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Breaking the black box of catalytic reactions

Scientists have gained a new understanding of the atomic level interactions in complex catalysis, enabling more efficient and sustainable chemical production. Researchers used x-ray spectroscopy, machine learning analysis, and first principles calculations to model reactions and identify active site structures.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2022

Super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy discovered with potential for aerospace engineering

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy that retains its stiffness even after being heated to 1000 K. The alloy's unique structure and chemical composition allow it to store a large amount of elastic energy, making it suitable for high-precision devices in aerospace enginee...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Steering conversion of CO2 and ethane to desired products

Researchers identify two key principles determining reaction specificity in converting CO2 and ethane into synthesis gas or ethylene. The formation energy of the bimetallic catalyst and binding energy between the catalyst and oxygen released from CO2 are crucial in driving reaction selectivity.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Predicting superconductor crystal structures with computer simulations

A team of researchers predicts a new hydrogen compound crystal structure that could achieve superconductivity at high temperatures. The discovery uses computer simulations to identify promising candidates, with one compound showing a transition temperature of 23.3 K at 200 GPa.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateFeb 8, 2022

Scientists weave atomically thin wires into ribbons

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a scalable way to assemble nanowires into nanoribbons, a promising material for sophisticated electronic devices and catalysts. The method involves weaving together nanowires with chalcogen atoms and heat, resulting in atomically thin ribbons with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJan 29, 2022

Impossible material made possible inside a graphene sandwich

Researchers have successfully synthesized a new 2D material, 2D cuprous iodide, by stabilizing it in a graphene sandwich. The study's lead author notes that understanding the structure was crucial to designing a chemical process for large-scale production.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 20, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Crystallography for the misfit crystals

Scientists have developed a new technique called small-molecule serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography (smSFX) that can reveal the structures of not-so-neat-and-tidy materials. This method uses an exceptional X-ray laser and custom-built image processing algorithms to diffract individual granules of powders, providing a precise sharp...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

New study shows novel crystal structure for hydrogen under high pressure

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have identified a new crystal structure for hydrogen at low temperatures near 0 K and high pressures. The team used supercomputer simulations and data science to generate several candidate patterns, which were then validated through high-resolution simulations.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 14, 2022

Towards high-performance organic optoelectronics with better crystallinity at semiconductor interface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a high-quality crystalline interface using quasi-homo-epitaxial growth, which eliminated mobility issues and enabled spontaneous electron transfer. This breakthrough could lead to highly efficient flexible solar cells and wearable electronic devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Towards superior nanoscale sensing and imaging with optimized diamond probes

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel method to fabricate diamond probes with controlled shape and higher sensitivity. These probes enabled the imaging of periodic magnetic domain structures in ferromagnets, showing promise for quantum applications.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 13, 2022

Equivariant representations for molecular Hamiltonians and N-center atomic-scale properties

Researchers develop a symmetrized N-center representation that provides a natural, fully equivariant framework for learning properties associated with multiple atoms. The approach gives excellent accuracy for predicting atomic properties despite using only linear or kernel regression.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalChemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 10, 2022

New technique tunes into graphene nanoribbons’ electronic potential

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2021

Two is better than one: Single-atom dimer electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a nickel-cobalt metal dimer on nitrogen-doped carbon that can catalyze electrolysis under both acidic and basic conditions. The new system exhibits comparable overvoltage to commercial Pt-based catalysts and shows significant activity enhancements compared to individual single-atom catalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Graphene-like 2D material leverages quantum effects to achieve ultra-low friction

Researchers discovered a graphene-like material called magnetene that exhibits ultra-low friction, contrary to predictions based on Van der Waals forces. Quantum effects play a crucial role in its behavior, making it suitable for use in micro-electro-mechanical systems and implantable devices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 17, 2021

ESR-STM on single molecules and molecule-based structures

Researchers have successfully imaged the spin of an individual molecule using electron spin resonance in a scanning tunneling microscope. This achievement allows for precise control of spin states and investigation of magnetic interactions between molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021

Czech scientists become first to observe an inhomogeneous electron charge distribution on an atom

Scientists confirm existence of sigma-hole, a phenomenon previously predicted but never directly observed. This breakthrough enables understanding of interactions between individual atoms or molecules, facilitating refinement of material and structural properties.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New method to predict stress at atomic scale

Researchers developed a new method to predict stress at atomic scale using machine learning, enabling accurate predictions of grain boundary stresses in actual metal specimens. This breakthrough advances the field of mechanics of materials and enables scientists to engineer stronger and more heat-resistant metals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalActa Materialia·DateNov 9, 2021

Neutral particles a drag on disruptive plasma blobs

Recent simulations using Gkeyll reveal that neutral particles significantly impact plasma density, temperature, and flow levels in the scrape-off layer region of tokamaks. The inclusion of neutrals leads to reduced plasma fluctuations and slower blob motion.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Nanotwinned titanium forges path to sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new path forward for processing titanium. Cryo-forging at ultra-low temperatures produces extra-strong nanotwinned titanium with improved strength and ductility. The material maintains its structure and properties at extreme temperatures, demonstrating its versatility.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

3D imaging study reveals how atoms are packed in amorphous materials

A UCLA-led research team directly observes how atoms are packed in samples of amorphous materials using 3D imaging. They found that the most commonly seen arrangement is groups of seven, with five in one central layer, leading to a network structure with shared edges.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 18, 2021

Scientists target next pandemic with ‘map’ to victory over viruses

Researchers developed an Internet information system, virusMED, to provide a comprehensive picture of viruses' most important regions. The database contains over 800 strains from 75 different families, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Ebola, and HIV-1, enabling scientists to respond quickly and effectively against the next pathogen.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateSep 29, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A unique material with tunable properties is explored in a new study

The study explores chromium oxides, magnetic compounds used in old tapes, and finds that adding oxygen atoms increases metallic properties. This allows for precise control over electrical conductance, enabling the design of molecular-sized components with vast processing and storage capacities.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2021

How ant teeth cut like a scalpel

A recent study reveals that ants, worms, spiders, and other tiny creatures have a built-in set of tools that maximize cutting efficiency thanks to the arrangement of individual atoms of zinc. This biomaterial allows animals to use less force, making their smaller muscles spend less energy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Groundbreaking visualization of atomic movements

A novel method for imaging vibrations and movements of atoms in catalysts has been developed by a collaboration of internationally leading researchers. The new analytical method reveals a dynamic behavior of the atoms, contrary to the long-held expectation that atoms in nanoparticles are static during observations.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2021

Green hydrogen: Why do certain catalysts improve in operation?

Researchers discovered that certain catalyst materials, such as erythrite, improve in performance over time due to restructuring. This process increases the surface area of the material, allowing for more reactions to occur, resulting in higher oxygen yields and doubled electrical current generation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 9, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Novel molecular imaging technique casts complex coordination molecules in a new light!

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel imaging method using metal-atom tracers in HAADF-STEM to determine the conformational structures of complex polynuclear coordination compounds. The technique achieves accurate visualization of highly branched molecules, filling a gap in structural analysis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2021

A template for fast synthesis of nanographenes

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new synthesis method for nanographenes, using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as templates. This approach enables the creation of multiple nanographenes with varying characteristics, addressing the challenge of identifying relationship between structure and properties.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2021

Atomic-scale tailoring of graphene approaches macroscopic world

Scientists have successfully controlled graphene at an atomic scale using a novel experimental setup and machine learning algorithms. The breakthrough enables the creation of large-scale structures with tailored properties, opening up new avenues for materials design.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 18, 2021

Green light on gold atoms

Gold nano-antennas concentrate light to enhance signal from nanoscale region, creating orange and red flashes of fluorescence. The phenomenon allows for observation of atomic scale dynamics without sophisticated microscopes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Observing individual atoms in 3D nanomaterials and their surfaces

KAIST researchers have developed a deep learning approach to accurately determine the 3D surface atomic structure of nanoparticles. The method enhances precision by nearly 70% and improves surface atom identification, enabling the study of catalytic properties at the atomic scale.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2021

Why do some alloys become stronger at room temperature?

Researchers from NTNU and SINTEF have made a breakthrough in understanding the phenomenon of natural ageing, where certain alloy strengths increase over time. The team studied clusters formed by alloying elements using advanced microscopy techniques, discovering that these clusters affect metal strength.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Materialia·DateApr 14, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Less than a nanometer thick, stronger and more versatile than steel

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory have synthesized a stable borophane nanosheet with potential applications in nanoelectronics and quantum information technology. The material is stronger and more versatile than steel, making it a promising candidate for future devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 5, 2021

Century-old problem solved with first-ever 3D atomic imaging of an amorphous solid

Researchers used atomic electron tomography to map the structure of metallic glass, a class of matter that has long posed a challenge to scientists. The study revealed pockets where atoms coalesced into ordered superclusters, showing that even within an amorphous solid, the arrangement of atoms is not completely random.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateMar 31, 2021

Nano-mapping phase transitions in electronic materials

Researchers have successfully mapped the metallic and insulating regions of atomically engineered devices made from rare-earth nickelate compounds at near-atomic resolution. This breakthrough enables a deeper understanding of the physics behind these electronic materials, which may be used in future computing approaches.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 10, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Samara Polytech chemists simplify crystal structures

Scientists at Samara Center for Theoretical Materials Science (SCTMS) developed methods to simplify crystal structures, enabling the understanding of material properties. By analyzing simplified structures, researchers can identify patterns and hidden information in original complex structures.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalStructural Chemistry·DateFeb 9, 2021

Fine tuned: adjusting the composition and properties of semiconducting 2D alloys

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have successfully created 2D Si-Ge alloys with adjustable electronic properties. By adjusting the composition of these materials, they can fine-tune their band structure to suit various applications, opening doors for new electronics innovations.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateFeb 2, 2021

An efficient tool to link X-ray experiments and ab initio theory

Researchers have developed a method that connects experimental data from synchrotron sources like BESSY II to quantum chemical simulations, reducing computing times for complex molecules. This allows for faster analysis and interpretation of RIXS data, enabling scientists to simulate more complex systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateJan 28, 2021

Researchers reveal in-situ manipulation of active Au-TiO2interface

Scientists used environmental transmission electron microscopy to visualize epitaxial rotation of gold nanoparticles on titanium dioxide surfaces during CO oxidation. Theoretical calculations showed that the epitaxial orientation could be induced by changing O2 adsorption coverage at the perimeter interface.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Teamwork in a molecule

Chemists at the University of Jena have successfully created a bimetallic main-group complex using gallium, demonstrating cooperative bond activation that can remove fluorine atoms from hydrocarbon compounds. The breakthrough paves the way for further development of sustainable catalytic reactions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 21, 2021

Study the boundary between bulk, nano and molecule scale of gold plasmonic physics

Researchers found three regimes in gold plasmonic evolution: classical plasmon for large clusters, quantum confinement corrected plasmon for medium-sized clusters, and molecular plasmon for small clusters. The study uses atomic precision to understand the boundary between bulk, nano and molecule scale of gold plasmonic physics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 14, 2021

Catalysts: worth taking a closer look

A new research method has successfully investigated the role of oxygen in complex metal oxide surfaces, revealing that oxygen atoms settle down particularly easily in specific places. This breakthrough understanding will aid in improving important catalysts needed for energy and environmental technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2021

USTC obtains Pd-Pt tesseracts for oxygen reduction reaction

Scientists at USTC created a new type of catalyst by etching Pd-Pt nanocubes, resulting in higher surface area and active sites. The new tesseracts framework structure showed improved atomic utilization and stability, achieving mass activities 11.6 times that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 12, 2021

Machine-learning models of matter beyond interatomic potentials

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict electronic density of states (DOS) for materials properties. The model demonstrates transferability across different phases and scalability to large system sizes, making it applicable to address long-standing open questions in materials science.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 7, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

High-speed atomic force microscopy takes on intrinsically disordered proteins

The study uses high-speed atomic force microscopy to image several intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and identify parameters defining protein shapes and sizes. The technique reveals globules that appear and disappear, as well as transformations between fully unstructured and loosely folded conformations.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 28, 2020

Hearing tones, elements through atomic music

Researchers at Skidmore College are developing a unique musical scale for each element based on its spectral signature, allowing students to visualize atomic structures through sound. The project has led to collaborations with Carnegie Hall and London-based DJs, creating soundscapes from celestial data.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 10, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

NIST AI system discovers new material

Researchers developed an AI algorithm called CAMEO that discovered a new compound by operating in a closed loop, maximizing productivity and efficiency. The AI is designed to contain knowledge of key principles, including past simulations and lab experiments, to identify the best material for specific applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

Looking inside the glass

A team of researchers from The University of Tokyo used electron spectroscopy and computer simulations to study the internal atomic structure of aluminosilicate glass. They found intricate structures that have not yet been analyzed by scientists, including complex coordination networks among aluminum atoms within phase-separated regions.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 16, 2020

New 'genomic' method reveals atomic arrangements of battery material

Scientists developed a new approach to decipher the atomic-level structure of materials using data from ground-up powder samples. This 'genomic' method solves complex structures by building and evaluating all plausible arrangements of atoms, revealing details of promising sodium-ion battery material NVPF.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 9, 2020

Graphdiyne based metal atomic catalyst for efficient ammonia synthesis

Researchers have developed a graphdiyne-based metal atomic catalyst that achieves high selectivity and yield in ammonia synthesis. The catalyst, which exhibits determined electronic and chemical structure, demonstrated remarkable performance in converting nitrogen to ammonia at ambient temperatures and pressures.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 28, 2020