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Copper-bottomed deposits

Scientists at Université de Genève studied over 100,000 combinations to establish a model predicting the amount of copper present in deposits. The researchers found that factors such as magma depth and duration determine the quantity of copper, with optimal conditions ranging from 20 km depth and 2 million years injection time.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2017

Nanostructures made of pure gold

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully created nanostructures made of pure gold using an additive direct-write lithography technique. The new method allows for the fabrication of three-dimensional gold structures, which are essential for various applications in electronics and sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 4, 2016

Making electronics out of coal

Researchers at MIT have successfully created simple electrical heating devices using coal, showcasing its potential for various high-tech uses. The team characterized the chemical, electrical, and optical properties of four different types of coal, revealing a range of conductivities that can be tailored to specific applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 19, 2016

New technique to find copper deposits

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to identify copper deposits in magmatic rocks by analyzing their chemical composition. The method, which was tested on a major porphyry discovery in Chile, has shown promising results and could lead to the discovery of new valuable metal deposits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 1, 2016

New industrial possibilities for nanoporous thin films

Researchers at KU Leuven have developed an alternative production method to create nanoporous thin films, expanding their industrial possibilities. These materials can be used as catalysts, absorb large amounts of material, and store gases, opening up new applications in fields like nanoelectronics.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 14, 2015

For faster, larger graphene add a liquid layer

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a scalable technique to produce millimetre-sized graphene crystals in minutes, compared to hours using current methods. The new approach creates a liquid layer that smooths out nanoscale valleys, allowing for larger flakes of high-quality graphene.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2015

Characteristic pattern of protein deposits in brains of retired NFL players who suffered concussions

A new imaging tool found a strikingly similar pattern of abnormal protein deposits in the brains of retired NFL players with concussions, which may help identify brain disorders like CTE. The study also shows differences in brain imaging patterns between concussed athletes and healthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step with the development of an indirect method that detects and measures particles as small as 100 nanometers. This technique can accurately quantify asphaltene precipitation and account for water presence, offering valuable insights into preventing clogs in oil production lines.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateFeb 24, 2015

Better catalysts for the petrochemical industry

Researchers from ETH Zurich have identified a new class of zeolite catalysts that can withstand the formation of hydrocarbon deposits, which clog pores and block active sites. The key to their improved performance lies in the internal structure of the catalysts, with well-connected nano-sized channels and numerous openings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2014

Supervolcanoes discovered in Utah

The discovery of supervolcanoes in southern Utah reveals massive eruptions that buried a vast region, affecting areas from central Utah to Nebraska. This research has significant implications for understanding geological history and the impact of volcanic activity on ecosystems.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 9, 2013

Thin-film diamonds

Researchers at Advanced Diamond Technologies successfully created thin films of boron-doped diamond at low temperatures, potentially enabling a wider range of applications for electronic devices. The new method expands the possibilities for depositing high-quality diamond coatings without damaging sensitive electronics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 3, 2013

Playing RFID tag with sheets of paper

Researchers in France have developed a way to deposit thin aluminum RFID tags on paper using thermal evaporation, reducing the cost of RFID tagging. This approach could enable single printed sheets or flyers to be tagged and open up RFID tagging to more systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Applications·DateFeb 6, 2012