Articles tagged with Ions
Physicists have discovered a way to observe quantum interference between dissimilar particles, allowing for the creation of high-precision images of gluon distributions within atomic nuclei. This technique enables researchers to better understand the force holding quarks and gluons together in atomic nuclei.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new method of heating and cooling called ionocaloric cooling, which could provide efficient and safe cooling for homes. The technique uses ions to drive solid-to-liquid phase changes, making it potentially more efficient than current refrigerants.
Researchers discovered two ion transport proteins, VCCN1 and KEA3, that dynamically adjust photosynthetic performance in response to light fluctuations. The study found that these proteins play a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive sunlight and optimizing growth under varying light conditions.
Scientists are rethinking electrolyte design for future battery generations, considering factors like interphases and solid-state electrolytes. They're using AI and automated laboratories to identify optimal electrolyte characteristics and reduce human error.
Scientists study flow patterns from heavy-ion collisions to understand fluctuations in particle behavior, aiming to calculate the properties of quark-gluon plasma. The results point to initial state influences as the primary trigger for these fluctuations, with collision energy and nucleus size also playing a role.
Theoretical calculations and experimental data from the ATLAS detector suggest that photons can create a fluid of strongly interacting particles in collisions with heavy ions. This is supported by observations of particle flow patterns similar to those seen in lead-lead and proton-lead collisions.
Researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism for the transport and excretion of boric acid in marine pufferfish, finding that a unique gene, Slc4a11A, plays a crucial role in this process. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for understanding boric acid transport in animals.
Materials like graphene can withstand charged ions, while others form nano-sized pores when hit. The researchers developed a model to predict this behavior, which could be used to create tailored membranes with specific nanopores.
Scientists have found that synthetic torpor increases resistance to ionizing radiation, a major health risk for human space exploration. The research uses artificially induced hibernation in rats and demonstrates biological effects suggesting enhanced radioprotection.
Researchers discovered that the Memo1 protein binds copper ions, blocking toxic redox reactions that damage or kill cancer cells. The protein's interaction with copper also protects against metastasis formation in breast cancer cells. This finding opens up potential new treatments for cancer.
Researchers developed a new approach to fabricate multilayered ceramic membranes with ceria-based thin-film for stable hydrogen production. The interface-reaction-induced reassembly method resulted in highly dense and adherent layers with reduced ionic transport resistance, enabling long durability (>1000 hours) in practical conditions.
Researchers used live fluorescence imaging experiments to uncover the mechanism behind cell volume regulation, revealing that WNK kinases activate the 'switch' through phase separation. This discovery has implications for human health, particularly in relation to kidney function and salt-sensitive hypertension.
A KAUST-led team creates selective anode catalysts for stable and efficient hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting. The nanoreactors exhibited high electrocatalytic activity and stability due to their unique structure, isolating the electrolysis from side reactions.
Researchers have discovered that zinc ions tune the ability of human serum albumin to prevent α-synuclein aggregation, a process linked to Parkinson's disease. Zinc binding alters HSA's chaperone function, blunting fibril formation and slowing down protein deposition that can lead to neurodegeneration.
A team of researchers has determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of NKCC1, a human chloride transporter crucial for regulating ion balance in the body. The study reveals a surprising mechanism for releasing ions into cells, which could lead to novel compounds for treating kidney and brain disorders.
A team of international researchers used aurora data to assess the impact of radiation-belt electrons on the ozone layer. They found a localized ozone hole in the mesosphere, about 400 km wide, directly below isolated proton auroras, with up to 10-60% of ozone destroyed.
A recent study led by Dr. Luis Cuello and Alain J. Labro found that a known Shaker channel mutation differs structurally from its human counterparts, with implications for drug development and ion transport mechanisms. The research reveals a unique conformation of the W434F mutant that is distinct from wild-type channels.
Researchers improved the Kitaev spin liquid model by freezing electrons in space, allowing only spin contributions at low temperatures. The study successfully explained experimental data and predicted a topological phase in the presence of an external magnetic field.
Researchers at KAUST have developed ultrathin polymer-based ordered membranes that simultaneously exhibit high water flux and high salt rejection. The membranes display excellent performance in both forward and reverse osmosis configurations, surpassing those containing advanced materials like carbon nanotubes and graphene.
A new study suggests that a two-carbon compound, acetyl phosphate, played a crucial role in the evolution of metabolism before the advent of cells. The researchers propose a mechanistic explanation for how AcP's unique interactions with ADP and iron ions led to the emergence of ATP as the universal energy carrier.
A research group has developed an innovative methodology to quantify the electrochemical reversibility of a lithium metal anode in practical lithium battery systems. The method enables the precise quantification of active and inactive lithium, allowing for a better understanding of the degradation and failure of Li metal batteries.
A team of researchers at Harvard University has developed an ionic circuit that performs analog matrix multiplication, a key operation in neural networks, using ions in liquid. The breakthrough uses a pH-gated ionic transistor and expands to a 16x16 array for more complex computations.
Polymers in cable insulation gradually lose their insulating properties due to radiation defects, leading to reduced electrical resistance. A hand-held hardness tester can detect proper insulation by measuring the hardness of the cable insulation.
Researchers at the Max Born Institute have used novel ultrashort soft X-ray spectroscopy to study the fate of molecular nitrogen when an electron is kicked out. They found that the B state has a similar degree of excitation as the X state, contradicting previous models. Instead, a coherent interplay between light fields enables lasing ...
A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center researchers has shed light on the mechanisms of salt transport across membrane barriers. The findings have significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, a disease caused by mutations in three types of sodium-potassium pumps.
Researchers have developed a novel carrier doping method for p-type semiconductors, which improves photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration. The new method uses alkali ion impurities to enhance conductivity in copper(I)-based semiconductors.
Researchers have created a sorbent that maximizes the absorption of precious metal from solutions, selectively extracting silver even in low concentrations. The new sorbent's properties make it useful for purifying drinking water and processing production waste.
The study found that plants have a transport route for calcium ions into their mitochondria, which is essential for signal transmission. The researchers also discovered a link between calcium ion transport and the regulation of the plant hormone jasmonic acid, which controls defense against herbivores and senescence.
The research team will analyze the remaining two enzymes necessary for riboflavin production and build a 'riboflavinator' in a test tube. This understanding could lead to improved methods for treating diseases and improving public health.
Rensselaer researchers propose a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries by using calcium ions. The new technology has shown promising results in terms of performance and cost efficiency.
Researchers at IISc used widely-used computational techniques to predict and verify migration barrier values in lithium-ion batteries. They propose robust guidelines to choose accurate frameworks for testing materials. The study found SCAN functional had better accuracy overall, while GGA was faster but less accurate.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create new method for producing heterolayer coordination nanosheets with improved properties and controllability. The study expands the diversity of 2D materials, enabling potential applications in optoelectronics and renewable energy.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.
Researchers at Nagoya University used satellite data to track ionospheric disturbances after the 2022 Tonga underwater eruption, detecting earlier signs of tsunami waves. The team found that electromagnetic waves traveled 1000 km/s, much faster than air pressure waves, allowing for potentially quicker tsunami warnings.
Lithium niobate photonics has developed rapidly, enabling compact devices with high performance. Thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) structures have shown significant improvements in refractive index contrast, paving the way for more integrated photonic devices.
Researchers found that zinc ion serves as a master-regulator of various processes in sperm to facilitate fertilization. Zinc helps maintain sperm in the non-capacitated state, preventing premature capacitation during artificial insemination.
Researchers have developed a novel method for molecular encoding using paramagnetic properties, enabling digital information storage and transmission. The system uses lanthanide elements to create unique signals that can be read remotely, with potential applications in chemistry, pharmacy, telemedicine, and more.
A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.
The researchers successfully demonstrated attosecond-pump attosecond-probe spectroscopy to study non-linear multi-photon ionization of atoms. The experiment showed that the absorption of four photons from two attosecond pulse trains led to three electrons being removed from an argon atom.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have successfully increased the lifespan and stability of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The new high-density batteries are less likely to short-circuit, addressing a common issue in previous models.
Long-term measurements at Mount Heng in southern China found acidic and more soluble ions in freezing rain, leading to decreased ambient temperatures. This process prolongs the existence of freezing rain, amplifying its effects in northern China as global warming shifts its influencing area
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new class of oriented mixed-matrix metal-organic framework (MMMOF) membrane that selectively removes detrimental gases like H2S and CO2 from natural gas. The membrane demonstrates far better separation efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.
A study by Rice University bioscientists has revealed the presence of a central metal ion critical to DNA replication and implicated in misincorporation. The research found that three metal ions are involved in the process, with the first supporting nucleotide binding and the second stabilizing the binding of loose nucleotides. This di...
Researchers found that speeding can decrease fuel economy by 7% and result in an extra 28 cents per gallon at current US fuel prices. They also studied human behavior during the early days of COVID-19 and simulated cosmic collisions to better understand X-ray emissions.
Scripps Research scientists have discovered a special cell type called 'ionocyte' that maintains healthy concentrations of ions in saliva, producing growth factor FGF10. This ionocyte might hold the key to repairing salivary glands and treating conditions like Sjögren's syndrome and dry mouth.
A research team from City University of Hong Kong has developed an efficient electrochemical intercalation method to produce high-yield mono- or few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets. The new strategy offers a higher degree of control over lithium insertion and can be scaled up for industrial applications.
Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a programmable quantum sensor that can measure with even greater precision, using tailored entanglement to optimize performance. The sensor autonomously finds its optimal settings through free parameters, promising a significant advantage over classical computers.
Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.
A unified approach to electrochemical energy storage involves recognizing a spectrum between chemical and physical retention of ions. This understanding can lead to the development of devices that combine high energy and high power, such as flexible batteries for wearable electronics.
Physicists create cold molecular ions using a new method and detect ultracold molecules with high sensitivity. The technique uses a single trapped ion to sense tiny amounts of molecules, opening up new possibilities for precision spectroscopy and understanding ultracold collisions.
A study published in PLOS Water found that office buildings with low-consumption plumbing may experience chemical and microbiological safety issues due to weekend stagnation. The research highlights the need for regular water testing in commercial buildings, even those designed as 'green' to reduce water consumption.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that the pore size of a battery separator plays a crucial role in determining the stability and safety of a battery. The study reveals that smaller pores can lead to localized metal ion penetration and increased risk of short circuits.
Researchers from USTC discovered the acceleration of quasar outflows at tens of parsecs, exceeding traditional accretion disk wind model predictions. The findings suggest a key role for interstellar dust in facilitating this acceleration.
Researchers at the European XFEL facility have taken pictures of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules at atomic resolution using ultra-bright X-ray pulses. The images were reconstructed from the fragments caused by a Coulomb explosion, providing unprecedented clarity for this method and molecule size.
Researchers at Osaka University have successfully accelerated energetic ions using graphene targets irradiated with ultra-intense lasers, overcoming previous limitations. The findings demonstrate the robustness of graphene in this application and pave the way for compact and efficient plasma-based accelerators.
Researchers developed a waterproof biosensor that can accurately detect changes in potassium and sodium ion levels important in TBI. The chip features electronic components that produce an electrical signal when sensing chemicals, and the team successfully tested it in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and human blood serum.
Scientists at Georgia Tech Research Institute have demonstrated a new approach for transporting trapped ion pairs through a single laser beam to create entangled qubits. This method reduces the need for multiple optical switches and complex controls, potentially simplifying quantum systems.
Researchers identified the 'key' controlling potassium ion flow across cell membranes, resolving a decades-old problem and providing a new understanding of how channels are gated. The discovery has potential implications for treating diseases such as cancers, epilepsy, and diabetes by targeting ion channel deregulation.