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Millisecond electric pulse makes titanium stronger and tougher

Researchers from Kumamoto University and partners discovered a method to enhance titanium alloys using high-density pulsed electric current, achieving improved strength and toughness. The technique harnesses an electron wind force to reorganize the internal crystal structure, producing nanoscale martensitic phases that disperse stress ...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Shape memory polymer dry adhesive technology paves the way for micro-LED innovation

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology developed a novel dry adhesive technology using shape memory polymers, allowing for precise micro-LED chip transfer with minimal residue. The technology offers significant advantages over conventional methods, including high adhesion strength and easy release.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2025

Groundbreaking study reveals small polaron effect in Dion-Jacobson 2D lead halide perovskites, enhancing spin lifetime and optoelectronic performance

The study discovered a giant deformation potential of 123 eV, leading to exceptionally long polarization response times and enhanced spin lifetimes. Small polaron formation was confirmed through various techniques, including optical Kerr spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and phonon dynamics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2025

Butterfly-inspired 4D printing of smart hydrogels enables precise micro-nano deformation

A Chinese research team has created a single-step femtosecond laser 4D printing technology that enables rapid and precise micro-scale deformation of smart hydrogels. The innovation mimics the hierarchical structure of butterfly wings, promising applications in flexible electronics and minimally invasive medicine.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

Soft actuators, smart sensors: Innovative sensor allows real-time monitoring of complex systems

The Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) offers real-time pressure and vibration monitoring in soft fluidic actuators, ideal for robotics and biomedical devices. The sensor's flexibility and ability to withstand large deformations make it suitable for applications in automobile designing and structural health monitoring.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMeasurement·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Revolutionizing dental surgery with AI

Dental implant surgeries require optimal mechanical stress levels for successful bone healing and long-term implant success. Researchers are developing a hybrid biomechanical model using machine learning to provide precise, patient-specific predictions of mechanical stress.

Sinking truths: University of Houston confirms Miami’s coastal subsidence challenges

Researchers from the University of Houston have confirmed alarming rates of subsidence in Miami's barrier islands, with 35 skyscrapers sinking up to three inches into the ground since 2016. The study used InSAR technology to detect changes in the earth's surface and found that construction-induced stresses extend beyond building footpr...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalEarth and Space Science·DateJan 27, 2025

Unveiling a century of stress and deformation: Insights from Kīlauea Volcano’s 1975 earthquake

The study discovered significant alterations in the region's state of stress and deformation following the 1975 Kalapana earthquake. The researchers found that Kīlauea's south flank experienced greater displacement prior to the earthquake, pointing to changes in mechanical properties influencing seismic activity.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2024

Researchers uncover what makes large numbers of “squishy” grains start flowing

Scientists have clarified the conditions under which large numbers of 'squishy' grains, similar to those found in biological tissues, undergo a yielding transition from solid-like to fluid-like behavior. The findings provide insights into the roles of mechanical and biochemical processes in biological systems.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Versatile deformation of plastics with light

A research group at Chuo University developed a method to induce deformations in polymer materials at specific depths using two-photon absorption. This enables versatile deformations and motions, enhancing the degree of freedom, and contributes to the development of small, lightweight, and soft robots.

SourceChuo University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Breakthrough in energy-efficient avalanche-based amorphization could revolutionize data storage

Researchers developed a new method for amorphizing indium selenide wires, requiring as little as one billion times less power density. The process resembles an avalanche and an earthquake, triggering rapid deformation and linking small areas into larger ones, potentially unlocking wider applications for phase-change memory technology.

Researchers observe hidden deformations in complex light fields

Researchers at Tampere University have observed hidden deformations in complex light fields for the first time. These deformations carry significant information about the object, such as its material properties. The study has implications for measuring material properties with structured waves and will inspire new optical technologies.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2024

SNU researchers develop technology to predict the deformation of DNA origami structures induced by DNA-binding molecules

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a technology to quickly predict the mechanochemical shape changes of DNA origami structures based on the concentration of binding molecules. This methodology enables the design of tunable DNA origami structures that can change shape as needed, contributing to advancements in DNA n...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Balancing the seesaw: Simultaneously enhancing strength and elongation in metallic materials

A team of researchers from POSTECH has introduced a novel approach to balance strength and elongation in metallic materials. By using periodic spinodal decomposition, they created an alloy that boasts both high strength and high elongation, achieving a yield strength of 1.1 GPa with nearly the same elongation as before.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2024

New study reveals details of nuclear structures via atomic collisions

Researchers uncovered details about nuclear structures using relativistic isobar collisions, highlighting differences in multiplicity distribution and elliptic flow. The study employed advanced models and technology to analyze the effects of nuclear deformations and initial fluctuations on ratio observables.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 4, 2024

Fragility crossover: Mediated by covalent-like electronic interactions in metallic liquids

A team of researchers used rapid calorimetry to study the dynamics of metallic liquids, revealing a composition-dependent trend in fragility. They found that an increase in aluminum content led to a sudden decrease in fragility, attributed to covalent-like electronic interactions between Al-Al bonds.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Rubber-like stretchable energy storage device fabricated with laser precision

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have fabricated a small-scale energy storage device that can stretch, twist, fold, and wrinkle. The device features fine patterning of liquid metal electrodes using laser ablation, allowing it to maintain its energy storage performance under repeated mechanical deformations.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateApr 24, 2024

New method measures the 3D position of individual atoms

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Bristol have developed a new method to measure the 3D position of individual atoms using a single image. The technique utilizes an ingenious physical principle to determine the vertical position of the atom, allowing for precise control and tracking in quantum mechanics experiments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

New study unveils stretchable high-resolution user-interactive synesthesia displays for visual–acoustic encryption

A research team at UNIST has developed a groundbreaking stretchable high-resolution multicolor synesthesia display that generates synchronized sound and light. This technology shatters preconceived boundaries in multifunctional displays, offering unparalleled optical performance and precise sound pressure levels.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 12, 2023

Scientists decipher the fingertip’s ‘memory’

Researchers investigated how previous forces affect tactile neuron responses in the fingertip, revealing a viscoelastic memory that influences brain signals. This discovery may aid in navigating daily manual tasks by providing accurate motor commands.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateSep 5, 2023

The ground is deforming, and buildings aren’t ready

A Northwestern University study links underground climate change to shifting ground beneath urban areas, causing building foundations and surrounding ground to move excessively and crack. The researchers also found that past building damage may have been caused by rising temperatures, which will continue for years to come.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 11, 2023