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Mimicking the Earth’s crust: Examining solidification of Mg–C–O–H systems by cold sintering

Researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology investigated the solidification mechanism of magnesium carbonate and hydroxide systems using cold sintering. The study found that water played a crucial role in promoting dissolution-precipitation reactions, enabling densification at lower temperatures.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022

Keeping bulk magnesium diboride superconducting at higher current densities

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed an optimized recipe to retain superconductivity in bulk MgB2 by enhancing its critical current density. By combining sintering conditions with controlled addition of nanometer-sized amorphous boron and dysprosium oxide, the team achieved a superior critical current density.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Study probes Earth’s turbulent past to explain where oceans came from

A recent study suggests that a chemical compound called magnesium hydrosilicate, stable at high pressures and temperatures, could have stored water deep within the Earth's mantle during its violent early days. This finding has significant implications for understanding the origin of water on Earth and potentially habitable exoplanets.

Say hello to a record-setting isotope

Scientists have created the world's lightest version of magnesium, a record-setting isotope that helps refine theories on atomic structure. The unstable isotope was produced using particle accelerators and decays within tenths of a second, making it impossible to measure directly.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 6, 2022

A salty treat: Extracting high-quality magnesium sulphate from seawater desalination brine

A team of Korean researchers has successfully extracted high-quality magnesium sulphate, without calcium impurities, from seawater desalination brine using a novel ethanol-based process. The process achieved up to 67% magnesium recovery efficiency and has potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalDesalination·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021

Unlocking how cellular proteins control cancer spread

A McGill-led study unlocks the behavior of an enzyme involved in cancer cell spread, revealing a delicate interaction between PRL3 and magnesium transport proteins crucial to colorectal cancer growth. This finding calls into question long-standing hypotheses about PRL3's role in cancer spread.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 12, 2020

Monitoring the corrosion of bioresorbable magnesium

Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a new family of bioresorbable magnesium alloys containing zinc and calcium, which can be resorbed by the human body. Analytical transmission electron microscopy revealed a previously unknown dealloying mechanism governing the dissolution of precipitates in the magnesium matrix.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 23, 2019

X-ray mapping enhances potential of lightweight magnesium

A world-first study has discovered a new technique to create stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys using atomic-resolution X-ray mapping. The finding significantly improves the structural integrity of automotive and aerospace industries by increasing the boundary pinning effect and strengthening the alloy.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2019

Researchers map previously unknown disease in children

A team of researchers has discovered a previously unknown disease that causes children to suffer from epileptic seizures, loss of magnesium in urine, and reduced intelligence. The disease is linked to a mutation in the sodium-potassium pump's Alpha-1 form, affecting both kidneys and the brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 10, 2019

Magnesium isotopes reflect early lunar history

Researchers analyzed magnesium stable isotopes in lunar rock samples, finding they match the Inner Solar System's bulk composition before fractionation occurred. The results suggest the initial Moon impact did not separate isotopes and instead indicate a lunar magma ocean that re-melted and affected later basalt formations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Tracking hydrogen movement using subatomic particles

A Japanese collaboration has successfully tracked hydrogen movement in solids using negative muons, a technique that could aid the development of hydrogen storage materials. By detecting local nuclear magnetic fields, researchers were able to study the dynamics of light elements in a solid from the fixed point of the nucleus.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 26, 2018

Magnesium magnificent for plasmonic applications

Rice University researchers have synthesized and isolated plasmonic magnesium nanoparticles that show promise with all the benefits of their gold and silver cousins. The particles proved to be unexpectedly robust and can concentrate light in nanoscale volumes, useful for chemical and biological sensors.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 22, 2018