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A breakthrough in the study of how things break, bend and deform

Researchers at Drexel University have made a breakthrough in the study of how things break, bend and deform. They discovered that layered materials form internal buckles, or ripples, as they deform under stress, dubbed 'ripplocation'. This new paradigm explains non-linear elastic behavior within the constraints of dislocation theory.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2016

From nanocrystals to earthquakes, solid materials share similar failure characteristics

Researchers discovered that solid materials, including nanocrystals and the Earth's crust, share similar deformation properties due to slip-avalanches. This study enables the transfer of results across different scales and materials, providing new tools for predicting material deformation and hazard prevention.

Towards tailor-made adhesives

French scientists studied soft adhesive materials' inner structure and response to traction during the debonding process. Their findings aim to improve models of adhesive performance by understanding energy dissipation and material deformation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 5, 2014

Hardness, in depth

Researchers have developed a new machine that measures a material's hardness with unprecedented accuracy. The Precision Nanoindentation Platform (PNP) can test properties beyond the reach of previous devices, including viscoelastic creep.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 30, 2013

Enzyme's structure reveals basis for head, sex organ deformities

The molecular structural basis for severe head deformities and ambiguous sex organs in babies born with Antley-Bixler syndrome has been revealed, suggesting that riboflavin therapy may reverse enzyme defects. The study also found that the enzyme NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase plays a crucial role in human syndromes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2011

Nearly unbreakable

Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that bone stretches more than its fibers and mineral composition, allowing it to sustain large strains without breaking. The hierarchical structure of bone leads to a hierarchical deformation, with soft layers absorbing most of the strain, protecting the mineral phase from excessive loads.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2006

Triggering Of Volcanic Eruptions

Researchers at Carnegie Institution's Department of Terrestrial Magnetism discovered a statistically significant correlation between large magnitude earthquakes (M7.0+) and volcanic eruptions separated by up to 750 km, suggesting potential predictive capabilities for monitoring small deformations in active volcanoes.

Earthquakes Illuminate Mantle Under Tibet

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the structure of the Earth's mantle beneath Tibet, finding that it is not horizontal but oriented in three dimensions. This new understanding could improve models of plate tectonics and provide insights into the evolution of continents.