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Platinum forms nano-bubbles

Researchers at DESY NanoLab discovered that platinum oxidizes more readily than expected when exposed to high pressures of oxygen, forming nano-bubbles. This phenomenon has significant implications for applications such as catalytic converters in cars and electrochemical sensors.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalSolid State Ionics·DateJan 25, 2019

Microbes 'MacGyver' membrane transport

E. coli's KdpFABC transport system uses a unique combination of pore and transporter to import potassium ions into the cell, blurring the boundaries between passive transport and active transport complexes. This discovery challenges the long-held dogma that these two systems are mutually exclusive.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 2018

How to produce fluorescent nanoparticles for medical applications in a nuclear reactor

Scientists developed a new method to produce nanodiamonds and silicon carbide with defined defects, utilizing neutron irradiation in nuclear reactors. This approach enables the efficient production of rare nanomaterials for medical applications, including cancer diagnostics.

Coping with errors in the quantum age

ETH Zurich researchers have demonstrated a novel quantum error correction technique that can monitor and correct errors in real-time. The technique, which uses trapped ions to encode quantum information, has been successfully tested with repeated measurements on the same system, exceeding previous experimental limits.

Plasma thruster: New space debris removal technology

A new plasma thruster technology has been developed to remove space debris, decelerating it with a force imparted from the satellite. The system uses bi-directional ejection of plasma plumes, controlled by a magnetic field and gas injection, for efficient removal in three operational modes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

A one-way street for salt

Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism behind quinoa's ability to store salt in its bladder cells, allowing it to thrive in saline soils. This unique adaptation enables quinoa to transfer excess salt to final storage sites without harming the plant.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 20, 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

New lung cell type discovered

A new type of airway cell, pulmonary ionocytes, has been found to express high levels of CFTR, a protein mutated in cystic fibrosis. This discovery provides promising targets for future therapeutic strategies against the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2018

Lasers write better anodes

Researchers at KAUST have developed a laser-based process to create three-dimensional hard carbon anodes with improved conductivity and capacity for sodium-ion batteries. This breakthrough enables the mass production of high-performance anodes, paving the way for widespread adoption of sodium-ion batteries in energy storage applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 30, 2018

Antibacterial glass ionomer cement with chlorhexidine-encapsulated mesoporous silica

Researchers developed a novel antibacterial glass ionomer cement with chlorhexidine-encapsulated mesoporous silica, which significantly enhances anti-biofilm ability and maintains mechanical properties. The study proposes a new strategy for preventing secondary caries by using this modified GIC.

Space: Tribology's final frontier

A team led by Lehigh University's Brandon Krick is using a Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) coating to reduce friction in space, addressing the challenges of high-temperature and corrosive environments. The research aims to improve satellite performance and reduce energy loss.

Oral delivery of insulin

A new oral insulin formulation based on ionic liquids has been successfully developed, showing stability at room temperature and under refrigeration. The formulation significantly reduces blood glucose levels in rats, with up to 45% decrease observed after oral delivery.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

New discovery about the brain's water system may prove beneficial in stroke

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism for transporting water to the brain, challenging the long-held belief that osmosis is responsible. The co-transporter process could potentially be targeted with medicine to treat conditions like brain haemorrhage and hydrocephalus.