Research on testing materials and how they perform. Covers spacecraft shielding, manufacturing challenges, metallic glass in space, and recyclable materials.
Recent research at MIT shows that adding a layer of graphene to a surface has little effect on its interaction with liquids, except for extreme cases. The team's findings demonstrate the ability to manipulate wettability while preserving electrical conductivity and optical properties.
INRS Professor Federico Rosei has been elected as an AAAS Fellow, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the understanding of surface and interface properties. He is the only Canadian honoured in the physics section, reflecting his international stature as a researcher.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully printed parts using materials from the moon, marking a significant breakthrough in additive manufacturing. The team used 3D printing technology to create simple shapes from lunar regolith simulant, which they plan to tailor for stronger building materials and remote repairs.
Scientists have developed a new 'smart material' made from Scotch tape that can change shape in response to humidity and collect water samples. The innovation uses laser-machined fingers to capture droplets of water, making it ideal for environmental testing.
Researchers at UIUC create novel system to examine and measure nanoscale thermal conductance at material interfaces. They use molecular chains with different chemical groups to observe heat flow at the atomic scale.
Researchers developed a new production process called carbon nanotube templated microfabrication (CNT-M) to create stronger microstructures for MEMS applications. By replacing air spaces with a filler material, they enhanced the durability of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes.
Scientists from NC State University have developed a method to align carbon nanotubes in composite materials, resulting in significantly improved tensile strength, stiffness, and thermal conductivity. The new technique enables the creation of ultrastrong and multifunctional composites suitable for aerospace and sports applications.
Researchers created a multilayer cake using graphene and boron nitride to form a nanoscale electric transformer. The breakthrough paves the way for complex electronic devices with novel architectures.
MIT researchers develop a new approach to let particles hide from passing electrons, potentially leading to more efficient thermoelectric devices and new electronics. The concept harnesses cloaking mechanisms to control electron transport, offering a promising strategy for controlling electron flow.
The USDA's Agricultural Research Service has developed several new blueberry varieties, including 'Pink Lemonade', which offers a flavorful surprise with its taste similar to a raspberry. Another notable variety is 'Sweetheart', which produces firm, delectable berries in mid-to-late June and allows for an extended harvest period.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created two new synthetic materials with the greatest amount of surface areas reported to date. The materials, NU-109 and NU-110, belong to a class of crystalline nanostructures known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that are promising vessels for natural gas storage.
A new concept for computing uses water droplets as digital information bits, demonstrating rebounding collisions on superhydrophobic surfaces. This enables the development of memory devices and elementary Boolean logic operations.
Alan Tennant, physicist at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, has been awarded the Europhysics Prize 2012 for his groundbreaking work on magnetic monopoles. Using neutron scattering at the Berlin research reactor BER II, he observed the first time magnetic monopoles in spin ice.
Researchers at MIT have successfully produced complex electronic components from molybdenum disulfide, a material that naturally comes with a bandgap and could enable new products such as glowing walls, clothing with embedded electronics, and glasses with built-in display screens. The discovery opens up a new realm of research on two-d...
NASA scientist Maxim Markevitch is investigating a novel technique to build low-cost X-ray mirrors using plastic tape rolled like Scotch tape. The goal is to capture high-energy photons and study cosmic rays, which could reveal more about the birth and evolution of the cosmos.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that nanodiamonds can help remove crystallized fat from surfaces in eco-friendly low-temperature laundry cycles. This breakthrough could lead to significant energy savings and reduced wear on washing machines, as it allows for higher temperatures to be used more frequently.
Scientists have created a material that is both magnetically and electrically polarized, paving the way for new applications. The unique property allows for strong magneto-electrical effects, making it an exciting discovery for future technologies.
A team of Japanese researchers developed a new method to 'heal' defects in gallium nitride (GaN) using hydrogen radicals. The process restored photoluminescence to nearly normal levels after chlorine plasma etching, improving optical and electrical performance.
Scientists at UC San Diego created metallic nanocubes that spontaneously organize into larger structures with precise orientations, enabling ultra-sensitive optical sensors and compact optical circuitry. The technique could revolutionize the development of new sensing technologies and optical devices.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a new standard reference material (SRM) to aid in detecting two explosive compounds used by terrorists. The SRM contains meticulously measured concentrations of PETN and TATP, allowing researchers to test and validate their detector designs.
Researchers at Northwestern University have designed new metamaterials that exhibit negative compressibility transitions, where they contract when tensioned and expand when compressed. This discovery may enable new applications in protective mechanical devices and actuators.
Scientists have developed a new technology to mass-produce high-precision molds for making tiny plastic components using bulk metallic glasses. The components can be used in computer memory devices, microscale testing kits, and chemical reactors with microscopic surface patterns.
A $3.3 million NSF PREM grant creates a collaborative research partnership between UCSB and UTEP to advance materials science and engineering research, broadening participation of underrepresented minorities in the field. The program enables joint research initiatives and global internship opportunities.
Researchers developed a simple, low-cost, and large-scale self-powered energy system using piezoelectric ceramic nanoparticles. The new technology overcomes previous limitations and expands the feasibility of nanogenerators in consumer electronics and wearable clothes.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel screening technology to rapidly test metal-oxide nanomaterials for potential health hazards. The method uses high-throughput screening and predicts which materials are most likely to cause oxidative damage based on their electronic properties.
Researchers have employed powerful X-rays to determine molecular arrangements in organic materials used in printed electronics, leading to the discovery of molecular alignment as a key factor in material performance. The technique could lead to cheaper and more efficient electronic devices.
The researchers demonstrated that a single layer of atoms can disrupt or enhance heat flow across an interface between two materials. By adjusting the composition of molecules in contact with the gold layer, they observed a change in heat transfer depending on how strongly the molecule bonded to the gold.
A new study challenges traditional views on possessions and consumer identity among global nomads. These individuals form situational attachments to objects, valuing them primarily for instrumental use-value and immaterial possessions.
Researchers from the University of Southampton and Cambridge have made breakthroughs in understanding phase change memory materials under rapid heating conditions. Crystal growth rates are found to be faster than previously thought, with implications for improving memory performance and reducing energy consumption.
American researchers conclude that prospective magnetic fusion power systems would pose a much lower risk of being used for the production of weapon-usable materials. The study found that with IAEA safeguards, there is little risk of fissile materials being produced for weapons.
Scientists create magnetic valve using spintronics to stabilize data storage in MRAM. The spin-valve concept enables controlled lifetime of stored information, increasing overall life expectancy.
A team led by Drexel University's Yury Gogotsi has provided the first quantitative picture of the structure of ionic liquid absorbed inside disordered microporous carbon electrodes in supercapacitors. This breakthrough mechanism opens the door for designing materials with improved energy storage capabilities.
African-American women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS in the US, with 44% of new infections attributed to this group. The NC State project seeks to improve prevention materials targeting African-American female college students through culturally relevant messaging and language strategies.
Graphene flakes are used to protect molecules from short circuits, paving the way for new electronics in memory technology, displays, and solar cells. The development solves a decade-old problem and allows for alternative conductive and non-conductive molecules to be used.
Researchers at City College of New York develop an eco-friendly filter to remove hydrogen sulfide gas from the air, using carbonized coffee grounds. The activated carbon boosts its smell-fighting power with nitrogen from caffeine, capturing pollutants like H2S and potentially separating other toxic substances.
Engineers at the University of Washington have discovered ferroelectricity in the walls of arteries, a finding that could have significant biomedical implications. The study found clear evidence of ferroelectric switching in a sample of pig aorta, which may also apply to human tissue.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered the optical transparency limits of transparent conducting oxides, essential for efficient optoelectronic devices. They found that tin dioxide weakly absorbs visible light, making it useful as a transparent contact, but absorption increases with ultraviolet and infrared light.
DARPA's Extended Solids program aims to identify processes that enable stabilization and production of high pressure phase materials without scale limitations. The goal is to create stronger, lighter, and more resilient materials for defense applications.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a new material called graphene that conducts heat 20 times faster than silicon, leading to more-efficient cooling of electronics and potentially longer-lasting computers and cellphones.
Researchers at the University of Texas created a new graphene form that is 60% more effective at managing and transferring heat than normal graphene. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, faster, and more powerful electronic devices with improved performance.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new device that can perform neutron interferometry in a much smaller space, increasing its sensitivity and speed. This innovation could enable the technique to be used in industries such as materials science and manufacturing.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully created a bone-like material and structure that can be used in orthopedic procedures, dental work, and to deliver medicine for treating osteoporosis. The material was produced using a 3D printer and has shown promising results in both in vitro and in vivo tests.
Researchers found that defects in graphene improve its chemical sensing capabilities, leading to potential breakthroughs in gas detection technology. The study suggests that micrometer-sized line defects can enhance the sensitivity of graphene sensors.
Two NASA engineers, Diane Elizabeth Pugel and Steven Scott, received achievement awards for their groundbreaking work on the Orion crew vehicle and thermal-protection system. Pugel's non-destructive testing approach for materials evaluation was recognized as a breakthrough in aerospace engineering.
The Singapore research team led by Associate Professor Xiaogang Liu developed a synthesis of lanthanide-doped core-shell nanocrystals with advanced optical properties, enabling efficient upconversion and tunable light emission. This breakthrough has significant implications for cancer detection, medical imaging, and therapeutic delivery.
Nanotechnology researchers at Georgia Tech have compared two techniques for chemically doping sheets of graphene for device and interconnect fabrication. Edge treatment, which reacts with defects created when the material is cut, was found to be thousand times more efficient than surface treatment.
North Carolina State University researchers introduce a computational approach to improve the utility of superconductive materials. By interacting with industry, they've identified ways to optimize YBCO conductors, reducing quench risk and increasing performance. This breakthrough could accelerate the use of YBCO in emerging technologies.
Carbon nanotubes have been used to increase the electrical conductivity of silicon nitride by 13 orders of magnitude, enabling the production of intricate micro-components without compromising production time or integrity. The resulting nanocomposite materials offer improved wear resistance and preservation of mechanical properties.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and Purdue University have shown that gallium nitride (GaN) is non-toxic and biocompatible, making it a promising material for biomedical implants. The material was found to be stable in environments mimicking the human body and bonded effectively with cells when coated with peptides.
The HybridSil Fire/Blast coating is a game-changer for military applications, offering blast- and fire-resistance to various surfaces. It was developed by ONR scientist Dr. Roshdy George S. Barsoum and can be applied like paint, with minimal surface preparation.
The new institute will advance revolutionary materials research and education, focusing on nanomaterials and energy-efficient technology. UCSB will educate future scientists and engineers through corporate internships and a $2 million endowment.
Researchers found elevated levels of radioactivity in San Francisco Bay area rainwater after the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant accident, but at non-health-risking concentrations. The study collected samples from March 16th to March 26th and detected above-normal radioactivity starting on March 18th.
NASA is testing an element of the sunshield that will protect the James Webb Space Telescope's mirrors and instruments during its mission. The sunshield will consist of five tennis court-sized layers to allow the telescope to cool to its cryogenic operating temperature.
A new study found that people salivate in response to material rewards, including money and high-end sports cars. The researchers discovered that this phenomenon occurs when individuals have a strong desire for these items, often driven by a sense of power or goal achievement.
The UCSB Materials Research Laboratory has received a renewed $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation to conduct distinctive research and education programs. The grant will advance materials science research in areas such as energy-efficient microelectronics, adhesives, and coatings inspired by marine organisms.
The University of Utah is launching a six-year effort to develop new materials for faster computers, better microscopes and solar cells. Researchers will focus on plasmonics and spintronics to create organic semiconductors and metamaterials.
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at Northwestern University has received a six-year, $16.2 million grant to support its interdisciplinary research program and educational activities. The center aims to develop new nanoscale materials with applications in information processing, electronics, and sensing technologies.
Researchers at UNH's Space Science Center are developing a highly sensitive instrument to detect illicit radioactive materials with pinpoint accuracy. The Portable Neutron Spectroscope can identify hazardous nuclear materials by analyzing radiation patterns and velocity.
The Saturn and HERMES III accelerators have surpassed significant milestones in testing nuclear defenses against atomic weapons. The machines have achieved over 4,000 shots on the Saturn accelerator and 9,000 shots on the HERMES III accelerator, providing valuable data for countermeasures against X-ray radiation.
Purdue researchers develop new type of graphene inverter that works at room temperature, enabling transistors to amplify signals and control switching. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of ultrafast devices with simplified circuits for broader digital applications.