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Towards the realization of compact and portable nuclear clocks

Researchers from Okayama University successfully controlled the population of the thorium-229 isomeric state using X-rays, a crucial step towards building a compact and portable nuclear clock. This achievement demonstrates the potential for nuclear clocks to advance fundamental physics research and other applications such as GPS systems.

SourceOkayama University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Gemini south reveals origin of unexpected differences in giant binary stars

Astronomers confirm that chemical composition differences in binary stars can be traced back to the earliest stages of their formation. The study used precise spectrographic measurements to rule out two explanations and confirmed primordial inhomogeneities within the molecular cloud as the origin of the discrepancies.

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Researchers from Pusan National University employ artificial intelligence to unlock the secrets of magnesium alloy anisotropy

The team proposed a novel machine learning model with data augmentation, which accurately predicts the plastic anisotropic properties of wrought Mg alloys. The model showed significantly better robustness and generalizability than other models, paving the way for improved design and manufacturing of metal products.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Magnesium and Alloys·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2024

New transactions of nonferrous metals society of china study uncovers low-temperature deformation mechanism of pure titanium

Researchers investigate grain size and temperature effects on Ti deformation at extremely low temperatures, finding that cryogenic temperatures trigger deformation twinning, boosting strength and ductility. The study proposes a modified Hall-Petch relationship to explain strengthening mechanisms at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Making electric vehicles last

A new polymer binder is introduced to address durability issues in dual-ion batteries. The binder features azide and acrylate groups, which enhance the structural integrity of graphite during charge and discharge cycles. Dual-ion batteries equipped with this binder demonstrate exceptional performance, even after 3,500 recharge cycles.

Evaluating the shear viscosity of different water models

Associate Professor Tadashi Ando from Tokyo University of Science conducted a study to test the performance of OPC and OPC3 water models, evaluating their shear viscosities and comparing values to experimental calculations. The calculated viscosities for both models were very close, with notable accuracy at temperatures above 310 K.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 21, 2023

Is the ocean a solution for ushering in the era of environmentally friendly energy?

Researchers at POSTECH developed seawater batteries with improved performance by incorporating chelating agents, overcoming limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries. The new design achieved high energy efficiency and capacity, making it a promising candidate for next-generation energy storage systems.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateApr 27, 2023

Surface melting of glass

Researchers observe a surprising phenomenon where particles near the surface of colloidal glass move faster than in the solid below, forming a liquid layer up to 30 particle diameters thick. This discovery sheds new light on the properties of thin disordered films and their potential applications in technology.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2022

Pushing the boundaries of chemistry: Properties of heaviest element studied so far measured at GSI/FAIR

Researchers at GSI/FAIR have studied the chemical properties of flerovium, the heaviest element with known properties, and found it to be the most volatile metal in the periodic table. The new results show that flerovium is inert but capable of forming stronger chemical bonds than noble gases under suitable conditions.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Tomatoes, but not farm workers, gardeners, safe from soil lead

A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022

Breakthrough in cell research: Jacobs University scientists discover new method for drug delivery

Researchers at Jacobs University have developed a novel method for drug delivery using boron clusters, enabling efficient transport of bioactive substances into cells. The breakthrough has potential applications in overcoming antibiotic resistance and delivering innovative therapeutics, such as peptides and protein-based drugs.

SourceJacobs University Bremen gGmbH·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

New research from Pusan National University sheds light on nature of friction in multi-layered graphene

A study by researchers at Pusan National University has investigated the relationship between surface structures and nanoscale friction in multi-layered CVD graphene. They found that only the top-most layer of graphene was twisted with respect to the rest, affecting layer-dependent nanoscale friction.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Mammoths might have survived except for bad 'mineral diet'

Researchers from National Research Tomsk State University found that mammoths suffered from skeletal diseases due to chronic mineral hunger, leading to high traumatism and eventual extinction. The study suggests that geochemical stress caused by acidic landscapes may have played a crucial role in the demise of these majestic creatures.

SourceNational Research Tomsk State University·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateOct 27, 2015

Existence of new element confirmed

Researchers confirm existence of new element with atomic number 115, gaining insight into super-heavy atomic nuclei. The discovery was made using calcium ions to measure photons in connection with the element's alpha decay.

SourceLund University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 27, 2013