Research on testing materials and how they perform. Covers spacecraft shielding, manufacturing challenges, metallic glass in space, and recyclable materials.
Researchers enhance organic scintillators' light yield by introducing charge-separated state traps, achieving higher LY than traditional inorganic scintillators. The resulting scintillator displays a super-long afterglow for 7 hours, enabling new non-destructive testing methods.
A team of researchers at MIT has developed a system that makes pesticides stick to plant leaves, reducing waste and costs for farmers. The new technology, which involves coating droplets with an oily material, improves the 'stickiness' of the droplets by up to a hundredfold.
Materials Research Society elects Miaofang Chi and Rigoberto “Gobet” Advincula as Class of 2025 Fellows for their outstanding work on novel electron microscopy methods, advanced polymers, and nanostructured materials. New Fellows will be recognized at the MRS spring meeting in April 2025.
Researchers at the University of Turku found that nanocellulose dyed with red onion skin extract provides very effective UV protection for solar cells. The film protected 99.9% of UV radiation up to 400 nanometres and maintained its performance throughout a long testing period.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic test that rapidly detects low levels of pathogen genetic material in blood without nucleic acid amplification. The test demonstrated unprecedented sensitivity and could be used to develop highly sensitive CRISPR-based diagnostic tests for detecting pathogens in minutes.
The University of Turku researchers have developed a new method to create more accurate sensors for detecting subtle changes in the body, such as hormone fluctuations. By purifying and separating single-wall carbon nanotubes, they achieved precise control over their properties and identified their electrochemical characteristics.
Researchers at Tohoku University found that incorporating gadolinium into iron-doped nickel oxide markedly enhances oxygen evolution reaction activity. Gd-doping reduces theoretical overpotentials and demonstrates favorable kinematics, leading to remarkable long-term stability and robust performance in water electrolysis.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory have discovered a new way to strengthen titanium alloys using AI, enabling faster production and improved mechanical properties. The breakthrough has implications for industries such as shipbuilding, aviation, and medical devices.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute have created a biorobotic arm with artificial muscles that can mimic and suppress real tremors. The technology has the potential to revolutionize assistive exoskeletons and wearable devices for individuals with tremors, providing a more discreet and effective solution.
Scientists have created a shelf-stable formulation of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria that can produce biocement when exposed to calcium chloride and urea. This breakthrough could enable the use of powder packets to quickly make tiles, repair oil wells, or strengthen ground for makeshift roads or camps.
A recent study published in Nature Communications provides detailed data on the far-field spatial footprint of mining-induced plume dispersion and redeposition beyond the mining area. The research found that sediment concentrations were up to 10,000 times higher near the mining site and returned to normal levels after 14 hours.
Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a hybrid supercapacitor using carbon from Pinus radiata waste, offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for improving conventional lithium-ion capacitors. The system stores high-power energy and can withstand many charge-discharge cycles.
Researchers developed a new material inspired by the Venus' flower basket deep-sea sponge, showcasing remarkable compressive strength and stiffness. The double lattice design overcomes limitations of existing auxetic materials, offering potential applications in construction, sports gear, and medical devices.
A study by the Advanced Institute for Materials Research found that tin monoxide (SnO) electrocatalysts can produce both formic acid and carbon monoxide in significant amounts. The research team identified key structural changes that influence product distribution, providing insights into optimizing electrocatalyst performance.
A novel computational model enables prediction and improvement of multifunctional structures in 3D printing. Researchers have controlled internal structure to enhance mechanical resistance and electrical signal transmission.
Physicists from ISTA reveal that the contact history of materials determines how they exchange charge, explaining the unpredictability of contact electrification. By analyzing identical materials, they discovered a triboelectric series and found that repeated contact allows samples to evolve and order correctly.
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have found that adding biochar to chicken feed can significantly reduce campylobacter levels in free-range chickens. The study, published in Poultry Science, demonstrates an 80% reduction in campylobacter and suggests a potential tool for improving public health.
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new environmentally-friendly mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel, which improves insulation and reduces plastic waste. The new mortar mix reduced heat loss by up to 55% while maintaining the required strength for masonry construction.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel method to accelerate the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for robust and efficient water purification. Using data-driven predictions, they identified an optimized Fe-SAC with high decontamination performance, breaking down pollutants in water.
Researchers at Tohoku University used MRI to directly observe metal-ion dissolution in lithium battery cathodes, detecting small amounts of manganese with high sensitivity. The technique identified an alternative electrolyte system that suppresses dissolution, promising improvements in battery performance.
Researchers developed a five-minute quality test for sustainable cement industry materials, reducing testing time from seven days to just five minutes. The test uses colorimetry and camera technology for real-time quality control of calcined clays, which can partially replace ordinary Portland cement.
Researchers have designed a compact, high-efficiency flow battery test system that requires an order of magnitude less starting material while delivering results comparable to standard lab-scale systems. The mini flow cell design is geared towards rapid screening and development of new battery materials, reducing the time and resources...
University of Texas at Dallas researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down during charging and are testing a solution to remove the key barrier to widespread use. They developed a theoretical solution that reinforces the material by adding a positively charged ion, creating pillars to strengthen the cathode.
Researchers at PNNL developed a mini flow battery test system that requires less starting material while delivering comparable performance to standard lab-scale systems. This innovation reduces time and resources needed for testing new battery materials, accelerating the discovery of grid energy storage technology.
NASA has successfully integrated its deployable aperture cover sunshade with the outer barrel assembly of the Roman Observatory, enhancing the telescope's ability to detect faint light from across the universe. The integration marks a significant milestone in the mission's assembly and testing phase.
A task group led by Samuel L. Manzello is developing international standards for large outdoor fires, including wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires. The new standards aim to improve resilience against these types of fires, which are becoming increasingly common due to urbanization and climate change.
A new blood test developed at Stanford Medicine has shown to accurately diagnose invasive mold disease in most cases, replacing invasive procedures. The test detects genetic material from mold in the bloodstream, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment, which has been linked to improved patient outcomes.
Advances in point-of-care testing and diagnostics are transforming healthcare with faster, more accurate, and accessible solutions. These technologies empower doctors to make timely decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel approach to packaging canned tuna, using a water-based solution of amino acid cysteine, which removes up to 35% of accumulated mercury. This technology has the potential to improve food safety and reduce human exposure to mercury via food.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology found that cobalt-free studded tires can grip ice and packed snow without causing significant damage to road surfaces. The alternative stud material reduces airborne particles by 20 percent, a potential improvement for driver health.
A new polymer developed using gecko-inspired technology can stick to icy surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. The material is designed for use in shoe soles and has potential applications in medical innovations such as electronic skin.
A recent study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the durability of flexible perovskite solar cells under damp heat conditions. The findings revealed that high humidity leads to degradation, while a high-quality barrier film retained most power conversion efficiency, making it crucial for long-term stability.
The virtual application laboratory provides comprehensive technical knowledge and interactive measurement scenarios for quantum sensors. Industry can interactively assess the potential of this technology for their needs, with expert knowledge available through accompanying resources.
A new process converts polycotton textile waste into glucose, a key bio-based feedstock, and separates polyester fibers for reprocessing. The technique is scalable and cost-effective, offering a viable solution to textile waste recycling.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully fabricated flat lenses called Fresnel zone plates using industry-standard equipment. These lenses have the potential to revolutionize optics in various fields by reducing space requirements while increasing efficiency, but they currently lack the efficiency of traditional lenses.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a stronger, biodegradable adhesive polymer that can replace common superglues. The new polymer, made from P3HB, offers tunable adhesion strength and is biodegradable under various conditions.
A novel diagnostic system called TwinDemic Detection offers simultaneous and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. The system has a detection limit of 0.46 picomolar for CoV and 0.39 pM for IAV, correctly predicting positive and negative samples in high percentages.
The University of Virginia has been awarded a $318,190 grant to develop an electromagnetic levitation system for studying ultra-high-temperature ceramics. This system enables researchers to study materials in their solid and molten states, unlocking new possibilities for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.
By reducing the thickness of a commonly-used piezoelectric ceramic material, researchers at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) show that its efficacy can be dramatically increased, resulting in improved strain values. The team discovered that removing oxygen vacancies in lead-free piezoceramics also boosts electrostrain to 1% or higher.
A new soft wearable robot called WeaRo has been developed to help workers avoid job-related injuries while lifting, lowering, and carrying objects. The robot effectively reduces muscle activation levels by up to 27.0% without constraining users' movements.
The ISS National Lab is soliciting flight concepts for technology advancement using the space-based environment of the International Space Station. The lab aims to develop and test products and processes with potential economic impact through this $650,000 funding opportunity.
The Arkansas Clean Plant Center is leading a global effort to remove over 120 'phantom agents' from pathogen regulatory lists. These outdated agents impede access to clean plant materials, hindering crop production and food security. The center's efforts aim to streamline global germplasm exchange using modern molecular techniques.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a skin-like material that can mimic human skin textures and elasticity, simulating conditions for bacterial growth. The Ecoflex-based skin replicas can be used to test wearable sensors and improve catheter designs, potentially reducing the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.
A study by the American Chemical Society has found elevated levels of 'forever chemicals' in several smartwatch wristbands, with one compound, PFHxA, appearing in nine out of 22 tested wristbands. The concentrations of PFHxA were found to be nearly 800 ppb on average, exceeding previous findings in cosmetics.
The two entities will collaborate on power electronics and energy storage research, workforce development, and testing initiatives. They aim to accelerate next-generation technologies and future workforce in the industry.
Researchers at Tohoku University successfully prototyped the world's first full-scale automotive multi-material component, a suspension tower made of steel and aluminum with tailored geometry. The breakthrough in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technique allows for strong bonding interfaces without brittle intermetallic compounds.
Researchers at UT will create a wind tunnel to test high-temperature ceramics under hypersonic conditions, crucial for space shuttle development. The project aims to develop new thermal protection system materials and improve workforce capabilities.
Researchers have developed new approaches to enhance the processability of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a strong and impact-resistant plastic. The methods, which include active site engineering, chain transfer agents, and blending with high-density polyethylene, can improve the material's properties without sacrificing its...
A new study by Finnish researchers found that recycled plastic railway sleepers can significantly reduce carbon emissions, with potential savings of up to 3,610 tCO2e per year. The production process for these plastics requires less energy and generates fewer emissions than traditional materials like steel and concrete.
A 35,000-year-old ritual complex in the Manot Cave offers insight into the spiritual practices of Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups. The discovery reveals evidence of human-made engravings, ash remains from fire, and acoustic tests that suggest a unique auditory experience for communal activities.
The researchers aim to facilitate patterning in the extreme ultraviolet range using indium-based materials, enabling smaller and more precise features on chips. This could lead to better performance and energy efficiency in microchips.
Researchers found that dynamic discharging based on real driving data helped extend battery life, with sharp accelerations slowing degradation. The study suggests a correlation between acceleration and slower aging, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers at MIT have developed a class of biodegradable materials that can replace plastic beads used in some health and beauty products. The particles are shown to be effective in encapsulating essential nutrients such as vitamin A, which could help alleviate nutrient deficiencies in populations worldwide.
A new test developed by McMaster University uses bacteriophages to detect bacteria in fluids such as water, urine, or milk. The test produces quick results within hours, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing diseases and ensuring food safety.
Stanford researchers developed a method to describe food texture with striking similarity to human taste testers using mechanical testing and machine learning. The study found that some plant-based products can already reproduce the whole texture spectrum of animal meats.
A team of scientists has identified key sources of radiation that can interfere with superconducting qubits, leading to errors in quantum computing. By developing effective shielding measures, they aim to improve coherence times and pave the way for practical quantum computing.
Researchers created a new electrode design that increases the efficiency of converting CO2 into ethylene, a valuable chemical product. The electrochemical system can now be scaled up for industrial applications without significant energy or cost losses.
A groundbreaking metagenomic sequencing test has proven effective in rapidly diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen, including viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasite. The test analyzes all nucleic acids present in a sample, replacing multiple tests with a single one and speeding up diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a chalk-based coating that keeps air underneath treated polyester fabric cooler by up to 15 F, providing potential relief for pedestrians and cyclists. The coated fabrics demonstrate effective energy-free cooling in various urban environments.