Research on testing materials and how they perform. Covers spacecraft shielding, manufacturing challenges, metallic glass in space, and recyclable materials.
Researchers developed a new material that is 18 times more efficient in computing processing and memory compared to current materials. The discovery uses a quantum material with unique spin-electronic properties.
Scientists use artificial materials with no natural imperfections to study physical effects that would be hard to see in real electronic materials. They make one of the first observations of a mobility edge in a low-dimensional system, showing an energy-dependent insulator-to-conductor transition.
A team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a method to convert QR codes into complex features hidden within 3D printed parts. The researchers found that this innovation can effectively authenticate genuine parts and prevent counterfeiting, particularly in high-risk sectors such as biomedical and aerospace.
Researchers have discovered a way to make a thin material that enhances the flow of microwave energy by exploiting domain walls. This discovery could improve telecommunications by expanding the range of frequencies used as communications channels.
Researchers at CityU developed a novel ceramic ink to print flexible and stretchable ceramic precursors, enabling complex shapes like origami folding. These precursors can undergo self-reshaping after heat treatment, resulting in mechanically robust and high-strength ceramics.
Scientists have developed a new method to shuttle lithium ions into the crystal structure of samarium nickelate, a quantum material with exotic electronic properties. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy storage and novel applications in computing.
Researchers design a functionally graded material to minimize the tradeoff between flexibility and strength, achieving optimal balance in both elasticity and rigidity. This technology has wide applications in various fields, including engineering, medicine, and soft robotics.
Scientists have developed a new class of materials inspired by squid DNA that can control thermal conductivity, which could lead to improved fabrics for athletic wear. The materials' thermal conductivity increases dramatically when wet, allowing them to 'flip' a switch and remove heat from the body.
Steel researcher Peter Felfer receives a 1.5 million euro grant to investigate the damage caused by hydrogen at the atomic level. He aims to build an atom probe that can differentiate between hydrogen in the material and environment.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to control self-folding three-dimensional structures by applying templates to constrain deformation. The technique creates complex shapes without cutting or printing, and can be executed at low temperatures.
New class of materials has been identified that can be used to make batteries that charge faster. Lithium ions move through the materials at rates that exceed typical electrode materials, resulting in a much faster-charging battery. The researchers found that these materials, known as niobium tungsten oxides, do not result in higher en...
Louis Taillefer is recognized for seminal magneto-transport studies on heavy-fermion and cuprate superconductors, advancing understanding of superconductivity and its potential for room-temperature applications.
Researchers at MIT have designed a polymer material that can change its structure in response to different wavelengths of light, converting from rigid to softer and self-healing states. The material, composed of polymers attached to a light-sensitive molecule, can reversibly switch between two different topological states.
Researchers analyzed protein and RNA from routine breast cancer tests to distinguish between cancer and benign lesions, yielding 100% accurate results. This method may also aid in subtyping breast cancer, determining therapy options, and monitoring disease progression.
Researchers found that folding graphene significantly enhances its mechanical properties, leading to increased stiffness, strength, and toughness in polymer composites. The folded structure can sustain larger bending forces compared to stacked layers, making it an efficient strategy for incorporating large-area monolayer graphene films.
Magnetic skyrmions can form through different mechanisms in separate phases of the same material, offering new possibilities for stable and compact magnetic storage. The discovery was made possible by collaboration between experimental and theoretical physicists and is published in Nature Physics.
A group of researchers from Aalto University and Sun Yat-sen University present a rigorous methodology for measuring wetting, proposing a universal procedure for the research community. This approach allows comparison between research groups to promote the development of new wetting materials.
Research suggests that men will purchase more expensive engagement rings when imagining themselves with an attractive woman, while women prioritize larger rings with their less attractive partner. Women who rate themselves as physically attractive also opt for pricier rings.
Researchers at Osaka University synthesized S- and X-shaped double hexahelicenes, enhancing their chiroptical performance. Their study demonstrated the possibility of using these molecules as ideal chiral materials for advanced technologies.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a system that allows sound waves to travel across opaque materials without distortion. The tiny speakers can be controlled to amplify or attenuate the sound waves, offsetting the diffusion caused by obstacles and reproducing the original sound exactly on the other side. This technology has potential ap...
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered a speed limit for smart technology gadgets that control light and internet traffic. By manipulating individual particles or allowing speciality materials to remain in motion, they can bypass this limit.
Researchers are investigating topological materials for their potential to improve electronic performance and storage capacity. These materials display unusual stability even under extreme conditions.
The study successfully uses an air-pressure control furnace to rapidly synthesize Li2O-Nb2O5-TiO2 solid solutions, achieving material synthesis in a shorter period than conventional electric furnaces. The researchers attribute this success to the oxygen diffusion mechanism involving interstitial oxygen.
Researchers found that infants aged 4- to 8-months hold a primary cerebral representation of audiovisual integration in their right hemisphere, with the number of processed materials increasing with experience. This study sheds light on the trajectory of acquiring general knowledge about objects.
The Sandia National Laboratories' solar tower facility is conducting a year-round test of the thermal response of various materials to intense heat and cooling. Researchers are using this setup to evaluate material durability for the Air Force, with the goal of establishing material response thresholds after exposure.
Russian scientists developed smart materials to create high-strength and plastic alloys, enabling efficient use in microelectronics and aviation. The project's goal is to achieve homogeneity of the microstructure and nano-dispersity, resulting in a combination of high strength and plasticity.
Researchers have developed a 3D-printed device that stores information reversibly using photoactive molecules and polymers. The technique expands the toolbox of advanced materials available to engineers, enabling complex designs like QR codes or barcodes to be encoded and erased.
Researchers at NIMS and Tohoku University observed an anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect, a phenomenon that manipulates the temperature of magnetic materials through simple redirection of charge current. This discovery has the potential to develop thermal management technologies for energy-efficient electronic devices.
Scientists in China develop a hybrid conductive material that can be bent and stretched at will, making it suitable for wearable electronics and implantable devices. The material, called metal-polymer conductor, is non-toxic and has broad applications for diagnosing and treating diseases.
Studies found that humans use efficient cues to discriminate between reflective and transparent materials, estimating material states without needing all information. Researchers developed a model correlating closely with human perception, suggesting simple information processing in the brain.
A KAIST research team has developed a novel perovskite material, Cs2Au2I6, which exhibits high efficiency and stability compared to conventional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites. The new material is expected to overcome the limitations of previous perovskite materials, including toxicity issues.
A novel actuating material system, nickel hydroxide-oxyhydroxide, has been developed at HKU Engineering that can be triggered by visible light and electricity. This material can exert a force equivalent to 3000 times its own weight, making it suitable for various applications in micro-robotics, human assist devices, and medical devices.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an optimization algorithm that combines expert judgment with automation in 3D printing, enabling high-fidelity prints of soft materials. The Expert-Guided Optimization (EGO) method significantly reduces the time and energy required to find optimal print combinations.
A new alloy is being developed through the testing of a sintering process in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. The investigation uses liquid phase sintering to study the degree of distortion caused by microgravity, with potential applications for space manufacturing and Earth-based industries.
The European Commission has funded a €4 million research project to develop a new, potentially low-cost class of solar materials. The MAESTRO project will focus on increasing cell stability and boosting efficiency in perovskite-based devices.
Scientists employed passive acoustic vibrations to characterize the vibrational modes of granular materials, revealing a new method to predict failure. The technique measures active vibrational modes' frequencies, providing an acoustic snapshot of the material's overall health.
The material has unique properties that could be used to guide autonomous vehicles or instruct robots in factories. Liquid crystal shells can reflect light highly selectively and change structure when exposed to certain impacts, enabling passive sensors for pressure and temperature detection.
Researchers have developed a synthetic SensoGlow™ material that can detect the quantity and quality of UV radiation from the Sun. The material is durable and can be used multiple times due to electron storage, making it a promising tool for everyday UV radiation monitoring.
By doping aluminum oxide with neodymium, researchers can control phonon frequencies and speeds, leading to improved thermal conductivity and efficiency in thermoelectric devices. This breakthrough provides a simpler and cheaper way to tune material properties, enabling new applications in solid-state lighting and electronics.
Researchers have developed miniaturized infrared filters using phase change materials and metasurfaces, enabling precise measurement of mid-infrared frequencies. These tiny filters can be integrated into smartphones, allowing for real-time monitoring of air quality, food freshness, and health conditions.
Researchers have created a new material made from specially arranged nano-sized cellulose fibers that surpasses steel in strength. The material's unique structure and organization have led to significant improvements in its mechanical properties, making it suitable for various load-bearing applications.
Researchers at UCI have developed a numerical method to simulate the molecular aging process in amorphous materials like concrete and glass. This technique could help researchers understand how materials weaken with age and develop materials that maintain their strength indefinitely.
Researchers have created a database to screen for environmentally sustainable nanomaterials, allowing designers to weigh performance characteristics like toxicity and antimicrobial activity before developing products. The tool aims to reduce unintended consequences and promote sustainable nanotechnologies.
A NASA and NIST study found that traditional smoke detectors may not effectively detect smoke particles in space due to unique microgravity properties. The study investigated five common materials used on spacecraft and found that some detectors struggled to detect smaller particles, posing a concern for fire safety.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new inorganic compound that adopts a crystal structure capable of sustaining a quantum spin liquid state. This discovery is a key step toward the creation of next-generation supercomputers, which will solve complex problems efficiently and consume less energy.
Researchers found that defects in 2D molybdenum sulfide materials can improve their physical and electrochemical properties. By intentionally introducing sulfur vacancies, they can enhance chemical processes like hydrogen evolution from water, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced costs.
A team of researchers has developed a new method for modeling the formation of diamond-like carbon at the atomic level, which challenges the prevailing understanding of the process. The approach uses machine learning to simulate thousands of atoms over long periods, revealing a more accurate picture of how the material forms.
Researchers have developed a type of 'harp' to collect fresh water from fog, outperforming traditional mesh devices. The new harp technology consistently collected more water than equivalent meshes at all wire diameters, with the finest wires collecting over three times the amount.
Engineers at UC Berkeley developed a thin-film system that can convert low-quality waste heat into electricity, achieving unprecedented energy density and power density. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including electronics and manufacturing.
Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have successfully created tailored surface structures on curved carbon fibers using laser technology, enabling new applications in composite materials and optical devices. The method allows for precise control over the structure's size and shape, opening up possibilities for improving m...
Researchers use ultra-cold neutral lithium atoms to study conductivity in a one-dimensional quantum tube. They discover an unusual state of matter that retains its insulation regardless of particle interactions, challenging conventional theories about materials.
Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a smart ink that allows for the creation of shape-changing and color-shifting objects through 3D printing. The innovation uses intelligent molecular systems to transform the structure and function of the printed material.
Clara Santato received the 2018 MRS Communications Lecture award for her work on melanin research, which has led to advancements in energy storage/conversion, ion separation/water treatment, and bioelectronics. Her research aims to develop sustainable technologies using natural materials.
Researchers have developed a polymer-based material that stiffens and changes color, mimicking the dynamic properties of skin. The material combines rigid-while-flexible and soft-while-stiff properties, shifting towards blue or red colors when elongated or condensed.
Researchers at Delft University of Technology provide definite proof for Majorana particle existence, showcasing perfect quantization of zero-bias peak. This achievement enables exploration of Majorana quantum computing, with potential applications in topological quantum computing.
Researchers at RIT are creating a smart warehouse system where forklifts and robots can communicate to optimize workload allocation and navigation. The goal is to increase productivity and safety by automating warehouse processes.
A new application of data analysis and visualization techniques has been developed to improve the representation of multidimensional materials data. This approach enables scientists to extract useful relationships among properties, facilitating discovery and industrial use in nanomaterials research.
Researchers at Penn State designed a new material with twice the piezo response of existing commercial ferroelectric ceramics. The material's unique structure increases its dielectric properties and piezoelectric effect, making it suitable for medical ultrasound applications.
Researchers developed a water-stable MOF/polymer composite that can remove over 1.6 times its own weight of mercury and 40% of its weight in lead from contaminated water samples. The material was tested in solutions with lead levels similar to those found in Flint, Michigan, and reduced lead concentrations to 2 parts per billion.
A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that people who pursue happiness often feel like they do not have enough time, which paradoxically makes them feel unhappy. This effect is due to the pursuit of happiness causing participants to think of time as scarce.