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New study finds first inhabitants of Caribbean brought drug heirlooms with them

A new study found physical evidence of ancient drug paraphernalia in the Caribbean, dated between 400 and 100 B.C., suggesting that the artifacts were transported to the islands as heirlooms. The research team used luminescence dating to analyze ceramic inhaling bowls, which indicated that they were not made using local materials.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateOct 20, 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

Survey: Most effective dental braces are least attractive

A survey of adults found that less metal is better when it comes to the attractiveness of orthodontic braces. Clear trays and teeth with no visible appliances were considered the most attractive options. However, these more aesthetically pleasing options often come with limitations in terms of movement and force delivery.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics·DateJul 9, 2008

Modern ceramics help advance technology

Researchers explored the critical role of piezoelectric materials in advancing technology, leading to breakthroughs in cell phone technology and ultrahigh resolution ink-jet printing heads. The study highlights the potential applications of PZT thin film materials for various devices, including motion sensors and optical mirrors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateMay 8, 2008

Ceramic, heal thyself

Researchers found that oxygen atoms in yttria-stabilized zirconia can heal radiation-induced damage by moving into pre-existing vacancies. This self-healing behavior could lead to the development of radiation-resistant materials, improving durability and reducing replacement costs. The simulation results also suggest that this ceramic ...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateApr 18, 2008

Findings could improve fuel cell efficiency

Researchers at Duke University have developed a ceramic membrane that allows fuel cells to operate at low humidity and higher temperatures, potentially improving efficiency. This new membrane could address current limitations in fuel cell technology and attract investment for its commercialization.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateMar 19, 2008

Fake diamonds help jet engines take the heat

Researchers at Ohio State University are developing a technology to coat turbine blades with zirconium dioxide, also known as synthetic diamond, to combat high-temperature corrosion. The coating converts corrosive particles into a protective outer layer, renewing itself constantly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalActa Materialia·DateMar 17, 2008

Hidden order found in a quantum spin liquid

Researchers have discovered a hidden magnetic order in a ceramic material that extends over chains of 100 atoms, with potential applications in quantum computing and information processing. The team found that the magnetic excitations can propagate long distances at low temperatures, but can be disrupted by defects or heat.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2007

Decapitation and rebirth

A newly excavated headless skeleton from Nasca, Peru provides important new data on ancient decapitation practices. The analysis suggests that decapitation was part of powerful rituals aimed at ensuring fertility and the continuation of life and rebirth of the community.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 29, 2007

Researchers develop alternate method to dispose nuclear liquid waste

Researchers have developed a new method to dispose of nuclear liquid waste by solidifying and stabilizing high alkali, low-activity radioactive waste using hydroceramic materials. The resulting hydroceramic can tie up minor radioactive components in its zeolitic structure, providing a viable alternative for the Department of Energy.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateFeb 22, 2006

Ceramic/metal interface fracture toughness

Researchers evaluated the fracture toughness of Si3N4/S45C joints with interface cracks of different lengths. The specimen with a 4mm crack exhibited higher apparent fracture toughness due to reduced residual stress. Fracture propagation directions varied depending on crack length.

Breakthrough in micro-device fabrication combines biology and synthetic chemistry

Researchers have developed new approaches to produce micro-devices with complex shapes and properties, opening up opportunities for biomedical, computing, environmental cleanup, defense, and other applications. The study uses biologically derived structures that can be chemically modified without changing their shape or fine features.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology·DateSep 20, 2005

Tiny tools carve glass

Researchers create miniature drills and end mills using microelectro discharge machining to produce smooth, curly chips of glass or ceramic. The process can take as long as an hour to produce one dimple a half millimeter in diameter, but is faster than photolithography.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateNov 2, 2004

Ceramics reinforced with nanotubes

The new material has up to five times the fracture toughness of conventional alumina, making it more forgiving under dynamic loads. It also exhibits high electrical conductivity ten trillion times greater than pure alumina, with interesting thermal properties that make it suitable for thermal barrier coatings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 16, 2003

Porous ceramic can sort proteins magnetically

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to incorporate iron oxide particles into porous ceramic structures, enabling size exclusion and magnetic interactions. This enables the separation of single proteins from thousands found in blood serum, with potential applications in catalytic conversion.

SourceCornell University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 24, 2003

Flexible ceramic material is a 'plumber's nightmare'

Researchers at Cornell University have created a flexible ceramic material with a cubic bicontinuous structure, which conforms to century-old mathematical predictions. The material has properties that are not just the sum of polymers and ceramic, but something new, offering promise for efficient battery electrolytes and fuel cells.

Strontium titanate - a deformable ceramic

Researchers discovered strontium titanate deforms plastically at low stresses and temperatures, contrary to its brittle nature. Detailed analysis reveals the existence of different dislocation core structures, suggesting potential applications in forming or enhancing ceramic properties.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 6, 2001

Moldable, 'tunable' magnets make their debut in February 25Sciencepaper

Researchers from the University of Toronto have developed a new class of magnetically tunable, shaped ceramics. By adjusting temperature in a pyrolysis chamber, they can create ferromagnetic nanoclusters and tune the material's magnetism. This breakthrough has potential applications in data storage, anti-static coatings, and other fields.