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Tunable liquid metal antennas

North Carolina State University researchers develop tunable liquid metal antenna controlled by voltage, allowing for dynamic changes in operating frequency and radiation pattern. This innovation enables miniaturization and adaptation to correct near-field loading problems, making it highly desirable for mobile devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 19, 2015

Mining pollution alters fish genetics in southwest England

New research reveals that mining pollution has led to a significant reduction in the genetic diversity of brown trout populations in southwest England. The study found that these fish have adapted to live in water with high levels of metal contaminants, but this adaptation comes at the cost of reduced genetic variation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateMay 12, 2015

Future electronics based on carbon nanotubes

A team of researchers has found a way to strip out metallic carbon nanotubes from arrays using a simple, scalable procedure, leaving behind semiconducting nanotubes suitable for electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to the development of smaller, faster, and cheaper electronic devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 7, 2015

Race of the electrons

Scientists have successfully tracked the motion of electrons in metals using laser pulses, achieving attosecond precision. The results demonstrate that electrons travel through metals ballistically, with their arrival times dependent on layer thickness. This breakthrough has significant implications for the miniaturization of electroni...

Stanford team achieves 'holy grail' of battery design: A stable lithium anode

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a protective layer of interconnected carbon nanospheres to protect the unstable lithium from drawbacks, enabling the design of a pure lithium anode. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient and longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with improved capacity and reduced safety risks.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 27, 2014

Improving tumor radiation therapy: When basic ions break DNA down

Scientists have discovered new fragmentation pathways that occur universally when DNA strands are exposed to metal ions, leading to the creation of charged intermediates. This finding could contribute to optimizing cancerous tumour therapy by improving understanding of how radiation interacts with complex DNA structures.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 16, 2014

New perspectives to the design of molecular cages

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä report a new method for building molecular cages that exploits intermolecular steric effects to control self-assembly. This allows for the creation of cages with vacant metal binding sites, enabling modifications to their properties.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 26, 2014

Tiny soft medicine factories

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed tiny, degradable 'medicine factories' inside the body that can produce specific medicines in response to specific enzymes. The technology, funded by a €2 million ERC grant, has the potential to revolutionize pain relief and cancer treatment.

Whither the teakettle whistle

A team of engineers has accurately modeled the whistling mechanism in a classic stovetop kettle, identifying two-mechanism process of whistle production and potential solutions to noisy plumbing issues. The study's findings reveal that swirling vortices create the siren sound, which could help eliminate annoying noises.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 15, 2013

Process devised for ultrathin carbon membranes

Physicists from Bielefeld University have developed a new process to produce ultrathin carbon membranes, which can filter out fine materials and separate gases. The method allows for the creation of customized nanomembranes with specific properties, such as thickness, transparency, and elasticity.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 22, 2013

Key factors for wireless power transfer

A team of researchers discovered that resonance frequency matching, alignment of the magnetic field, and impedance matching are crucial for efficient wireless power transfer. This technology could enable dynamic charging of electric vehicles on highways, increasing their driving ranges indefinitely.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 31, 2013

How does hydrogen metallize?

New calculations predict hydrogen takes on a series of structures under high pressure, forming transparent metal layers that make detection difficult. The findings suggest the line between metal and non-metal in hydrogen is blurrier than previously thought, requiring advanced experimental techniques to detect.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Device may lead to quicker, more efficient diagnostics

Researchers developed a new thin film technology that allows for simultaneous analysis of multiple substances, leading to faster and more efficient diagnostics. The device can detect changes in chemical composition using optical fingerprints, offering improved accuracy and reliability compared to existing state-of-the-art technology.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2013