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How uranium from mining enters the environment

A study investigates uranium exposure in children living near gold mining dumps and finds higher levels of uranium in their hair compared to children from reference sites. The study collected over 400 hair samples and analyzed them alongside information on the children's age, gender, and living conditions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2026

Tapping into the World’s largest gold reserves

Scientists from the University of Göttingen have made a groundbreaking discovery, finding ruthenium in volcanic rocks on the islands of Hawaii. The finding suggests that material from the Earth's core is leaking into the mantle above, challenging previous assumptions about the planet's internal dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2025

Study reveals new source of the heavy elements

A new study reveals that magnetar flares could be a potential source of heavy elements in the universe. By analyzing archival data and observations of magnetar flare events, researchers estimate that up to 10% of heavy elements like gold, uranium, and platinum may come from these cosmic explosions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 7, 2025

Tree rings track atmospheric mercury cheaply

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a cost-effective way to track atmospheric mercury using wild fig tree rings in the Peruvian Amazon. This method offers a potential solution for understanding mercury spread and impact on ecosystems.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateApr 9, 2025

Gold battles cancer

A French research team has discovered that an organogold(III) complex accumulates selectively in the mitochondria of lung cancer cells, demonstrating its potential as an anticancer treatment. The complex's antitumor activity is attributed to its interactions with specific biological molecules, disrupting their function.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

New method turns e-waste to gold

Researchers at Cornell University developed a method to extract gold from e-waste using vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs), capturing 99.9% of the precious metal while minimizing other metals. This approach converts CO2 into useful chemicals, reducing waste disposal demands and providing environmental benefits.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 2, 2025

Unlocking the journey of gold through magmatic fluids

A UNIGE team has demonstrated that sulphur in its bisulphide (HS- ) form plays a critical role in transporting gold in magmatic fluids. The study uses innovative methodology to replicate extreme pressure and temperature conditions, providing new insights into the formation of precious metal ore deposits.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeNews article·DateDec 16, 2024

Advancing the synthesis of two-dimensional gold monolayers

Scientists at Lund University and Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized 2D gold monolayers with remarkable thermal stability and potential catalytic utility. The team used a novel bottom-up approach combined with high-performance computations to create macroscopically large gold monolayers with unique nanostructured patterns.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Turning silver to gold: A diacetylene derivative-based metallic luster materials

Scientists create diacetylene derivative-based luster materials with tunable colors and metallic lusters, opening new possibilities for applications in jewelry, printing inks, and cosmetics. The developed material can express a golden luster selectively using light irradiation, minimizing environmental footprint and weight.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Electrochemistry helps clean up electronic waste recycling, precious metal mining

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel electrochemical process to extract precious metals, including gold and platinum group metals, from discarded electronics and low-grade ores. This method uses less energy and fewer chemical materials than current methods, producing high-purity metals with minimal waste.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2024

Turning waste into gold

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to extract gold from electronic waste using a protein matrix sponge. This sustainable approach yields a high percentage of gold recovery with minimal energy consumption, making it commercially viable.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 29, 2024

Researchers strike gold with improved catalyst

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered a way to improve gold catalysts' durability by creating a protective layer of metal oxide clusters. The enhanced gold catalysts can withstand a greater range of physical environments, increasing their range of possible applications and reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Detoxifying gold mining

Researchers are working to better understand and reduce the health risks associated with mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. A new approach has been piloted, which can help reduce mercury emissions in these mines.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCleaner Production Letters·DateNov 29, 2023

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

Revolutionizing energy storage: Metal nanoclusters for stable lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed a metal nanocluster-based separator for lithium-sulfur batteries, accelerating electrochemical kinetics and improving capacity and cycling stability. The technology has the potential to increase the adoption of sustainable energy storage systems, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Golden future for thermoelectrics

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered a new metallic alloy of nickel and gold that exhibits exceptional thermoelectric properties, enabling high electrical power generation. The alloy outperforms conventional semiconductors in terms of power density and thermoelectric efficiency.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023

Common wristbands ‘hotbed’ for harmful bacteria including E. coli, staphylococcus

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAdvances in Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

AuNi alloy on Au electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction: towards a cleaner tomorrow

A team from Chiba University created an AuNi alloy on Au electrodes, showing increased hydrogen evolution reaction activity due to surface defects formed through Ni dealloying. The study used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and surface X-ray diffraction techniques to analyze the surface properties of the AuNi/Au catalyst.

SourceChiba University·JournalChemElectroChem·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

New study reveals design clues for silver-based superatomic molecules

Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Highly charged ions melt nano gold nuggets

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a technique to control the shape and size of nano gold structures using highly charged ions. The experiment shows that the impact force is not the decisive factor, but rather the electrical charge of the ions, which deposits energy at the point of impact and disrupts the crystal structure of the gold.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Nickel laden black gold converts CO2 to chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed a plasmonic black gold-nickel catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen. The catalyst shows a multifold increase in catalytic activity, achieving a high production rate of 2464±40 mmol g−1 h−1 with over 95% selectivity.

New spectroscopy technique improves trace element detection in liquid

Researchers have developed a new spectroscopy technique called filament- and plasma-grating-induced breakdown spectroscopy (F-GIBS), which improves the sensitivity of trace metal detection in liquid samples. The technique uses fluid jets to analyze aqueous solutions and achieves high precision by avoiding detrimental influences of liqu...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 4, 2023

Unintended consequences: analyzing interventions on mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining

Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Nanomaterial from the Middle Ages

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute use advanced microscopy to visualize fine details in Zwischgold, a highly advanced medieval material. The technique reveals the structure and composition of the material, shedding light on its production methods.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

A new nanomaterial for precision medicine and the green transition

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Yolk-shell nanocrystals with movable gold yolk: Next generation of photocatalysts

Researchers developed yolk-shell nanocrystals containing metallic gold yolk with semiconductor shells, exhibiting high photocatalytic activity. The structures were synthesized using a sequential ion-exchange process and evaluated using XPS and PL spectroscopy, revealing electronic interactions favorable for photocatalysis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2022

Extract from a common kitchen spice could be key to greener, more efficient fuel cells

Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.

SourceClemson University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022