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Research identifies more sustainable, cost-effective approach to treating citrus canker

Researchers have developed a more sustainable approach to treating citrus canker, which reduces copper usage by up to 80%. The new technique involves using less water and copper, resulting in lower costs and environmental impact. By adopting this method, citrus growers can minimize the risk of developing copper-resistant strains.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateFeb 3, 2021

Hormonal IUDs are a viable and underutilized method for emergency contraception

Researchers at University of Utah Health found hormonal IUDs comparable to copper IUDs for emergency contraception, offering a safe alternative to current options. The study also suggests that hormonal IUDs can provide highly effective contraception for up to seven years, reducing the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 27, 2021

New process more efficiently recycles excess CO2 into fuel, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new electrochemical reaction using polymers to improve CO2-to-ethylene conversion efficiency. The study found that the new polymer-entrained electrodes produced more stable chemical intermediates, resulting in up to 87% ethylene production, surpassing previous reports.

Metal-ion breakthrough leads to new biomaterials

Cornell engineers developed a modular process for designing elastomers with metals like iron and calcium, creating a wide range of mechanical properties. The framework allows for the creation of biodegradable and elastic materials for soft tissue reconstruction and regeneration.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 30, 2020

New understanding of electrolyte additives will improve dye-sensitised solar cells

Dye-sensitised solar cells can perform more consistently in low-light conditions thanks to improved understanding of electrolyte additives. Researchers have found that certain molecules, such as 4-tert-butylpyridine and 1-methyl-benzimidazole, are crucial to suppressing recombination losses and maximizing efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 3, 2020

Researchers create nanoclusters that mimic biomolecules

A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020

Researchers track how bacteria purge toxic metals

Researchers at Cornell University used single-molecule tracking and protein quantitation to study the mechanism of bacteria's resistance to toxic metals, revealing a complex series of steps that lead to detoxification. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective antibacterial treatments.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2020

In search of the lighting material of the future

A yellowish solid compound has been found to emit an intense green glow when excited by an electric current, making it a hot candidate for producing OLEDs. The substance's chemical structure allows for high light yields due to its stiff molecule and minimal changes in structure upon excitation.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

Now metal surfaces can be instant bacteria killers

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses laser-texturing to create nanoscale patterns on metal surfaces, instantly killing bacteria and viruses. The technology has potential applications in medical devices such as orthopedic implants and wearable patches for chronic wounds.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 9, 2020

A small step for atoms, a giant leap for microelectronics

Scientists at Rice University successfully grew atom-thick sheets of hexagonal boron nitride, a wide band gap semiconductor, to create perfectly ordered crystals for use in integrated circuits. The breakthrough enables the development of 2D layers with millions of transistors, potentially overcoming limitations in miniaturization.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2020

No need to dig too deep to find gold!

The study found that the depth of porphyry copper and gold deposits influences their composition, with deeper deposits containing more copper and shallower deposits containing more gold. Over 95% of gold is lost to the atmosphere through volcanic emissions, making it challenging for companies to extract this metal.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020

Honey, I shrunk Michelangelo's David

Scientists from ETH Zurich have successfully created a miniature copper statue of Michelangelo's famous sculpture using 3D printing technology. The technique allows for the creation of metal structures at the nanometer and micrometer scale, enabling the production of complex geometries with high precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMicromachines·DateDec 19, 2019

New way to date rocks

University of Queensland scientists have identified a new reference material and used a state-of-the-art instrument to better date rock formations in central Asia. This new method could help establish the relationship between historical episodes of magma activity and mineral accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalACM SIGSAM Bulletin·DateNov 3, 2019

Immune system upgrade

Researchers develop copper telluride nanoparticles that mimic enzymes, inducing oxidative stress and triggering inflammatory processes in tumor cells. This triggers an immune response, allowing the body to defend against metastasis and relapses.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2019