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What is "time" for quantum particles?

Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Ground-breaking accelerated discovery research unveils 21 novel materials for advanced organic solid-state laser technology: a global collaboration success story

Researchers from six teams in five labs worldwide used self-driving labs to discover 21 top-performing OSL gain candidates, accelerating the discovery process by months. The decentralized workflow enabled rapid replication of experimental findings and democratized the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2024

Laser printing on fallen tree leaves produces sensors for medical and laboratory use

Researchers in Brazil have developed a novel method to produce electrochemical sensors using fallen tree leaves, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional substrates. The sensors were successfully tested for detecting dopamine and paracetamol concentrations, demonstrating their potential for medical and laboratory applications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 9, 2024

Blood diagnostics modelled on leeches

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new device for taking blood samples using the leech principle, reducing invasiveness and increasing reliability. The device is made of silicone and steel microneedles, with plans to create biodegradable versions in the future.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 2, 2024

Innovation promises to prevent power pole-top fires

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new silicone rubber composite material that can prevent fires and electrical sparking on power poles. This innovation could save power companies time and resources by reducing damage to assets.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage

The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.

Cool paint coatings help pedestrians feel up to 1.5 degrees Celsius cooler in urban setting, NTU Singapore field study finds

A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that cool paint coatings can reduce city heat by up to 2 degrees Celsius, improving pedestrian thermal comfort levels. The coatings reflected sunlight and absorbed less heat, resulting in cooler temperatures and reduced indoor air-conditioning energy consumption.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

A new sensor detects harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water

Researchers at MIT have developed a new sensor that can detect tiny quantities of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The device uses lateral flow technology and can measure concentrations as low as 200 parts per trillion, offering a potential solution for consumer testing and industrial applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2024

Pinging pipes could help to identify lead water lines without excavation

A recent study by Drexel University shows that sound waves can reveal the composition of buried water lines, allowing for the speedy removal of lead service lines. The technique uses ultrasonic stress wave propagation to detect unique acoustic signatures for each type of pipe, making it a promising alternative to invasive testing methods.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Nondestructive Evaluation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2024

Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion

Researchers at MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems confirm their high-temperature superconducting magnet design meets the criteria for a compact fusion power plant. The successful test marks a significant milestone in fusion research, with the potential to usher in an era of virtually limitless power production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity·DateMar 4, 2024

New study unveils scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production

Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.

AI-driven lab speeds catalysis research

Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Wearable sticker turns hand movements into communication

Researchers developed a wearable sticker that can detect subtle hand movements, enabling individuals with disabilities to communicate more easily. The sensors show high sensitivity and accuracy in recognizing gestures and translating them into words or commands.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 27, 2024

Unraveling the pH-dependent oxygen reduction performance on single-atom catalysts

The study revealed a pH-dependent evolution in the catalytic activity of M-N-C materials, with some exhibiting remarkable stability and performance across acidic and alkaline environments. The researchers validated their theoretical predictions, affirming the accuracy of their models in predicting key catalytic parameters.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 21, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists produce innovative ultrathin and stretchable electronics with wide range of applications in health and wellness

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have created soft electronic sensors that can detect bioelectric signals from skin, muscles, and organs. These sensors empower individuals with limb disabilities to control robotic prostheses, machinery, and motorized wheelchairs using alternative muscle movements.

Machine learning guides carbon nanotechnology

Researchers at Tohoku University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a machine learning method to predict the growth of carbon nanostructures on metal surfaces. The approach combines theoretical models with data from chemistry experiments to control the dynamics of material growth, leading to improved quality and efficiency.

Some plastic straws degrade quicker than others, new study shows

A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists found that bioplastic straws made from cellulose diacetate (CDA) degrade up to 50% in 16 weeks, projecting an environmental lifetime of 10-20 months. This rate is faster than paper straws and could be a promising alternative to conventional plastic straws.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

KAUST scientists unveil blueprint for affordable solar cells to power Saudi Arabia and beyond

Researchers at KAUST Solar Center have developed a roadmap for commercializing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, which combine efficient light absorption and long-term stability. The technology has the potential to meet Saudi Arabia's solar targets and exceed $10 billion in market value within a decade.

Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective

Researchers developed a biodegradable sponge that releases medication slowly into the organism, improving treatment efficacy for vulvovaginal candidiasis. The device is made from soft, biocompatible materials and can be inserted by patients themselves, making treatment more comfortable.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJan 8, 2024