Articles tagged with Copper
Researchers at Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology are exploring the use of bioactive substances derived from bacteria to extract copper and molybdenum from ores in a more environmentally sustainable way. The goal is to increase metal yield while reducing chemical usage and waste.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed superionic solid nanoclusters that could replace liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. The nanoclusters' unique structure enables ions to move through them like a liquid, improving thermal and mechanical stability.
Researchers used 'resurrection ecology' to revive and study Daphnia, a freshwater crustacean. They found that sensitivity to copper and cadmium increased as heavy metal levels rose in lakes, challenging evolutionary theory.
Researchers from Université de Genève and Saint-Etienne propose a new method to estimate the size of metal deposits by modeling magma degassing. This approach uses high-precision geochronology and could identify deposits with the best potential early in the exploration process.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University have discovered a new catalyst that can efficiently break the tough molecular bond between carbon and hydrogen. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner, easier, and cheaper way to derive products from petroleum, with copper-based catalysts showing great promise in oxidizing C-H bonds.
A team of researchers has fabricated copper-based nanostructures with high specific and areal capacitances in a short time frame, making them suitable for energy devices such as supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. The study's findings suggest that these structures have great potential for energy applications.
Researchers found that the position of a molecule on a catalytic surface determines the rate of bond breaking. They observed a 100-fold difference in reactivity between bonds aligned along rows and across rows of copper atoms. The discovery could lead to more selective and efficient catalysts.
A team of researchers has found evidence of early pollution caused by copper combustion in a 7,000-year-old dry riverbed in southern Jordan. The discovery sheds light on the Chalcolithic period, when humans transitioned from stone tools to metal production, and highlights the environmental impact of industrial-scale metal production.
Researchers have developed a biocompatible heterogeneous copper catalyst that can assemble building blocks in a living system, enabling the creation of anti-tumor drugs. The catalyst was tested in biological systems and found to be effective in stopping cell growth and initiating programmed cell death.
The German-Polish research project NOMECOR aims to reclaim metals from tailings and make mineral components usable for cement production. Scientists will use microorganisms to remove copper and other valuable metals, as well as investigate the chemical methods for this process.
Researchers at NIFS have successfully fabricated a small-scale divertor mock-up using a new direct tough bonding technique between tungsten and copper alloys. The bonding layer exhibits ductile properties, reducing thermal stress and improving reliability.
Researchers at ORNL developed a nanoscale catalyst that converts carbon dioxide directly into ethanol with high selectivity. The process uses low-cost materials and operates at room temperature in water, making it suitable for industrially relevant applications.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a new method for producing metal antimony using electricity, which could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly metal production systems. The process uses electrolysis to separate the metal from a compound, reducing pollution and energy costs.
Scientists at IPC PAS have developed a new method to produce zinc oxide quantum dots with an impermeable shell, allowing them to retain their luminescence. This breakthrough enables the creation of stable and non-toxic quantum dots suitable for medical diagnosis and imaging.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology develop a memory that stores information atom by atom using chlorine atoms, reaching a storage density of 500 Terabits per square inch. The innovative method uses a scanning tunneling microscope and offers excellent prospects for stability and scalability.
CuRE's dental adhesive incorporates copper iodide particles to curb infections and promote healthy tooth bonding. The technology has the potential to reduce secondary caries formation under existing restorations, a major contributor to costly restoration failures.
Researchers have discovered a highly selective catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into ethylene, producing more ethylene and fewer unwanted side products. The catalyst, made from plasma-treated copper, offers new possibilities for designing nanoscale catalysts with specific activity and selectivity.
Researchers have found that measuring copper and zinc concentrations in blood and tissue may allow for early diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The study, presented at the Goldschmidt conference, showed significant changes in these elements prior to symptom onset.
Researchers have identified a small peptide from a bacterium that efficiently binds excess copper from liver cells, offering a potential treatment for Wilson disease. The molecule, methanobactin, was shown to reverse acute stages of the disease and prevent organ failure.
Scientists simulate cuprates to understand pseudogap phase and superconductivity emergence. A team led by Thomas Maier identified a possible alternative route mediated by magnetic fluctuations, suggesting an alternative mechanism for Cooper pairing in high-temperature superconductors.
A new nanomaterial has been developed that is both transparent and highly conductive to electric current. The material, created through a cheap and simple method, has potential applications in roll-up touchscreen displays, wearable electronics, flexible solar cells, and electronic skin.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University have discovered a unique copper-silver nanoparticle structure resembling the Japanese glass fishing floats, known as ukidama. The 'ukidama' structure has properties that could be utilized in biomedical devices and nanotechnology.
Researchers have found that copper helps regulate fat burning by blocking an enzyme that prevents fat breakdown when it's not needed. Without enough copper, fat builds up in cells, leading to obesity and diabetes. The study suggests a new role for copper in metabolism and opens the door to new therapeutic approaches.
New study finds evidence of Asian metal traded on Alaska's northwest coast to prehistoric North America prior to European contact. The discovery sheds light on the ancient Inuit people's access to metals and technological innovation in the Arctic region.
A recent study has found that copper is essential for breaking down fat cells, and its deficiency may be linked to obesity. The nutrient can be found in foods like oysters, leafy greens, mushrooms, seeds, nuts, and beans, with an estimated daily requirement of 700 micrograms.
Researchers from OIST have created a new method to build sensitive CO sensors using copper oxide nanowires integrated with micro-hotplates. The approach enables controlled growth, integration, and measurement of CO concentrations, overcoming previous challenges in sensor production.
Scientists at Binghamton University used state-of-the-art microscopy techniques to study copper oxidation, revealing new insights into its atomic-level mechanisms. Their findings aim to develop alloys with improved resistance to corrosion in water systems, a critical step towards preventing future public health crises.
Researchers observed defects forming during CIGSe solar cell fabrication and found that excess copper helps reduce defects. The study suggests that the copper-rich phase plays a crucial role in eliminating defects, regardless of temperature.
Researchers discovered a significant shift in copper isotopic composition, indicating the Great Oxidation Event's gradual increase in atmospheric oxygen. This finding provides a tool to track fluctuations in oxygen levels throughout Earth's history and sheds light on the evolution of life.
A recent study found that a droplet hitting a thin fiber will be captured at low speeds, pass through at intermediate speeds, and split at high speeds. The researchers' model has significant implications for optimizing water collection systems and fiber-coating technologies.
Researchers warn that copper contamination and climate change may hasten the extinction of two amphibian species due to increased copper toxicity and reproductive failure. The study found that even low levels of copper can be lethal to amphibians, highlighting the need for industries to reduce copper use.
A new study reveals that copper sulfate, commonly used as a fungicide in agriculture, is lethal to the native Brazilian bee Friesella schrottkyi. Sublethal exposure also affects its behavior, highlighting concerns for growers and pollinator conservation.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a method to replace surface ions of copper oxide nanocrystals with sodium sulfide, transforming them into hollow copper sulfide nanocages. This process allows for the creation of cadmium sulfide and zinc sulfide nanocages through subsequent chemical conversions.
A new study finds that genetic changes in bacteria have enabled them to develop resistance to copper's antibacterial properties. This increased resistance poses an infection risk for people, particularly in areas with high copper use, such as animal feed and hospital equipment.
Researchers from MIPT have experimentally demonstrated that copper nanophotonic components can operate successfully in photonic devices, outperforming gold-based components. The discovery enables the development of energy-efficient light sources, ultra-sensitive sensors, and high-performance optoelectronic processors.
Researchers at the University of Southampton found that copper can destroy MRSA bacteria by damaging their DNA and respiration, making it difficult for them to survive. This discovery explains why touch surfaces made from solid antimicrobial copper are effective in reducing the spread of infections.
Copper influx is crucial for brain cell development, allowing for the rapid transport of copper to activate enzymes and facilitate signaling between neurons. This study reveals how cells adjust copper allocation from energy production to enzyme activation as they mature.
UTA researchers have developed a new hybrid material that demonstrates improved efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in solar fuel generation. The material uses ultra-long carbon nanotube networks with copper oxide nanoparticles, generating five-fold higher electrical conductivity and three-fold increase in photocurrents.
A team of international researchers synthesized large quantities of pure georgeite, a rare copper-hydroxycarbonate mineral. They found that the georgeite was an excellent catalyst precursor for two important reactions in the chemical industry, outperforming commercial catalysts.
Researchers from University College London have developed a new optical receiver that simplifies the design and reduces costs, enabling faster fiber-to-the-home broadband technology. The novel receiver can support speeds of up to 10 Gb/s, making it futureproof against growing data demands.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to identify copper deposits in magmatic rocks by analyzing their chemical composition. The method, which was tested on a major porphyry discovery in Chile, has shown promising results and could lead to the discovery of new valuable metal deposits.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a therapy that halts the progression of ALS in mice for nearly two years, allowing them to approach their normal lifespan. The treatment uses copper-ATSM, which delivers copper specifically to cells with damaged mitochondria and has low toxicity.
A new long-term simulation study confirms that partial replacement of lead pipes with copper can increase lead exposure to harmful levels. The study found that elevated lead from corrosion worsened over time for the 50% copper configurations, exceeding health safety thresholds.
Researchers have successfully synthesized a material with a distinctive woven structure, providing special elastic properties. The new material's flexibility increases tenfold when threads slide against each other, making it promising for various applications.
Researchers use a new technique to electro-deposit dissolved metals, creating complex structures like watch components and microtools. The process uses a force-controlled nanopipette to print pixels layer by layer, with high spatial resolution.
Researchers used density functional theory to understand the self-assembly of porphine molecules on copper and silver surfaces. They found that weak van der Waals interactions were the largest contributor to molecule-surface interaction, and surface-mediated molecule-molecule interactions occurred at higher coverages.
Researchers have identified a modifier gene for copper toxicosis in Labradors, which could lead to early detection and treatment of Wilson disease. Mutations in ATP7A protect against hepatic copper accumulation, suggesting antagonistic roles with ATP7B.
Researchers at Toyohashi Tech and Duke University developed a new method to produce oxidation-resistant copper alloy nanoparticles, which can be used as the main component of affordable conductive inks. The production process is economical and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for the advancement of printed electronics.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute researchers are using a $1.3 million NIH award to model the use of copper in bacteria to gain advantages in the arms race between bacterial infections and antibiotic drugs.
Research from University of Southampton found that copper can rapidly destroy human coronavirus 229E on common surface materials for at least five days. Copper alloy surfaces may help control transmission of respiratory viruses, especially when used in conjunction with effective cleaning regimes and good clinical practice.
Research reveals that FIH-1 nuclear entry is dependent on HIF-1α translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and is also regulated by the presence of copper. Gene silencing of HIF-1α decreased its nuclear location, while reducing intracellular copper levels suppressed nuclear entry of FIH-1.
A new SISSA study uncovers a critical cofactor in prion protein transformation from 'good' to 'bad', revealing the role of copper in triggering the process. The study suggests a new potential target for treating prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease.
A University of Eastern Finland study found that long sleep duration is associated with high serum copper concentrations, potentially linking it to pro-oxidative stress and chronic diseases like coronary artery disease. This association remained unchanged even when cardiovascular diseases were accounted for.
Researchers discovered that Candida albicans, a deadly fungus, uses copper to fuel an enzyme designed to neutralize free radical attacks, but can switch to manganese when copper levels drop. This clever adaptation allows the fungus to survive in tissues like the kidney.
Scientists have identified a new family of copper storage proteins called Csp that are present in diverse bacteria, raising questions about how bacteria use copper ions. This discovery may help develop biotechnological applications to exploit methane and protect the environment from its potent greenhouse gas effects.
Researchers at Louisiana Tech University have created a biocomposite nanomaterial that can be synthesized under physiological conditions, making it suitable for targeted drug delivery to combat diseases like cancer. The new material is also stable and resistant to agglomeration, allowing for controlled synthesis and modification.
Scientists at UEA have discovered a way to switch the structure of DNA using copper salts and EDTA, enabling potential applications in nanotechnology and DNA-based computing. This breakthrough could also be used for detecting toxic copper cations in water.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified a new catalyst that can efficiently capture and convert carbon dioxide into methanol, a liquid fuel. The copper tetramer, consisting of small clusters of four copper atoms, works by binding to carbon dioxide molecules and accelerating chemical reactions.
A new study reveals that a shorter form of the brain protein beta amyloid can bind to copper safely, potentially offering a protective role against Alzheimer's disease. This discovery challenges the long-held copper hypothesis and may lead to new therapies targeting the condition.
Researchers at HZB have decoded the relationship between magnetic interactions and crystal structure distortions in a geometrically 'frustrated' spinel system. The team discovered new magnetic phases and created a complete phase diagram of the system, shedding light on the complex phase relationships.