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Aalto University


Researchers printed energy-producing photographs

The researchers successfully created dye-sensitized solar cells with inkjet-printed photovoltaic dyes, achieving efficiency and durability comparable to traditional methods. The printed solar cells endured over 1,000 hours of continuous light and heat stress without degradation.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 2016

New record in microwave detection

Researchers achieved a 14-fold increase in energy resolution of thermal photodetection, opening doors for ultrasensitive cameras and quantum computing applications. The detector works at extremely low temperatures, detecting single zeptojoule energy packets.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2016

New surface makes oil contamination remove itself

Researchers at Aalto University have developed surfaces that can move liquid droplets by surface tension forces, enabling self-removal of oil contamination. The technology works for various liquids, including water, wine, and ethanol, with potential industrial applications in devices such as inkjet printing.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2016

New scrolling technique accelerates skim reading

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new scrolling technique called Spotlights, which uses the spotlight metaphor of human visual attention. This technique significantly speeds up browsing of long texts by 60%, reduces time spent locating desired locations, and increases the probability of noticing points of interest.

Concert hall acoustics influence the emotional impact of music

Researchers at Aalto University found that acoustic concert halls play a significant role in the emotional impact of music. Identically selected performances of classical orchestra music evoked stronger emotional responses when presented in acoustics of Vienna Musikverein or Berlin Konzerthaus, shoebox-type concert halls.

SourceAalto University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMar 23, 2016

New invention revolutionizes heat transport

Researchers at Aalto University have made a groundbreaking discovery in heat transport, enabling efficient cooling of quantum processors and paving the way for faster and more reliable quantum computing. The innovation uses photons to transfer heat over long distances, surpassing previous limitations.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 1, 2016

Quantum knots are real!

Researchers have successfully created and observed knotted solitary waves, or knot solitons, in a quantum field. The discovery opens up new avenues of study for understanding the properties of quantum mechanics and its potential applications in fields such as cosmology and quantum computers.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 19, 2016

Bodily maps of touch and social relationships are tightly linked

A study by Aalto University and the University of Oxford reveals that bodily maps of touch are tightly linked to social relationships, with pleasure caused by touching influencing what areas can be touched. The results highlight the importance of non-verbal communication in maintaining social relationships.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2015

Unexpected link between choroid plexus and chronic pain

Researchers found a novel connection between the size of the choroid plexus and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), with nearly one-fifth larger choroid plexus in CRPS patients compared to healthy control subjects. The study suggests that the central nervous system plays an important role in the disease.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2015

Scientists reveal 'woodquakes'

Researchers applied established methods to study wood, finding a universal pattern of response similar to avalanches. The discovery could help predict failure and prevent damage in industries like furniture and construction.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2015

Putting a new spin on plasmonics

Researchers at Aalto University have discovered a new method to enhance the polarization of light in ferromagnetic materials. By patterning magnetic materials into arrays of nanoscale dots, they can create highly controllable modifications of light polarization when it reflects from the array. This breakthrough has the potential to adv...

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2015

Researchers observe new charge transport phenomenon

Researchers at Aalto University and German University of Marburg have discovered a new type of charge transport phenomenon that enables logical operations in microelectronics. The phenomenon involves the transfer of information between an electron hole pair without tunneling, opening up new possibilities for electronics and biology.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 2, 2015

New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new method to combine different types of nanowires into a single array, improving absorption efficiency. The dual-type nanowire arrays show better light coupling and reduced reflection, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells and LEDs.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2015

Researchers prefer citing researchers of good reputation

A study by Aalto University researchers found that a scientist's good reputation among colleagues increases the likelihood of citing their publications. The quality, not quantity, of publications builds authors' reputations, leading to a 'reputation boost'. This reinforces a research strategy beneficial for science and scientists alike.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2014

Plug n' play protein crystals

Scientists from Aalto University create ordered structures by mixing oppositely charged proteins and virus particles, enabling modular functionalization with various ligands. The method opens possibilities for biomedical and materials science research.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2014

People fake to look authentic on social media

Researchers at Aalto University found that users fake parts of their online image to be accepted by others. Despite this, sharing authentic content is often hindered by a fear of being perceived as excessive or attention-seeking. This paradox highlights the complexities of presenting an authentic image on social network sites.

SourceAalto University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateAug 14, 2014

Diet change -- A solution to reduce water use?

Researchers at Aalto University found that shifting to vegetarian diets can reduce green water use by up to 21% and blue water use by up to 14%. This could secure food supply for an additional 1.8 billion people without increasing water resources.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 4, 2014

Neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are made on an emotional basis

A neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are influenced by emotions and previous experiences, leading to increased risk-taking behavior after losses. The study used operational magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain activity during risk-taking choices, revealing a link between emotional reactions and risk acceptance.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateApr 10, 2014

Movies synchronize brains

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to observe immediate changes in brain function during movie viewing. The study found similar brain signals in individuals watching the same movie, suggesting that the contents of the film affected certain brain functions in a similar manner.

SourceAalto University·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 7, 2014