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Viral protein in their sights

A team from Harvard Medical School has revealed the atomic level structure of VSV polymerase protein L, a key component in RNA virus replication. This finding provides insights into how these viruses copy their genomes inside host cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2015

New views of enzyme structures offer insights into metabolism of cholesterol, other lipids

The study provides high-resolution pictures of two closely related enzymes, lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which play crucial roles in metabolizing cholesterol and other lipids. The findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying these disorders and suggest potential thera...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2015

The finer details of rust

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have redefined the atomic structure of magnetite, a crucial component in electronic devices and medical applications. The study reveals that the surface of magnetite is governed by missing iron atoms, leading to an efficient catalyst for chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Pitt engineer turns metal into glass

Materials scientist Scott X. Mao successfully creates metallic glasses from pure metals by applying ultrafast cooling rates, solving a long-standing issue in the field. The process involves a novel technique that enables transformation of liquefied elemental metals into glass.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2014

Thinnest feasible membrane produced

The team of researchers produced a stable porous membrane that is thinner than a nanometre, consisting of two layers of graphene on which tiny pores were etched. The membrane can permeate tiny molecules and may be used for waterproof clothing, water filtration, or gas separation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateApr 17, 2014

VCU physicists discover theoretical possibility of large, hollow magnetic cage molecules

VCU physicists have discovered the theoretical possibility of creating large, hollow magnetic cage molecules that could be used for targeted non-invasive drug delivery. The molecules, which are larger than the original Buckminster fullerene, carry giant magnetic moments and could serve as effective vehicles for delivering drugs to tumors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 31, 2013

Study suggests second life for possible spintronic materials

A new study suggests that scientists can create a stable structure with manganese and gallium nitride, which could be used in spintronics devices at or above room temperature. By incorporating a uniform layer and heating the sample, researchers were able to form a manganese-nitrogen bond that remains stable even at high temperatures.

SourceOhio University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJun 6, 2013

New details of atomic structure of water under extreme conditions found

Researchers have uncovered the microscopic atomic structure of water at high temperatures and pressures, revealing a homogeneous molecular arrangement throughout. The findings provide insights into the unique properties of supercritical water, which may play a key role in geological processes such as ore deposits and volcanic activity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2013

Routes towards defect-free graphene

A new technique has been developed to grow graphene without defects, enabling the creation of larger sheets with aligned flakes and improved electron flow. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial-scale graphene manufacturing and the development of graphene-based technologies in electronics, energy, and healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 1, 2013

May the force be with the atomic probe

Theoretical physicists created models to study van der Waals-Casimir-Polder (vdW-CP) force, which depends on electron diffusion. This finding could contribute to designing minimally invasive surface probes for quantum computer hardware architectures.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 21, 2012

Silver sheds light on superconductor secrets

Researchers from the Institute of Solid State Physics found that superconductivity is intrinsic to a bismuth-based layered material when doped with silver. The material's characteristics were measured using x-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, electrical transport, and thermal transport.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 20, 2012