Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to recycle rare-earth magnets, simplifying the process and increasing efficiency. The technique uses standard laboratory equipment and can separate neodymium and dysprosium from used electronics in just minutes.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have successfully printed and dried three-dimensional objects made entirely from cellulose for the first time, competing with fossil-based plastics and metals. The breakthrough uses a 3D bioprinter to create electrically conductive materials with carbon nanotubes.
Invasive earthworms in New England's forests are bioaccumulating high levels of toxic metals, including lead and mercury, which may harm birds, amphibians, and mammals that feed on them. The Dartmouth-led study found similar situations in forests across the northeastern United States.
A study published in Nature found that galaxies are being strangled to death due to a lack of raw materials needed to form new stars. The team analyzed metal levels in over 26,000 galaxies and found that dead galaxies have higher metal content than alive ones.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a new method to separate rare earth metals europium and yttrium using UV light. This process recovers over 95% of the europium from a liquid mixture, making it an efficient alternative to traditional methods.
New research from the University of Cincinnati found residues of chromium, arsenic, and cadmium in simulated hookah/steam stones smoking scenarios, raising concerns about the safety of these alternatives to cigarette smoking. The study suggests that most toxic metals came from charcoal used to heat the apparatus.
Research on River Deba sediment pollution reveals the impact of anthropogenic inputs and flooding events on metal distribution. The study found a clear increase in organic matter and metals between the headwater and mouth of the river, with highly polluted sediments reflecting upstream pollution.
Researchers developed real-time sensors that can detect trace amounts of heavy metals and bacteria in private well water. The technology has been licensed to six companies, including three Wisconsin-based firms, for use in water equipment and treatment processes.
The USGS has released a new map that portrays the diverse pieces of Earth's crust comprising the nation's geologic basement. The map provides a framework for examining mineral resources and other geological aspects by considering the age and origin of the basement rocks.
Scientists Russell Hemley and Ivan Naumov found that certain metals transition from being metallic to insulating under pressure, and vice versa. They identified the physics framework underlying these transformations, which involves specific electron configurations and asymmetry.
A team of scientists created a microscope that can examine a full working battery in action, revealing how recharging leads to microscopic debris and cracks. The study aims to design cheaper and more powerful rechargeable batteries using metals like magnesium or aluminum.
A Yale study assesses the criticality of all 62 metals, identifying those at risk due to supply shortages and environmental concerns. The researchers found that some metals used in emerging technologies like smartphones and medical imaging may become difficult to obtain.
Scientists are finding valuable metals in sewage, including gold, silver, and rare elements like palladium and vanadium. The discovery could reduce the need for mining and decrease environmental pollution by recovering these metals from treated solid waste.
Researchers study directional solidification in transparent alloys to understand microstructure formations, which affect material properties. They found cells and dendrites exhibit surprising behaviors, like oscillations, that can impact material performance.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have determined the physical process dominating heat flow between metals and diamond, challenging previous theories. By applying extreme pressure to metal films on diamond, researchers found that phonons can 'feed' a higher frequency diamond phonon, regardless of metal stiffness.
A University of Adelaide research team has discovered that cadmium causes toxicity by disrupting the transport of essential metals like manganese and zinc into and out of cells. The study also sheds light on how disease-causing bacteria scavenge metals during infection, paving the way for new strategies to prevent cadmium poisoning.
Scientists have developed a two-step recovery process to recycle rare-earth metals from old electronics, making it easier and more cost-effective. The new process uses liquid metal extraction and vacuum distillation to recover valuable rare earths like neodymium and dysprosium.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that shisha pipes remove only a minimal amount of heavy metals from tobacco smoke. The study analyzed four popular brands of shisha tobacco and found that the levels of heavy metals in smoke were significantly higher than in water, with uranium being the most abundant metal present.
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a technique for mapping deformation in metals that can recover destroyed serial numbers. The method uses electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to read imprints on steel, revealing crystal damage and improving forensic analysis.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that treated carbon-60 molecules can remove metals from water and other liquids, with the ability to reserve them for future use. The process also shows promise for separating specific metals from complex fluids, potentially addressing contaminated water issues.
A new study by the University of Rochester finds that e-cigarettes emit toxic substances harmful to lung cells, including heavy metals and nanoparticles. Flavored e-juices like cinnamon also cause more stress on lung tissue.
A team of Caltech chemists has discovered a method to produce silicon-containing organic chemicals without using expensive precious metal catalysts. Potassium tert-butoxide, a cheap and abundant chemical, is more effective at running challenging chemical reactions than state-of-the-art precious metals.
Scientists from Carnegie Institution have made a groundbreaking discovery that resolves the long-standing debate on how metals become less conductive when heated. Their work reveals that the missing piece of the traditional theory explaining this phenomenon was needed to complete the puzzle for generating Earth's magnetic field.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a method to create extremely water-repellent metals using lasers, which can lead to efficient solar absorbers and self-cleaning surfaces. The technique creates multifunctional surfaces with both super-hydrophobic and highly-absorbent optical properties.
Researchers from the University of Rochester created extraordinary new surfaces that efficiently absorb light, repel water, and clean themselves using femtosecond laser pulses. The multifunctional materials have potential applications in durable, low-maintenance solar collectors and sensors.
A new study by the University of Waterloo has found that heavy metal emissions from Alberta's oil sands have not increased contaminant levels in the Athabasca River, despite concerns from local communities. The research developed a novel approach to determine pre-industrial baseline levels of metals in river sediment.
Researchers have found iron-based catalysts for diazo compound transformations, offering a sustainable alternative to precious metals. These iron complexes exhibit unique advantages in specific reactions, including cyclopropanation and enantioselectivity.
Researchers found lower concentrations of lead and other heavy metals in moss samples from the oil sands area, contrary to current scientific knowledge. The study, published in Environmental Science and Technology, suggests that other factors may be affecting lead pollution levels.
Scientists successfully predicted the thermal expansion of metastable liquid metals by analyzing atomic structures with just one thousand atoms. This breakthrough reveals a connection between microscopic information and macroscopic material properties.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed new single-atom gold catalysts that demonstrate comparable activity and stability as traditional precious metal nanoparticles. These catalysts show promise for producing high-grade hydrogen for cleaner energy use in fuel-cell powered devices.
Nanoporous metals with superior qualities have numerous applications due to their high surface area for electron transfer and increased sites for analyte adsorption. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a cost-effective method to manufacture nanoporous metals over various scales, from nanoscale to macroscale.
Scientists are developing low-cost air-cleaning devices to replace expensive metals like platinum and palladium. Recent studies have shown promising results in improving indoor air quality, potentially alleviating symptoms of 'sick-building syndrome'
The Pitt team is creating novel alloys and manufacturing processes for implantable medical devices made from dissolving metals. These devices can adapt to changes in a patient's body and dissolve once healing has occurred, reducing complications and medical expenses.
A new study reveals that probiotic yogurt can reduce the uptake of mercury and arsenic in pregnant women by up to 78%, while also showing positive but not statistically effective results in children. The probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, binds to heavy metals and prevents their absorption.
Researchers found a significant protective effect of probiotics against mercury and arsenic in pregnant women, while children showed benefits but lacked statistical significance. The study suggests basic foodstuffs like yogurt could provide preventative protection for pregnant women worldwide.
Research at Uppsala University finds that plasmids with genes for resistance can be enriched by very low levels of antibiotics and heavy metals, suggesting environmental contamination contributes to the problem. This highlights the need to reduce antibiotic use and minimize exposure to heavy metals.
Researchers develop a new liquid-phase 3D printing technique that allows for the rapid manufacturing of conductive metal objects with a low melting point alloy ink. The process prevents oxidation and offers advantages over conventional methods, including high speed and flexibility in controlling temperature and flow fields.
Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed a method for controlling the surface tension of liquid metals by applying very low voltages. This allows researchers to manipulate the shape of antennas, complete or break circuits, and explore various applications in microfluidic channels, MEMS, photonic and optical devices.
A study by Solange Cadore and colleagues found that dark chocolates in Brazil contained high levels of lead and cadmium. The researchers tested 30 commercial samples and found that the highest amounts of these metals were present in dark chocolate products, posing a health risk to children who consume them.
Researchers found a 10-fold decrease in harmful particles in second-hand e-cigarette smoke, but increased levels of certain toxic metals like nickel and chromium. This study provides insight for regulatory authorities and highlights the need for better manufacturing standards for e-cigarettes.
Materials scientist Scott X. Mao successfully creates metallic glasses from pure metals by applying ultrafast cooling rates, solving a long-standing issue in the field. The process involves a novel technique that enables transformation of liquefied elemental metals into glass.
The construction of the Upamayo Dam in Peru's central Andes led to the discharge of Río San Juan waters into Lake Junín, causing widespread contamination with heavy metals. Climate change and mining activities have exacerbated this environmental disaster, highlighting the need for sustainable hydroelectric practices.
The deep sea provides essential services to humans, including nutrient-rich fish stocks, waste management, and reserves of oil, gas, precious metals, and rare minerals. Its unique ecosystems also host life forms with potential for new antibiotics and anti-cancer chemicals.
A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for wear in metals, which could lead to improved durability of metal parts. The findings show that tiny bumps and surface defects can form through a swirling, fluid-like behavior in solid metals, leading to cracks and wear particles.
Researchers found that fracking flowback fluid can mobilize tiny particles in soil, releasing associated pollutants like heavy metals. This phenomenon can exacerbate environmental risks during accidental spills.
Scientists found that fracking fluids can dislodge tiny particles in soil, attracting heavy metals and other chemicals that could harm people and animals. The study's findings suggest that flowback fluids from fracking operations could contaminate groundwater with a third of the colloids present.
Physicists at Rice University have discovered a new class of materials that exhibit quantum criticality, a phenomenon closely related to high-temperature superconductivity. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of heavy fermion metals, which could lead to a broader understanding of quantum criticality.
Rensselaer researchers predict the electrical response of metals to extreme pressures, which could benefit computer chip design. The study found that specific pressure decreases electrical resistance in different materials.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have detected a fundamental particle of light-matter interaction in metals, known as an exciton. The discovery provides a microscopic quantum mechanical description of how light excites electrons in metals.
A team of chemists at UC Riverside proposes a new model explaining the promoting effect in photocatalysis, suggesting that excited electrons promote hydrogen reduction on the semiconductor surface rather than transferring to metals. This radical approach could lead to the development of more economical and efficient photocatalysts.
A team from UT Dallas' REVT Laboratory has developed a double-stator switched reluctance machine (DSSRM) that eliminates the need for rare earth metals in electric motors. This technology produces significantly greater power and torque while reducing weight and manufacturing costs, with potential applications in various industries.
Scientists have discovered a new plant species that can absorb high amounts of nickel, accumulating up to 18,000 ppm without being poisoned. This rare phenomenon has great potential for developing green technologies such as phytoremediation and phytomining.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a dual-catalyst technique using sunlight to control the 'handedness' of product molecules, overcoming UV's limitations. This breakthrough enables easier synthesis of complex chemicals with well-defined chirality.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a way to classify and predict the existence of rare polar metals, which are electrically conductive and have an asymmetric distribution of electrons. This discovery could lead to new materials with unique properties, such as superconductivity.
A UIC chemistry professor has been awarded a prestigious international sustainability grant to lead the US effort in developing novel catalytic methods. The project aims to replace rare metals with inexpensive and abundant metals, reducing environmental pollution and resource depletion.
University of Utah engineers create microscopic structures that use light in metals to carry information, controlling electrical conductivity with an inexpensive inkjet printer. The technique could lead to rapid fabrication of superfast components and faster wireless technology.
A study by Polytechnique Montréal found that metallic toys and low-cost jewelry contain toxic metals like cadmium, lead, copper, nickel, arsenic, and antimony. These metals can be mobilized into the digestive fluids when ingested, posing a risk to children's health.
The WPI Metal Processing Institute will contribute its expertise in lightweight metal casting and heat treatment to a new $148 million national manufacturing initiative. The initiative aims to create over 10,000 new metals manufacturing jobs and spur innovative research and development in lightweight metals processing.
Numerical simulations charting the universe's forces in its first hundreds of millions of years reveal subtle effects governing galaxy evolution, including incomplete mixing and chaotic supernova ejections. The findings shed light on metal formation and distribution in the earliest galaxies.
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland developed a new method to remove uranium and other heavy metals from water using a solid material that collects metal ions directly from the solution. The CH Collector method is efficient, selective, and can recover even small amounts of metal without adjustments to the solution's pH.