Scientists propose that molten metal percolates downward through tiny channels in rocks to form a planet's core. This 'trickle-down' theory contradicts earlier experiments suggesting most metals stay trapped in isolated pores.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that applying low voltage to gallium indium can induce the formation of unique fractal patterns. The discovery has significant implications for controlling liquid metals, as it allows for reversible and effective manipulation of surface tension.
Researchers demonstrated that nanotwins in metal's atomic lattice stabilize defects associated with repetitive strain, limiting accumulation of fatigue-related damage. This work shows a promising approach to creating more fatigue-resistant metals.
Researchers have discovered that a specific microbe can oxidize and metabolize metals from synthetic Martian regolith simulants, leaving behind unique signatures. This finding could enable the extraction of metals from asteroids and other celestial bodies using biological methods.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a new metal-free photocatalyst that absorbs a wider range of sunlight than before, producing visible and near-infrared light-driven hydrogen from water. This breakthrough could lead to cheap and clean hydrogen fuel, tackling the challenges of the hydrogen economy.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found potential technology-based solutions to replace 13 out of 14 scarce metals with carbon nanomaterials. Carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene, have similar properties to metals and can be used in various applications, including electronics and plastics.
Researchers have theoretically proved the existence of a novel class of materials for use in spin-valley-tronics. The discovery could lead to advancements in implantable devices and systems, leveraging the properties of dielectric materials with two valleys.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a cheaper production method to create single-crystal metals, known for their shape memory properties. This breakthrough could lead to mass-produced materials with improved elasticity and strength, ideal for building structures that can withstand earthquakes.
North Carolina State University engineers have developed a hands-free method for filling complex microchannels with liquid metal using vacuum, eliminating the need for outlets and reducing defects. This approach enables broader use of liquid metals in electronic and microfluidic applications.
A BYU research team has developed a machine learning approach to analyze grain boundaries in metals, enabling the prediction of material strength and corrosion resistance. By analyzing massive data sets, their algorithm provides insight into physical structures associated with specific mechanisms and properties.
A new inorganic adhesive method was developed to overcome the challenges of using organic adhesive in cryogenic adsorption pumps. The method involves combining membranes of metals with good compatibility, creating a strong adhesive force. The new pump achieved seven times larger pumping speed compared to previous models.
Researchers at Rice University have created a novel filter that can remove toxic heavy metals from contaminated water, using a combination of carbon nanotubes and quartz fibers. The filters are reusable and can be washed with vinegar, making them an effective solution for treating water in remote regions.
Developed by Swansea University and Rice University, the filter removes toxic heavy metals from water using carbon nanotubes immobilized in quartz fiber. The filters can be reused after washing with vinegar and are capable of treating large amounts of contaminated water.
The researchers created a three-layer structure of nickel, graphene, and a compound of iron, manganese, and phosphorus that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The material is scalable, stable in acidic and basic solutions, and requires less energy than traditional catalysts.
Researchers at Tohoku University have created a new synthesis route for alternative catalysts of noble metals, overcoming stability issues with organic-based and carbonaceous materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective eco-friendly technologies, including fuel cell vehicles and CO2 reduction.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers created efficient catalysts based on inexpensive and abundant manganese to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and formamide, widely used in industry. The new catalyst can perform over 6,000 turnovers and is stable in air, opening possibilities for other CO2 conversions.
Researchers at Osaka University have created a novel metal alloy by adding two metals to generate a unique cross-lamellar microstructure, significantly improving its mechanical performance. The new alloy shows excellent high-temperature strength and could lead to efficiency gains in gas turbines and jet engines.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new approach to metal catalysis that selectively converts biomass into high-value chemical products under mild conditions. The method uses high-valent transition metals, which offers better control over reactivity and reduces side reactions.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computational method to predict metal reactions with water, enabling faster and more accurate predictions of corrosion. The method combines two techniques and can be applied to various applications, including bridge design and aircraft engine development.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing new steel alloys for additive manufacturing with a focus on high-strength low-alloy steels suitable for naval construction and repair. The project aims to improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance using integrated computational materials design.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a simple yet effective hybrid filter that can remove heavy metals, radioactive waste, bacteria, and other toxic substances from polluted water. The membrane is made of denatured whey proteins and activated charcoal and has been patented in 90 countries.
A team of scientists discovered a previously undetected health risk from volcanic plumes, finding that certain fine particles can penetrate deep into lungs, exacerbating asthma attacks. The study recommends considering both young and mature plumes when forecasting air pollution and dispersion.
A new method for refining metals uses organic molecules and mechanical force to remove toxins, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional techniques. The process has been successfully tested on several metals, including germanium, zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt.
A new, cheap catalyst has been invented to split water into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity. The catalyst, made of abundant non-precious metals like nickel and copper, is highly conductive and efficient, making it a promising solution for reducing the cost of producing clean hydrogen fuel.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to produce plastics precursors using environmentally friendly catalysts and hydrogen peroxide. This approach can reduce the use of olefin molecules derived from fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that biochar application successfully reduced soil acidity and made heavy metals less bioavailable, converting them into less toxic forms. This locally sourced biochar can be used to prevent metal accumulation in soils near abandoned mines, potentially reviving degraded ecosystems.
Researchers create a new type of alloy with a hexagonal close-packed structure using common metals and high pressure. The resulting material exhibits unique properties, including higher strength-to-weight ratio, better heat resistance, and improved durability.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a vanadium catalyst that enhances the hydrogenation process, previously dominated by expensive precious metals. The breakthrough involves synthesizing vanadium in a unique configuration, demonstrating its catalytic activity.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new type of nanocatalyst that can significantly reduce the need for platinum in fuel cells. The nanoalloy allows for mass production, making it suitable for large-scale commercial breakthroughs and potentially replacing fossil fuels.
A study suggests that exposure to trace metals from potatoes grown in soil irrigated with waters from the Potosi mining region in Bolivia may pose a potential health risk. The study found high hazard quotients for arsenic and cadmium, indicating a significant risk of non-cancer health illnesses, particularly among children.
Researchers from the National University of Singapore have discovered novel properties of strontium niobate, a material that displays both metallic type conduction and photocatalytic activity. The material exhibits an intrinsic plasmonic absorption, allowing it to absorb visible photons, which is exceptional among metals.
Researchers found that hot electrons can create a photovoltage about a thousand times larger than what is seen if there is no gap. The discovery shows the potential for nanoscale photodetectors to convert light into electricity and sensors or other sophisticated electronics.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that women are more likely to experience hypersensitivity to metals used in joint replacements, leading to increased pain and complications. Women accounted for 60% of patients with unexplained pain after joint replacement, with higher average pain scores than men.
Researchers have developed a spectroscopic method using second harmonic generation to detect internal damage in metals. The technique uses green laser light to identify changes in metal properties, potentially distinguishing between intact and damaged parts.
Researchers developed a model to predict the limits of friction behavior in metals based on materials properties. The discovery has significant implications for industries such as wind turbines and electric vehicles, enabling engineers to design and optimize materials for better performance.
Researchers have discovered that topaz granites are extremely enriched in lithium and have a high concentration of metals such as tin and tungsten. The study's findings may impact where to look for these metals across the region, particularly in Cornwall and Devon.
The common periwinkle has evolved a unique strategy for detoxifying heavy metals, featuring a three-domain metallothionein with increased binding capacity. This adaptation enables the snail to thrive in polluted environments.
Researchers have developed an adsorbent material from orange and grapefruit peels that can effectively remove heavy metals and organic compounds from wastewater. The new material has great potential as a sustainable alternative for industrial water treatment processes.
A global research team warns of severe mineral supply constraints due to lack of international coordination on exploration investment efforts and geological data sharing. The shortage could lead to rising prices and critical shortages of essential resources, including technology minerals and base metals.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that not all metals in sediments directly affect human health, but only a fraction can be incorporated into the body. The researchers simulated metal release in the gastrointestinal tract and found that urban waste water contributes to bioaccessible metals.
Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and Delft University of Technology created a technology for obtaining gradient microstructures in metals, combining properties of two metals for high performance characteristics.
Professor Erik Bitzek aims to investigate the interactions between cracks and material defects to improve understanding of breaking processes in metals, intermetallic compounds, and semiconductors. He seeks realistic results through micromechanical models and fracture tests to develop novel, fail-safe materials.
Researchers found that brake dust particles can form a toxic aerosol when mixed with acidic sulfate in the air. The interaction can cause oxidative stress and increase the risk of adverse health effects. While electric cars may reduce tailpipe emissions, brake dust will remain a persistent source of pollution.
Researchers are discovering new, eco-friendly catalysts in unexpected places, such as earthworm powder and plants that absorb high levels of metals from soil and water. This shift could reduce traditional animal and plant sources, decrease mining waste, and create more sustainable production methods for medicines, fuels, and electronics.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technique using liquid metals to create ultra-thin electronic chips, paving the way for the next generation of electronics. The process enables the production of large wafers just 1.5 nanometres in depth, increasing processing power and reducing costs.
A University of Central Florida professor is collaborating with NASA to study the extraction of metals from Martian soil using molten regolith electrolysis. This process could produce oxygen and molten metals vital for future human space exploration.
A study published in Epidemiology found that people on a gluten-free diet had higher concentrations of arsenic and mercury in their urine and blood compared to those who did not eat gluten-free. The study's findings suggest that a gluten-free diet may pose health risks due to increased exposure to toxic metals.
Researchers from GEOMAR suggest that subsea mining in coastal areas could be a promising alternative to deep-sea mining. The continental shelf, which has primarily been explored for oil and gas deposits, holds many mineral resources, including gold, nickel, and lead-zinc deposits.
Researchers have developed a hydrometallurgical method to recycle lithium batteries, recovering cobalt and lithium with reasonable efficiency. The process involves calcination, acid treatment, and leaching, resulting in useful extraction rates for the metals.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found high levels of toxic metals in five leading e-cigarette brands, including cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, and nickel. The liquid in these e-cigarettes contains the aerosol that is inhaled by users, posing a health risk when inhaled.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed an efficient iron-catalysed C-C bond-forming spirocyclization cascade, providing access to new 3D heterocyclic frameworks. This breakthrough could lead to huge economic gains in pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals.
Researchers propose a new class of topological metals with unique electronic properties, including relativistic behavior and perfect compensation. This classification could help scientists find other materials with similar properties.
Researchers at DGIST have developed a technology to coat metals with several nanometers of semiconducting materials, enabling various color changes through thin-film interference. This breakthrough allows for the production of colors such as yellow, orange, blue, and purple on demand.
A new electrochemical technique can remove nickel from contaminated seawater by trapping it in calcareous deposits within a week. This cost-effective method uses galvanized steel electrodes and does not deplete calcium and magnesium levels in the water.
A new species of octopod, the 'Casper', has been found at record-breaking ocean depths, and its eggs are laid on sponges attached to seafloor nodules rich in valuable metals. The removal of these nodules may put the lifecycle of these octopods at risk due to their association with manganese crusts.
The new method minimizes waste generation and energy consumption, allowing for the recycling of rare-earth metals at a higher rate. By pairing specific ions, the researchers can filter out individual metal cations, enabling their separation and recovery.
Tiny, glowing crystals can selectively capture heavy-metal toxins like lead and mercury from water sources, making them a promising tool for cleaning up contaminated drinking water. The LMOFs' open framework allows them to take in large amounts of contaminants, and they can be reused multiple times.
The German-Polish research project NOMECOR aims to reclaim metals from tailings and make mineral components usable for cement production. Scientists will use microorganisms to remove copper and other valuable metals, as well as investigate the chemical methods for this process.
Researchers found that Arabidopsis halleri rockcress can accumulate high levels of toxic heavy metals like zinc and cadmium in its leaves. This adaptation may help clean soils contaminated with these pollutants through phytoremediation.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring alternative materials to recycle metals used in radioisotope production. They found that adding sulfides to tungsten, osmium, and molybdenum can recover up to 93% of the metals while producing needed radioisotopes, potentially cutting healthcare costs.