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Rice scientists pull off quantum coup

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new material that exhibits both quantum correlations and geometric frustration, resulting in a unique flat band structure. This finding provides empirical evidence of the effect in a 3D material and has implications for understanding exotic features in materials science.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Glass packaging with a mix of thermoelectric in the vias

Researchers have developed a thermal management technique for photonic packages using glass substrates and thermoelectric vias, enabling precise temperature control. The technology, termed SimTEC, combines through glass vias partially filled with copper and thermoelectric materials to reduce thermal resistance between chips.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateJan 10, 2024

High-temperature superconductors, with a twist?

A Harvard University research team has demonstrated a new strategy for making and manipulating cuprate superconductors, clearing a path to engineering new forms of superconductivity. The team created a high-temperature, superconducting diode made out of thin cuprate crystals using a low-temperature device fabrication method.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

When physics meets biology: prion protein orchestrates liquid-liquid phase separation with copper

Researchers discovered that prion protein and copper form sticky droplets under oxidative stress, leading to abnormal solid formation. The study highlights the biological significance of liquid-liquid phase separation in regulating copper homeostasis by PrP.

An all-in-one surface design of copper nanowire assemblies to achieve ~100% defrosting efficiency

Scientists create a design that enables simultaneous presentation of photothermal, thermal conductive, and superhydrophobic properties, achieving record-high defrosting efficacy. The innovative assembly enhances de-icing and defrosting efficiency, reducing overall defrosting durations by 2-3 times.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 28, 2023

Copper could help create clearer MRI images and improved diagnosis - study

Researchers have discovered a novel copper protein binding site that shows promise for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, potentially leading to clearer images and improved diagnoses. The new structure displayed highly effective levels of relaxivity, equal and superior to existing Gd(III) agents used in clinical MRI.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

Room-temperature, solid-state synthesis of high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films using a novel solid-state synthesis method. The team discovered that depositing CuI and CsI layers in specific ratios results in distinct local structures containing point defects, leading to highly efficient emissions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

Copper artefacts reveal changing connections in prehistoric Europe

The study analyzed 45 copper objects from Northern Central Europe and Southern Scandinavia, revealing changes in distribution networks across prehistoric Europe. The findings suggest that copper artefacts originated primarily from southeast Europe before 3500 BC, with later sources including the Eastern Alps and British Isles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Regulations reducing lead and copper contamination in drinking water generate $9 billion of health benefits per year according to new analysis

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health estimates that regulations reducing lead and copper contamination in drinking water generate $9.2 billion in health benefits annually, exceeding the EPA's public estimates by an order of magnitude. The analysis also reveals at least $2 billion in infrastructure benefits, bringi...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateMay 9, 2023

Researchers team up with national lab for innovative look at copper reactions

A team of researchers at Binghamton University partnered with Brookhaven National Laboratory to investigate copper oxide peroxides and their effects on oxidation reactions. They used two spectroscopy methods to observe changes in the surface of copper oxide and found that peroxides enhance H2 oxidation but inhibit CO oxidation.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Better superconductors with palladium

Researchers have found a material, palladium, that is optimally suited for creating superconductors with high transition temperatures. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize electricity generation and transportation by enabling materials to conduct electricity without loss at normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Novel durable copper-aluminum-zinc shape memory alloys for energy-efficient refrigeration

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science created a fracture-resistant alloy through heat-treatment, exhibiting improved elastocaloric properties and resistance to cyclical loads. The Cu-Zn-Al alloy showed significant increases in grain size, leading to enhanced cooling capabilities and paving the way for innovative refrigeration systems.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Physics Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Using bacteria to target cancer treatment

Scientists have engineered a unique strain of probiotic bacteria to over-express a metal transporter that binds and concentrates copper, facilitating the delivery of radionuclide therapy to cancer cells. This approach targets tumors without relying on specific receptors, making it potentially effective against treatment-resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Wilson’s disease: Bacterial agent opens new therapeutic options

A bacterial molecule, ARBM101, has been found to efficiently lower liver copper levels in a rat model, offering a promising new therapeutic option for Wilson's disease. The treatment approach involves weekly applications followed by month-long breaks, significantly shortening the therapy period.

Cyprus’s copper deposits created one of the most important trade hubs in the Bronze Age

The discovery of Hala Sultan Tekke, a Cypriot village with extensive copper production and trade hubs, reveals that Cyprus was the largest copper producer around the Mediterranean during the Bronze Age. The city's well-protected harbour and central location facilitated lively trade with neighbouring regions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·TypeCase study·DateMar 16, 2023

New models shed light on life’s origin

Researchers studied lithospheric fluids billions of years ago to infer the presence of metals that could have supported life. Manganese was found to be a likely candidate, while copper was not detected in high concentrations. The study provides new insights into the origin of life and will inform future experiments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2023

Testing their mettle: How bacteria in deep-sea vents deal with toxic metal environments

A new study identifies how bacteria in deep-sea hydrothermal vents survive and thrive in the presence of toxic metals like copper and cadmium. Bacteria use transporter proteins to pump out these metals, but also employ more complex strategies, such as flagella formation and granule growth, to detoxify cadmium.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2023

Copper a clue in the fight against cancer

Researchers discovered that the Memo1 protein binds copper ions, blocking toxic redox reactions that damage or kill cancer cells. The protein's interaction with copper also protects against metastasis formation in breast cancer cells. This finding opens up potential new treatments for cancer.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Crystals generate electricity from heat

Researchers have discovered a synthetic sulfide mineral that converts heat into electricity efficiently and safely. The novel material, composed of copper, manganese, germanium, and sulfur, shows two crystal structures within the same material and has a stable temperature range up to 400 degrees Celsius.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Scientists have grown custom-shaped nanoparticles

Researchers developed a technology to create nonspherical nanoparticles through ion implantation, enabling the growth of custom shapes and controlling their properties. This allows for the creation of metamaterials with improved optical absorption and energy conversion efficiency.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids·DateOct 18, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Novel carrier doping in p-type semiconductors enhances photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration

Researchers have developed a novel carrier doping method for p-type semiconductors, which improves photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration. The new method uses alkali ion impurities to enhance conductivity in copper(I)-based semiconductors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2022