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The hot attraction of gold

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered that gold can be magnetized by applying heat. The non-equilibrium anomalous Hall effect (nAHE) was observed in the gold film due to the heat flow, indicating the evolution of magnetization. This discovery has potential applications in thermoelectric devices and spintronics.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2016

Highly efficient heavy metal ions filter

A new hybrid filter membrane has been developed to remove heavy metals from water, including industrially relevant elements like lead and mercury. The membrane's efficiency is high, with over 99% of toxic substances bound in just a single pass.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 25, 2016

Conducting gels -- from waste to wealth

Researchers at the University of York have developed a self-assembling gel that can selectively extract precious metals like silver and gold from electronic waste. The gel is then converted into conducting nanoparticles, enhancing its electrical conductance and making it suitable for various high-tech applications.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 9, 2015

Best Practice Framework is good benchmarking tool for Fracture Liaison Services worldwide

A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation confirms the success of the Capture the Fracture Best Practice Framework as a single set of quality standards for Fracture Liaison Services globally. The framework helps raise standards, reinforces international guidelines, and identifies common challenges faced by FLS worldwide.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJun 22, 2015

How many gold atoms make gold metal?

Gold nanoclusters of 102 and 144 atoms show distinct behavior, with smaller clusters acting like giant molecules and larger ones exhibiting metallic properties. These findings have significant implications for developing bioimaging and sensing technologies based on metal-like clusters.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 10, 2015

Inhospitable climate fosters gold ore formation

The gold deposits in the Witwatersrand Basin are thought to have formed through a process involving volcanic rain, anoxic rivers, and ancient life forms. This theory reconciles previous debates between placer gold and hydrothermal hypothesis theories.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 4, 2015

The gold standard

Computational modeling allows researchers to design efficient and affordable catalysts from gold, reducing the need for large amounts of expensive precious metals. The method has potential impact on energy-and-environment related fields, such as automotive exhaust and hydrogen production.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateDec 9, 2014

Green meets nano

Researchers at TU Darmstadt develop a green method to produce gold nanotubes, suitable for building sensors to measure hydrogen peroxide, with potential applications in medical research and diagnosis. The production process is energy-efficient and uses non-toxic chemicals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalRSC Advances·DateDec 3, 2014

Water-cleanup catalysts tackle biomass upgrading

Rice University researchers have successfully developed palladium-gold nanocatalysts that convert glycerol, a waste byproduct of biodiesel production, into valuable chemicals. The catalysts produce a 'Goldilocks' effect, striking the perfect balance between palladium and gold to achieve faster conversion rates.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 26, 2014

When aluminum outshines gold

Researchers at Rice University have discovered aluminum's valuable plasmonic properties, which make it suitable for harvesting solar energy and creating large-area optical devices. The study also found that aluminum exhibits quantum mechanical effects stronger than gold in certain nanomatryushka structures.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 2, 2013

There's gold in them thar trees

Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2013

X-ray vision to detect unseen gold

A new gamma-activation analysis (GAA) technique can detect gold more accurately and quickly than traditional methods, allowing mining companies to recover small traces of gold worth millions of dollars. This could save the Australian mining industry hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

A cheaper drive to 'cool' fuels

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed an inexpensive catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into synthetic fuels for powering cars, homes, and businesses. The catalyst uses solar energy to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a valuable commodity chemical with many industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 20, 2013

Mysterious catalyst explained

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered how tiny gold particles selectively transform methanol into formaldehyde, a crucial step in producing everyday plastics. The catalyst produces only water as a byproduct, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 30, 2013

Applied physics as art

Harvard physicists have discovered that ultrathin, atomically thin films can be tailored to reflect specific colors using an overlooked optical phenomenon. The coatings, made of gold and germanium or other elements, change color with minimal thickness changes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 14, 2012

The finest gold dust in the world

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology found a special iron-oxide surface that locks single gold atoms in place, allowing them to study the chemical reactivity of individual atoms. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient catalysts, requiring less precious material.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 30, 2012

Nanostarfruits are pure gold for research

Researchers at Rice University created starfruit-shaped gold nanorods that can enhance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, allowing for more sensitive detection of organic molecules. The particles return signals 25 times stronger than similar nanorods with smooth surfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 27, 2012

Yale paper finds arsenic supply at highest risk

A Yale University study has assessed the criticality of metals in the geological copper family, finding arsenic as the most vulnerable to long-term supply disruption. The research methodology evaluates supply risk, environmental implications, and vulnerability to supply restriction, highlighting the importance of considering these fact...

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 2012

Where does all the gold come from?

Researchers at the University of Bristol analyzed ancient rock samples to determine the origin of Earth's precious metals. They found that the planet's accessible reserves of gold and other precious elements are the result of a catastrophic meteorite shower that hit the Earth after its core formation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2011

Gold prices spur six-fold spike in Amazon deforestation

A recent study by Duke University reveals a six-fold increase in Amazon deforestation in Peru, largely driven by artisanal gold mining fueled by record gold prices. The mining activities have led to widespread mercury pollution, contaminating water and soil, and posing risks to human health and the environment.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 19, 2011

Gold and silver nano baubles

Scientists in Mexico and the US have synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles just 25 nanometers in diameter, which could have potential applications as catalysts, drug-delivery agents, and quantum dots. The analysis reveals multiple layers of shells within each particle, with some blending or alloying of metals.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanoparticles·DateDec 3, 2010

Lou's clues lead to nano revelation

Gold and silver nanowires can form strong bonds without the need for heat, a breakthrough that could simplify the creation of high-density electronic devices. The discovery was made by Rice University researchers who observed the self-healing process under an electron microscope.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 15, 2010

New rotors could help develop nanoscale generators

Researchers have successfully created a rotating molecular rotor on a gold surface, creating an off-axis rotation that mimics the property of machines like electric motors and generators. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of machines for generating currents at small scales.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 27, 2009