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Improving how we design materials

Advanced computer simulations reveal shear deformations and internal mechanical stresses play a crucial role in grain growth and evolution. This discovery helps explain why real polycrystals behave differently than predicted and offers insights into designing stronger materials.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025

A building material that lives and stores carbon

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a living material that can absorb CO2 from the air through photosynthesis and store it in a stable mineral form. The material, made with cyanobacteria, can be shaped using 3D printing and requires sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2025

Better images for humans and computers

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel solution for image sensors, utilizing lead halide perovskite to capture every photon of light. This allows for improved color recognition and higher resolution, as well as advantages in hyperspectral imaging.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

Researchers capture nanoparticle movements to forge new materials

Researchers have developed a technique to observe phonon dynamics in nanoparticle self-assemblies, enabling the creation of reconfigurable metamaterials with desired mechanical properties. This advance has wide-ranging applications in fields such as robotics, mechanical engineering, and information technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2025

Predicting chemical storm fronts: Beckman researchers develop a modeling technique to enable predictive control over patterned material formation

The Beckman Institute team created a computational model that predicts how materials self-organize to give rise to new textures and properties. By understanding the chemical 'recipe' of polymer manufacturing, manufacturers can design and simulate materials with built-in patterns, enhancing toughness and reducing weight.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2025

Sustainable polymer modification with light for next-generation materials

A team from Institute of Science Tokyo has developed a postfunctionalization technique allowing for the incorporation of phosphonate esters under visible light conditions. This breakthrough paves the way for a broader range of polymer modifications, enabling the creation of novel polymer architectures with unique properties.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2025

Novel manufacturing technique for piezoelectric thin films

Empa researchers have developed a novel deposition process for piezoelectric thin films using HiPIMS, producing high-quality layers on insulating substrates at low temperatures. The technique overcomes the challenge of argon inclusions by timing the voltage application to accelerate desired ions.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Laser technique revolutionizes ultra-high temperature ceramic manufacturing for space, defense applications

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique using lasers to create ceramics that can withstand ultra-high temperatures. The technique allows for the creation of ceramic coatings, tiles, or complex three-dimensional structures, enabling increased versatility in engineering new devices and technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2025

‘Sharkitecture:’ A nanoscale look inside a blacktip shark’s skeleton

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the German Electron Synchrotron mapped the internal structure of blacktip sharks in unprecedented detail, discovering a microscopic 'sharkitecture' composed of densely packed collagen and bioapatite. This intricate structure gives cartilage surprising strength while allowing flexibility.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalACS Nano·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 20, 2025

Study finds that individual layers of synthetic materials can collaborate for greater impact

Engineers mimic natural shells' behavior by programming individual layers of synthetic material to collaborate under stress, expanding design space for nonlinear stress-strain responses. The new framework enables multistage responses that adapt to collision severity, improving wearable bandages and car bumpers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2025

Researchers discover a more eco-friendly approach to study light and matter interaction – could revolutionize development of emerging technologies

Researchers at the University of Turku developed a simple, eco-friendly approach to fabricate optical microcavities, allowing for precise study of polaritons and potential applications in ultra-efficient lasers and quantum optics. This innovation makes quantum and photonics research more accessible and energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 13, 2025

Researchers develop living material from fungi

Empa researchers have developed a bio-based, biodegradable material from fungal mycelium that avoids chemical processing. The material has versatile functional properties, including emulsification capabilities, and is suitable for various applications. Its biodegradability makes it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2025

Tiny device promises new tech with a human touch

Engineers at RMIT University have invented a neuromorphic device that detects hand movement, stores memories, and processes information like a human brain without an external computer. The device uses molybdenum disulfide to capture light and process visual information instantly, enabling real-time decisions.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2025

Dongguk University scientists uncover novel battery design for industrial energy storage

Researchers at Dongguk University have created a graphene coating that supercharges zinc-ion batteries for grid use, overcoming safety issues and enabling high-performance industrial energy storage. The new technology supports roll-to-roll manufacturing, bringing affordable energy storage closer to commercialization.

SourceDongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2025

SMART launches new research group WISDOM to pioneer technologies that will help machines “see” like humans

The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology has launched the Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM) research group, focusing on developing ultra-thin sensing devices for machines to perceive depth and spatial detail like human vision. This multi-million-dollar program aims to adv...

Physical cloaking works like a disappearing act for structural defects

Engineers at Princeton University and Georgia Institute of Technology have created a method to reinforce structures without creating new weaknesses. The approach uses microstructures designed to protect against multiple loads, allowing designers to counter various stresses simultaneously.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2025

Properties of the drip‑line nucleus and mass relation of mirror nuclei

Heavy nuclei at the neutron drip line exhibit weak binding due to coupling between nucleus-bound states and continuum spectrum. Researchers find that isospin asymmetry saturation affects Coulomb energy and symmetry energy, while deformation energy resists augmented proton charge. They also discover a correlation between magic numbers a...

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2025

Stronger and safer: New design strategy for aluminium combines strength with hydrogen embrittlement resistance

Researchers have developed a new alloy design strategy that combines exceptional strength with superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The approach enables dual nanoprecipitates to trap hydrogen and enhance strength, resulting in a 40% increase in strength and a five-fold improvement in hydrogen embrittlement resistance.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

UCLA breakthrough extends fuel cell lifespan beyond 200,000 hours, paving the way for clean long-haul trucking

Researchers at UCLA developed a novel catalyst design that shields platinum from degradation, enabling fuel cells to power heavy-duty trucks reliably for up to 200,000 hours. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cells a more viable clean energy source for long-haul trucking.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025