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October 2008 GEOLOGY and GSA TODAY media highlights

Researchers discover single mode of fossilization for soft tissues preserved in Burgess Shale-type deposits, using carbon isotope analysis. Hydrothermal circulation models reveal variations along slow-spreading mid-ocean ridges affect site distribution.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateSep 25, 2008

Nano sculptures in gold

Researchers have discovered unique structures of uncharged gold nano particles, which could lead to breakthroughs in catalysts for chemical reactions. The structures, formed by arranging seven gold atoms in a triangle with an additional vertex, were revealed through innovative combination of infrared spectrometry and mass spectrometry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateAug 1, 2008

Study reveals principles behind stability and electronic properties of gold nanoclusters

Researchers confirm the 'divide and protect' bonding structure in metallic gold nanoclusters, finding stability due to surface-chemical bonds and a filled electron shell. The study reveals distinct electronic properties and potential applications for nanoparticle chemistry.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2008
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

CSIRO scientist discovers natural 'invisible' gold

Researchers have identified natural gold nanoparticles in Western Australia's groundwater, providing new insights into geological processes and potential gold deposits. The discovery could aid explorers in finding new gold deposits due to the unique properties of these nanoparticles.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalGeology·DateJun 22, 2008

Physicists discover gold can be magnetic on the nanoscale

Researchers found that gold nanoclusters can change shape under an applied electric field, transforming from a three-dimensional structure to a planar flat structure. Oxygenation of gold nanowires also enables magnetic properties, with conductive behavior up to a certain length and insulating behavior beyond.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 3, 2008

Researchers create gold aluminum, black platinum, blue silver

Using a tabletop laser, researchers have successfully transformed pure metals into various colors, including gold, aluminum, black platinum, and blue silver. The process involves creating nanostructures on metal surfaces that selectively reflect specific colors.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 31, 2008
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Giving platinum catalysts a golden boost for fuel cells

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have discovered a way to use gold to prevent the destruction of platinum in fuel cell reactions, enhancing the metal's value. The new method, which involves adding gold clusters to platinum electrocatalysts, keeps the precious metal stable during accelerated stability tests.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateMar 27, 2007

Chemists strike gold with new gold catalysts

Researchers have found a new class of gold catalysts that can act as both an acceptor and a donor of electrons in chemical reactions. This unique property allows gold to participate in reactions at carbon-carbon bonds, leading to the creation of novel organic molecules.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2007

Physicists discover structures of gold nanoclusters

Researchers have unveiled the size-dependent evolution of structural and electronic structural motifs of gold nanoclusters. The experiments show near perfect agreement pertaining to the cluster structures occurring in the experiments, which is crucial for understanding their behavior as nanocatalysts or in medical applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 16, 2007

Brilliant growth without gold

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics developed single crystal silicon nanowires using an aluminium catalyst, reducing the size of microchips. The new process fulfils key criteria for industrial-scale production and could lead to improved semiconductor components.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 28, 2006

Early Bronze Age mortuary complex discovered in Syria

A recent discovery in Syria has uncovered an ancient mortuary complex containing human and animal remains, gold, and silver treasures. The site, dated to the third millennium B.C., suggests a royal cemetery with signs of ritual sacrifice, including infant and animal remains.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateOct 24, 2006
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Humble shoelace tag carried more currency than gold on Columbus's travels

A study by University College London archaeologists found that the humble shoelace tags were more valuable to indigenous Cubans than gold, suggesting a significant shift in trade priorities. The discovery challenges traditional views of gold's value and highlights the importance of alternative materials in pre-Columbian societies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateOct 3, 2006

Gold nanoparticles prove to be hot stuff

Researchers at JILA demonstrated that gold nanoparticles can be trapped and detected six times more easily than polystyrene particles of similar size. However, the high heating effect could damage molecules under study, limiting their use in temperature-sensitive experiments.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 31, 2006

When gold becomes a catalyst

Researchers used X-ray spectroscopy to observe gold nano-particles' reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide, revealing the activation mechanism of oxygen. The findings have potential applications in pollution control and hydrogen purification.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 22, 2006

Buckyballs make room for gilded cages

Researchers have found metal fullerene clusters, also known as hollow golden cages, composed of gold atoms. These structures are stable at room temperature and can cage smaller atoms, opening up new possibilities for influencing physical and chemical properties.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2006
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Gold nanoparticles emit intense heat, study finds

Researchers at Ohio University have discovered that gold nanoparticles can heat an area significantly larger than the nanoparticle itself, making them useful for targeting specific cells or objects. The particles' heating properties are precise and can be controlled using bio-linkers to affect specific targets.

SourceOhio University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 30, 2006

Mystery solved: Gold's power against autoimmune diseases defined

A large-scale search for new drugs to suppress autoimmune disease symptoms led researchers to a biochemical mechanism involving gold compounds. Gold, particularly in its special form, renders MHC class II proteins inactive, a key component of the immune system involved in autoimmunity.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 26, 2006

The nanoworld of corrosion

Researchers from Max Planck Institute and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility study gold-copper alloy corrosion process, revealing protective surface layer and gold nano-islands. The discovery provides insights into preventing corrosion in alloys used in corrosive environments.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateFeb 9, 2006
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A gold mine for science

The Homestake underground lab will host a comprehensive suite of experiments in physics and geosciences. The site's deep depths will enable studies of neutrinos, gravity, dark matter, and proton decay.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateJul 28, 2005

New opportunities from old chemistry in surface science, say Purdue chemists

A team of Purdue chemists has found that amines can form stable bonds with gold surfaces, making them suitable for coating sensors and other devices. This discovery could expand the range of molecules used in biotech applications, particularly in biosensors that detect proteins in the blood to indicate disease.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 26, 2005

New isotope gives a glimpse of the origins of precious metals

Researchers at Michigan State University recreated a rare isotope of nickel called Ni-78, which existed briefly in the chain of events that formed elements. This breakthrough reveals that Ni-78 decays up to three times quicker than expected, changing models of element formation before Earth's creation.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 15, 2005

Small is different

Computer simulations have revealed that gold is an effective catalyst when it's in clusters of eight to two dozen atoms, and electrical charging plays a crucial role. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for exploring environmental effects on catalysis.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 17, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Arctic yields fresh evidence for Elizabethan gold swindle

Scientists uncover proof Frobisher's assayers intentionally added gold to worthless black rocks, fueling an investment frenzy. Lead samples analyzed for the first time show no contamination, confirming a massive fraud.

SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·JournalCanadian Journal of Earth Sciences·DateJul 5, 2004

Nanogold does not glitter, but its future looks bright

Researchers at Lehigh University are exploring the properties of nanogold, creating nanoparticles with defined shapes and sizes to exhibit distinct properties. They can tailor these properties by varying particle size and elemental composition.

SourceLehigh University·DateApr 27, 2004
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Prions offer nanotech building tool

Researchers have successfully created electrical wire using prions as a template, which can be coated with gold and silver particles to conduct electricity. This bottom-up approach could revolutionize the manufacturing of nanoscale microcircuits and machines.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2003

'Sticky' DNA crystals promise new way to process information

Researchers have developed DNA scaffolding for arrays of nanoparticles, enabling the processing of large amounts of information. The technology could lead to real-time image processing and improved noise filtering, potentially even rivaling human eye speed.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Nanoparticle Research·DateFeb 6, 2003
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Melting crust makes rich mineral deposits: Geologist

A geologist's study suggests that melting ocean crust under volcanoes can create rich mineral deposits, such as gold and copper. The research provides new insights into the formation of these deposits, which could help identify regions with high potential for mining.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalGeology·DateOct 16, 2002

UCI gold chain study gets to heart of matter

Researchers discovered a molecular phase when a cluster of atoms develops into a solid structure, revealing the smallest size of functional molecules. The study also suggests a limit on the tiniest size that electrically conductive molecules can be constructed.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2002

Scientists use alfalfa plants to harvest nanoparticles of gold

Researchers have successfully used alfalfa plants to extract gold nanoparticles from the soil, a breakthrough that eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. The study published in Nano Letters demonstrates the potential of using plants as tiny factories to produce gold nanoparticles.

SourceStanford University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 14, 2002

Scientists use alfalfa plants to harvest nanoparticles of gold

Researchers have successfully used alfalfa plants as miniature factories to extract and store gold nanoparticles, offering a potential alternative to harsh chemical methods. The process uses the plant's natural physiological need to extract metals from its growth medium.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 14, 2002
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Astronomers discover gold in ancient star

Scientists have discovered gold in an ancient star located 2,500 light years from Earth, providing significant insights into the formation of elements and the age of the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Telescope, revealing the presence of other elements including thorium and uranium.

SourceMichigan State University·DateJan 10, 2002

Gold: a metal with a silver lining

Researchers at Texas A&M University are refining a process using small gold clusters to improve materials, including textiles and antifreeze. This could lead to more efficient and environmentally superior production methods.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateDec 19, 2001
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Much gold, silver, other metals may lie undiscovered in Saudi Arabia

Researchers at Ohio State University have identified potential metal deposits in Saudi Arabia's western Shield area using GIS software. The analysis of over 2,100 known occurrences of gold, silver, copper, and other metals revealed large quantities of lower-grade metal, ideal for open-pit mining.

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 8, 2001

Electrical conductivity of single-molecule 'wires' accurately measured

A multidisciplinary team has successfully created through-bond electrical contacts with single molecules and achieved reproducible measurements of their conductivity. The breakthrough resolves a decades-long problem in understanding the electrical properties of small numbers of molecules.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2001
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

'Gold Bug' sheds light on how some gold deposits formed

A team of UMass microbiologists led by Derek Lovley has extracted solid gold from water containing dissolved gold using iron-reducing microbes. The process involves the transfer of electrons to form a more valuable metal form, resulting in the formation of gold deposits.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateAug 7, 2001

Researchers find gold at sea and on land

Researchers have discovered gold grains, tin-based pewter plates, and lead shots at the Blackbeard's flagship wreck, providing insights into the treasure's composition and burial conditions. The findings are part of two studies presented at the Southeastern Section Geological Sciences Association Meeting on March 23.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 22, 2000
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Scientists Produce Smooth Gold Surfaces With Many Potential Uses

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a technique to create ultra-smooth gold surfaces, more than 10 times smoother than existing ones. This breakthrough can be used for scanning tunneling microscopy of biological molecules and making reflective coatings for large X-ray mirrors.

SourceOhio State University·DateJun 4, 1996