Research on testing materials and how they perform. Covers spacecraft shielding, manufacturing challenges, metallic glass in space, and recyclable materials.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed the first complete micromachine that can characterize mechanical properties of nanowires and carbon nanotubes in real-time. The system uses differential capacitive sensing to measure applied forces with nano-Newton resolution.
Researchers from NIST and UC Berkeley use NEXAFS spectroscopy to track chemical reactions, molecular reordering, and defect formation in organic electronic devices. The study reveals the importance of film structure and composition on charge carrier movement, offering a new tool for improving device performance.
Researchers at Virginia Tech created a new type of composite material that can be molded into bipolar plates with high electrical conductivity, good mechanical properties, and ease of manufacture. The material's properties exceed industry standards and will enable faster and more efficient production of fuel cell stacks.
University of California, Irvine researchers will evaluate alternative materials and recycling programs to reduce the environmental impact of e-waste, including cell phones. The interdisciplinary team aims to create a comprehensive model to protect public health and the environment from hazardous chemicals in electronic waste.
The report identifies key areas of focus for improving solar energy technologies, including artificial molecular machines, smart materials, and nanotechnology-based solar cells. It also highlights the importance of basic research in addressing the nation's energy security needs.
Researchers have created a family of one-atom-thin materials with unique properties, including strength, insulation, and conductivity. These materials offer vast possibilities for space-age engineers and designers.
The Rutgers, NEI Corp., and Indian materials center partnership aims to develop nanoparticle-infused materials for various industries. The researchers will explore ways to use nanosized particles to increase the wear-resistance of metals, ceramics, and protective coatings.
Scientists have identified a peculiar region of partially molten rock at the bottom of Earth's solid mantle, which they relate to a plume of hot material. The discovery suggests that this dense blob of material may be the stable root for long-lived mantle plumes and could explain the formation of island chains like Hawaii.
The Oak Ridge Associated Universities funds research to develop conductive ceramic materials. Lu, a Virginia Tech graduate student, aims to create advanced ceramic materials by incorporating carbon nanotubes. She has achieved 40% density, significantly improving the material's strength and conductivity.
A research team from the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research and ESRF observes temporal structural fluctuations on an atomic scale in a crystalline material. The discovery sheds light on how materials respond to external perturbations like changes in temperature, pressure, magnetic or electric fields.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect damage in composite materials using vibration and heat detection. The vibrothermography method can identify internal damage not visible to the human eye, crucial for preventing catastrophic failures.
Researchers have discovered that molecular motors dynein and kinesin do not compete for control when moving cellular cargo, but instead cooperate to produce more than 10 times the speed of individual motors. This cooperative behavior allows the cargo to move faster and with greater precision inside the cell.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed an ultra-fast optical shutter with a record-breaking speed of 40 picoseconds, enabling high-speed imaging applications. The new technology uses femtosecond laser pulses to freeze light at the molecular level, opening doors for breakthroughs in fields like biology and materials science.
A new Standard Reference Material from NIST will help clinical genetics labs accurately count fragile-X repeat sequences. The SRM 2399 consists of nine DNA samples with triplet repeats ranging from 20 to 118, ensuring quality control and check on test procedures.
The new test structures provide a wider range of reference feature sizes and are measured more precisely than previously available materials. Industry can use these reference materials to calibrate tools to reliably measure microprocessor-device gates.
Researchers developed carbon nanotube-based composite materials to maximize frictional damping in mechanical systems. The findings show that these materials can effectively reduce vibration and energy dissipation, making them a promising solution for various applications.
Researchers at University of Toronto developed a sprayable infrared detector that can harness the sun's invisible rays. The discovery may improve renewable energy sources by increasing efficiency and flexibility in solar cells.
A new class of 'thin-film' materials has been developed, offering higher mobility, better chemical stability, and ease of manufacture. These amorphous heavy-metal cation multicomponent oxides could lead to new electronic devices, such as gas sensors, consumer electronics, and military equipment.
Researchers have developed an injectable gel that can speed up the repair of torn cartilage. The biodegradable material is composed of hyaluronic acid and can be hardened with ultraviolet light or visible light, creating a growth environment for cartilage-producing cells to grow new cartilage.
A team of LSU professors aims to create a computer-based, virtual testing system for construction materials, reducing the need for physical specimens and improving durability. The goal is to decrease life-cycle costs and enhance current practice in mix design.
The University of Illinois will develop criteria for selecting digital material for capture and preservation, exploring ways for libraries and repositories to share and preserve digital resources. The project aims to identify methods and technologies that will help avoid losing information of significant historical value.
The study introduces value-based metrics such as value retention and value-added to evaluate the effectiveness of electronics recycling firms. It found that these metrics worked well in case studies of three US firms and can help improve recycling efficiency.
A new method developed at NIST measures the strength and stiffness of thin-film samples in under 2 seconds, providing quantitative results for definitive comparisons. This technique has applications in evaluating materials for semiconductors, solar cells, fuel cells, coatings, magnetic storage devices and nanotechnology devices.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and NASA found that nanosprings exhibit mechanical properties similar to macroscale springs. The findings suggest other nano materials may behave similarly to their macroscale counterparts.
Researchers found that several plant materials and extracts inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria when introduced into bird nests. These findings suggest that parent birds may be using medical botany as a form of effective home nest security to protect their offspring from disease.
A new study found that only 2% of patients who experienced an allergic-like event after the first penicillin prescription had another reaction, despite previous estimates suggesting a 60% rate. The researchers suggest that some patients labeled as penicillin-allergic can safely receive the antibiotic in emergency situations.
By applying combinatorial techniques, scientists can test thousands of polymeric materials in a single experiment, reducing the time and effort required to develop new materials. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as biomedical and electronic engineering.
The symposium will focus on challenges in herb research, including the development of a valid test for herbal supplements and discussions on health benefits and quality issues. Experts will share their knowledge on polyphenols, regenerative properties of Chinese herbs, and quality problems with plant products.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology discover a way to boost the efficiency of polymer organic light-emitting diodes by biasing spin statistics. The new method could lead to more efficient devices with an increased percentage of light-emitting singlets.
Flexible organic light emitting devices (FOLEDs), developed by University of Toronto engineers, offer a potential solution for future generations of bendable television, computer and cellphone screens. The technology could be manufactured using low-cost, high-efficiency mass production methods within two to three years.
Researchers have identified a mechanism for the size effect in ferroelectric oxides, which can lead to the loss of memory properties. Linear crystal lattice defects can cause material deformation and reduce storing properties.
Designing nanomaterials requires careful consideration of interatomic force laws and scaling dimensions. At the nanoscale, tiny cracks require more load to spread, increasing the risk of catastrophic failure. Ceramic materials are particularly affected due to their high strength, hardness, and light weight.
The Office of Naval Research is developing new materials to increase the survivability of future Marine Corps vehicles. Six contractors have developed new material concepts, with three selected for Phase 2 contracts. Lightweight high-strength composite materials and embedded sensors will be integrated into a vehicle demonstrator.
A new two-step process measures cytokine levels and cell membrane protein presence to evaluate material biocompatibility. The NIST-developed method offers a more nuanced understanding of material compatibility, enabling industry and researchers to create more well-matched materials for medical applications.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new memory device that stores digital information permanently in a plastic polymer coating. The device combines an inexpensive and easy-to-produce material with thin-film silicon electronics, enabling fast and efficient data storage.
A University of Toronto professor has created a way to turn hemp into strong and lightweight biocomposites. These materials can be used in various applications such as automotive interior parts, structural buildings, sports equipment, and even medical devices like cardiac devices and blood bags.
Scientists at Penn State University have created a novel method for synthesizing cage-like silica structures by combining different templates and heating them in a microwave oven. This innovative approach produces larger particles with improved stability and reduced synthesis time compared to previous methods.
Researchers have developed a new material combining buckyballs with polyurethane to improve information processing in fibre-optic networks. The material interacts with light particles 10-100 times more strongly than previous C60-based materials, enabling faster and more efficient data transmission.
The Army has established an Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies (ICB) with funding of up to $50 million. The ICB aims to develop new biotechnologies that improve the effectiveness of the Army's mission by leveraging investments in biotechnology research.
NIST researchers Bo Yang and Vinod Tewary used a mathematical concept to predict how self-assembling quantum dots align themselves. The theory, based on the elastic energy release rate, can aid in developing more reliable methods for fabricating quantum dot devices.
Researchers have successfully assembled three-dimensional patterns from two different types of nanoparticles with complementary properties. The combination may exhibit novel magneto-optical properties and key features for quantum computing.
Researchers at NIST are developing tiny lab-on-chip devices to automate material formulation testing, reducing trial-and-error exercises. The project aims to improve paints, shampoos, and other emulsions with real-time image measurement techniques, extending microfluidic system capabilities.
Scientists create a nanoscale, layered material that replicates the properties of mother-of-pearl, including its iridescence. The artificial nacre consists of alternating layers of clay and a polymer, providing strong, yet flexible, materials for various applications.
Researchers have developed a new material made from micrometer-sized polymer beads that improves the treatment of urinary incontinence. The microspheres are well-tolerated by rats and anchor themselves to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of allergic responses or degradation over time.
The US Navy has established a new center for nanoscience innovation in defense, which will transfer knowledge from universities to the industry. The center aims to advance nanoscale systems and devices for advanced technology, including spintronics and quantum information processing.
Researchers at Alberta Research Council have developed a working demonstration unit of micro fuel cell technology, capable of powering a small electric fan. The single-cell fuel cell uses hydrogen gas as a fuel and can be adapted to run on various fuels, including natural gas and butane.
New devices can control the motion of magnetic flux quanta, allowing for precise manipulation of magnetic fields within superconducting materials. This enables the creation of specific magnetic profiles, facilitating applications such as removing unwanted flux and magnetically focusing nearby particles.
A study found that conventional explanations of consent forms were insufficient to ensure understanding among research participants in Haiti. In contrast, in-depth explanations with visual material resulted in high pass rates on an oral test, highlighting the need for new techniques to improve informed consent processes.
The AAAS-led Center aims to improve science curriculum materials by incorporating sound research and effective teaching strategies. The center will work closely with local school-district partners to develop a cadre of experts in science curriculum materials R&D.
Researchers are developing robots inspired by cockroaches' legs using biomimetics and Shape Deposition Manufacturing. The study found that a cockroach leg's response to displacement inputs can be modeled as a viscoelastic material, enabling the design of stable and compliant robot legs.
The Vinland Map's date has been determined to be around 1434, indicating a strong connection to the Catholic Church's Council of Basel. The parchment analysis provides new evidence supporting the map's authenticity and sheds light on European knowledge of North America during this period.
Researchers at UCSD create hybrid composite alloy material combining shape-memory nickel-titanium with super-elastic foams and glass beads for enhanced flexibility and resilience. The new material absorbs high-velocity impacts, potentially stopping cracks and collateral damage.
These sensors can detect temperature changes, stress, viscosity, liquid density, and surface tension without wires or connectors. They use magnetoelastic thin-film technology to generate harmonics that change as the environment around them alters.
Researchers have discovered crystalline materials that can change shapes rapidly and act as ultrafast switches in optical computers, potentially enabling 3D TVs and unprecedented storage potential. The materials could be produced in bulk and reduced costs may be achieved through improved manufacturing efficiencies.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a flexible ceramic material with a cubic bicontinuous structure, which conforms to century-old mathematical predictions. The material has properties that are not just the sum of polymers and ceramic, but something new, offering promise for efficient battery electrolytes and fuel cells.
A UCLA-led team of chemists and engineers has developed a transparent plastic that can mend itself when heated, offering potential use in industries such as electronics, radar and communications. The material, called Automend, retains 60% of its original strength after healing.
Simon C. Moss, a UH professor, has spent 40 years researching atomic-scale defects and their impact on materials properties. His work has led to breakthroughs in semiconductors, alloys, and thin films, earning him the Von Hippel Award.
Researchers at Cornell University propose that silver-flourine compounds could exhibit high-temperature superconductivity, building on similarities to oxocuprates. Theoretical predictions are supported by detailed calculations and chemical reasoning, but experimental production will be challenging.
Professor Morton Gurtin's research extends continuum mechanics to study structural materials at nanoscale length scales, advancing theories of deformation and fracture process. He has been an active collaborator with Italian school of continuum mechanics researchers since many years.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a low-cost method to fabricate scale models for aerodynamic wind tunnel tests. The alternative approach uses non-metallic materials like engineering polymers and thermoset resins, enabling program managers to obtain high-quality data at a fraction of the cost of trad...