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Researchers move closer to switching nuclear isomer decay on and off

Livermore researchers have made the most accurate measurement of a nuclear isomer's excitation energy, a crucial step towards controlling its decay. This breakthrough could enable the use of isomers as high-energy density storage systems like batteries, and has implications for quantum computing, general relativity testing, and more.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2007

Switchable lotus effect

A new compound in the diarylethene family is synthesized and produces a microcrystalline film that becomes super-water-repellent when exposed to UV light, and returns to its original state with visible light. The material's surface undergoes changes in molecular structure, leading to reversible formation of microfibrils.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 5, 2006