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How to obtain atomically thin two-dimensional metal nanosheets

Atomically thin 2D metals exhibit unique properties, making them suitable for applications in electronics, electrochemistry, and catalysis. Five synthesis methods, including confinement techniques and van der Waals squeezing, are explored to fabricate 2D metals with distinct properties.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateSep 25, 2025

Metal–support interaction induced electron localization in rationally designed metal sites anchored MXene enables boosted electromagnetic wave attenuation

Researchers have introduced a novel electron localization strategy to create Ni-MXene composites with enhanced polarization, leading to boosted electromagnetic wave attenuation. The composites achieve an ultra-wide effective absorption bandwidth of 6.8 GHz and set a new benchmark for MXene-based EMW absorbers.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2025

Mixing metals, maximizing performance: recent advances on additive manufacturing of heterogeneous/gradient metallic materials

Researchers are making progress in overcoming technical hurdles to create layered structures, continuous gradients, and fully three-dimensional architectures with programmable material variation. Optimized laser parameters and build sequences can enhance strength, control heat flow, and improve energy absorption.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 2, 2025

3D-printed bone scaffolds unlock superelasticity and tunable performance

Researchers developed novel artificial bone scaffolds with high deformation recovery capabilities, exceeding those of natural bone and conventional metallic scaffolds. These scaffolds allow for flexible adjustments of properties like strength and modulus to meet specific implantation site requirements.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 2, 2025

Toxic metals linked to impaired growth in infants in Guatemala

A new study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found a potential link between growth problems among infants and high levels of toxic metals and other elements in the breast milk of Mayan women in Guatemala's Lake Atitlán watershed region. High concentrations of arsenic, barium, beryllium, and lead were associated with impaire...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2025

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

Urinary metal exposure linked to increased risk of heart failure, landmark study finds

A new multi-cohort study found that exposure to certain metals detected in urine is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study analyzed over 10,000 adults across diverse geographic and racial backgrounds and observed consistent associations between elevated urinary metal levels and increased HF risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 23, 2025

New study highlights health risks of ultrasonic cigarettes

A new study by UC Riverside researchers reveals that ultrasonic cigarettes may pose significant health risks due to the presence of harmful metals in their liquids and aerosols. The study found elevated levels of metals like arsenic and selenium in u-cigarette products, which can lead to lung diseases, organ damage, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Study shows how EV manufacturers can reduce reliance on virgin rare earth minerals

A recent study shows that electric vehicle manufacturers can reduce their material demands by nearly 15% by adopting a circular manufacturing system decision-making model. This approach enables product design that facilitates eventual remanufacture and reuse, or recycling, resulting in production cost savings of 18.6% and overall carbo...

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Production Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2025

The buried treasure in your old smartphone

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a new method to recover rare earth elements from old electronics, such as tablets and phones, using solid-phase extraction technology. This method aims to reduce energy use, cut down on solvents, and streamline the process, making it more environmentally friendly and commercially viable.

Control the world's toughest creatures

Scientists successfully fabricated micron-scale metal patterns on living tardigrades, enabling controlled movement through magnetic fields. This breakthrough opens doors for micro/nanofabrication of living organisms and bio-inorganic hybrid systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

Unlocking the potential of 4.7 V solid-state 18650 cylindrical lithium metal batteries: A leap forward in long cycle-life and safety

Researchers develop a gel polymer electrolyte with a localized high-concentration solvation structure, enabling solid-state batteries to operate at 4.7 V with high energy density and cycling stability. The new electrolyte also exhibits exceptional safety characteristics, including no electrolyte leakage or combustion.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

A new take on the abilities of hydrogen binding energy for use in single atom catalysts

A new study emphasizes the importance of pushing metal site design limits to optimize hydrogen evolution reaction in single atom catalysts. Researchers found that hydrogen binding energy calculation can serve as a good predictor of activity, and neighboring nitrogen atoms can host catalytic activity to negate poisoning effects.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 17, 2025

New material gives copper superalloy-like strength

Researchers developed a Cu-Ta-Li alloy with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, combining copper's conductivity with nickel-based superalloy-like properties. The alloy's nanostructure prevents grain growth, improving high-temperature performance and durability under extreme conditions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Improving density functional theory one flaw at time

The study identifies a new area where a correction for the self-interaction error breaks down, allowing researchers to pinpoint flaws and develop solutions. By refining DFT, scientists can design better catalysts, leading to improvements in fields such as food production and technology.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 11, 2025

Single-cell elemental analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Scientists from Chiba University successfully analyzed human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells using a new sample introduction system, achieving accurate elemental composition measurements without damaging the cells. The study expands the potential of ICP-MS technology for mammalian cultured cell analysis.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

The material revolution: How USA’s commodity appetite evolved from 1900 to present

A study reveals that US commodity consumption patterns have undergone a significant transformation since the 1970s, with growth in demand for certain materials slowing down. This trend, known as relative dematerialization, is driven by technological and societal changes, such as the rise of recycling and shifting consumer behavior.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Pusan National University scientists designed a new model to predict metal wear for safer, lighter cars and planes

Researchers at Pusan National University developed a hybrid model to predict metal wear in magnesium alloys, enabling safer, lighter designs. The model combines machine learning and physics to improve fatigue life prediction, offering greater predictive reliability for enhanced safety and longevity.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Magnesium and Alloys·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2024

Skill and technique in Bronze Age spear combat

Researchers at University of Göttingen studied Bronze Age spear combat using multi-stage experiments to understand fighting styles and mark formation on spearheads. The study provides insights into wear formation, trauma, and combat contexts, benefiting future research and museum curation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024

Watch water form out of thin air

For the first time, researchers have witnessed nanosized water bubbles forming in real time using a novel method that enables atomic precision. The breakthrough discovery has significant implications for practical applications, such as rapid water generation in deep space environments without extreme conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2024

SNU researchers develop ‘Selective Metal Films Deposition Technique’ enabling fabrication of soft electronics with various form factors

The research team developed a printing-based selective metal thin film deposition technique, enabling the fabrication of high-performance soft electronic devices and circuits in various forms. The method utilizes polymer patterns to block metal vapor condensation, allowing for patterning on multi-curvature or elastic substrates.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024