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Quantum physicists crack mystery of 'strange metals,' a new state of matter

Researchers at the Flatiron Institute and Cornell University developed a robust theoretical model of strange metals, revealing their existence as a new state of matter. The model shows that strange metals exhibit properties linked to temperature and fundamental constants, with surprising connections to black holes and high-temperature ...

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

The geological record of mud deposits

Researchers analyzed cores from the Basque Mud Patch to determine sedimentation rates and detect environmental contamination. The study found that metals and contaminants accumulate at an approximate rate of one millimeter per year, highlighting human activity's impact on the coastal area.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalQuaternary International·DateJun 26, 2020

Liquid metals break down organic fuels into ultra-thin graphitic sheets

Researchers at UNSW Sydney synthesized ultra-thin carbon-based materials using liquid metals and organic fuels at room temperature, a first for this method. The ultra-smooth surface of the liquid metals templates atomically-thin carbon-based sheets, which can be used in various applications including battery storage and solar cells.

Wetting property of Li metal with graphite

Graphite has been found to be intrinsically lithiophilic at 500K, contradicting previous conclusions that it was lithiophobic. The study uses ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and shows that surface chemistry plays a key role in the wetting performance of Li metal on graphite.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 10, 2020

Time-resolved measurement in a memory device

The study achieved time-resolved measurement of a single magnetic memory event using a tunnel junction, revealing two stages: incubation and actual reversal. The researchers developed a strategy to minimize time fluctuations, reducing the total time for the reversal event to less than 0.3 nanoseconds.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 19, 2020

Old molecule, new tricks

Researchers at UCSB have developed an electrochemical method for extracting uranium from solution, using carboranes as a key component. This technology enables efficient and reliable capture and release of uranium ions, with potential applications in nuclear waste reprocessing and seawater uranium extraction.

Bacteria-shredding tech to fight drug-resistant superbugs

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technology to destroy bacteria and bacterial biofilm without harming good cells, offering a potential solution to the deadly problem of antibiotic resistance. The technology uses precision-engineered liquid metals to physically rip bacteria to shreds and smash through the biofilm wher...

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 13, 2020

Modeling a model nanoparticle

Researchers developed a universal computer model for metal nanoparticle adsorption, accounting for structural characteristics, metal composition, and adsorbates. The model enables predicting adsorption trends on novel nanoparticles, accelerating nanomaterials design.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2019

Light and sound in silicon chips: The slower the better

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a new concept that combines light and sound waves in standard silicon chips, achieving delays of tens of nano-seconds without introducing additional materials. This breakthrough enables the selective processing of sound waves, which is difficult for electronics and optics alone.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2019

Metal-organic framework nanoribbons

Researchers have developed a general method to prepare ultrathin MOF NRBs with high surface area, highly active surface and excellent catalytic efficiency. The proposed method is simple, efficient and versatile, which could be used for the preparation of a series of ultrathin MOF NRBs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 9, 2019

Researchers' review paper reveal insights into high quality fabrication of nanocomposites

A comprehensive review paper provides a thorough understanding of the scientific and technological knowledge behind nanocomposite fabrication using selective laser melting. The study highlights the potential of this additive manufacturing technology for creating customized parts with unique structures and properties.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalProgress in Materials Science·DateAug 26, 2019

Thanks to a world record in tomography, synchrotron radiation can be used to watch how metal foam forms

Scientists have developed a new imaging method called tomoscopy using synchrotron radiation to observe the foaming of liquid metals in great detail. This technique allows for the analysis of dynamic processes with high temporal resolution, providing insights into material distribution and pore formation.