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Tungsten as interstellar radiation shielding?

Researchers discovered a nanoscale tungsten-microbial interface that enables the growth of heat-loving microorganisms. This finding has implications for the survivability of microorganisms in outer space and the potential use of tungsten as interstellar radiation shielding.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 9, 2019

Quantum computing boost from vapor stabilizing technique

Researchers from the University of Bath have patented a technique that allows electrons to be accessed for applications including quantum computing, atom cooling, and precision measurements. The innovation uses gold nanoparticles to stabilize alkali metal vapors, enabling fast and reproducible control over the vapor density.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

Partitioning of porous materials

Scientists have developed a fast and versatile two-in-one synthetic strategy to partition pores in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), resulting in highly efficient adsorbents. The new pore-space-partitioned MOF shows better gas uptakes than unpartitioned materials, particularly for ammonia uptake with high packing density.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 29, 2019

Quantum physics and origami for the ultimate get-well card

Researchers use metal nanoparticles to detect single target molecules in paper-based tests, overcoming limitations of conventional dyes. The results enable ultra-sensitive diagnostics with limitless applications in medicine, forensics, and environmental safety.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 29, 2019

Researchers turn liquid metal into a plasma

Scientists at the University of Rochester's LLE have successfully turned a liquid metal into a plasma, exhibiting classical properties at high temperatures. This discovery has implications for better understanding stars and planets, as well as realizing controlled nuclear fusion, a promising alternative energy source.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2019

Researchers engineer a tougher fiber

North Carolina State University researchers created fibers that combine rubber's elasticity with metal's strength, resulting in a tougher material. The fibers can stretch up to seven times their original length before failure while absorbing energy, making them suitable for applications like soft robotics and textiles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 22, 2019

Lithium-matrix anode protected by a solid electrolyte layer for stable lithium metal batteries

Researchers have developed a novel Li anode design featuring a solid electrolyte layer and housed framework to mitigate dendrite growth and volume expansion. The resulting batteries exhibit excellent capacity retention and stability, paving the way for next-generation rechargeable battery development. This innovative approach has signi...

SourceScience China Press·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2019

Optimizing tungsten carbide for 3D printing

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are partnering with General Carbide to optimize tungsten carbide for additive manufacturing. The goal is to improve durability and reduce breakage in 3D printed parts. The project aims to develop better base powders and printing methods to enhance the use of tungsten carbide in metal printing.

Next-gen batteries possible with new engineering approach

Researchers developed a three-dimensional polymer sponge that promotes ion transfer while inhibiting dendritic growth in lithium metal batteries, potentially increasing cycle life and safety. The technology could enable more powerful and stable metal battery technologies for everyday use.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 14, 2018

Ultra-hot gas around remnants of sun-like stars

Researchers have found an extremely hot magnetosphere around a white dwarf, a remnant of a star like our Sun. This discovery sheds light on the origin of highly ionised metals in some white dwarfs, which were previously a puzzle. The study reveals that the magnetic field traps material flowing from the surface, heating it up dramatically.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 6, 2018

Nanotubes may give the world better batteries

Researchers at Rice University have created high-powered, fast-charging lithium metal batteries using carbon nanotube films. The films effectively quench dendrite growth, allowing the batteries to retain 99.8% of their coulombic efficiency over 580 charge/discharge cycles.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 25, 2018

HKBU scholars in world-first breakthrough for difficult-to-treat breast cancer

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have developed a metal compound that inhibits the enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) in TNBC tumours with less toxicity in mice. This discovery holds great promise for the development of targeted drugs for TNBC therapy, offering a new approach to treating this difficult form of bre...

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 29, 2018

Battery breakthrough: Doubling performance with lithium metal that doesn't catch fire

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new rechargeable battery technology using lithium metal that can double the output of current lithium ion cells. The ceramic electrolyte-based approach eliminates the historic issues of poor durability and short-circuiting, enabling faster charging rates and longer lifetimes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateAug 15, 2018