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Renewable energy advance

University of Delaware researchers have developed a technique to visualize the three-dimensional structure of materials in detail while maintaining context. This approach enables scientists to study specific particles on the material's surface and observe how they evolve over time under different conditions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

Parent-led discussion about mutual strengths benefits parent-teen communication

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that a primary care-based intervention promoting parent-teen communication led to less distress among teens and more positive emotions. The intervention, which included an eight-page booklet with discussion prompts, showed promise in improving adolescent health outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 19, 2020

Research found a new way to make functional materials based on polymers of metal clusters

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla and Xiamen University have discovered a novel method for creating functional macroscopic crystalline materials. The material exhibits highly anisotropic electrical conductivity, with significant differences in behavior along its polymer direction versus perpendicular directions. Theoretical mo...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 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

Harnessing the power of electricity-producing bacteria for programmable 'biohybrids'

Researchers have created a material that supports the growth of exoelectrogenic bacteria while efficiently conducting electricity in a controlled manner. By incorporating DNA strands into a nanocomposite scaffold, they can tailor the conductivity and properties of the material by varying the size and sequence of the DNA fragments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 8, 2020

Artificial intelligence identifies optimal material formula

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of thin films, reducing the need for extensive experiments. The team developed a generative model that can generate images of the surface of a layer under specific process parameters, enabling the identification of optimal material formulas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 26, 2020

Composite metal foams take the heat, move closer to widespread applications

Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated that composite metal foams can withstand extreme temperatures, passing the simulated pool fire test with flying colors. The material's performance was predicted using a model developed by the team, which showed accurate results within 10 degrees Celsius.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Thermal Sciences·DateMar 19, 2020

Making more MXene

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a lab-scale reactor system that can produce large quantities of MXene in bulk, preserving its unique properties. The system uses a computerized process to refine the material and ensures consistency, a critical step towards achieving manufacturing standards.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 10, 2020

Spending on experiences versus possessions advances more immediate happiness

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that consumers derive more happiness from experiential purchases than material ones. The researchers recruited over 2,600 adults and monitored their emotions and purchasing behavior, discovering that happiness was higher for those who spent on experiences a...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 9, 2020

New material could turn clothing into a health monitor

Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 4, 2020

KITE code could power new quantum developments

Researchers developed open-source software to assist in creating quantum materials, which could vastly increase computing power and reduce energy consumption. The Quantum KITE initiative uses sophisticated computer programmes to predict material properties, enabling the creation of realistic simulations with unprecedented atom numbers.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 2, 2020