Squeezing data from a diamond sandwich
Researchers have developed software to remove signal interference from neutron experiments under megabar pressures. This enables the accurate extraction of data on extraordinary atomic structures of materials.
Atomic Structure
Articles tagged with Atomic Structure
Theory of σ bond resonance in flat boron materials
Researchers propose a new bonding theory that illustrates how each boron atom satisfies the octet rule and how alternating σ bonds further stabilize the 2D sheet. The theory introduces a new form of resonance, allowing delocalization of σ electrons within the plane.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2023
A new quantum approach to solve electronic structures of complex materials
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and University of Chicago developed a hybrid simulation process using IBM quantum computers to solve electronic structure problems. The new method uses classical processing to mitigate noise generated by the quantum computer, paving the way for future improvements.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateApr 7, 2023
New study reveals design clues for silver-based superatomic molecules
Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023
Structure of 'oil-eating' enzyme opens door to bioengineered catalysts
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have produced the first atomic-level structure of an enzyme that selectively breaks carbon-hydrogen bonds, suggesting ways to engineer it for producing desired products. The detailed structure reveals how the enzyme operates under ordinary conditions and produces few unwanted byproducts.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 30, 2023
“Glassiness” and “blurriness” might explain the behavior of high-entropy superconductors
High-entropy metal telluride superconductors exhibit unique properties due to structural disorder and atomic vibrations. The discovery sheds light on the coupling between electrons and lattice vibrations, potentially leading to exotic superconductivity mechanisms.
A new view of microscopic processes
Researchers at the University of Missouri are acquiring a new transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The TEM will allow them to conduct experiments in real-time and gain a greater understanding of material structure at an atomic level.
Imaging the proton with neutrinos
Researchers have made the first accurate image of the proton using neutrinos instead of light as the probe in the MINERvA experiment. The study provides measurements of the proton's structure with unbound protons, helping to build more complete theories of neutrino interactions.
Chemical scissors enable structural editing of layered materials
Researchers developed a chemical scissors-mediated structural editing strategy to regulate the structure and elemental composition of MAX phases/MXenes. This approach enables the creation of novel MAX phase and MXene materials with improved functional applications.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023
Scientists thread rows of metal atoms into nanofiber bundles
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have successfully threaded indium atoms into bundles of transition metal chalcogenide nanofibers, creating a unique nanostructure. The resulting metallic nanowires exhibit properties suitable for flexible wiring in nanocircuitry.
Method found for analysing complex, tiny crystals
Researchers at Universität Leipzig have developed a new method to analyze complex, tiny crystals like phosphorus oxide nitride. The technique successfully uncovers the structure of previously difficult-to-analyze compounds, offering potential for novel phosphors in future studies.
SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023
New ice is like a snapshot of liquid water
A team of researchers at Cambridge and UCL created a novel amorphous form of ice called medium-density amorphous ice (MDA), which resembles liquid water in its solid state. MDA has a density similar to that of liquid water and displays unique properties not found in other forms of ice.
UCF researchers work to reduce the amount of precious metals in catalytic converters
Researchers at UCF have developed single-atom platinum catalysts that reduce the amount of precious metals needed in catalytic converters. These improvements can enhance catalytic performance while minimizing environmental harm.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023
MLU physicists solve mystery of two-dimensional quasicrystal formation from metal oxides
Researchers at MLU discovered a structure made of rings with four, seven and ten atoms that order aperiodically in titanium oxide. High temperatures and barium create this network of rings, stabilizing them through electrostatic interactions.
The last mysteries of mica
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have explained the distribution of potassium ions on mica surfaces using an atomic force microscope in ultra-high vacuum. The study reveals tiny patterns of ion arrangement, which could improve electronic circuit performance and make mica a suitable insulator for 2D materials.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023
Incorporation of water molecules into layered materials impacts ion storage capability
Researchers have used a technique called QCM-D to observe the interplay between hydration structures and ion configurations in layered materials. The study found that the hydration structure plays a crucial role in determining the material's ion-storage capacity, with flexible layers helping to stabilize the structure.
X-ray light reveals how virus responsible for COVID-19 covers its tracks, eluding the immune system
A new study uses serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of NendoU protein at room temperature. The resulting high-resolution image shows that the protein's flexibility plays a crucial role in its functional mechanism, which is essential for designing antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Visualizing complex electron wavefunction using high-resolution attosecond technology
Scientists successfully record phase distribution of electrons, unveiling detailed structure of its complex wavefunction. The method uses attosecond laser pulse to visualize electron wavefunction in a gas.
Atomic structure of a staphylococcal bacteriophage using cryo-electron microscopy
Researchers have gained a better understanding of the structures and functions of Andhra gene products, paving the way for custom phages for therapeutic applications. The high-resolution knowledge of the virus structure is crucial for developing targeted treatments against Staphylococcus epidermidis infections.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2022
USTC scientists nominated 2022 Gordon Bell Prize
USTC scientists made a significant breakthrough in ab initio computing simulation of complex metallic heterostructures with 2.5 million atoms. This achievement is expected to be applied in the construction of 2D-materials-based transistors.
Scientist mimic nature to make nano particle metallic snowflakes
Researchers in New Zealand and Australia created metallic nanocrystals by experimenting with gallium, a soft metal that liquifies at room temperature. The resulting 'metallic snowflakes' exhibit six-branched symmetry and self-assemble using atoms, offering a novel bottom-up approach to nanostructure formation.
Breaking down bacterial barriers
Computational models of bacterial cell walls can predict interactions with antimicrobials, enabling rapid screening for effective molecules. The models reveal differences in cell wall permeability between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Soft touch sensitivity
Researchers at KAUST have developed a soft and flexible electronic 'e-skin' that can detect minute temperature differences between inhalation and exhalation, as well as touch and body motion. The material's island-bridge atomic structure provides an inherent softness and flexibility ideal for on-skin applications.
Generality vs. specificity: unraveling the electric double layer structure of highly ionic liquid electrolytes
A team of researchers used molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical 3D atomic force microscopy to study the electric double layer structure of an ionic liquid on crystalline electrodes. They found that intermolecular interactions among cations and anions are stronger than electrode-specific interactions, proposing a key descr...
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 17, 2022
Advances in spectroscopy
Researchers at UTA developed a novel spectroscopic tool using auger-mediated positron sticking to measure electronic structure of surface materials selectively. This technique allows for selective measurement of top-layer properties, enabling researchers to understand material's conductivity and behavior.
New study introduces the best graphite films
Researchers at UNIST have developed a method to synthesize single-crystalline graphite films of up to inch scale, overcoming the critical issue of small size due to weak interaction between layers. The resulting films exhibit exceptional thermal conductivity and uniform quality.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 4, 2022
A new method for studying ribosome function
Researchers at UIC have developed a new method to study ribosome function by attaching peptides to tRNAs, providing high-resolution structures of the ribosome and its interactions with nascent chains. This breakthrough sheds light on protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance.
FAST discovers largest atomic gas structure around a galaxy group
A team of researchers using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) has discovered a massive atomic gas structure, approximately 2 million light years in length, surrounding the compact group of galaxies Stephan's Quintet. This finding challenges current theories on galaxy-group formation and evolution.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of a protein important for organ functions
A team of researchers has determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of NKCC1, a human chloride transporter crucial for regulating ion balance in the body. The study reveals a surprising mechanism for releasing ions into cells, which could lead to novel compounds for treating kidney and brain disorders.
Quantum computers in action in chemistry
Researchers at Paderborn University developed a new algorithm for quantum computing in chemistry, reducing qubit count and increasing parallelisation. This allows for the simulation of larger molecules and improved accuracy despite 'quantum noise'.
Atomic-level 3D models show us how gadgets work
Researchers have created atomic-level 3D models using 'atom probe tomography' to study the effects of tiny amounts of substances on semiconductor materials. This allows for better understanding of material properties and potential applications in sustainable technology.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2022
Ending a 50-year mystery, scientists reveal how bacteria can move
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to understand the structure of bacterial propellers, which are made of a single protein. The study reveals that bacteria push themselves forward by coiling these appendages into corkscrew shapes, and that similar structures have evolved independently in archaea.
Mystery of this champion metallic glass uncovered
A team of researchers led by Prof. Shinya Hosokawa analyzed the atomic configurations of Pd42.5Ni7.5Cu30P20, a champion bulk metallic glass, and found its characteristic configurations that lead to its excellent glass-forming ability.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2022
Quantum light clarifies bioimaging
Researchers at Texas A&M University created a device that harnesses quantum fluctuations to enhance spectroscopy results in Brillouin microscopy, increasing image clarity and accuracy. The new source significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for better visualization of biological structures and properties.
Scientists identify liquid-like atoms in densely packed solid glasses
Researchers have discovered that metallic glasses contain liquid-like atoms with dynamics similar to high-temperature liquids. These findings reveal a 'part-solid and part-liquid' nature of metallic glasses, which can affect their elasticity, strength, and ductility.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022
Building the best zeolite
Researchers have developed new methods to prepare state-of-the-art zeolites with nano-sized dimensions and hierarchical structures, critical for industrial applications. The findings emphasize the importance of smaller size and structure in determining performance.
New study: Nitrogen forms extremely unusual structures under high pressure
Researchers have synthesized novel nitrogen compounds with ring- and spiral-shaped crystal structures under extremely high pressure. The new polynitrides contain planar, symmetrically constructed ring structures and a rare polynitrogenic double helix.
SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2022
Giant viruses build a cell nucleus surprisingly like our own
Researchers discovered that giant viruses, known as bacteriophages, construct a shielded compartment that acts like a nucleus in human cells, protecting their genetic material. The nuclear-like structure allows certain components inside while serving as a defense mechanism against bacterial threats.
OU physicists receive $1 million grant to explore quantum synchronization
Researchers at OU's CQRT are developing quantum synchronization and organization using multiple experimental approaches. They aim to create a quantum network and better understand collective interactions, with potential implications for network synchronization and electrical power systems.
Singapore researchers give 2D electronics a performance boost
Scientists from A*STAR and Fudan University found that placing 2D materials on substrates with bulged morphologies enhances carrier mobility by two orders, paving the way for competitive performance in field-effect transistors and thermoelectric devices. The discovery overcomes the intrinsic carrier mobility limit of the material.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 27, 2022
How ultrathin polymer films can be used for storage technology
Scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg discovered that precisely applied mechanical pressure can improve the electronic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films. The team used atomic force microscopy to control and reorient electrical charges in the material, enabling stable nano-scale structures with high ...
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022
Corrupted proteins in focus: How shape gives rise to variations of fatal brain disease
Researchers discovered a new prion structure using electron microscopy, revealing key similarities and differences between distinct strains. This finding could lead to better understanding of how shape variations affect disease outcomes.
Illinois research team accelerates imaging techniques for capturing small molecules' structures
A University of Illinois research effort has accelerated imaging techniques to visualize small molecules clearly, enabling better understanding of their chemical processes and synthesis. The team's discovery unlocks potential in everyday life applications, from plastics to pharmaceuticals.
Atomic displacements in high-entropy alloys examined
Scientists investigated the local structure of a high-entropy Cantor alloy using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing structural relaxations in chromium atoms and no evidence of secondary phases. The study correlated these findings with macroscopic magnetic properties.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022
New ultrathin capacitor could enable energy-efficient microchips
Researchers developed a thin-layer version of barium titanate, enabling faster switching and lower voltages for next-gen memory and logic devices. The findings could pave the way for more sustainable computing power with reduced energy consumption.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022
Dying stars could seed interstellar medium with carbon nanotubes
Researchers from the University of Arizona suggest that dying stars can forge carbon nanotubes in the envelopes of dust and gas surrounding them. This process involves the spontaneous formation of carbon nanotubes, which are highly structured rod-like molecules consisting of multiple layers of carbon sheets.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022
A new nanomaterial for precision medicine and the green transition
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.
First-ever elucidation of a small protein’s structure could signal help for those with epilepsy and other disorders
Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have elucidated the structure of a small protein carrying GABA into neurons using cryogenic electron microscopy. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectru...
New route to build materials out of tiny particles
By using the shape of colloids, researchers can create building blocks for new materials with interesting properties. The study's findings show that the density of the structure can be lower than expected, leading to the possibility of creating strong but lightweight materials.
Hidden distortions trigger promising thermoelectric property
Researchers uncover a new mechanism for lowering thermal conductivity in a unique material, which could aid the search for materials converting heat to electricity or vice versa. The discovery reveals a quantum mechanical twist on what drives exceptional thermoelectric properties.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
Nanotechnology enables visualization of RNA structures at near-atomic resolution
Researchers have developed a new approach to studying RNA molecules using nanotechnology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), enabling the analysis of RNA subunits with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research, drug development, and RNA therapeutics.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Skyrmions on the rise – new 2D material advances low-power computing
Researchers have discovered layered 2D materials that can host unique magnetic features, including skyrmions, which remain stable at room temperature. The discovery could lead to novel low-energy data storage and information processing systems.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022
Predicting the optical read-out of a qubit from first principles
The study uses many-body perturbation theory to predict the optical properties of negatively charged boron vacancies in hBN, showing that phonons are largely responsible for luminescence. The results suggest that this defect can be used as a nanoscale thermometer with high temperature sensitivity.
SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 23, 2022
Electron lens formed by light: a new method for atomic-resolution electron microscopes
Researchers at Tohoku University propose a new method to form an electron lens using a light field, which can correct spherical aberration and reduce installation costs. The light-field electron lens generates a negative spherical aberration, opposing the aberration of conventional electrostatic and magnetic electron lenses.
No small measure: probing the mechanics of gold contacts at the nanoscale
Researchers precisely measure gold nanocontact's Young's modulus by combining TEM and LER techniques. The study reveals that the outer surface layer governs the overall strength of gold nanocontacts, with implications for NEMS and potential applications in pressure sensors.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 11, 2022
X-rays help scientists uncover new forms of material using designer DNA
Researchers use DNA to program metal nanoparticles to assemble into new configurations, resulting in the discovery of three new crystalline phases. The approach enables symmetry breaking and creation of complex colloidal crystal structures with unique optical and catalytic properties.
Programmed assembly of wafer-scale atomically thin crystals
A team of scientists has developed a method for assembling wafer-scale films at the atomic level, enabling large-scale production of artificial crystalline materials. The new technique, which uses van der Waals interactions, produces nearly 100% pristine interfaces and shows promise for developing new materials with unique properties.
Studying atomic structure of aluminum alloys for manufacturing modern aircraft
The study focuses on the Al-Cu-Mg-Ag system used for aircraft structures, revealing patterns that enhance the alloy's heat resistance and strength. The findings will help extend the lifetime of aircraft parts made from these materials, improving overall efficiency and performance.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMaterials Characterization·DateMar 25, 2022
Pivotal battery discovery could impact transportation and the grid
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a key reason for the performance decline of sodium-ion batteries, which are promising candidates for replacing lithium-ion materials. By adjusting synthesis conditions, they can fabricate far superior cathodes that will maintain performance with long-term cycling.
Quenching by laser increases graphene quality
Researchers found that laser-induced reduction of graphene oxide can produce high-quality graphene by reducing defects and improving lattice structure. At high temperatures, oxidation occurs near defects but is balanced by annealing in the center of the sheet, resulting in well-structured material.