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Turning non-magnetic materials magnetic with atomically thin films

Scientists at Tohoku University discovered that chromium selenide transforms into a magnetic material when reduced to atomically thin layers, challenging previous theoretical predictions. The research opens new possibilities for spintronics applications and could lead to faster, smaller, and more efficient electronic components.

From structure to function: Tailoring wurtzite MgSiN₂ for next-generation electronics

Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo develop first-ever wurtzite-structured MgSiN2 thin films, exhibiting piezoelectric properties. The material's unique electronic and bandgap properties make it a promising candidate for next-generation electronics and potential applications in ultrasonic transducers and energy harvesters.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Stronger and safer: New design strategy for aluminium combines strength with hydrogen embrittlement resistance

Researchers have developed a new alloy design strategy that combines exceptional strength with superior resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The approach enables dual nanoprecipitates to trap hydrogen and enhance strength, resulting in a 40% increase in strength and a five-fold improvement in hydrogen embrittlement resistance.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Trash talk: As plastic use soars, researchers examine biodegradable solutions

Researchers highlight biodegradable plastics as a promising solution to single-use plastic waste, with the packaging segment accounting for half of single-use plastic production. The market is expected to reach $105 billion by 2024, driven by consumer awareness and corporate response.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalTrends in Food Science & Technology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 21, 2025

Chance discovery improves stability of bioelectronic material used in medical implants, computing and biosensors

A team of scientists discovered a method to produce a stable and conductive bioelectric material without the need for a chemical crosslinker. The new process uses high heat to stabilize the material, producing devices with three times higher electrical conductivity and more consistent stability.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2025

New material gives copper superalloy-like strength

Researchers developed a Cu-Ta-Li alloy with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, combining copper's conductivity with nickel-based superalloy-like properties. The alloy's nanostructure prevents grain growth, improving high-temperature performance and durability under extreme conditions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Moiré than meets the eye

A team of researchers has uncovered a new property of moiré potentials, which emerge when TMDs are stacked. They found that these potentials are constantly moving, even at very cold temperatures, and this movement enables the transport of energy and information through the material. This discovery contributes to foundational knowledge ...

Breakthrough in materials science: AI reveals secrets of dendritic growth in thin films

A new AI model developed by Tokyo University of Science's researchers predicts dendritic growth in thin films, offering a powerful pathway for optimizing thin-film fabrication. The model analyzes morphology using persistent homology and machine learning with energy analysis, revealing conditions that drive branching behavior.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2025

Flexible crystals reveal secrets of elasticity

Australian scientists have identified the origin of the restoring force in elastic crystals, allowing for the design of new hybrid materials. The study found that energy is stored in molecular interactions under compressive and expansive strain, enabling the crystal to return to its original shape.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2025

The material revolution: How USA’s commodity appetite evolved from 1900 to present

A study reveals that US commodity consumption patterns have undergone a significant transformation since the 1970s, with growth in demand for certain materials slowing down. This trend, known as relative dematerialization, is driven by technological and societal changes, such as the rise of recycling and shifting consumer behavior.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Yeast as food emulsifier? Easily released protein as strong as casein

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered yeast cell wall-derived proteins that exhibit high emulsifying activity, comparable to commercial casein emulsifier. These easily released protein molecules could potentially replace emulsifiers derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, reducing allergenic concerns.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

Nature inspires self-assembling helical polymer

Scientists at Hiroshima University have created a controlled helix using supramolecular polymerization, which can be used to control the behavior of materials in various scenarios. The new polymer has the potential to improve applications such as memory, sensing devices, and catalysis by controlling its handedness.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 9, 2024

Novel quantum materials in the spotlight

German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.

Kagome breaks the rules at record breaking temperatures

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have found a quantum phenomenon known as time-reversal symmetry breaking occurring at the surface of the Kagome superconductor RbV₃Sb₅ at temperatures up to 175 K. This discovery sets a new record for the temperature at which this phenomenon is observed among Kagome systems.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024

In search of the perfect materials for fusion reactors

Researchers used computational methods to screen potential plasma-facing materials for fusion reactors, considering factors like thermal resistance and neutron bombardment. A shortlist of 21 materials was identified, including tungsten, diamond, and tantalum nitride, which showed promise for divertor applications.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalPRX Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2024

Spin current observations from organic semiconductor side

A team at Osaka Metropolitan University has designed a multilayer device to investigate spin currents, using an organic semiconductor material with a long spin relaxation time. This allows direct observation of phenomena due to spin current generation and enables researchers to gain deeper insights into the properties of spin currents.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024