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Explosive evaporation unlocks new possibilities in 3D printing and chemical analysis

Researchers have discovered two thresholds for the behavior of charged water droplets on frictionless surfaces, enabling finer control over electrospray processes and opening up opportunities for nanofabrication. The study's findings may also lead to greener scientific techniques.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026

Blowing up medieval gunpowder recipes

The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 22, 2021

Pusan National University scientists report single-step synthesis of solid-state sensors for detecting explosives

Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDyes and Pigments·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

What else can molecular perovskite do?

Researchers have designed molecular perovskite-based energetic materials with improved explosive performances, including high detonation heat, velocity, and pressure. The new materials also exhibit increased thermal stability and low impact sensitivity, making them suitable for military devices and civil industry.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateMar 27, 2018

New material lights up when detecting explosives

Scientists have created a material that turns fluorescent when detecting explosives in its vicinity. This discovery could lead to improved e.g., airport security measures. The new material consists of molecules held together by weak bonds, which are easily influenced by their surroundings and can be used to detect explosives.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 4, 2016

Mimics do not substitute for the 'real thing' for bomb-sniffing dogs

Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis found that bomb-sniffing dogs trained on pseudo-explosives could not reliably detect real explosives and vice versa. The study suggests that the exceptional sensitivity of a dog's nose and its temperament cannot be replicated with pseudo-explosive training.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateNov 24, 2014

Better bomb-sniffing technology

Researchers have created a new material that can detect explosives and toxic gases in seconds, offering four advantages over current detectors: sensitivity, accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The breakthrough could lead to flexible solar panels and improved public safety.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 4, 2014

A new type of explosive detector

A new laser-based explosive detector can detect minuscule explosives emissions from landmines, offering an alternative to sniffer dogs. The detector uses an ultra-smooth cube of silica crystal with a single curved face and measures the 'ring-down time' of a laser pulse as it passes through the crystal.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateOct 19, 1999

Bombs Away

Researchers have developed a system that detects trace amounts of TNT in seafloor sludge, enabling the identification of unexploded bombs. This technology could save time and resources in cleaning up sites contaminated with live explosives.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 10, 1998