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Glass from a 3D printer

Using stereolithography, ETH Zurich researchers have created glass objects with intricate structures and pore sizes controlled by UV light intensity. The technique allows for the production of complex glass objects, such as those with different types of glass or combined materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 27, 2019

UI researchers validate optimum composites structure created with additive manufacturing

A team of researchers successfully validated an optimized composite material structure created using additive manufacturing, resulting in a stiffer and stronger material. The structure features a curved deposition line pattern, which was found to be the most optimal for achieving maximum stiffness and strength.

Curbing the flammability of epoxy resin

A team of researchers from Henan University has investigated the flame retardant performance of epoxy resin using a boron nitride nanosheet decorated with cobalt ferrite nanoparticle. The as-prepared CFN-BNNS exhibits superior paramagnetic properties, contributing to better flame retardant performance compared to random alignment.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateJun 19, 2019

Rare instance of ammonite preserved in amber

A rare marine ammonite shell, identified as a juvenile from the Late Albian to Early Cenomanian age of the Cretaceous Period, is preserved in Burmese amber. The discovery suggests that the amber was formed on a beach with resin-producing trees close enough to the water to capture both terrestrial insects and remains of marine organisms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

World's biggest bee found

A team of international scientists and conservationists has successfully rediscovered the world's largest bee, Wallace's giant bee. The species was lost to science since 1981 but has been found in Indonesia, where it is threatened by forest destruction.

3D printing 100 times faster with light

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new approach to 3D printing that lifts complex shapes from a vat of liquid, producing objects 100 times faster than conventional methods. The method uses two lights to control where resin hardens and harden, enabling the creation of sophisticated patterns and durable materials.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2019

Siberian scientists suggested a new method for synthesizing a promising magnetic material

Scientists from Siberian Federal University have developed a new method for synthesizing iron-dysprosium garnet, a promising magnetic material. This method uses anion resin exchange precipitation, allowing for the production of materials with controlled properties and no high temperatures or aggressive substances.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering A·DateJan 23, 2018

Dental filling failure linked to smoking, drinking and genetics

A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that patients who drink alcohol or smoke are more likely to experience dental filling failure. Genetic differences were also discovered to be associated with increased filling failure rates, suggesting personalized treatments could lead to improved outcomes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateNov 6, 2017

Materials emitted by water pipe-repair method may pose health risks

A recently conducted study revealed that the cured-in-place pipe repair (CIPP) method can emit hazardous chemicals into the air, posing potential health hazards to workers and the public. The research found a complex mixture of organic vapor, water vapor, and liquid droplets of water, which can cause short- and long-term health impacts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 31, 2017

A plastic planet

A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

Dramatic improvement in surface finishing of 3-D printing

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a new 3D Chemical Melting Finishing (3D-CMF) method that improves surface texture and structural rigidity while reducing waste and cost, making it suitable for home 3D printing. The process uses a tool to selectively apply solvent to specific parts of the printed piece.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2017

Speeding up 19th century oil paintings

Lead acetate, combined with mastic resin and linseed oil, enabled artists to create quick-drying paint layers for the first time. This innovation allowed for faster production times, facilitating the development of modern styles in the 19th century.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 9, 2017

Resin may provide medicine against epilepsy

Resin acids have been found to be effective in treating epilepsy by opening potassium channels and reducing nerve activity. The substances, which are fat-soluble and electrically charged, were synthesized from a natural molecule and tested on frog eggs and mice before patent applications were submitted.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 8, 2015

Just say 'No' to drugs -- in water

A 16-year-old scientist has created a solution to remove pharmaceutical drugs from contaminated water, using a plastic adsorbent that can capture the chemicals. The innovative technique, tested over six years, shows promise for scaling up and applying it in real-world water treatment.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 29, 2015

Dirt provides new insight into Roman burials

A team of archaeologists has discovered evidence of frankincense being used in Roman burial rites in Britain, shedding new light on the country's funerary practices. The analysis of debris and skeletal remains from across Britain revealed that these precious substances were transported to the empire's northern outpost despite its decline.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 4, 2014

Smart, eco-friendly new battery to solve problems

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new battery concept using renewable biomaterials from alfalfa and pine resin, which can be recycled with low energy input and non-hazardous chemicals. The battery proved capable of delivering up to 99% of the energy output from a spent battery.

SourceUppsala University·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 28, 2014

Bronze Age wine cellar found

A Bronze Age wine cellar was uncovered at an ancient Canaanite palace in modern-day Israel, showcasing wine residue from over 40 jars. The jars contained chemical compounds indicative of wine, as well as subtle differences in ingredients or additives such as honey and cedar oil.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2014

One secret of ancient amber revealed

Researchers use new technique to analyze amber's molecular structure, discovering succinic acid plays a crucial role in its stability and longevity. This finding sheds light on the gemstone's extreme durability, which has puzzled scientists for decades.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 9, 2014