with...

phys.org

A project to build a new synchrotron in the Greater Caribbean

Researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the Universidad Autónoma de México (UNAM), and the Centro Internacional de FÃsica de Bogotá are working on a project to build a new synchrotron in the Greater Caribbean. The latest issue of Nature features an article on the...

phys.org

Catalysts

Greener, cheaper method to accelerate chemical reactions developed

A new, greener, and cheaper method to accelerate chemical reactions has been developed by scientists at King's College London in collaboration with the University of Barcelona and ETH Zurich. Instead of using polluting and expensive metal-based catalysts, the team proved that electric fields can...

phys.org

Researchers reveal interfacial confinement on open space of oxide–oxide catalysts

Confined catalysis has been regarded as an important strategy to modulate chemical reactions and enhance catalytic performance. Previous studies have demonstrated that the applications of the confinement effect in catalysis are in enclosed nanospace. However, whether an open space also has this...

phys.org

Stronger than nature: Optimized radicals as potential novel catalysts

Nature uses enzymes for various metabolic processes. These biological catalysts are extremely efficient. Biomimetic catalysts based on inexpensive starting materials from the laboratory that can reproduce the efficiency of the natural enzymes and can function at ambient conditions are therefore...

phys.org

Strain at monolayer MoS₂/hBN interfaces enhances hydrogen evolution reaction activity

Recently, the research team led by Prof. Wang Bin at National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported that strain generated at bubbles of 2D materials could benefit the catalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The study was...

phys.org

New catalyst accelerates release of hydrogen from ammonia

Germany can probably only meet its demand for climate-friendly hydrogen by imports, for example, from South America or Australia. For such long-distance transport, hydrogen can be converted into ammonia.

phys.org

Hydrogels

Advancing tissue engineering with shape memory hydrogels

One of the primary goals in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is the development of artificial scaffolds that can serve as substitutes for damaged tissue. These materials must ideally resemble natural tissue and must have the ability to support cell adhesion...

phys.org

Valorization of depolymerized lignin using microorganisms

Lignin is an abundant natural polymer which is eliminated as a byproduct in the pulp and paper industry. A recent review article explored different microbial processes available for sustainable lignin valorization, yielding not only environmental but also economic benefits. The article was...

phys.org

Clean-up

Scientists use spent brewer's yeast to filter out metal from waste streams

When we recycle electronic devices we can no longer use, we expect to make the most out of the precious natural resources that went into building them. But electronic waste is notoriously difficult to recycle because it's hard to separate the different metals in the waste from each other.

phys.org

On invention

The rules of invention do not reflect the realities of the inventive process. Here's how to fix it

In patent law, invention is a two-step process: the inventor first develops a complete mental picture of the invention, then physically makes the invention or describes it in sufficient detail for an artisan to make it. Both steps must take place, in that order, for a creation to qualify as an...

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

Tough glass

Novel design enhances thermal insulation and impact resistance in composite glass

A research team led by Prof. Ni Yong and Prof. He Linghui from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed a new composite glass combining the nacre-inspired structure and shear stiffening gel (SSG) material, maintaining...

techxplore.com

Researchers find new dimensions in decades-old strength test

John Dolbow, professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke University and Oscar Lopez-Pamies, professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, have collaborated on computational fracture mechanics to understand better and...

techxplore.com

Aluminum alloy print

Additive manufactured aluminum alloys for space optical instruments

When Zach Post was approached about leading a study to develop a framework for additively manufacturing (colloquially called 3D printing) a new space instrument for detecting air pollution, it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

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Energetics

Researchers use nitrogen-based compounds as new high-performance energy storage materials

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have synthesized unique scandium polynitrides under extreme conditions, with exotic chemistry and potential applications as high-energy-density materials.

phys.org

Super-diamond and carbon sheets

Supercomputer simulations of super-diamond suggest a path to its creation

Diamond is the strongest material known. However, another form of carbon has been predicted to be even tougher than diamond. The challenge is how to create it on Earth.

phys.org

Researchers demonstrate breakthrough recyclability of carbon nanotube sheets

Researchers at IMDEA Materials Institute have demonstrated for the first time the recyclability of high-performance carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets while maintaining their essential mechanical and electrical properties.

phys.org

Researchers achieve low-energy synthesis of bulk van der Waals materials

Researchers have synthesized bulk van der Waals (vdW) materials at near-room temperature (ranging from room temperature to 60°C), significantly reducing the energy consumption required for their fabrication by at least one order of magnitude.

phys.org

New composite decking could reduce global warming effects of building materials

Buildings and production of the materials used in their construction emit a lot of carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. But storing CO2 in building materials could help make them more environmentally friendly.

techxplore.com

The Periodic table's contents

Pushing the limit of the periodic table with superheavy elements

Scientists from Massey University in New Zealand, the University of Mainz in Germany, Sorbonne University in France, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) discuss the limit of the periodic table and revising the concept of the "island of stability" with recent advances in superheavy...

phys.org

New study uncovers how hydrogen provided energy at life's origin

Hydrogen gas is a clean fuel. It burns with oxygen in the air to provide energy with no CO2. Hydrogen is a key to sustainable energy for the future. Though humans are just now coming to realize the benefits of hydrogen gas (H2 in chemical shorthand), microbes have known that H2 is a good fuel...

phys.org

Bridge in a box

Bridge in a box: Unlocking origami's power to produce load-bearing structures

For the first time, load-bearing structures like bridges and shelters can be made with origami modules—versatile components that can fold compactly and adapt into different shapes—University of Michigan engineers have demonstrated.

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Metal corrosion

Understanding corrosion to enable next-generation metals

Researchers are using new, experimental techniques like Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir welding to produce metal components that are lighter, stronger, and more precise than ever before. But as we enter those new frontiers of metalworking, it's crucial to...

phys.org

Researchers uncover culprits behind pitting corrosion in 3D-printed stainless steel

Like a hidden enemy, pitting corrosion attacks metal surfaces, making it difficult to detect and control. This type of corrosion, primarily caused by prolonged contact with seawater in nature, is especially problematic for naval vessels.

phys.org

3D images reveal link between crack complexity and material toughness

The last time you dropped a favorite mug or sat on your glasses, you may have been too preoccupied to take much notice of the intricate pattern of cracks that appeared in the broken object. But capturing the formation of such patterns is the specialty of John Kolinski and his team at the...

techxplore.com

Future nuclear power reactors could rely on molten salts—but what about corrosion?

Most discussions of how to avert climate change focus on solar and wind generation as key to the transition to a future carbon-free power system. But Michael Short, the Class of '42 Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT and associate director of the MIT Plasma Science and...

techxplore.com

Concrete

Self-heating concrete is one step closer to putting snow shovels and salt out of business

There's a patch of concrete on Drexel University's campus that could portend a frost-free future for sidewalks and highways in the Northeast.

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Thin, bacteria-coated fibers could lead to self-healing concrete that fills in its own cracks

Some say there are two types of concrete—cracked and on the brink of cracking. But what if when concrete cracked, it could heal itself?

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Better plastics

New reactor could save millions when making ingredients for plastics and rubber from natural gas

A new way to make an important ingredient for plastics, adhesives, carpet fibers, household cleaners and more from natural gas could reduce manufacturing costs in a post-petroleum economy by millions of dollars, thanks to a new chemical reactor designed by University of Michigan engineers.

techxplore.com

Holographic message encoded in simple plastic

There are many ways to store data—digitally, on a hard disk, or using analog storage technology, for example as a hologram. In most cases, it is technically quite complicated to create a hologram: High-precision laser technology is normally used for this.

phys.org

Yeast uses plastic waste oils to make high-value chemicals

Polyolefins are a type of plastic that is resistant to breaking down. This makes this plastic—a kind found in everything from grocery bags to car bumpers—hard to recycle. In a new study, scientists have discovered a potential solution, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica.

phys.org

Say hello to biodegradable microplastics: Plant-based polymers that can disappear within seven months

Microplastics are tiny, nearly indestructible fragments shed from everyday plastic products. As we learn more about microplastics, the news keeps getting worse. Already well-documented in our oceans and soil, we're now discovering them in the unlikeliest of places: our arteries, lungs and even...

phys.org

European plastics industry 'in trouble' as market share falls

Europe's share of global plastics production has fallen while China's output now accounts for a third, an industry report showed Tuesday.

phys.org

Using light to produce medication and plastics more efficiently

Anyone who wants to produce medication, plastics or fertilizer using conventional methods needs heat for chemical reactions—but not so with photochemistry, where light provides the energy. The process to achieve the desired product also often takes fewer intermediate steps.

phys.org

Transforming wood waste for sustainable manufacturing

Lignin, a complex organic polymer, is one of the main components of wood, providing structural support and rigidity to make trees strong enough to withstand the elements. When transforming wood into paper, lignin is a key ingredient that must be removed, and it often becomes waste.

phys.org

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-wood-products-ink-3d.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-route-recyclable-polymers.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-3d-wood-natural-components.html

Tough conductor

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-stretchy-electronic-material-tougher.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-bendable-energy-storage-materials.html

Carbon antenna for light and more

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-2d-antenna-boosts-emission-carbon.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-team-synthetic-dimension-dynamics.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-high-quality-microwave-generated-tiny.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-quantum-code-simulations-track-entangled.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-quantum-magnetic-disks.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-tightest-bilayer-alkali-metals-graphene.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-backyard-insect-invisibility-devices-gen.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-resilience-architecture-diaspora-response-world.html

Optics

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-swept-illumination-sheet-microscope.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-scientists-tunable-displays-sensors.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-eyes-impossible-field-subwavelength-thermal.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-high-efficiency-hollow-core-optical.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-exploring-trends-ai-fueled-metaphotonics.html

Cooling record

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-milestone-laser-cooling-team-cools.html

Cleaner water

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-effective-method-pharmaceutical-contaminants.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-gold-nanoclusters-sustainable-solution-wastewater.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-cacao-defense-toxic-cadmium-unveiled.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-danger-schreckstoff-mystery-years.html

Melting points

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-range-temperatures.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-physicists-struggling-ice-capacity-adhere.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-breakthrough-year-physics-problem.html

Fire suppression

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-environmentally-friendly-flame-retardants-mobility.html

Plasma torches

https://phys.org/news/2024-03-prolongs-lifespan-plasma-torches.html

The search for new materials

New AI model: A leap for autonomous materials science

Materials science enables cutting-edge technologies, from lightweight cars and powerful computers to high-capacity batteries and durable spacecraft. But to develop materials for these applications, they need to be exactingly analyzed through numerous microscopic lenses—a difficult and...

phys.org

Putting a new spin on 1T phase tantalum disulfide: Scientists uncover a hidden electronic state

Research often unfolds as a multistage process. The solution to one question can spark several more, inspiring scientists to reach further and look at the larger problem from several different perspectives. Such projects can often be the catalyst for collaborations that leverage the expertise...

phys.org

High speed protein movies to aid drug design

Researchers from the University of Southampton have developed technology to help scientists observe proteins in motion. Understanding how proteins move will allow novel drugs to be designed.

phys.org

B-site rock-salt-ordered Cu-based double perovskite realizes high efficiency and stable CO₂ electroreduction

Carbon dioxide electroreduction (CO2RR) into high-value chemical feedstocks and fuels is a potential way to realize the carbon-neutral cycle. Cu-oxide-based catalysts are promising for CO2 electroreduction, but suffer from inevitable reduction and structural collapse, leading to unstable...

phys.org

Researchers report efficiency breakthrough for narrow-bandgap perovskite cells

A research team, led by Professor Sung-Yeon Jang in the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST has achieved a significant advancement in solar cell technology. Through a collaborative effort with Professor Sang Kyu Kwak and his team at Korea University, the researchers have developed...

techxplore.com

An endless domino effect: Non-reciprocal topological solitons in active metamaterials

Topological solitons can be found in many places and at many different length scales. For example, they take the form of kinks in coiled telephone cords and large molecules such as proteins. At a very different scale, a black hole can be understood as a topological soliton in the fabric of...

phys.org

Using polarization to improve quantum imaging

Quantum imaging is a growing field that takes advantage of the counterintuitive and "spooky" ability of light particles, or photons, to become linked, or entangled, under specialized circumstances. If the state of one photon in the entangled duo gets tweaked, so does the other, regardless of how...

phys.org

Engineers manage a first: Measuring pH in cell condensates

Scientists trying to understand the physical and chemical properties that govern biomolecular condensates now have a crucial way to measure pH and other emergent properties of these enigmatic, albeit important, cellular compartments.

phys.org

Highly adhesive, mechanically strong adhesive addresses multiple limitations in dural membrane repair

The dural membrane (dura) is the outermost of three meningeal layers that line the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. Together, the meninges function as a shock absorber to protect the CNS against trauma, circulate nutrients throughout the CNS, and remove...

medicalxpress.com

Liquid metal may point way to wearable ultrasound devices

The best-known byproduct of ultrasound—so named because its frequencies exceed the range of the human ear—is, in fact, not audio but visual: 2D imagery, often of a fetus maturing in the womb. But ultrasound has also found a place in other corners of the medical realm, from assessing blood flow...

techxplore.com

Cellulose fibers are emerging as a sustainable option for wrapping everything from foods to electronics

Attention supermarket shoppers in Belgium, France and Luxembourg: a test to cut waste from plastic packaging of foods is coming to nearby stores.

phys.org

Chemistry

Recyclable reagent and sunlight convert carbon monoxide into methanol

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) have demonstrated the selective conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into methanol using a cascade reaction strategy. The two-part process is powered by...

phys.org

Efficient and durable water splitting in acidic media

Recent research published in National Science Review by a team led by Dr. Rong Cao and Dr. Minna Cao from the Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Dongshuang Wu from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, has demonstrated the...

phys.org

New method for analyzing nanoporous materials

In addition to their main components, the properties of crystalline and nanoporous materials often depend crucially on guest atoms or ions that are embedded in the tiny pores of their lattice structure. This applies to high-tech materials used in sensor or separation technology as well as to...

phys.org

'Matryoshka doll' structures provide solution for next-generation miniaturized filter capacitors

A research team led by Prof. Meng Guowen and Prof. Han Fangming from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, together with Prof. Wei Bingqing from the University of Delaware, miniaturized line-filtering capacitors with "matryoshka doll" structure electrodes...

techxplore.com

New technique measures psilocybin potency of mushrooms

Since the 1970s, the federal government has listed the active ingredients in mushrooms—psilocybin and psilocin—as illegal and having no accepted medical use.

phys.org

Using AI to develop a new method for improving electrocatalytic converters

Prof Dr. Johannes Margraf and a team of scientists have developed a promising method to improve the efficiency of electrocatalysts. Using simulations and artificial intelligence, the researchers have developed a computer program that can simultaneously optimize several properties of the...

phys.org

New method uses enantioselective nickel catalysis to synthesize multifunctional chiral alkylboron compounds

National University of Singapore (NUS) chemists have conceived a strategy using chiral nickel catalysts to facilitate the carboboration of alkenes, generating high-value enantioenriched alkylboronic esters.

phys.org

Regulating atomic Fe-Rh site distance for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

In a study published in the journal Science China Chemistry, the authors systematically design and investigate the site-distance effect of Fe-Rh atom catalysts (Fe-Rhx@NC) supported by N-doped graphene for ORR by an integrated theoretical and experimental approach.

phys.org

Ammonia induction strategy for preparation of transition metal oxides / zeolite H₂S adsorbent

Blast furnace gas (BFG) is an important by-product energy for the iron and steel industry and has been widely used for heating and electricity generation. However, the undesirable contaminants, such as COS, CS2, and H2S, in BFG generate harmful environmental emissions.

phys.org

Scientists develop catalyst designed to make ammonia production more sustainable

Ammonia is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the world, and is used in a great many manufacturing and service industries. The conventional production technology is the Haber-Bosch process, which combines nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2) in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst.

phys.org

Novel catalyst strategy offers solution for efficient CO₂ reduction reaction

With the help of nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, a research group led by Prof. Wang Hui from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has prepared a carbon-covered hollow cuprous oxide high-efficiency catalyst by using the solvent autocarbonylation...

phys.org

Researchers develop novel 'super-tetragonal' sacrificial layer for freestanding oxide membranes

Researchers have developed a new water-soluble sacrificial layer, "super-tectragonal" Sr4Al2O7 (SAOT), with broad tunability in lattice constants, which can be used to prepare high-quality freestanding oxide membrane. Their work is published in Science.

phys.org

 

[publiusr]

New hydrogel

New hydrogel can stretch to 15 times its original size

A team of molecular engineers at Tsinghua University, in China, has developed a new type of hydrogel that can stretch to 15 times its original size and then snap back to its original form. In their study, published in the journal Science, the group modified the process normally used to create...

phys.org

On elastic strain

A first-ever complete map for elastic strain engineering

Without a map, it can be just about impossible to know not just where you are, but where you're going, and that's especially true when it comes to materials properties.

techxplore.com

Paint news

Catalysis breakthrough yields self-cleaning wall paint that breaks down air pollutants when exposed to sunlight

Typically, beautiful white wall paint does not stay beautiful and white forever. Often, substances from the air accumulate on its surface. This can be a desired effect because it makes the air cleaner for a while—but over time, the color changes and needs to be renewed.

phys.org

Thermoelectrics

Researchers develop a thermoelectric material with optimal cost, efficiency and flexibility

A research team has developed an inorganic-organic thermoelectric composite that promises competitive pricing while addressing efficiency and flexibility challenges in thermoelectric technology.

phys.org

Sound waves

New topological metamaterial amplifies sound waves exponentially

Researchers at AMOLF, in collaboration with partners from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, have realized a new type of metamaterial through which sound waves flow in an unprecedented fashion. It provides a novel form of amplification of mechanical vibrations, which has the potential to improve...

phys.org

'Shear sound waves' provide the magic for linking ultrasound and magnetic waves

A team led by researchers from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science in Japan has succeeded in creating a strong coupling between two forms of waves—magnons and phonons—in a thin film. Importantly, they achieved this at room temperature, opening the way for the development of hybrid...

phys.org

Gravitons?

Researchers find first experimental evidence for a graviton-like particle in a quantum material

A team of scientists from Columbia, Nanjing University, Princeton, and the University of Munster, writing in the journal Nature, have presented the first experimental evidence of collective excitations with spin called chiral graviton modes (CGMs) in a semiconducting material.

phys.org

New tech

Team discovers fundamentally new way to detect radiation involving cheap ceramics

The radiation detectors used today for applications like inspecting cargo ships for smuggled nuclear materials are expensive and cannot operate in harsh environments, among other disadvantages. Now, MIT engineers have demonstrated a fundamentally new way to detect radiation that could allow much...

phys.org

Scientists suggest new methods to expedite the commercialization of metalens technology

Metalenses, nano-artificial structures capable of manipulating light, offer a technology that can significantly reduce the size and thickness of traditional optical components. Particularly effective in the near-infrared region, this technology holds great promise for various applications such...

phys.org

Researchers identify new method to boost laser processing resolution

Focusing a tailored laser beam through transparent glass can create a tiny spot inside the material. Researchers at Tohoku University have reported on a way to use this small spot to improve laser material processing, boosting processing resolution.

phys.org

Granular motion

Behavior of granular materials has been difficult to visualize, but new method reveals their internal forces in 3D

Granular materials, those made up of individual pieces, whether grains of sand or coffee beans or pebbles, are the most abundant form of solid matter on Earth. The way these materials move and react to external forces can determine when landslides or earthquakes happen, as well as more mundane...

techxplore.com

Elusive 3D printed nanoparticles could lead to new shapeshifting materials

In nanomaterials, shape is destiny. That is, the geometry of the particle in the material defines the physical characteristics of the resulting material.

phys.org

Chemistry and more

Study unlocks the power of visible light for sustainable chemistry

A breakthrough in sustainable molecular transformations has been achieved by researchers at the University of Helsinki. Led by Professor Pedro Camargo, the team has developed an important way to harness the power of visible light to drive chemical processes with greater efficiencies, offering a...

phys.org

From Earth to Mars: Transporting spin information at the speed of light

Scientists have used electrical pulses to manipulate magnetic information into a polarized light signal, a discovery that could revolutionize long-distance optical telecommunications, including between Earth and Mars.

phys.org

 

[bobbymike]

Science’s Latest Marvel: Electronic Material That Grows Tougher on Impact

A new flexible, electricity-conducting material mimics the adaptive strength of cornstarch slurries, offering promising applications in wearable and medical sensor technology. Accidents happen every day, and if you drop your smartwatch, or it gets hit really hard, the device probably won’t work a

scitechdaily.com

 

[publiusr]

Coaxial antenna and collimator

New research uses coaxial 'dish' antenna to scan for dark matter

One of the great mysteries of modern science is dark matter. We know dark matter exists thanks to its effects on other objects in the cosmos, but we have never been able to directly see it. And it's no minor thing—currently, scientists think it makes up about 85% of all the mass in the universe.

phys.org

'Frankenstein design' enables 3D printed neutron collimator

The time-tested strategy of "divide and conquer" took on a new, high-tech meaning during neutron experiments by scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. They discovered that the problems they faced while attempting to 3D print a one-piece collimator could be solved...

phys.org

Re-entry

Simulating ejecta on titanium spacecraft surfaces under re-entry extreme environment conditions

The upper-stage helium tank of the Ariane 3 that was launched in 1985 was recovered in Uganda in 2002 after re-entry. Molten aluminum splashes were discovered on the tank, which have been identified as deposits from local fixings.

phys.org

Window coating

Sunrise to sunset, a new window coating blocks heat, not view

Windows welcome light into interior spaces, but they also bring in unwanted heat. A new window coating blocks heat-generating ultraviolet and infrared light and lets through visible light, regardless of the sun's angle. The coating can be incorporated onto existing windows or automobiles and can...

techxplore.com

DC power converter

Scientists develop high-boost and high-efficiency DC power converter

A new electrical power converter design achieves a much higher efficiency at lower cost and maintenance than before. The direct current voltage boost converter developed by Kobe University is poised to be a significant contribution to the further development of electric and electronic components...

techxplore.com

Neutronic molecules

'Neutronic molecules': Study shows neutrons can bind to quantum dots

Neutrons are subatomic particles that have no electric charge, unlike protons and electrons. That means that while the electromagnetic force is responsible for most of the interactions between radiation and materials, neutrons are essentially immune to that force.

phys.org

Researchers visualize quantum effects in electron waves

One of the most fundamental interactions in physics is that of electrons and light. In an experiment at Goethe University Frankfurt, scientists have now managed to observe what is known as the Kapitza-Dirac effect for the first time in full temporal resolution. This effect was first postulated...

phys.org

Smart liquid

Intelligent liquid: Researchers develop metafluid with programmable response

Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed a programmable metafluid with tunable springiness, optical properties, viscosity and even the ability to transition between a Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid.

phys.org

Liquid metals research breaks ground in sustainable chemical manufacturing with metal-enhanced catalysts

A team of co-authors from five different countries, has uncovered a new design concept for catalysts used in the industrially crucial methanol-to-hydrocarbon (MTH) process, enabling the production of high-demand chemical commodities from source-abundant methanol.

phys.org

Microfabrication makes microdroplets 'pattern-obedient' but Gibbs equation 'disobedient'

Microdroplets find versatile applications in fields of chemistry, materials science and biochemistry, particularly in chemical engineering and biochemical microfluidics like microreactors and biosensors. Achieving precise control over microdroplets in their shape, size, and contact angle (CA) is...

phys.org

On fluids

Physics of complex fluids: Ring polymers show unexpected motion patterns under shear

The shearing of fluids—meaning the sliding of fluid layers over each other under shear forces—is an important concept in nature and in rheology, the science that studies the flow behavior of matter, including liquids and soft solids. Shear forces are lateral forces applied parallel to a...

phys.org

Understanding flow and sound through large-scale computations

In a research collaboration between the group of Professor Hiroshi Yokoyama of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and KOBE STEEL, LTD., flow, and acoustic fields in an expanding pipe with orifice plates were studied using a computational methodology developed by Prof. Yokoyama's group. The...

phys.org

New granular materials

Easy compression, easy flow: Research team designs new granular materials

When we take a stroll on the beach, we walk on the sand without any trouble. The sand appears solid and is difficult to compress. When we put the same sand grains in an hourglass, they behave very differently: the sand flows like a liquid.

phys.org

Prediction

New focused approach can help untangle messy quantum scrambling problems

The world is a cluttered, noisy place, and the ability to effectively focus is a valuable skill. For example, at a bustling party, the clatter of cutlery, the conversations, the music, the scratching of your shirt tag and almost everything else must fade into the background for you to focus on...

phys.org

A periodic table of primes: Research team claims that prime numbers can be predicted

Both arithmetic aficionados and the mathematically challenged will be equally captivated by new research that upends hundreds of years of popular belief about prime numbers.

phys.org

'It's ultimately about predicting everything'—theory could be a map in the hunt for quantum materials

A breakthrough in theoretical physics is an important step toward predicting the behavior of the fundamental matter of which our world is built. It can be used to calculate systems of enormous quantities of quantum particles, a feat thought impossible before.

phys.org

On the fringes of theoretical physics, Berislav Buca investigates the nearly impossible by way of "exotic" mathematics. His latest theory is no exception. By making it possible to calculate the dynamics, i.e., movements and interactions, of systems with enormous quantities of quantum particles, it has delivered something that had been written off in physics. An impossibility made possible.

Silkworm spinning and new leather

Chinese scientists reveal the spinning mechanism of the silkworm

Mulberry silk is a natural protein fiber that is light, soft and fine in nature, known as the "second skin of the human body" and "Queen of fibers." China is the origin of the world's sericulture industry.

phys.org

Scientists create plastic-free vegan leather that dyes itself, grown from bacteria

Researchers at Imperial College London have genetically engineered bacteria to grow animal- and plastic-free leather that dyes itself.

phys.org

Tech

Acids enable adhesive electrodes for thin, flexible supercapacitors

Supercapacitors have the superb ability to capture and store energy. Researchers can use different materials and fabrication methods to make them flexible, thin and appropriate for use in wearable or implantable electronics, like smart watches or pacemakers, but those approaches tend to be...

phys.org

Researchers discover dual topological phases in an intrinsic monolayer crystal

Dual topological phases have been discovered in an intrinsic monolayer crystal, a finding that reveals new and unique rule-bending properties in a quantum material, an international team of scientists led by Boston College physicists reported recently in the online version of the journal Nature.

phys.org

Using a 2D perovskite oxide as a photoactive high-κ gate dielectric

Two-dimensional (2D) superconducting materials have been found to be promising for the development of miniaturized optoelectronic devices. To perform well while consuming less energy, however, these smaller devices require a higher gate capacitance (i.e., gates that can store more electrical...

techxplore.com

A new strategy for fabricating high-density vertical organic electrochemical transistor arrays

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are an emerging class of transistors based on organic superconducting materials known for their ability to modulate electrical current in response to small changes in the voltage applied to their gate electrode. Like other electronics based on organic...

techxplore.com

How do manufacturing choices affect microfiber shed?

New research in Frontiers of Environmental Science sheds light on how manufacturing choices influence microfiber release in textiles.

phys.org

Chipless fiber for wireless visual-to-digital transmission senses interactions with the human body

A team of materials scientists and engineers from Donghua University, in China, and the National University of Singapore, has developed a type of fiber that does not rely on chips or batteries to convert visual signals to digital transmissions as it interacts with the human body.

techxplore.com

Universal brain-computer interface lets people play games with just their thoughts

Imagine playing a racing game like Mario Kart, using only your brain to execute the complex series of turns in a lap.

techxplore.com

New software enables blind and low-vision users to create interactive, accessible charts

A growing number of tools enable users to make online data representations, like charts, that are accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. However, most tools require an existing visual chart that can then be converted into an accessible format.

techxplore.com

Building blocks

Building blocks for greener energy: Reconfigurable elastic metasurface components akin to LEGO

Energy harvesting, an eco-friendly technology, extends beyond solar and wind power in generating electricity from unused or discarded energy in daily life, including vibrations generated by passing car engines or trains. Recent intriguing research aims to enhance the efficiency of energy...

techxplore.com

Chemistry

A new method for storing and processing hydrogen chloride

A research team at Freie Universität Berlin has successfully developed a method for storing and electrolyzing gaseous hydrogen chloride in the form of an ionic liquid. The method allows the hydrogen chloride created as a by-product in traditional chlorination processes to be recovered and...

phys.org

Researchers investigate the surface extraction of platinum catalysts in alkaline media

Platinum (Pt) electrodes are crucial for clean power technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis. However, the surface oxidation that occurs during such processes degrades catalyst performance and stability.

phys.org

New molecular compound designed with technological applications at the nanoscale

A team led by the Laboratory of Molecular Nanoscience of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Barcelona has designed a new molecular compound based on gadolinium (Gd), a chemical element that can generate a magnetocaloric effect, that is of particular interest in the field of molecular...

phys.org

Study shows magnetic fields boosts electrocatalysis for sustainable fuel production

In an era where the quest for sustainable energy sources has become paramount, researchers are tirelessly exploring innovative avenues to enhance fuel production processes. One of the most important tools in converting chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa is electrocatalysis...

techxplore.com

A new computational technique could make it easier to engineer useful proteins

To engineer proteins with useful functions, researchers usually begin with a natural protein that has a desirable function, such as emitting fluorescent light, and put it through many rounds of random mutation that eventually generate an optimized version of the protein.

phys.org

A simple, inexpensive way to make carbon atoms bind together

The active ingredient in many drugs is what's known as a small molecule: bigger than water, much smaller than an antibody and mainly made of carbon. It's tough, however, to make these molecules if they require a quaternary carbon—a carbon atom bonded to four other carbon atoms. But now, Scripps...

phys.org

Click chemistry: Research team creates 150 new compounds

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) chemists have created a new collection of molecular compounds and begun testing them as potential leads in the search for new drugs. Among these molecules, they found several that show promise for development as antibiotics and cancer therapies. Sounds like a...

phys.org

Research team creates a chemistry map for human cells

Scientists at NPL worked with Diamond Light Source to publish a study that shows how the chemistry of human cells changes, depending on the structure of their extracellular niche, are major determinants of cell responses and development pathways. The paper is published in ACS Applied Materials &...

phys.org

Scientists harness chemical dynamics for complex problem solving

At the intersection of chemistry and computation, researchers from the University of Glasgow have developed a hybrid digital-chemical probabilistic computational system based on the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction which can be used for solving combinatorial optimization problems.

phys.org

Chemical reactions can scramble quantum information as well as black holes

If you were to throw a message in a bottle into a black hole, all of the information in it, down to the quantum level, would become completely scrambled. Because in black holes this scrambling happens as quickly and thoroughly as quantum mechanics allows. They are generally considered nature's...

phys.org

Operando spectroscopy provides a window on water oxidation

Iridium oxide catalysts are effective for water oxidation making them very attractive for green technologies. A team including researchers from SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research) at Osaka University has therefore taken the closest look yet at how they work.

phys.org

Researchers determine structure of new metal tellurate material with potential uses in solar energy and more

Scientists have determined the structure of a new material with the potential to be used in solar energy, batteries, and splitting water to produce hydrogen.

phys.org

Fuel cells: Oxidation processes of phosphorous acid revealed by tender X-rays

The interactions between phosphorous acid and the platinum catalyst in high-temperature PEM fuel cells are more complex than previously assumed. Experiments at BESSY II with tender X-rays have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface. The results indicate...

phys.org

Novel fabrication technique takes transition metal telluride nanosheets from lab to mass production

Transition metal telluride nanosheets have shown enormous promise for fundamental research and other applications across a rainbow of different fields, but until now, mass fabrication has been impossible, leaving the material as something of a laboratory curiosity rather than an industrial reality.

phys.org

Novel silica-based adsorbent helps selective separation of strontium

Prof. Huang Qunying's team from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Prof. Ning Shunyan's team from South China University, developed a novel silica-based adsorbent for the highly selective separation of strontium (Sr) from an acidic...

phys.org

Study unveils a new family of quantum anomalous Hall insulators

In recent years, physicists and material scientists have identified various new materials marked by interesting properties and quantum effects. These materials could prove highly valuable both as platforms to study quantum effects and for the development of new quantum computing devices.

phys.org

New polymers show interaction with cells

A new development in biomedical research could open the door to a variety of new applications: Scientists at the University of Bayreuth have found that certain polymers, called polyanions, can penetrate cells in a unique way without causing damage.

phys.org

The grid

Exploring the resilience of the Texas power grid against extreme weather conditions

The Gulf Coast of the United States is often hit by tropical cyclones (TCs), hurricanes and other extreme weather phenomena, which can cause widespread electricity outages. Climate change and global warming are expected to increase the risk of these events occurring, which could significantly...

techxplore.com

 

[publiusr]

Maglev

Magnetic levitation: New material offers potential for unlocking gravity-free technology

Researchers at the Quantum Machines Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) are studying levitating materials—substances that can remain suspended in a stable position without any physical contact or mechanical support.

phys.org

Thin films and particles

Laser-patterned thin films that swell into kirigami-like structures offer new opportunities in hydrogel technology

New options for making finely structured soft, flexible and expandable materials called hydrogels have been developed by researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT).

phys.org

Microprinting millions of microparticles in the blink of an eye through multi-photon 3D laser printing

Multi-photon 3D laser printing has revolutionized miniature fabrication, but limitations in speed and material compatibility have held it back. Now, researchers have taken a giant leap forward, achieving a tenfold increase in print speed while maintaining exquisite detail.

phys.org

Body armor

Researchers are developing body armor made from silk—but this apparently cutting-edge idea is centuries old

Separate teams of Chinese and American scientists are reported to be developing body armor using the silk from genetically modified silkworms. The researchers modified the genes of silkworms to make them produce spider silk instead of their own silk.

phys.org

E-Glove

Waterproof 'e-glove' could help scuba divers communicate

When scuba divers need to say "I'm okay" or "Shark!" to their dive partners, they use hand signals to communicate visually. But sometimes these movements are difficult to see.

techxplore.com

laser induced magnetism

Quantum behavior at room temperature: When laser light makes materials magnetic

The potential of quantum technology is huge but is today largely limited to the extremely cold environments of laboratories. Now, researchers from Stockholm University, the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Ca' Foscari University of Venice have succeeded in demonstrating for the...

phys.org

Plastics not that bad?

Replacing plastics with alternatives is worse for greenhouse gas emissions in most cases, study finds

Substituting plastics with alternative materials is likely to result in increased GHG emissions, according to research from the University of Sheffield.

phys.org

Antenna tech and more

Metasurface antenna could enable future 6G communications networks

A team led by researchers from the University of Glasgow has developed an innovative wireless communications antenna that combines the unique properties of metamaterials with sophisticated signal processing to deliver a new peak of performance.

techxplore.com

Scientists develop composite accelerometer for extreme environments

The demand for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resilient to harsh environments is growing. Silicon-based MEMS struggle under extreme conditions, limited by their performance at elevated temperatures. Silicon carbide (SiC) stands out as a promising solution, offering unmatched thermal...

phys.org

Fractal molecule

Discovery of the first fractal molecule in nature

An international team of researchers led by groups from the Max Planck Institute in Marburg and the Philipps University in Marburg has stumbled upon the first regular molecular fractal in nature. They discovered a microbial enzyme—citrate synthase from a cyanobacterium—that spontaneously...

phys.org

Physicists discover a novel quantum state in an elemental solid

Physicists have observed a novel quantum effect termed "hybrid topology" in a crystalline material. This finding opens up a new range of possibilities for the development of efficient materials and technologies for next-generation quantum science and engineering.

phys.org

Curving light

Could new technique for 'curving' light be the secret to improved wireless communication?

While cellular networks and Wi-Fi systems are more advanced than ever, they are also quickly reaching their bandwidth limits. Scientists know that in the near future they'll need to transition to much higher communication frequencies than what current systems rely on, but before that can happen...

techxplore.com

Propagating dimensions of light: Deforming versatile non-diffractive beams along the optical trajectory

The diffraction of light is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature where waves spread out as they propagate. This spreading of light beams during propagation limits the efficient transmission of energy and information. Therefore, scientists have endeavored to suppress diffraction effects to better...

phys.org

Team reports on ultrafast laser state active controlling based on anisotropic quasi-1D material

Tunable ultrafast lasers with adjustable parameters, such as wavelength, intensity, pulse width and laser states are desirable as next-generation intelligent light sources. Due to complex nonlinear effects within the ultrafast system, it is challenging for laser state active controlling (LSAC)...

phys.org

Electro-optic 3D snapshot of a laser wakefield accelerated kilo-ampere electron bunch

Invented by T. Tajima and J. Dawson, laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) harnesses the power of high-intensity laser pulses to drive plasma waves with acceleration gradients orders of magnitude higher than conventional RF-based accelerators.

phys.org

New particle

Evidence of a new subatomic particle observed

The BESIII collaboration have reported the observation of an anomalous line shape around ppbar mass threshold in the J/ψ→γ3(π+π-) decay, which indicates the existence of a ppbar bound state. The paper was published online in Physical Review Letters.

phys.org

Research team exerts electrical control over polaritons, hybridized light-matter particles, at room temperature

A research team has pioneered an innovative technique in ultra-high-resolution spectroscopy. Their breakthrough marks the world's first instance of electrically controlling polaritons—hybridized light-matter particles—at room temperature. The research has been published in Physical Review Letters.

phys.org

Quantum crystal of frozen electrons—the Wigner crystal—is visualized for the first time

Electrons—the infinitesimally small particles that are known to zip around atoms—continue to amaze scientists despite the more than a century that scientists have studied them. Now, physicists at Princeton University have pushed the boundaries of our understanding of these minute particles by...

phys.org

New technique lets scientists create resistance-free electron channels

An international research team led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has taken the first atomic-resolution images and demonstrated electrical control of a chiral interface state—an exotic quantum phenomenon that could help researchers advance quantum computing and...

phys.org

Quantum entanglement in quasiparticles: A stealth mode against disorder

Physicists at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) have made a discovery that could boost the understanding of the role of entanglement in high-temperature copper oxide superconductors. The low-energy quasiparticles of these enigmatic quantum materials, so-called Zhang-Rice singlets...

phys.org

The science of static shock jolted into the 21st century

Shuffling across the carpet to zap a friend may be the oldest trick in the book, but on a deep level that prank still mystifies scientists, even after thousands of years of study.

phys.org

Team is first ever to measure qubits with ultrasensitive thermal detectors, evading Heisenberg uncertainty principle

Chasing ever-higher qubit counts in near-term quantum computers constantly demands new feats of engineering.

phys.org

Radiation detector

With inspiration from Tetris, researchers develop a better radiation detector

The spread of radioactive isotopes from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan in 2011 and the ongoing threat of a possible release of radiation from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex in the Ukrainian war zone have underscored the need for effective and reliable ways of detecting and...

techxplore.com

FASER measures high-energy neutrino interaction strength

Operating at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) since 2022, the FASER experiment is designed to search for extremely weakly interacting particles. Such particles are predicted by many theories beyond the Standard Model that are attempting to solve outstanding problems in physics such as the...

phys.org

Ice

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-unraveling-behavior-nanoconfined-ice-extreme.html

"Moon-lander" of the very small

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-molecular-moon-lander-insight-motion.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-molecular-device-potential-drug-delivery.html

Tech news

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-efficiency-boost-dual-pulses-minimize.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-defect-2d-semiconductor-crystals-oxygen.html

Materials research news

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-device-electricity-remote.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-chemistry-capture-carbon.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-nanoscale-movies-barrier-energy-future.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-strategy-applicability-reactions.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-machine-characterization-material-surfaces.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-scientists-paths-optimize-electrochemical.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-electrical-pulses-thermal-resistance-devices.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-mechanism-electrical-nel-vector-antiferromagnet.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-hydrogel-microplastics.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-shampoo-sudsier-longer.html

Nothing is everything: How hidden emptiness can define the usefulness of filtration materials

Voids, or empty spaces, exist within matter at all scales, from the astronomical to the microscopic. In a new study, researchers used high-powered microscopy and mathematical theory to unveil nanoscale voids in three dimensions. This advancement is poised to improve the performance of many...

phys.org

Liquid-metal transfer from anode to cathode without short circuiting

University of Wollongong researchers achieved a significant milestone in novel soft-matter transport by demonstrating the transfer of liquid metal from an anode to a cathode without creating a short circuit, defying conventional expectations.

phys.org

New method achieves 4D imaging of fluids in pores

A method based on CT (computed tomography)—a type of imaging that is widely used in hospitals—can help improve our understanding of CO2 storage, batteries, and processes in the body such as nutrient uptake.

phys.org

Physicists track how continuous changes in dimensionality affect collective properties of a superfluid

An international research team from Innsbruck and Geneva has, for the first time, probed the dimensional crossover for ultracold quantum matter. In the regime between one and two dimensions, the quantum particles perceive their world as being 1D or 2D depending on the length scale on which they...

phys.org

Computing how quantum states overlap

Quantum many-body systems are things such as atomic nuclei that consist of many tiny particles moving in complex ways. This makes it extremely difficult to predict how the systems behave as the particles interact. To study these systems, researchers use computational tools called quantum Monte...

phys.org

The spontaneous emergence of 1D superconducting stripes at a 2D interface in an oxide heterostructure

Unconventional superconducting states are states of superconductivity rooted in physical processes that do not conform with the conventional theory of superconductivity, namely Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer (BCS) theory. These states are characterized by close interactions between magnetism and...

phys.org

Building block for magnetoelectric spin-orbit logic opens new avenue for low-power beyond-CMOS technologies

In an article published in Nature Communications, an international team led by researchers from the Nanodevices group at CIC nanoGUNE succeeded in voltage-based magnetization switching and reading of magnetoelectric spin-orbit nanodevices. This study constitutes a proof of principle of these...

phys.org

New quantum material promises up to 190% quantum efficiency in solar cells

Researchers from Lehigh University have developed a material that demonstrates the potential for drastically increasing the efficiency of solar panels.

techxplore.com

On-surface synthesis of carbyne: An sp-hybridized linear carbon allotrope

In a study led by Prof. Wei Xu (Interdisciplinary Materials Research Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University) and published in the journal National Science Review, a research team achieved the successful synthesis of a one-dimensional carbon chain on the Au(111)...

phys.org

Bias distribution and regulation in photoelectrochemical overall water-splitting cells

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) overall water-splitting reaction (OWS) has been fully developed in the past decade, especially in new catalysts, characterization methods and reaction mechanisms. Compared with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is deemed the...

phys.org

Using CO₂ and biomass, researchers find path to more environmentally friendly recyclable plastics

Modern life relies on plastic. This lightweight, adaptable product is a cornerstone of packaging, medical equipment, the aerospace and automotive industries and more. But plastic waste remains a problem as it degrades in landfills and pollutes oceans.

phys.org

A microbial plastic factory for high-quality green plastic

Engineered bacteria can produce a plastic modifier that makes renewably sourced plastic more processable, more fracture-resistant and highly biodegradable even in seawater. The Kobe University development provides a platform for the industrial-scale, tunable production of a material that holds...

phys.org

New spectrometer helps identify alternative catalyst materials for affordable hydrogen fuel cells

Fuel cells are quickly becoming a viable, clean energy alternative to commonly used fossil fuels, such as gasoline, coal, and oil. Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

phys.org

Scientists unveil ruthenium catalyst for new reaction discovery and optimization

Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed a new catalyst which has been shown to have a wide variety of uses and the potential to streamline optimization processes in industry and support new scientific discoveries.

phys.org

Self-embedding silver nanoparticles: Researchers find the 'silver lining' in cotton gin waste

Cotton gin waste, also known as cotton gin trash, is a byproduct of the cotton ginning process and occurs when the cotton fibers are separated from the seed boll. For cotton gin waste, the treasure is its hidden potential to transform silver ions into silver nanoparticles and create a new hybrid...

phys.org

A compact metasurface array-based system for single-shot spectroscopic ellipsometry measurement

Spectroscopic ellipsometry is widely adopted in semiconductor processing, such as in the manufacturing of integrated circuits, flat display panels, and solar cells. However, a conventional spectroscopic ellipsometer, as shown in Fig.1a, typically modulates the polarization state via mechanical...

phys.org

Making cement is very damaging for the climate. One solution is opening in California

It's a major contributor to climate change—the way buildings and roads are made with concrete. It's also a problem that's growing as more of the world develops. So the race has been on to find solutions for a material that's responsible for roughly 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

techxplore.com

Urban planning should consider building height, shape and arrangement to protect pedestrians during rain and wind

A city's skyline—the distinctive shapes and arrangements of its buildings—impacts the safety of its population during floods. When the streets flood, pedestrians can be swept under the current and injured or killed. With climate change and rising urbanization, the likelihood and severity of...

phys.org

Beer

Researchers develop method to extract useful proteins from beer-brewing leftovers

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have created a method that extracts more than 80% of the available protein in grain leftovers from brewing beer, commonly known as brewers' spent grain.

phys.org

 

[Michel Van]

They manage to create single-atom layer gold
by using very old technique used by Japanese blacksmith
This could be important as coating or in Computer technology

Synthesis of goldene comprising single-atom layer gold - Nature Synthesis

Atomically thin gold nanosheets are predicted to have interesting properties but their synthesis is challenging. Here the exfoliation of two-dimensional single-atom-thick gold, termed goldene, is achieved through wet-chemically etching Ti3C2 from Ti3AuC2. The synthesized goldene has promising...

www.nature.com

 

[publiusr]

The glow of gold

Comprehensive model unravels quantum-mechanical effects behind photoluminescence in thin gold films

EPFL researchers have developed the first comprehensive model of the quantum-mechanical effects behind photoluminescence in thin gold films; a discovery that could drive the development of solar fuels and batteries.

phys.org

Tough materials

'Nano stitches' enable lighter and tougher composite materials

To save on fuel and reduce aircraft emissions, engineers are looking to build lighter, stronger airplanes out of advanced composites. These engineered materials are made from high-performance fibers that are embedded in polymer sheets. The sheets can be stacked and pressed into one multilayered...

phys.org

New research could enable more—and more efficient—synthesis of metastable materials

Ion exchange is a powerful technique for converting one material to another when synthesizing new products. In this process, scientists know what reactants lead to what products, but how the process works—the exact pathway of how one material can be converted to another—has remained elusive.

phys.org

Chemists invent a more efficient way to extract lithium from mining sites, oil fields, used batteries

Chemists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have invented a more efficient way to extract lithium from waste liquids leached from mining sites, oil fields, and used batteries. They demonstrated that a common mineral can adsorb at least five times more lithium than can be...

phys.org

Magnetic Field control

Electrical control of magnetism by electric field and current-induced torques

In a review article published in Reviews of Modern Physics, Fèlix Casanova from the Nanodevices group at CIC nanoGUNE, Prof. Albert Fert, Nobel Prize in Physics, and his colleagues review the state of the art of electrical control of magnetism and give scientific and technological future...

phys.org

The Rule of Four

Materials follow the 'Rule of Four,' but scientists don't know why yet

Scientists are normally happy to find regularities and correlations in their data—but only if they can explain them. Otherwise, they worry that those patterns might just be revealing some flaw in the data itself, so-called experimental artifacts.

phys.org

Reversal of atoms--Surprisingly, the atoms didn't simply stop at the wall, but suddenly turned around. The screw was thus moving backwards, although it kept being turned clockwise.Then the researchers switched on a repulsive interaction between the atoms and watched what happened. Again, they were in for a surprise: The atoms now turned around at an invisible barrier even before reaching the laser wall:

Research reveals a surprising topological reversal in quantum systems

In principle, one shouldn't compare apples to oranges. However, in topology, which is a branch of mathematics, one must do just that. Apples and oranges, it turns out, are said to be topologically the same since they both lack a hole—in contrast to doughnuts or coffee cups, for instance, which...

phys.org

Water droplets

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

Microscopic chasms forming a sea of conical jagged peaks stipple the surface of a material called black silicon. While it's commonly found in solar cell tech, black silicon also moonlights as a tool for studying the physics of how water droplets behave.

phys.org

Researchers realize hydrogen formation by contact electrification of water microdroplets and its regulation

Direct utilization of water as a source of hydrogen atoms and molecules is fundamental to the evolution of the ecosystem and industry. However, liquid water is an unfavorable electron donor for forming these hydrogen species due to its redox inertness.

phys.org

Membranes

Greater access to clean water, thanks to a better membrane

Water scarcity around the world is a bigger problem than ever, and desalination is critical to solving it. The best available technologies for separating salt from seawater, though, are costly and require a great deal of maintenance.

techxplore.com

New insight about the working principles of bipolar membranes could guide future fuel cell design

Bipolar membranes are a class of ion-conductive polymers comprised of two oppositely charged layers, known as the cation-exchange and anion-exchange layer. These membranes are central to the functioning of various technologies, including electrolyzers and hydrogen fuel cells.

techxplore.com

Researchers create nanomembrane to increase reaction rate in chemical production

Flow-through reactors packed with enzymes can produce certain chemicals in a gentle and careful way. However, their performance has so far been limited. A research team from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and RWTH Aachen University has now been able to increase the yield a thousandfold.

phys.org

Two-dimensional nanomaterial sets expansion record

It is a common hack to stretch a balloon out to make it easier to inflate. When the balloon stretches, the width crosswise shrinks to the size of a string. Noah Stocek, a Ph.D. student collaborating with Western physicist Giovanni Fanchini, has developed a new nanomaterial that demonstrates the...

phys.org

Atom-by-atom: Imaging structural transformations in 2D materials

Silicon-based electronics are approaching their physical limitations and new materials are needed to keep up with current technological demands. Two-dimensional (2D) materials have a rich array of properties, including superconductivity and magnetism, and are promising candidates for use in...

phys.org

Thermal properties of new 2D materials for microchips can now be measured well

Making ever smaller and more powerful chips requires new ultrathin materials: 2D materials that are only 1 atom thick, or even just a couple of atoms. Think about graphene or ultra-thin silicon membrane for instance.

phys.org

Optics

Highly efficient and stable near-infrared phosphor for night vision and bio-imaging

Near-infrared (NIR) light source, characterized by non-destructive and rapid detection, has a wide range of applications in diverse fields including food testing, safety, sensing, agricultural production and biomedicine. The availability of a compact, highly efficient and low-cost NIR phosphor...

phys.org

Advance in light-based computing shows capabilities for future smart cameras

Researchers developing the next generation of computing technology aim to bring some light to the field—literally. Optical computing, which relies on particles of light called photons, is expected to provide alternatives to traditional electronic approaches. Such systems—or light-based...

techxplore.com

Research team resolves decades-long problem in microscopy

When viewing biological samples with a microscope, the light beam is disturbed if the lens of the objective is in a different medium than the sample. For example, when looking at a watery sample with a lens surrounded by air, the light rays bend more sharply in the air around the lens than in...

phys.org

Improved mid-infrared nanoscopy enables 30 times clearer view of the insides of bacteria

A team at the University of Tokyo have constructed an improved mid-infrared microscope, enabling them to see the structures inside living bacteria at the nanometer scale. Mid-infrared microscopy is typically limited by its low resolution, especially when compared to other microscopy techniques...

phys.org

Scientists develop novel aggregation-induced emission carbon dots for bioimaging

Carbon dots (CDs) are an intriguing class of nanomaterials that have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. These carbon-based materials possess excellent fluorescence properties, making them highly appealing for a wide range of applications.

phys.org

Attosecond imaging made possible by short and powerful laser pulses

Extremely short pulses of laser light with a peak power of 6 terawatts (6 trillion watts)—roughly equivalent to the power produced by 6,000 nuclear power plants—have been realized by two RIKEN physicists. This achievement will help further develop attosecond lasers, for which three researchers...

phys.org

New understanding of energy losses in emerging light source

The light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) can be fabricated in a sustainable and cost-effective way on both rigid and flexible surfaces making it suitable for a broad range of applications, like illumination, health care, and signage. Despite its potential, this technology faces a...

techxplore.com

Researchers develop stretchable quantum dot display

A team of South Korean scientists led by Professor KIM Dae-Hyeong of the Center for Nanoparticle Research within the Institute for Basic Science has pioneered a novel approach to stretchable displays. The team announced the first development of intrinsically stretchable quantum dot...

techxplore.com

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-plastic-versatile-sensors-electronic-displays.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-quantum-properties-2d-materials-tailored.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-method-phosphorescent-multi-carbon-dots.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-plastic-high-tunnels-filter-sunlight.html

https://techxplore.com/news/2024-04-team-universal-programmable-multifunctional-photonic.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-universal-path-current-solids.html

Accelerators

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-smoother-surfaces.html

Electro-optic 3D snapshot of a laser wakefield accelerated kilo-ampere electron bunch

Invented by T. Tajima and J. Dawson, laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) harnesses the power of high-intensity laser pulses to drive plasma waves with acceleration gradients orders of magnitude higher than conventional RF-based accelerators.

phys.org

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-effective-ray-free-electron-lasers.html

Chemistry and tech

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-catalyst-energy-friendly-ammonia-production.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-discovery-catalyst-cheaper-fuel-cells.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-chemists-copper-catalyzed-strategy.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-chemists-stabilize-ethylene-silver-purification.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-discovery-materials-ion-exchange-method.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-scientists-organo-phosphatic-shells-brachiopods.html

https://phys.org/news/2024-04-vibrations-granular-materials-theoretical-physicists.html

From defects to order: Spontaneously emerging crystal arrangements in perovskite halides

Perovskites are among the most extensively studied materials in modern materials science. Their often unique and exotic properties, which stem from perovskite's peculiar crystal structure, could find revolutionary applications in various cutting-edge fields. One intriguing way of realizing such...

phys.org

Sustainable synthesis method reveals N-hydroxy modifications for pharmaceuticals

Recently published research results enable preparative access to novel substances that carry a modification of a structural motif frequently found in pharmaceuticals.

phys.org

Beyond equilibrium: Scientists investigate Floquet Fermi liquids

Researchers from Germany and Singapore have studied a non-equilibrium state of Fermi liquids called the Floquet Fermi liquid (FFL), which is formed when Fermi liquids are subjected to a periodic driving force and kept in contact with a fermionic bath.

phys.org

Researchers create new AI pipeline for identifying molecular interactions

Understanding how proteins interact with each other is crucial for developing new treatments and understanding diseases. Thanks to computational advances, a team of researchers led by Assistant Professor of Chemistry Alberto Perez have developed an algorithm to identify these molecular interactions.

phys.org

Spintronics: A new path to room temperature swirling spin textures

In some materials, spins form complex magnetic structures within the nanometer and micrometer scale in which the magnetization direction twists and curls along specific directions. Examples of such structures are magnetic bubbles, skyrmions, and magnetic vortices.

phys.org

A magnetic nanographene butterfly poised to advance quantum technologies

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a new design concept for creating next-generation carbon-based quantum materials, in the form of a tiny magnetic nanographene with a unique butterfly-shape hosting highly correlated spins. This new design has the...

phys.org

A balanced quantum Hall resistor provides a new measurement method

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a method that can improve the performance of quantum resistance standards. It's based on a quantum phenomenon called Quantum Anomalous Hall effect.

phys.org

Ultra-resilient flexible sensors break new ground in pressure detection

In recent advancements, flexible pressure sensors have been developed to mimic human skin's sensitivity, significantly benefiting fields like interactive technologies, health monitoring, and robotics. These innovations leverage a variety of microstructural strategies, including pyramidal, dome...

phys.org

Physical field technologies to improve extraction and quality of extracted juices

Consumers are increasingly health-conscious and seek products with minimal additives and preservatives. The modern consumer understands the link between consuming bioactive compounds from fruits and vegetables and the associated health benefits. Hence, there has been a steady rise in demand for...

phys.org

World-first microscopic stiffness probe could advance early cancer diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created an endoscopic device that can 3D image the stiffness of individual biological cells and complex organisms, a discovery that could help doctors discover and treat cancer earlier.

medicalxpress.com

A new spin on materials analysis: Benefits of probing electron spin states at much higher resolution and efficiency

Electron spin states can now be probed at much higher resolution and more efficiently, opening new opportunities in materials analysis and data processing technologies.

phys.org

Gigahertz-rate switchable wavefront shaping by LNOI-empowered metasurface

Over the past decade, metasurfaces deploying two-dimensional artificial nanostructures have emerged as a groundbreaking platform to manipulate light across various degrees of freedom. These metasurfaces exhibit significant potential in foundational scientific research and industrial applications.

phys.org

First curved data link side-steps key 6G wireless challenge

Next-generation wireless signals will no longer emanate indiscriminately from a base station as is the case now but will likely take the form of targeted directional beams. However, any physical interference—an object or a person passing nearby, for example—could interrupt the signal, posing a...

phys.org