Articles tagged with Ions
A NASA-funded X-ray instrument has confirmed that a region of million-degree interstellar plasma known as the local hot bubble is the main source of a foggy glow observed over the entire sky. The study also establishes upper limits on soft X-rays produced within our planetary system by solar wind.
Researchers found that X-ray irradiation damages cortical neurons by altering their cytoskeleton and cytomechanics. The study suggests that heavy ion beams may have a biological advantage over X-rays in protecting normal brain tissue during cranial radiotherapy. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.
A new theoretical study by Marianna Safronova and colleagues identifies 10 highly charged ions, including samarium-14+ and neodymium-10+, suitable for atomic timekeeping and quantum information schemes. The researchers provide estimates of ion properties needed for experiments, enabling the development of more accurate clocks and qubits.
Scientists have discovered new fragmentation pathways that occur universally when DNA strands are exposed to metal ions, leading to the creation of charged intermediates. This finding could contribute to optimizing cancerous tumour therapy by improving understanding of how radiation interacts with complex DNA structures.
Researchers at PTB have developed an experiment to measure the stopping power of tissue for carbon ions, which will improve dosing for cancer therapy. The study found that carbon ions are less strongly stopped in liquid water than in water vapour.
A new theoretical model predicts how carbon components will perform in lithium-ion batteries, providing a tool for fine-tuning electrodes. The study found a universal linear relationship between lithium binding energy and states-filling work, allowing scientists to quickly evaluate material performance without expensive computations.
Researchers from Umeå University have explored two ways to study the reaction sequence leading to oxygen formation in photosynthesis. The studies used different techniques, including slowing down the reaction and taking X-ray snapshots of the molecule's structure. The results show that small structural changes occur together with proto...
Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a platform to investigate quasiparticles and entanglement propagation in quantum many-body systems. They can precisely initialize, control, and measure the states and properties of quasiparticle excitations.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and UC San Diego found that tiny galaxies contributed nearly 30% of UV light during reionization, marking a significant shift from previous focus on larger galaxies. Simulations show that small galaxies' high abundance and lower gas density allowed for more UV light to escape, illuminating the early universe.
Scientists found a shared mechanism regulating ion intake in sodium and calcium channels, enabling unified understanding of conditions affecting these channels. The discovery may lead to the development of next-generation pharmaceuticals targeting this common control element.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a 'random solid solution' that affects how ions move through the material, explaining the unexpectedly high power and long cycle life of lithium-ion batteries. The study provides new insights into the dynamic processes within electrode materials.
A Northwestern University team has developed a new understanding of plastics for battery applications by combining two traditional theories in materials science. This opens the door for a new class of batteries with improved safety and power efficiency. The researchers used block copolymers, which are self-assembling into nanostructure...
Biologists at MTSU have optimized FIB-SEM technology to image plant cell architecture, revealing previously unseen aspects of organelle organization and function. The technology provides high-resolution images of plant cells, allowing researchers to explore new questions and expand their understanding of plant development.
Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä report a new method for building molecular cages that exploits intermolecular steric effects to control self-assembly. This allows for the creation of cages with vacant metal binding sites, enabling modifications to their properties.
Researchers have discovered how proteins fetuin-A and albumin can slow down the uptake of calcium phosphate crystals by blood vessel cells, reducing damage. The study offers potential to develop treatments to prevent and reduce the damaging effects of calcification in ageing and several diseases.
Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have developed a new type of lithium ion conductor that could lead to the creation of solid-state batteries. The breakthrough uses rock salt Lithium Borohydride (LiBH4) and achieves stable Li+ ion conduction at room temperature.
Researchers at NIST have created a new type of FIB microscope that can image nonconductive materials and analyze chemical composition. The instrument uses lithium ions to produce lower-energy beams than traditional SEMs, enabling greater detail in nanostructure imaging.
Recent studies have explored quantum superposition and its potential applications, including quantum computing and optical clocks. Researchers have developed advanced techniques to manipulate individual quantum systems, such as ion traps and microwave cavities, allowing for the investigation of fundamental quantum mechanics.
A new single-tablet regimen of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir has proven highly effective in treating patients with HCV genotype 1, with cure rates ranging from 94% to 99%. The therapy shows promise for both first-time and previously treated patients, offering a simpler and more tolerable option than current treatments.
Researchers have developed a method to calculate the optimal dose of helium ions for radiation treatment, showing promising results in treating pediatric patients with neuroblastoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The use of helium ions may provide greater accuracy and reduced uncertainties compared to conventional radiotherapy or proton therapy.
The sodium pump's hybrid function enables simultaneous import of protons, raising questions about its role in pathologies. This discovery may have important implications for conditions like muscle exercise, heart attacks, and strokes.
A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid reveals that nanofoams follow the same universal laws as soap lather, with small bubbles disappearing in favor of larger ones. The researchers used an atomic force microscope to observe the evolution of nanostructures during ion radiation.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered new rules for creating ultra-bright light-emitting crystals less than 10 nanometers in diameter, which should be a big asset for biological imaging. The discovery shows that factors known to increase brightness in bulk experiments lose importance at higher excitation powers.
Scientists at Max-Planck Institute discover efficient way to brake molecular ion rotation, opening up new possibilities for laboratory-based astrochemistry. By cooling the rotational temperature using a tenuous gas, researchers can study chemical reactions in space more easily.
Researchers have created a hydrogel actuator that can change shape in response to changes in pH, using mussel protein-inspired chemistry. The device has the potential to be used for drug delivery and could be programmed to adopt various shapes by adjusting the placement of ions, composition, and voltage.
Researchers discovered a protein responsible for gas exchanges in zebrafish gills, which may mimic human kidney function. NHE3 protein controls sodium and hydrogen ions, aiding in energy-saving balance and waste removal.
Scientists create magnetically structured materials by irradiating iron aluminum alloy with neon ions, enabling the creation of spin valves that can function as magnetic storage media. The technology uses electron charge and inherent magnetic properties for information storage and processing.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed high-temperature piezoelectric materials, allowing for electronic monitoring in extreme environments. The new materials, compatible with existing manufacturing methods, have vast potential applications in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, and nuclear power.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered that graphene can be used to create ultrafast filters for liquid water, with an astonishingly accurate mesh that allows precise separation of atomic species. The filters also exhibit 'ion sponging' properties, sucking up small ions and concentrating them internally.
Researchers at Mainz University have built a pilot prototype of a single-ion heat engine with the potential to operate at high efficiency. The nano-heat engine could exceed the Carnot limit, making it theoretically possible to improve efficiency beyond current standards.
Researchers from the QUEST Institute have demonstrated a new method called photon-recoil spectroscopy, which enables the investigation of fast transitions in atoms or molecules. The method involves trapping two ions and using laser light pulses to measure their frequencies with unprecedented accuracy.
Researchers have discovered a new operating principle of potassium channels, revealing the pore remains open even in response to cAMP. This finding has implications for developing drugs to treat epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias.
Researchers at the University of Warsaw have created two new types of solotronic structures containing single cobalt and manganese ions, exhibiting powerful magnetic properties. These findings open up a broad field for developing electronic devices operating on a single-atom level.
A team of researchers has confirmed a long-standing puzzle about the birth of massive stars, showing that dense filamentary structures absorb ultraviolet radiation and shield surrounding gas. The findings provide new insights into how massive stars form and influence their host galaxies.
Researchers discovered how sodium controls opioid receptors, a major class of brain cell receptors. The findings suggest new therapeutic approaches to treat pain and mood disorders. Sodium's effect on receptor activity is crucial for developing better opioid-receptor-targeting drugs.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield discovered that ion beams used to transform nanoscale materials can cause significant damage to computer chips and other products. The findings have important implications for medicine, particularly in the use of gold nanoparticles for tumour detection and drug delivery.
A new study has confirmed an association between a gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent and abnormal brain tissue signals. The research suggests that the toxic component of the contrast agent may remain in the body for extended periods.
Researchers discovered argon hydride ions in the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant, using ESA's Herschel Space Observatory. The findings support theories on how argon forms in nature and provide evidence for the formation of noble gas molecules in space.
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland developed a new method to remove uranium and other heavy metals from water using a solid material that collects metal ions directly from the solution. The CH Collector method is efficient, selective, and can recover even small amounts of metal without adjustments to the solution's pH.
Scientists have developed MOFs that can conduct electricity by adding specific molecules, increasing conductivity by a million times. This breakthrough enables new applications in sensing, conformal electronics, and more.
Scientists have successfully replicated nonenzymatic RNA copying inside fatty acid vesicles, overcoming a critical problem in creating primitive synthetic cells. The team used citrate as a chelator to protect the membrane from degradation by magnesium ions, allowing RNA chemistry to proceed.
Researchers discovered how calcium channels filter calcium ions from sodium sea to generate electrical signals. The channels use three binding sites to selectively admit calcium ions and keep out sodium, enabling fast cell signaling essential for muscle contractions, hormone secretion, and nerve impulses.
Researchers at NIST and the University of Copenhagen created an experiment where ions were linked to the outside world, resulting in a stable entangled state. This method could lead to new architectures for quantum computing that can tolerate noise and errors.
Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to align the individual grains of lithium cobalt oxide in a cathode, resulting in improved Li-ion battery performance. The aligned structure allows for easier access for lithium ions, reducing stress and increasing efficiency, making it a major breakthrough in Li-ion battery technology.
Researchers at Penn University have developed a new technique for fast and sensitive DNA sequencing using graphene nanoribbons with nanopores. The team's innovative method allows for faster measurement of DNA sequences, as the electrical current flowing through the ribbon is modulated by each base.
Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility shed light on mechanisms that eject fast ions from plasma, enabling detailed tests of models predicting these effects in future reactors. By analyzing particle interactions with multiple waves, researchers gain unprecedented insight into fundamental wave-particle physics.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München elucidated the mode of action of one crucial component of the heart's intrinsic pacemaker, HCN1 channels. These channels control heartbeat and cardiac rhythmicity by regulating ion flow across cell membranes.
Astronomers at UMass Amherst and UT at Austin identify the most distant galaxy, with a redshift parameter of z = 7.51, indicating it is 700 million years old. The discovery challenges theories on galaxy formation and suggests intense star-forming galaxies may be more common than thought.
Researchers created a synaptic transistor that mimics the behavior of a synapse, enabling continuous adaptation to changing signals. The device offers several advantages over traditional transistors, including non-volatile memory and inherent energy efficiency.
Researchers from UMass Amherst and international partners report advances in understanding sperm capacitation, a crucial step in IVF. By bypassing early problems, they may improve IVF success rates and potentially lead to a male contraceptive.
Researchers discover sodium lignosulfonate can immobilize and remove toxic chromium compounds from contaminated soil and water. The compound reduces chromium mobility, making it less likely to leach into waterways.
Researchers have solved the mystery of how the sodium-potassium pump distinguishes between sodium and potassium ions at the molecular level. The new protein structure shows how smaller sodium ions are bound and transported out of the cell, while larger potassium ions are blocked.
A German-Swiss research team has developed a device that sorts conformers of the same compound based on their shape, allowing for direct measurement of reaction rates. The device exploits the difference in dipole moment between conformers and uses it to separate and react them with calcium ions.
Scientists successfully sort individual conformers of a molecule using an electric field, showing that their spatial structure affects their chemical reactivity. The new method provides insight into fundamental reaction mechanisms with potential applications in chemical catalysis and molecule synthesis.
Researchers at Aarhus University have described the structure of the sodium-bound state of the pump, a vital enzyme in all human cells. This knowledge is essential for understanding the matter and energy balance and developing new medicines targeting the pump.
Researchers at NIST and Applied Research Associates developed a microfluidic technique to recover DNA from complex mixtures like dirt. This method delivers optimal DNA concentrations for human identification procedures, potentially miniaturized for use outside the laboratory.
Researchers found that molecules of precise size can zip through nanotubes five times faster than those of a different size. This discovery could be used to design better membranes for desalination and develop sensors capable of detecting specific contaminants in water.
A Danish experiment, SKY2, shows that cosmic rays enhance cloud condensation nuclei formation, contradicting conventional chemical theory. The study suggests a new chemistry process supplying extra molecules to keep clusters growing, boosting the theory of cosmic rays' direct involvement in weather and climate.
Researchers at GSI Helmholtz Center and Mainz University successfully identify element 115 using a novel detector system. The experiment confirms the existence of the superheavy chemical element, providing a way to directly identify new elements beyond atomic number 104.
A transparent disk using a saltwater gel and ionic conductor produces sounds across the entire audible spectrum, demonstrating capabilities of ionic conductors. This technology has potential applications in biomedical devices, fast-moving robotics, and adaptive optics.