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Super wood could replace steel

Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a new type of wood that is 10-12 times stronger than natural wood, making it a potential competitor to steel. The wood's mechanical properties are comparable to those of titanium alloys, but with improved toughness and reduced weight.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

Does the titanium dioxide in food and nanomaterials affect the gut microbiome?

A new study published in Environmental Engineering Science found that titanium dioxide, commonly used in foods and coatings, can affect the types of bacteria present in the human gut and its pH. The study suggests that food-grade TiO2 produces different microbial responses compared to industrial-grade particles.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateOct 3, 2017

Inferno world with titanium skies

A team of astronomers has detected titanium oxide in the atmosphere of WASP-19b, an exoplanet with a temperature of 2000 degrees Celsius. The discovery was made using ESO's VLT and allows for more accurate modeling of exoplanet atmospheres.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2017

New photocatalyst speeds up the conversion of carbon dioxide into chemical resources

A new titania photocatalyst has been developed to convert carbon dioxide into methane three times more efficiently than existing catalysts. The photocatalyst's controlled band gap improves light absorption and charge separation, increasing the conversion rate of CO2 into methane.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateMay 26, 2017

Advantage: Water

Scientists have determined that water is only slightly more likely to stay in one piece as it binds to the catalyst surface than it is to form hydroxyl pairs. This small advantage has significant implications for industries using titanium dioxide, including alternative fuel production and solar energy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

Switching oxygen on and off

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully switched individual oxygen molecules between a reactive and unreactive state using a force microscope. This process enables new possibilities for investigating the inner workings of photocatalysts.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2017

Dental implants with antibacterial activity

Scientists at the University of the Basque Country have created coatings for dental implants that can prevent bacterial colonization and adhesion. The new coatings were developed using sol-gel synthesis and added antibacterial agents, achieving successful results in preventing osseointegration problems and infections.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·DateDec 26, 2016

Low-cost and lightweight

Researchers at PNNL have developed a stronger titanium alloy using a novel nanostructure, with potential applications in lightweight vehicle parts. The alloy achieved a 10-15% increase in strength, making it suitable for high-strength-to-cost ratio and greater fuel economy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2016

Thermal microscopy of single cells

A team of researchers developed a new imaging approach that provides images of a single cell with micrometer resolution using a contrast based on the cell's thermal properties. This technique allows for unprecedented sensitivity in detecting diseased conditions at the sub-cell scale and may aid in optimizing cryopreservation processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 29, 2015

Researchers find way to make metals stronger without sacrificing ductility

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a technique to make titanium stronger while maintaining its ductility. The new material combines ultrafine-grained strength with coarse-grain ductility, enabling the creation of strong yet flexible materials for vehicle manufacturing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Cancer patient receives 3-D printed ribs

A 54-year-old Spanish man received a revolutionary new implant made from 3D printed titanium alloy, designed to replicate the intricate structures of his sternum and ribs. The innovative prosthesis was created by medical device company Anatomics in collaboration with CSIRO's 3D printing facility Lab 22.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery·DateSep 11, 2015

Are current water treatment methods sufficient to remove harmful engineered nanoparticle?

A study suggests that traditional water pretreatment methods such as coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation are insufficient to remove titanium dioxide nanoparticles from water. The results highlight the need for improved treatment processes to address emerging engineered nanoparticle risks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateMar 10, 2015

Breaking benzene

Researchers develop a novel catalyst to cleave aromatic carbon-carbon bonds in benzene at relatively mild temperatures, offering unprecedented mechanistic details on hydrocracking. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and selective production of valuable materials from natural resources.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2014

Purple sunlight eaters

A protein found in ancient microorganisms that live in desert salt flats has been combined with semiconducting nanoparticles to create a system that uses light to spark a catalytic process creating hydrogen fuel. This bio-assisted hybrid photocatalyst outperforms many other similar systems in hydrogen generation.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 19, 2013

Scientists solve titanic puzzle of popular photocatalyst

Researchers at University College London have uncovered a groundbreaking explanation for the properties of mixed-phase titania catalysts, revealing that anatase has lower energy levels than previously thought. This discovery will aid in developing more efficient photocatalysts with applications in clean energy and self-cleaning coatings.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 8, 2013