Researchers at ICTA-UAB found that 10% of metals enter the sea through underground discharges, while recirculation transports the rest. Groundwater and sediments are more contaminated by metals than surface marine waters.
Scientists have observed a phenomenon where chains of atoms move rapidly within the solid material of pure titanium, challenging current understanding of mass transport in metals. This discovery could lead to new insights into the properties and behavior of materials under different conditions.
Researchers have discovered that liquid metals, such as gallium, indium, bismuth, and tin, can be used to create catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into useful byproducts. By heating an alloy of these metals, they can melt at a lower temperature than individual metals, producing eutectic alloys with unique properties. These alloys can...
Researchers developed a new process to create atomic resolution chemical maps for high-entropy alloys, revealing patterns that could help design alloys with superior mechanical properties. The approach enabled the discovery of unconventional atomic structures and their potential impact on alloy behavior.
A study by University of California, Riverside researchers found high concentrations of metals such as lead, nickel, and chromium in e-cigarette aerosols. The team analyzed six popular e-cigarette tanks and their atomizers, revealing that the model with fewest metal parts had the fewest metals in its aerosol.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new cathode and electrolyte system using transition metal fluorides and solid polymer electrolytes, showing remarkable stability and potential for safer, lighter lithium-ion batteries. The new design has more than double the lithium capacity of traditional cobalt- or nickel-based cathodes.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a method to create highly active catalysts from precious metal nanoparticles, improving fuel cells' efficiency. The new catalysts can also be recycled from spent catalysts, reducing waste and increasing their lifespan.
Researchers at Georgia Tech develop stretchy plastic electrolytes that enable new lithium-ion battery designs with less reliance on scarce metals. The new cathode and electrolyte system shows remarkable stability even at high temperatures, promising safer, lighter, and cheaper batteries.
Researchers from NUST MISIS and international partners created a new material by quenching rhenium to ambient pressure. The material preserved its properties even under normal atmospheric pressure. Using theoretical modeling, they recreated the process in laboratory conditions.
Scientists have discovered a new catalyst material that speeds up hydrogen production using topological surface states. The material, Co3Sn2S2, has been shown to outperform conventional nano-structured catalysts despite having much lower platinum content.
Researchers have developed a method to trace industrial metals in the environment using honey and salmon. By analyzing lead isotopes in honey and Pacific salmon, scientists can identify sources of pollutants like lead and cadmium. The technique has been proven effective in Metro Vancouver and is being applied to other cities.
Sunscreens release aluminum, silica, and phosphorous into seawater after UV treatment, potentially harming marine ecosystems. On a typical summer day at the beach, beachgoers could increase coastal waters' aluminum levels by 4% and titanium by almost 20%
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a way to make patterned films of silver and copper without using toxic chemicals or expensive methods. The new method uses an extremely thin printed layer of organofluorine to prevent metal deposition, making it more sustainable and potentially cheaper.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new mechanism for bending metals that challenges previous understanding. By creating narrow bands with an amorphous configuration, they found that certain materials can bend without fracturing, potentially leading to stronger and more durable military vehicles.
Scientists found that certain materials can bend without dislocations, allowing for stronger and more durable materials. This discovery challenges traditional methods of increasing metal strength and flexibility.
Researchers used state-of-the-art technology to investigate collective behavior of electrons in titanium and zirconium, uncovering interplay between light absorption and electronic screening. The study reveals new insights into coupled-electron dynamics, enabling ultrafast manipulation of phases of matter.
Researchers at ETH Zurich measured how electrons in transition metals redistribute within a fraction of an optical oscillation cycle. The study demonstrates the possibility of ultrafast control of material properties, which could inform the development of faster electronic components.
The study reveals that hot Jupiter WASP-121b is losing its hydrogen and helium atmosphere due to strong gravity, allowing heavier elements like magnesium and iron to escape. The observations provide insights into the planet's extreme environment and its potential for hosting life.
Researchers have developed amorphous/crystalline heterophase PdCu nanosheets with high chemoselectivity and catalytic activity. The phase transformation behavior of these nanosheets affects their properties, leading to improved catalysis in hydrogenation reactions.
A German university-led research project is investigating and testing biological methods for remediating soils contaminated with metal. The goal is to find the best combination of fungi and trees to convert heavy metals into biominerals or remove them from the soil.
Astronomers observe WASP-121b, a scorching hot exoplanet losing its atmosphere and emitting heavy metals like iron and magnesium. The planet's extreme conditions make it an ideal target for studying the physics of ultra-hot Jupiters.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have found that electricity-driven reactions in deep-sea hydrothermal environments can reduce metal sulfides to native metals, promoting the reduction of organic compounds and potentially facilitating prebiotic chemistry. This discovery has implications for understanding the universality and...
Researchers found that red algae stole approximately 1% of their genes from bacteria to adapt to toxic metals and salt stress in hot springs. The study suggests that this genetic adaptation could be used to develop novel genetic engineering methods to produce fuels and clean up polluted sites.
Researchers found that injecting tiny beryllium pellets into the plasma could trigger small eruptions called ELMs, stabilizing fusion reactions. This technique could potentially reduce the risk of large ELMs and damage to the ITER facility.
Research by an international team including the University of Saskatchewan has found toxic metals in European eels' ovaries, potentially jeopardizing their reproductive success. The metals, including mercury and copper, are concentrated in the eels' bodies during their journey to spawning grounds.
A research team at Stanford University has developed a new method to clean contaminated soils by rinsing them with a mixture of water and EDTA, a chemical that attracts heavy metals. The process involves percolating the mixture through the soil, collecting the toxic brew, and filtering it to capture the heavy metals.
A study published in Environment International found that exposure to airborne metal pollution is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The research used moss samples to estimate human exposure to metal particles and found that participants exposed to higher concentrations of anthropogenic metals had a higher risk of death.
A new method called plainification aims to enhance material properties by creating stable interfaces between grains at different scales, using fewer or no alloying elements. This approach could lower material costs, increase resource independence, and boost recyclability, paving the way for more sustainable materials development.
A pilot study found pregnant women living near fracking wells in northeastern British Columbia had higher concentrations of barium, aluminium, strontium and manganese in their hair and urine compared to the general population. The study suggests that exposure to these metals could be linked to health risks for mothers and children.
A Purdue University researcher has been awarded a Global Scholar Award to develop novel technologies for identifying toxic metal exposure, with the goal of reducing health problems associated with metal accumulation. The award will support her work at leading synchrotron facilities in Germany and South Korea.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully synthesized a manganese-hydrogenase by incorporating a manganese complex into an iron-hydrogenase. The resulting semi-synthetic enzyme is active for the native reaction of iron-hydrogenase, marking a significant breakthrough in metalloenzyme design.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered that metals can subtly affect the structure of C-peptide, a hormone involved in insulin production. The study found that certain metals, such as copper and chromium, prevent cells from taking up C-peptide, while others like zinc do not.
During their 6,000-km journey to spawn, European eels undergo dramatic silvering and skeleton breakdown, redistributing minerals for energy reserves. The study found significant bone loss in females, with toxic metals transferred to ovaries, raising concerns about conservation impacts.
MIT engineers have developed thin polymer films that conduct heat better than many metals, including steel and ceramic. The films, which are thinner than plastic wrap, exhibit high thermal conductivity due to the untangled molecular structure of polyethylene.
A new protein-based sensor can detect tiny amounts of lanthanides, a crucial component of smartphone screens and electronics. The sensor uses a shape change to bind to the metal, allowing for rapid and inexpensive detection at the location of sampling.
Researchers found elevated levels of heavy metals and signs of illness in green sea turtle populations affected by human activity. The study suggests a link between environmental toxins and poor health, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.
Researchers have developed a processing technique to create transparent polythene films stronger than aluminum, yet lighter in weight. These films possess high strength and resilience, approaching that of metals, while maintaining transparency.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of toxic heavy metals in blood samples from Great white sharks in South Africa. The study found no adverse effects on the sharks' immune system despite the presence of these toxins.
Researchers developed a catalyst that can remove pollutants at low temperatures, outperforming current technology and reducing platinum required. The breakthrough could have significant impact on exhaust emission control, directly addressing the 150-degree challenge.
Researchers created a magnetic liquid metal that can move and stretch both horizontally and vertically without being fully immersed in liquid. The material exhibits high conductivity, low melting point, and deformability, making it suitable for use in soft robotics and flexible electronics.
A research team has successfully computed millions of highly accurate atomic data for neodymium ions, enabling studies of the origin of precious metals like gold and platinum. The findings show that the light of a kilonova, emitted by neutron star mergers, contains abundant heavy elements.
A new process developed by Purdue University researchers makes it easier to cut and shape exotic metals, reducing the need for high-force machining. The method uses a designer surface-active agent to create a smoother end surface with fewer cracks and tears.
Researchers tested three types of food-grade diatomaceous earth used to filter beer and wine, finding that all contained arsenic and smaller amounts of lead and cadmium. Altering filtering conditions or washing the DE before use reduced arsenic transfer.
Researchers developed three techniques for laser colorization on metal, creating optical effects that change the color of the treated surface. The techniques can be used to produce colorful artwork on metals with high reproducibility and potential for mass production.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel catalyst using manganese dioxide (MnO2) that accelerates the oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, generating new raw materials for bio-based plastics. The team found that the crystal structure of MnO2 is crucial for catalytic activity.
A newly discovered protein from the bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens has been found to be 100 million times better at binding to lanthanides than to other metals. The protein's unique structure may explain its remarkable selectivity, which could provide insights into detecting and targeting rare-earth metals for industrial purposes.
Researchers from NUST MISIS have developed a new method for producing bulk MAX-phases, which exhibit the properties of both metals and ceramics. The proposed approach allows for quick synthesis in one stage, resulting in high-density materials suitable for high-temperature applications.
A team at Princeton University used laser light to trap atoms in an optical lattice and explored how resistance develops in unconventional metals. The results may help explain the behavior of copper oxide superconductors, which could lead to more efficient power transmission and new technologies.
A new study published in the journal Heart found that Latinos exposed to pesticides at work are twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease. The study, based on survey responses from 7,404 employed Latinos, also found increased risk of atrial fibrillation among those with occupational exposure to metals or pesticides.
Research reveals a strong association between workplace exposure to metals and pesticides and an increased risk of coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that cumulative exposure may be more harmful, particularly for Hispanic/Latino workers who may face language barriers and limited resources.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that recycling old mobile phones can recover valuable metals, such as gold and coltan, used in their construction. This reduces the incentive to mine gorilla habitats for these minerals, helping to save the species from extinction.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a CO2 reduction method based on commonly occurring elements, yielding 57% overall quantum yield. The system uses a copper complex and manganese-based catalyst, offering a cost-effective solution for carbon capture.
Researchers have created an iron molecule that can function as a photocatalyst to produce fuel and in solar cells to produce electricity. The iron molecule has properties largely as good as those of the best noble metals, making it a potential cheaper alternative for solar energy production.
Researchers have created a new method to efficiently extract rare-earth metals, including scandium, from aluminium industry waste. This innovation could reduce environmental hazards and conserve mining resources.
Researchers at Penn State will investigate a new approach for removing rare-earth fission products from molten salt baths using liquid metals. The goal is to increase the recovery efficiency of rare-earth elements and minimize nuclear waste.
Researchers have found an extremely hot magnetosphere around a white dwarf, a remnant of a star like our Sun. This discovery sheds light on the origin of highly ionised metals in some white dwarfs, which were previously a puzzle. The study reveals that the magnetic field traps material flowing from the surface, heating it up dramatically.
Researchers found that higher lead and mercury levels in the blood were associated with increased levels of bad cholesterol and total cholesterol. The study suggests a potential link between heavy metal exposure and cardiovascular disease.
A Kanazawa University-led team has created a method to extract rare earth elements from spent phosphors in fluorescent lamps using chelator chemistry and mechano-chemical energy. The process results in recoveries of 53% to 84% of the metals, offering a sustainable solution for technology
Varying nanotwin spacing produces dramatic improvements in metal strength and work hardening rates. Researchers created composites with different nanotwin boundary spacings, resulting in stronger materials than their constituent components.
New research reveals that Mycoplasma pathogens produce DNA building blocks using a metal-free process, which may enable them to survive and multiply despite a lack of metals. This unique strategy has been found in bacteria that infect mucosal surfaces in the respiratory and genital tracts.