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By looking at individual atoms in tooth enamel, UW and PNNL researchers are learning what happens to our teeth as we age

Researchers at UW and PNNL studied atomic composition of enamel samples from two human teeth, one 22-year-old and one 56-year-old, to understand how enamel changes with age. The study found higher levels of fluoride in the older tooth's shell regions, which could have implications for understanding tooth health as we age.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCommunications Materials·DateDec 19, 2024

Influenza virus genome: finally discovered in its coat

The researchers have revealed the precise positioning of RNA molecules and their interactions with the protective coat. This breakthrough enables the design of new drug molecules capable of binding to the protein coat, weakening viral RNA and inhibiting influenza virus replication.

SourceCNRS·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateDec 16, 2024

Advancing the synthesis of two-dimensional gold monolayers

Scientists at Lund University and Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized 2D gold monolayers with remarkable thermal stability and potential catalytic utility. The team used a novel bottom-up approach combined with high-performance computations to create macroscopically large gold monolayers with unique nanostructured patterns.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

X-ray data-enhanced computational method can determine crystal structures of multiphase materials

Researchers develop a computational method to determine the crystal structures of multiphase materials directly from powder X-ray diffraction patterns. This approach can analyze existing experimental data that was previously difficult to decipher, leading to potential discoveries of new material phases.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024

First successful synthesis of naphthocyclinones since their discovery fifty years ago

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo develop an innovative strategy to produce β- and γ-naphthocyclinones, challenging compounds that have potential for medical and biological applications. They successfully synthesize the molecules using a retrosynthetic analysis approach, achieving yields of over 70%.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024

How one UIC student is proposing to advance science of superconductivity

A UIC graduate student has proposed three promising new designs for superconducting materials that could achieve high-temperature superconductivity at room temperature. The designs were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and demonstrate properties needed for very high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2024

KAIST proposes AI training method that will drastically shorten time for complex quantum mechanical calculations​

Researchers developed a novel AI approach to predict atomic-level chemical bonding information in 3D space, bypassing traditional supercomputer simulations. This methodology accelerates calculations by learning chemical bonding information using neural network algorithms from computer vision.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2024

Surprise at the grain boundary

Researchers discovered five distinct grain boundary structures composed of different arrangements of icosahedral cage units, enabling dense packing of iron atoms. The formation of these quasicrystalline-like phases can be used to tailor material behavior and make materials more resilient against degradation processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

New catalyst breakthrough: Improving oxygen reduction reaction with dual nitrogen sources

A new Fe-N-C catalyst using dual nitrogen sources enhances the distribution density of active catalytic sites, increasing its overall activity and stability in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The catalyst demonstrates superior performance compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts, with improved durability and resistance to methanol.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalFrontiers in Energy·DateOct 17, 2024

KAIST changes the paradigm of drug discovery with world's first atomic editing​

Researchers at KAIST successfully developed single-atom editing technology that maximizes drug efficacy by converting oxygen atoms into nitrogen atoms in furan compounds. This breakthrough technology enables selective editing of complex natural products or pharmaceuticals, opening new doors for building libraries of drug candidates.

Streamlining solar cell structure and fabrication for more affordable energy

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new fabrication technique for perovskite solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiencies over 25% and 95% efficiency after 2,000 hours. This simplification makes industrial production more cost-effective and paves the way for more reliable and efficient solar cells.

Can we ‘recharge’ our cells?

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to recharge cellular mitochondria using nanotechnology, potentially extending healthy lifespans and improving outcomes for patients with age-related diseases. The molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles stimulate mitochondrial regeneration, helping cells generate more energy.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2024

New insights into anisotropic dynamics at the Pt(211)/water interface revealed by machine learning molecular dynamics

Researchers from the University of Xiamen developed a machine learning potential to study Pt-water interfaces, revealing distinct types of water molecules and their anisotropic behavior. This understanding is crucial for elucidating interfacial processes in electrochemical reactions.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2024

Electronic and coordination structures of metal porphyrin complexes in aqueous solutions probed by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The study probed the electronic structures of metal and ligand sides using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing differences in energy shifts between cobalt and iron protoporphyrin IX complexes. The results show that CoPPIX maintains its five-coordination geometry in aqueous solution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

The insulator unraveled

The researchers used noncontact atomic force microscopy to analyze the surface structure and found that the surface rearranges to allow aluminum atoms to penetrate into the material. This rearrangement reduces energy and stabilizes the structure without changing its composition.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Photonic topological phase transition achieved by material phase transition

A team of researchers from NTT Corporation and Tokyo Institute of Technology has successfully achieved photonic topological phase transition by material phase transition. This breakthrough demonstrates the possibility to change the photonic topological phase in a reconfigurable manner, paving the way for novel research fields and promi...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Faster than one pixel at a time – new imaging method for neutral atomic beam microscopes developed by Swansea researchers

Researchers have developed a new imaging method for neutral atomic beam microscopes that can improve image resolution without significantly increasing measurement time. The new method uses magnetic spin precession to encode the position of beam particles, which interact with the sample.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 16, 2024

Enhancing electron transfer for highly efficient upconversion OLEDs

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology elucidated the mechanisms of electron transfer in upconversion organic light-emitting diodes, resulting in improved efficiency. They discovered a novel donor-acceptor combination that led to the fabrication of an efficient blue UC-OLED with an extremely low turn-on voltage.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

Rice, DOE labs tackle knowledge gap in materials science research

Researchers have discovered a new connection between the nanoscale features of a piezoelectric material and its macroscopic properties, providing a new approach to designing smaller electromechanical devices. The mesoscale structures reveal a complex tile-like pattern that aligns dipoles in a specific way under an electric field.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Balancing the seesaw: Simultaneously enhancing strength and elongation in metallic materials

A team of researchers from POSTECH has introduced a novel approach to balance strength and elongation in metallic materials. By using periodic spinodal decomposition, they created an alloy that boasts both high strength and high elongation, achieving a yield strength of 1.1 GPa with nearly the same elongation as before.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2024

New study reveals details of nuclear structures via atomic collisions

Researchers uncovered details about nuclear structures using relativistic isobar collisions, highlighting differences in multiplicity distribution and elliptic flow. The study employed advanced models and technology to analyze the effects of nuclear deformations and initial fluctuations on ratio observables.

SourceNuclear Science and Techniques·JournalNuclear Science and Techniques·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 4, 2024

U of T researchers develop deep-learning model that outperforms Google AI system to predict peptide structures

Researchers at U of T have developed a deep-learning model called PepFlow that can predict the full range of conformations for peptides, which are shorter than proteins but perform similar biological functions. The model combines machine learning and physics to capture precise and accurate conformations within minutes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 27, 2024

Insights into functions of micronutrient transporters may pave way for new treatments for neurological diseases

Scientists have discovered the transporters responsible for delivering essential nutrients choline and ethanolamine to human cells. The study sheds light on the atomic structure of these transporters and their role in distributing micronutrients throughout the body, providing a foundation for new therapeutic approaches.

Enhancing superconductivity of graphene-calcium superconductors

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology experimentally revealed that high-density Ca introduction enhances superconductivity in graphene-calcium compounds through confinement epitaxy, leading to increased critical temperatures. This breakthrough could enable the development of C6CaC6 superconductors with wide applicability in qu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024

Blueprints of self-assembly

Scientists at Arizona State University develop a new simulation method to predict and guide the self-assembly process, creating tiny, self-assembled crystals with unique optical properties. This breakthrough advances technologies in computer science, materials science, medical diagnostics, and more.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

Exploring interface phenomena for more durable and effective nickel–tungsten alloys

Scientists studied the nickel-tungsten alloy interface to understand its properties and behavior. The research revealed the formation of intermetallic compounds and diffusion-induced recrystallization regions, which significantly impact the material's mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024