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Study unveils novel protein that regulates iron build-up in chiton teeth

Researchers from Okayama University have identified a novel eukaryotic protein called radular teeth matrix protein 1 (RTMP1) that plays a crucial role in regulating iron oxide deposition in chiton teeth. The study reveals that RTMP1 helps concentrate iron ions on the chitin fibers, making them ultrahard and durable.

SourceOkayama University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

Controlling electronics with light: the magnetite breakthrough

Scientists have discovered that specific light wavelengths can induce non-equilibrium transitions in magnetite, a well-studied material. This breakthrough enables the control of electronic properties at ultrafast timescales, opening up new avenues for advanced materials and device development.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2024

Probing the effects of interplanetary space on asteroid Ryugu

Researchers analyzed asteroid Ryugu samples to study magnetic and physical bombardment environment in interplanetary space. The investigation revealed changes likely caused by micrometeoroid bombardment, providing insights into the solar system's early stages.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s

Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Meteorites likely source of nitrogen for early Earth

A study of Ryugu samples suggests that micrometeorites from icy celestial bodies in the outer Solar System transported nitrogen compounds to near-Earth regions. This discovery could provide clues about the origins of nitrogen on our planet, potentially serving as a building block for life.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Microbial corrosion of iron

Researchers found that bacteria with electrically conductive protein threads can corrode iron anaerobically, producing magnetite that facilitates further corrosion. The discovery has significant implications for corrosion protection and suggests taking material properties into consideration.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New research on magnetite in salmon noses illuminates understanding of sensory mechanisms enabling magnetic perception across life

A new theory outlines how magnetite crystals in specialized receptor cells of salmon and other animals may have roots in ancient genetic systems developed by bacteria, suggesting a common evolutionary history between magnetite-producing bacteria and fish. The findings have the potential for widespread application, from improving salmon...

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2022

Graphene-like 2D material leverages quantum effects to achieve ultra-low friction

Researchers discovered a graphene-like material called magnetene that exhibits ultra-low friction, contrary to predictions based on Van der Waals forces. Quantum effects play a crucial role in its behavior, making it suitable for use in micro-electro-mechanical systems and implantable devices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 17, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Maya rulers put their personal stamp on monumental complexes

Researchers found that Maya rulers altered their cities' structures and alignments to reflect their own desires and authority. Many temples were built on top of existing ones or abandoned altogether, shifting the focus from community ritual to ruler-centric politics.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAncient Mesoamerica·TypeCase study·DateSep 21, 2021

Magnetic patterns hidden in meteorites reveal early Solar System dynamics

Scientists have developed a novel technique to analyze magnetites in meteorites, providing a historical record of the early Solar System's dynamics. By studying the Tagish Lake meteorite, researchers infer that the parent body formed in the Kuiper Belt and moved to the asteroid belt after Jupiter's formation.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Research finds tiny bubbles tell tales of big volcanic eruptions

Researchers have discovered that tiny bubbles in erupted lava can tell tales of big volcanic eruptions, and magnetite crystals may explain the staggering number of bubbles. Scientists used numerical models to reconcile differences between predicted and actual bubble amounts, leading to improved volcanic forecasts.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2021

New type of coupled electronic-structural waves discovered in magnetite

Scientists have uncovered low-energy waves in magnetite that indicate the importance of electronic interactions with the crystal lattice. The discovery reveals the trimeron order in magnetite has elementary excitations with very low energy, absorbing radiation in the far-infrared region.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 26, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Origins of Earth's magnetic field remain a mystery

A team of scientists from MIT has found evidence to contradict previous claims that the Earth's magnetic field existed beyond 3.5 billion years ago. The researchers studied zircons excavated from an ancient outcrop in Western Australia and concluded that these minerals are unreliable as recorders of ancient magnetic fields.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020

Earth's early magnetic field

Researchers discovered evidence of a strong early magnetic field in ancient minerals, dating back to 3.2-4.2 billion years ago. The study suggests that the magnetic field was relatively strong between 4.1 and 4 billion years ago, likely powered by an internal geodynamo.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

Finding the cause of capacity loss in a metal-oxide battery material

Researchers found that buildup of lithium oxide and decomposition of electrolyte lead to rapid capacity fade in magnetite-based electrode material. The conversion reaction is not fully reversible, causing residual products to accumulate and block electron transport.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Lipid vesicles transmit luminous or electrical signals

Liposomes, small artificial structures with lipids and aqueous cores, have been engineered to transmit light or electrical signals. By incorporating magnetic nanoparticles and fluorescent molecules, the vesicles can be controlled by magnets and used for Boolean logic operations, enabling on/off signal transmission.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 27, 2019

Magnetic teeth hold promise for materials and energy

Researchers have discovered the genetic puzzle behind a mollusk's ability to produce magnetite nanomaterials. The study found that specific proteins are involved in transforming raw materials into magnetite, which could lead to the development of next-generation electronics and energy sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 1, 2019

Origin of magnetite in Hadean zircons

Researchers found that magnetite in Hadean zircons is likely a secondary deposit, formed after crystallization, precluding analysis of the Earth's earliest magnetic field. The presence of secondary magnetite indicates that a magnetic field may have existed during the Hadean Eon, but more evidence is needed to confirm this.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2018

Advanced imaging technology measures magnetite levels in the living brain

Researchers have used magnetoencephalography to measure magnetite levels in the human brain, which could lead to new studies on its role in neurodegenerative diseases. The study found greater accumulation of magnetite in the brains of older individuals, primarily in the hippocampus.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateNov 27, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New magnetically controlled thrombolytic successfully passed preclinical testing

A new anti-thrombosis drug based on magnetite nanoparticles has been developed by ITMO University researchers. The drug successfully passed preclinical testing, showing a 20 times shorter clot dissolution time and a lower minimum dose required to achieve the therapeutic effect compared to traditional medications.

SourceITMO University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 8, 2018

Unlocking the secrets of metal-insulator transitions

Researchers used XPCS to study magnetite's electrical conductivity transition from insulator to metallic, finding it occurs in two steps. The technique revealed that the fast phase is one step and the slowing down is the second step, suggesting that metallic and insulating properties coexist during the phase change.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 8, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Identity and origin of magnetic soil nanoparticles

Magnetic soil nanoparticles are primarily composed of magnetite, formed by soil wetting and drying cycles. This finding suggests that magnetic variations in Chinese Loess Plateau soils can be used as a benchmark for testing paleoclimate models.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Researchers find simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide onto gold nanorods

Researchers from NC State University have found a simpler way to deposit magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles onto silica-coated gold nanorods, creating multifunctional nanoparticles with useful magnetic and optical properties. The new technique uses an approach called heteroaggregation, resulting in highly uniform nanoparticles that can ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateDec 11, 2017

Lonely atoms, happily reunited

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology observe how carbon monoxide enables single platinum atoms to move and form clusters, breaking the grip of the magnetite surface. This process has significant implications for chemical catalysis, as it opens up a strategy to turn clusters into single atoms.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Visualizing the lithiation of a nanosized iron-oxide material in real time

Researchers developed a technique to visualize lithium ion battery discharge mechanisms in nanosized iron-oxide material, revealing the intercalation and conversion reactions that occur during lithiation. The study provides insights into how to improve battery performance and increase their longevity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2016

Magnetic vortices defy temperature fluctuations

A team of researchers from Germany and the UK used high-resolution electron microscopy to study magnetic vortices in magnetite minerals, revealing that they are surprisingly resilient to temperature changes. The findings have significant implications for understanding the Earth's magnetic field history and plate tectonics.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2016

Mysterious 'four-dimensional' iron oxide explained

Researchers describe the complex structure and proposed explanation for the unusual properties of Fe4O5, a recently discovered iron oxide that exhibits a four-dimensional crystal structure. The material shows similarities to magnetite but lacks ferroelectric properties, sparking interest in its potential practical applications.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 13, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

The finer details of rust

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have redefined the atomic structure of magnetite, a crucial component in electronic devices and medical applications. The study reveals that the surface of magnetite is governed by missing iron atoms, leading to an efficient catalyst for chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Nanocubes get in a twist

Weizmann Institute scientists have created twisted, rope-like structures from cube-shaped nanoparticles, demonstrating the power of self-assembly in nanomaterials. The findings reveal how competing forces like magnetism and van der Waals forces can align particles into complex shapes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Speed limit set for ultrafast electrical switch

Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have clocked the fastest-possible electrical switching in magnetite, a naturally magnetic mineral. The results could drive innovations in tiny transistors that control electricity across silicon chips.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 28, 2013

Video-article shows how to purify magnetic bacteria

Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a method to purify and enrich magnetotactic bacteria, which can produce magnetic nanocrystals. These bacteria are found in aquatic environments worldwide and possess unique properties that allow them to align with the Earth's magnetic field.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateNov 15, 2012

The magnetic sense

LMU researchers have identified magnetosensory cells in trout that detect the Earth's magnetic field and convert it into nerve impulses. The cells sense the field through micrometer-sized inclusions of magnetic crystals, which are coupled to the cell membrane.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

Badwater Basin: Death Valley microbe thrives there

Researchers have identified a new type of magnetic bacteria, BW-1, in Badwater Basin that can produce both greigite and magnetite. The discovery may lead to novel applications in drug delivery and medical imaging due to its unique properties.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateDec 27, 2011
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Landmark discovery has magnetic appeal for scientists

Researchers discover subtle electronic effect in magnetite that causes a dramatic change to its electrical conductivity at very low temperatures. This discovery gives new insight into the mineral's structure and behavior, potentially enabling the exploitation of magnetite and similar materials in new ways.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateDec 21, 2011

NIST scientists gain new 'core' understanding of nanoparticles

Researchers at NIST used neutron beams to study magnetite nanoparticles, revealing a complex interaction between the inner 'core' and outer 'shell'. The discovery could lead to new tools for controlling particle behavior in data storage and biological applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 27, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Earlier global warming produced a whole new form of life

Researchers have discovered a new species of microorganism that thrived 55 million years ago during a period of abrupt global warming. The 'giant' magnetofossils, which are up to eight times larger than previously known ones, provide valuable insights into the potential effects of significant climate changes on life.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2008

Ceramic material revs up microwaving

Researchers have developed a ceramic material that heats up in the microwave without causing damage, allowing for faster cooking times. The material, made from petalite and magnetite, can retain heat for up to 15 minutes, enabling innovative food preparation methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateAug 28, 2008

Magnetism loses under pressure

Researchers discovered that magnetite's magnetic strength halves when subjected to pressures between 120,000 and 160,000 times atmospheric pressure. The change is due to a decrease in unpaired electrons, which affects the spin of magnetic materials.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateJan 29, 2008
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New property found in ancient mineral lodestone

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a surprising new electronic property in magnetite, a well-studied magnetic mineral, by using nanofabrication methods. They were able to get the material to revert from an insulator to a conductor at temperatures colder than minus 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 17, 2007

Nanocompasses and quantum dots

Scientists have designed two-dimensional arrays of cadmium selenide nanoparticles, also known as quantum dots, to change their optical and light-emitting properties. These nanostructures can be used as waveguides or lasers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateApr 1, 2004

Evidence of martian life dealt critical blow

A team from Arizona State University has questioned the evidence for bacterial life in a Martian meteorite, citing limitations in microscope technology and data selection. The researchers argue that the shapes of magnetite crystals found in the meteorite are not uniquely identifiable with bacteria.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2001