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Biomolecular explosion

Scientists have observed that ionizing radiation can cause intermolecular Coulombic decay in organic molecules, leading to damage in DNA and proteins. This new understanding could lead to the development of more effective substances for radiation therapy and improve knowledge of how radiation damages healthy tissue.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2021

Scientists discover triboionization in discontinuous atmospheric pressure inlet for miniature ion trap mass spectrometer

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics discovered triboionization in a discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface, enabling analytes to be detected without an extra ionization source. By adjusting the pinch valve frequency, signal intensity was improved by nearly 20 times.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 7, 2021

How mussels make a powerful underwater glue

Researchers at McGill University have discovered how blue mussels fabricate underwater adhesives in just 2-3 minutes. The adhesive is created by mixing metal ions with fluid proteins, and its unique properties make it ideal for use in wet environments such as surgical or dental treatments.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

A sandblaster at the atomic level

A computational model predicts the effects of ion bombardment on surfaces with varying degrees of roughness, enabling accurate calculation of material removal. The study's findings have implications for fusion research, astrophysics, and industrial applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2021

Microplastics: A trojan horse for metals

Researchers have discovered that microplastics can serve as a transport vehicle for metals in the environment, accumulating and releasing these pollutants. The study found significant differences in metal accumulation between different types of plastics, with some metals attaching almost entirely to microplastics.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Non-stop signal achieved in high-power Er3+-doped mid-infrared lasers

Researchers at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have developed high-power Er3+-doped mid-infrared lasers with peak powers over 0.33 MW and repetition rates up to 150 Hz. The lasers achieved quasi-continuous signals, making them promising candidates for dental ablation surgery and optical parametric oscillator applications.

Stress-free path to stress-free metallic films paves the way for next-gen circuitry

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a method to create thin films of tungsten with minimal stresses using high power impulse magnetron scattering. This breakthrough technology enables efficient deposition of metallic films without heat treatment, opening up new possibilities for the electronics industry.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 3, 2021

Protocells spring into action

A team of researchers has developed micro-actuators that use internal changes as a trigger for signal-based movement, paving the way for new applications in soft robotics, microscale sensing, and bioengineering. The devices, powered by chemical reactions, can be programmed to perform different modes of mechanical work.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2021

Insulators turn up the heat on quantum bits

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck develop new method to assess influence of dielectric materials on charged particles in ion traps, enabling more accurate design and minimization of noise in quantum computers. The breakthrough improves understanding of sources of error in ion trap quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 14, 2021

New method eliminates interference of nicotine in detection of methamphetamine

Researchers developed a homemade ion mobility spectrometry method to detect methamphetamine without nicotine interference. The optimized temperature and pyridine concentration resolved overlapping spectral peaks, providing high selectivity and a low limit of detection for MA detection.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJun 10, 2021

Ion and lipid transporters specialize for their niche

Researchers have discovered that ion and lipid transporters have evolved distinct structural features to optimize the transport of their respective substrates. Crystal structures reveal a pump primed for dephosphorylation in Ca2+-ATPase, while a novel mechanism is uncovered in P4-ATPases, enabling efficient lipid flippase activity.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJun 10, 2021

THOR: Driving collaboration in heavy-ion collision research

The THOR COST Action has enabled a large collection of papers on hot matter and relativistic heavy-ion collisions, thanks to extensive collaborations between researchers. Through the project, over 300 physicists have improved their methods by exchanging ideas and results.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal A·DateJun 2, 2021