A new Science article assesses the technological progress of colloidal quantum dots, which have become industrial-grade materials for a range of technologies. Advances include first demonstration of colloidal quantum dot lasing, discovery of carrier multiplication and pioneering research into LEDs and luminescent solar concentrators.
Researchers have discovered that the electrolyte penetrates silicon everywhere, forming pockets of SEI that disrupt electron pathways. A coating approach is proposed to preserve the integrity of silicon in the presence of electrolyte, potentially revolutionizing high-capacity lithium-ion batteries.
A team of scientists proposes a way to control all properties of photonic qubits using modulated quantum metasurfaces. This technology could enable secure communication, sensing and imaging, as well as harnessing energy from photons.
Researchers isolated emergent magnetic monopoles, a class of quasiparticles, by exploiting collective dynamics of qubits on a D-Wave quantum annealer. This breakthrough demonstrates the control and study of monopoles, which have been hypothesized but elusive until now.
A research team from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Purdue University developed bio-inks for biosensors that can localize critical regions in tissues and organs during surgery. The new biosensors allow for simultaneous recording and imaging, which could be useful during heart surgery to guide surgical interventions.
For the first time, scientists have created a 3D map of the heliosphere boundary using data from NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) satellite. The boundary marks the edge of the solar system and protects Earth from interstellar radiation.
A new theorem limits the use of quantum machine learning to learn processes like black holes, highlighting its fundamental limits. However, most physical processes are structured enough that they don't resemble random ones, making the impact less severe.
A collaborative research project published in Nature offers the most complete sea-level rise projections created to date, with Antarctica remaining a wild card. Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial temperatures could cut projected 21st century sea-level rise from land ice in half.
Analysis of data from a lightning mapper and radiation detector revealed neutrons generated from soil by large cosmic-ray showers, matching simulations that included both hadrons and gamma rays. This discovery suggests natural phenomena producing ground-pointed gamma-rays could produce similar neutron burst signatures.
Researchers have discovered an exotic new state of matter in the Kondo insulator ytterbium dodecaboride, which exhibits properties of both metals and insulators. The study used a newly developed 75-tesla duplex magnet to suppress insulating properties and measure quantum oscillations.
A new AI tool analyzes COVID-19 conspiracy theories on Twitter, revealing how they evolve over time and incorporating details from unrelated theories. The study aims to help public health officials counter misinformation with factual campaigns.
Large-scale simulations reveal the dominant G form variant of SARS-CoV-2 is more infectious due to its ability to readily bind to its target host receptor. The variant's symmetry in interactions with receptors also makes it more vulnerable to antibody neutralization.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have created a new technique to measure ultrafast extreme ultraviolet laser pulses. By utilizing photoionization as an optical shutter, they can encode the electric field of the pulse in a visible light signal, allowing for its measurement with a standard camera.
Climate change will drive droughts, heat waves, floods, and low river flows in the Colorado River basin. The study found an average temperature rise of 5.5 degrees Celsius and a significant increase in concurrent extreme hydroclimate events.
Researchers have developed a novel instrument to measure the effects of water on wildfire smoke absorption, which could enhance light absorption by up to 20%. The findings were tested in laboratory experiments and will be deployed next year as part of a DOE campaign to better understand fire impacts.
A new research study has demonstrated that a magnetic uranium compound can have strong thermoelectric properties, generating up to four times the transverse voltage from heat as previous records. This discovery unlocks a new potential for the actinide elements and points to a fresh direction in research on topological quantum materials.
Researchers have developed a new class of versatile, high-performance quantum dots that emit single photons in the near-infrared range at room temperature. These breakthroughs open up practical applications in quantum communication, medical imaging, and diagnostics.
Researchers have established theorems that guarantee whether a given machine learning algorithm will work as it scales up on larger computers. This breakthrough solves a key problem of useability for quantum machine learning and takes an important step toward achieving quantum advantage.
A new fabrication method for stable perovskite solar cells has been developed, enabling easy production, low cost and high performance. The sulfolane-additive process extends the processing window, forming highly crystalline layers over a large area with extended operational lifetimes.
The HAWC Gamma Ray Observatory has discovered the origin of the highest-energy cosmic rays in the galaxy, which are traced to the Cygnus OB2 star-forming region. This breakthrough resolves a long-standing question in astrophysics and sheds light on the mechanisms that accelerate these particles to petaelectronVolt energies.
A novel algorithm, Epigraph, has been used to create a broadly reactive influenza vaccine for swine flu and may also be applicable to developing a pan-coronavirus vaccine. The immune responses to the vaccine showed promising breadth against diverse viral variants.
A new study shows that the Beaufort Sea freshwater release could impact the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, leading to significant changes in northern-hemisphere climate. The freshwater content has increased by 40% over the last two decades, with potential consequences for global climate patterns.
A new machine learning approach simulates atom dynamics in materials like aluminum, enhancing computational materials discovery. The automated method uses active learning to iteratively build a diverse training dataset, emulating highly accurate quantum simulations at reduced computational cost.
Researchers discovered a new effect in qubits that may resolve the matter/antimatter discrepancy and improve quantum annealers' performance. The effect occurs when qubits pass through a phase transition, demonstrating that asymmetry is physically possible.
A new study published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire found that forests with diverse tree sizes and small clearings slow down wildland fire growth. The research used a 3D analysis to examine how forest structure affects fire behavior and revealed that varying tree sizes and shapes can significantly impact fire spread.
A new study using multi-messenger astronomy has estimated the radius of a typical neutron star to be around 11.75 kilometers and provided a novel calculation of the Hubble constant, which indicates the rate of universe expansion. The researchers' analysis combined gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic emissions from neutron st...
A new 'combustion synthesis' process has been established for producing safe and sustainable nuclear fuels. Actinide nitride fuels offer improved thermal conductivity and energy density compared to uranium dioxide, potentially revolutionizing the nuclear power industry.
Researchers have created fundamental electronic building blocks out of quantum dots and assembled functional logic circuits. This innovation promises a manufacturing-friendly approach to complex electronic devices that can be fabricated in a chemistry laboratory via simple techniques.
A new algorithm called Variational Fast Forwarding (VFF) can simulate quantum systems for longer periods than current quantum computers can handle. This allows scientists to tackle complex problems that were previously unsolvable due to decoherence, which degrades quantum coherence.
A new AI system has been developed to detect cryptocurrency miners hijacking supercomputers for illicit mining. The system compares programs based on graphs, identifying malicious codes and preventing computing power theft.
A machine learning model has uncovered distinct statistical features marking the formative stage of slow-slip ruptures, allowing geophysicists to understand the timing of devastating faster quakes. The research suggests that slow-slip rupture may be predictable, providing an easier way to study fundamental physics.
A team of scientists used positron beams to study radiation damage in iron films, revealing new insights into defect formation. The research provides critical data on the nature of defects and improves understanding of radiation effects in materials used in nuclear reactors and other extreme environments.
Using a quantum computer, researchers simulated time travel into the past, damaging one qubit. However, when all qubits returned to the present, they appeared largely unaltered, suggesting self-healing in reality. The study challenges traditional views of chaos and disorder in complex systems.
A new atomtronic device is being developed to test the boundary between the quantum and classical worlds. The device uses neutral atoms instead of charged electrons to create a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), which can detect mechanical rotation with high sensitivity.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed 3D printed fractal cubes with closely spaced voids that dissipate shockwaves five times better than solid cubes. The innovative design could lead to new types of lightweight armor and structural materials effective against explosions and impacts.
A specific change in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus virus genome, D614G, makes a small but effective change in the virus's 'Spike' protein, increasing its infectivity in cell culture. The variant has become the prevalent form globally, with tracking data showing its emergence in every geographic level.
Artificial neural networks became unstable after continuous unsupervised learning, but exposure to Gaussian noise mimics slow-wave sleep stabilized them. This finding has implications for the development of biologically realistic AI systems.
Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new technique that separates industrial noise from natural seismic signals using cloud computing. The approach allows for large-scale seismic analysis ten times faster than traditional methods and has the potential to transform the field of seismology.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed high-efficiency quantum-dot solar cells without toxic elements like lead or cadmium. These devices exhibit remarkable defect tolerance, making them promising for practical utility.
New research reveals how El Niño affects soil moisture content, controlling plant growth and food supply. The study identifies areas with severe decreases in soil moisture, such as the Amazon basin and maritime Southeast Asia, which may lead to large-scale plant die-offs.
The perovskite-based detector is 100 times more sensitive than conventional silicon-based detectors, enabling low-dose dental and medical images with reduced risks. The new technology also enhances resolution in security scanners and X-ray research applications.
Researchers confirm Lorentz Invariance holds true at record-breaking high-energy gamma rays, extending the range where relativity's constant speed of light is valid. The High Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory detected gamma rays from distant galactic sources, providing powerful proof of Einstein's theory.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a flat-panel reflector that can control microwave communications and beam steering electronically. This innovation promises to replace traditional 3-D antennas with compact, versatile, and adaptive designs for various applications.
A new machine-learning computer model accurately predicts damaging radiation storms caused by the Van Allen belts two days prior to the storm. The PreMevE 2.0 model improves forecasts by incorporating upstream solar wind speeds and can be applied to predict more energetic electrons.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new product that converts biomass-derived acetone into a cyclobutane, a high-energy-density fuel additive. This process reduces the need for hydrogen treatment and generates carbon dioxide, offering environmental benefits and improving US energy security.
Researchers successfully demonstrated a quantum dot LED that operates as an optically pumped laser, clearing the path towards versatile colloidal quantum dot laser diodes. These devices have the potential to revolutionize fields like photonics, optoelectronics, and medical diagnostics.
Researchers have identified nine galactic sources of super-high-energy gamma rays with energies over 56 trillion electron volts, three of which emit gamma rays extending to 100 TeV and beyond. These discoveries help explain where high-energy particles originate and how they are accelerated.
Under future climate change, droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe, with a tripling of globally-averaged reductions in plant production by the end of this century. This could have devastating impacts on plant populations and the global carbon cycle.
Researchers found nearly three-fourths of foreshocks preceded mainshocks by days to weeks, significantly higher than previously understood. Advanced signal processing techniques and computing capabilities enabled the detection of small foreshocks with magnitudes less than 1.
Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have developed a new quantum computing algorithm to investigate the quantum-to-classical transition in systems like biological proteins. The algorithm allows for the search for classicality in quantum systems, providing insights into how quantum mechanics applies to large-scale objects.