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Riding the (quantum magnetic) wave

Scientists have successfully converted quantum waves into electrical current using an organic-based magnet, paving the way for faster and more efficient electronics. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at the University of Utah, could lead to new generations of electronic systems that use magnons instead of electrons.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 12, 2018

Direct observation of topology hidden inside materials

A joint research group has successfully observed topology hidden inside materials using soft X-rays. This achievement enables the direct determination of material topology without relying on surface appearance, which is expected to lead to the discovery of more diverse topological electronic phases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 7, 2018

The fine-tuning of two-dimensional materials

Scientists at Penn State have developed a new understanding of why synthetic 2D materials often perform orders of magnitude worse than predicted. By using oxygen-terminated substrate surfaces, they enhanced the photoluminescence intensity and carrier lifetime of molybdenum disulfide by 100 times.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2018

Crop-saving soil tests now at farmers' fingertips

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method for soil pathogen analysis that is portable, fast and inexpensive. This breakthrough technology allows farmers to detect disease-causing pathogens in their soil quickly and make informed decisions about treatments or management changes before planting.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 23, 2018

With computation, researchers identify promising solid oxide fuel cell materials

A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers has discovered new materials that could enable solid oxide fuel cells to operate at lower temperatures, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The researchers used quantum mechanics-based computational techniques to screen over 2,000 candidate materials, yielding a list of 52 poten...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 22, 2018

When proteins shake hands

Researchers from Jena University successfully created protein nanofibres with defined properties by combining two different proteins through a self-assembly process. The hybrid fibres can be used as components in biosensors, drug delivery particles, optical probes, or bone cements.

Stacking on the graphene

Researchers at Tohoku University have fabricated two types of trilayer graphene with different electrical properties. The ABA-stacked graphene exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, while the ABC-stacked graphene displays semi-conducting properties. These findings hold implications for the development of novel electronic devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateFeb 9, 2018

Photoreversible molecular switch changes the physical property of thermoresponsive polymer

Scientists at Yokohama National University developed a photoresponsive molecular switch that enables the control of sol-gel transitions in thermoresponsive polymers. The azobenzene-containing ionic liquid triggers reversible physical property changes upon light irradiation, showing tunable sol and gel states.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 1, 2018

Ultralow power consumption for data recording

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new phase change material, Cr2Ge2Te6, that achieves a significant reduction in power consumption for data recording in phase change memory (PCRAM). The material exhibits an inverse resistance change and combines low operation energy, high data retention, and fast operation speed.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 24, 2018

Crystal clear

The KAUST team has developed a methodology for acquiring atomic-resolution images of beam-sensitive materials, such as metal organic frameworks, using transmission electron microscopy. This enables the precise alignment and determination of defocus values, reducing the procedure to a near-routine process.

Biofilms as construction workers

Researchers at Technical University of Munich use biofilms to guide microorganisms in creating tailor-made templates for new materials. This process utilizes light, heat, and other stimuli to control the movement of microbes, enabling the creation of complex networks with natural structures.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 19, 2017

Particle size matters for porous building blocks

Rice University scientists found that porous particles of calcium and silicate show potential as building blocks for various applications. When assembled into micron-sized sheets and pellets, the arrays held up better under pressure, with bigger individual nanoparticles being 120% tougher than smaller ones.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 18, 2017

Columbia engineers create artificial graphene in a nanofabricated semiconductor structure

Researchers have successfully engineered artificial graphene in a nanofabricated semiconductor structure, offering more versatile properties than natural graphene. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new electronic switches, transistors, and storage methods based on exotic quantum mechanical states.

Breakthrough could launch organic electronics beyond cell phone screens

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new approach to increase the conductivity of organic semiconductors, which could lead to more widespread use of organic electronics. The breakthrough involves using a ruthenium-containing compound that adds electrons to the semiconductor, increasing its conductivity by about a millio...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 17, 2017

'Ion billiards' cue novel material synthesis method

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel material synthesis method that utilizes protons to introduce ions into host materials. This liquid-free process enables the homogenous introduction of various ions, such as lithium and sodium, into tantalum sulfide, maintaining its crystallinity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 16, 2017

Counterfeits and product piracy can be prevented by security features, such as printed 3-D microstructures

Researchers at KIT have developed innovative fluorescent 3D structures to improve counterfeit protection in products like bank notes, pharmaceuticals, and car spare parts. These new security features can be easily integrated into various applications to prevent product piracy and counterfeiting.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 15, 2017

Cool textiles to beat the heat

Researchers have developed a new material for clothing that can cool people down without external energy needed, using a nanocomposite thread made from boron nitride and polyvinyl alcohol. The fabric is more efficient at moving heat away from the body than pure polyvinyl alcohol or cotton fabrics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 8, 2017

An Arctic example: How scientific collaboration can foster international stability

The Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation aims to improve movement of researchers and equipment, share data and metadata, and transfer traditional knowledge across territories. Effective implementation will balance national interests with common goals for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.

Glowing news for organic materials

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully demonstrated persistent luminescence from organic materials, achieving long-lived emission lasting over an hour. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including bio-imaging and safety applications.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2017

Magnetic electrodes increase solar cell efficiency

Researchers at CIC nanoGUNE developed a photovoltaic device using magnetic materials as electrodes, increasing efficiency by 14%. The device produces alternating current directly, eliminating the need for transformers. Further improvements are being pursued to build more efficient solar modules.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2017