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Searching for the 'perfect glass'

Scientists at Carnegie's Geophysical Laboratory have discovered a metallic glass that demonstrates long-range order among its atoms, a key characteristic of the elusive 'perfect glass' state. By applying high pressure, they were able to create a single crystal and preserve its structural order.

Keeping oysters, clams and mussels safe to eat

Researchers at USDA's Agricultural Research Service are investigating the use of high-pressure processing (HPP) to inactivate viruses and bacteria in oysters, clams, and mussels. The technique, already used in pasteurizing juices and meats, has shown promise in inactivating 99.9% of hepatitis A virus in mollusks.

Under pressure: Germanium

Researchers discovered germanium undergoes structural changes to become metallic under high pressure, exhibiting superconductivity caused by phonons. The findings matched theoretical predictions, confirming the element's potential applications in electronics and materials science.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2011

Measuring changes in rock

A research team developed tools to study supercritical CO2's impact on minerals, which could be affected by stored carbon dioxide. The new high-pressure atomic force microscope can observe changes at the atomic scale, addressing a key question about the feasibility of carbon capture and storage.

Superconducting hydrogen?

Scientists have modeled three hydrogen-dense metal alloys and found that superconductivity can be induced by high pressure, with transition temperatures as low as -423°F. The study suggests that the superconducting state comes from electron interaction with vibrational energy through the lattice.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2010

New hydrogen-storage method discovered

Researchers at Carnegie Institution create unique hydrogen-storage material by combining xenon with molecular hydrogen under pressure, offering a new family of materials to boost hydrogen technologies. The discovery reveals unusual bonding chemistry and potential applications in synthesizing energetic materials.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 22, 2009

Melting ice under pressure

Researchers used simulations to determine ice VII's melting temperature in high-pressure conditions, finding a molecular solid phase below 450,000 atmospheres and a superionic solid phase above. This discovery opens up possibilities for water existing as a solid in Neptune, Uranus, and Earth's deep interiors.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2008

Laser-induced shocks in diamond anvil can achieve pressures inside supergiant planets

Researchers have developed a method to achieve pressures up to a billion atmospheres, recreating conditions expected in the cores of supergiant planets. This breakthrough allows for the study of extreme chemistry and material properties, shedding light on the composition of Earth's mantle and rocky core.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2007

High-quality helium crystals show supersolid behavior

Researchers have successfully replicated high-quality helium crystals exhibiting supersolid behavior, a phenomenon initially thought to be exclusive to poor-quality solid helium. The new findings suggest that supersolidity can occur in ultra-cold solid helium with crystallinity above 1%, contrary to previous theories.

Self-assembling nano-ice discovered at UNL -- Structure resembles DNA

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln discovered self-assembling nano-ice that resembles the DNA double helix structure. The nano-ice formations can be viewed as a self-assembling process, where molecules bond together through weak hydrogen bonds. This discovery could have major implications for scientists studying disease ...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2006