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Nickel for thought: Compound shows potential for high-temperature superconductivity

A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has identified a nickel oxide compound with promising properties for high-temperature superconductivity. The compound, a metallic trilayer nickelate, successfully synthesized single crystals that resemble cuprate materials, a crucial step towards solving the field's defining problem.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 16, 2017

The evolutionary secret of H. pylori to survive in the stomach

The study identifies a new nickel transporter crucial for the pathogen's ability to colonize the stomach and survive its acidic environment. The discovery sheds light on the genetic modifications that enabled H. pylori to adapt to this hostile environment, highlighting the importance of metals in bacterial pathogenesis.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateDec 20, 2016

Gigantic ultrafast spin currents

Researchers from TU Wien have proposed a new method to create gigantic spin currents in a very small period of time using ultra short laser pulses. The spin current is injected into silicon without creating a charge current due to a spin-selective effect, leading to extremely strong spin-polarization.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 24, 2016

Fuel cell advance

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a low-cost nickel-based catalyst that can power fuel cells with unprecedented efficiency. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cell cars truly affordable, potentially priced around $23,000 for a Toyota Mirai.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2016

For 2-D boron, it's all about that base

Researchers found that 2D boron properties vary based on interactions with metal substrates. Copper is identified as a suitable substrate to guide the formation of flat boron sheets. The discovery opens up new avenues for creating highly conductive 2D boron and exploring its potential applications in fuel cells and other fields.

SourceRice University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 2, 2015

For some kids, Easter egg hunts can lead to skin problems

Children and adults allergic to nickel can develop rashes after contact with it, including nickel-rich foods like peanuts, oats, and processed cheese. Easter egg hunts can exacerbate these reactions, especially in children who binge on chocolate during the holiday

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Dermatology·DateMar 16, 2015

Better batteries inspired by lowly snail shells

Researchers at UMBC isolated a peptide that binds strongly to lithium manganese nickel oxide, improving the potential power and stability of electrode materials. The peptides can latch onto nanoscale components, forming a bridge between conductive components and maintaining a connection through multiple charging cycles.

Study finds physical link to strange electronic behavior

A Rice University-led team has found a physical link between magnetic properties and electronic behavior in barium iron nickel arsenide, a key material for high-temperature superconductivity. The study uses neutron measurements to reveal an analogous behavior in the material, providing new clues to understanding this phenomenon.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2014

A collaboration of minds and metal

Researchers at Princeton University have made a groundbreaking collaboration between two areas of research, enabling the formation of previously impossible bonds. The breakthrough uses photoredox catalysis and nickel catalysis to create powerful new reactions with unprecedented efficiency and scalability.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2014

'White graphene' halts rust in high temps

Researchers have discovered that sheets of hexagonal boron nitride can protect metals from oxidizing even at very high temperatures, such as 1,100 degrees Celsius. The ultrathin films are made of just a few atoms thick and have potential applications in industries like turbines, jet engines, and oil exploration.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2013

Airbrushing could facilitate large-scale manufacture of carbon nanofibers

Using an airbrush, researchers can grow vertically aligned carbon nanofibers on several metal substrates, opening the door for incorporating these nanofibers into gene delivery devices, sensors, batteries and other technologies. The technique enables large-scale manufacturing processes, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 11, 2013

Nanoparticle opens the door to clean-energy alternatives

A new discovery by Penn State researchers may lead to the creation of cheaper clean-energy technologies. The team, led by Raymond Schaak, has found that a nickel phosphide nanoparticle can effectively trigger hydrogen production from water. This process is crucial for many energy-production technologies, including fuel cells and solar ...