Articles tagged with Atomic Structure
Physicists at University of Basel successfully generate and measure Majorana fermions, a key component in quantum computing. The team created a wire with single iron atoms and observed the wave properties of Majoranas, making their interior visible for the first time.
Researchers created the first three-dimensional map of the cystic fibrosis protein, revealing a vulnerable spot in the protein responsible for many cases of the disease. The map shows that one half of the channel bears more disease-causing mutations, including one responsible for 70% of disease cases.
Tiny, glowing crystals can selectively capture heavy-metal toxins like lead and mercury from water sources, making them a promising tool for cleaning up contaminated drinking water. The LMOFs' open framework allows them to take in large amounts of contaminants, and they can be reused multiple times.
A team of researchers from Peter Grünberg Institute and Tampere University of Technology used numerical simulations to study the motion of over 500 atoms in liquid bismuth. Their findings show excellent agreement with experimental results, including inelastic x-ray scattering and neutron diffraction data.
Researchers at Lehigh University have created a new type of synthetic single crystal and bio-inspired materials with unique electronic and optical properties. The team used a subtle laser heating technique to induce atoms to assemble into a rotating lattice without affecting the macroscopic shape of the solid.
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University and Harvard University developed a mathematical tool to visualize electron shapes in superconducting materials. This innovation helps gain a better understanding of complex material properties, paving the way for future discoveries.
Current methods for determining compound chirality rely on X-ray diffraction and computer analysis. Recent advancements have improved the accuracy of absolute structure assignment, enabling reliable results for compounds containing heavy atoms.
Researchers have determined the detailed structure of Mitochondrial Complex I, the first and largest complex in the respiratory chain. This breakthrough allows for a deeper understanding of its intricate arrangements and interactions, enabling insights into disease-causing mutations and affected enzyme activity.
The discovery of the human aichi virus atomic structure is crucial for understanding its entry into host cells and evolution. The research reveals unique structural features, including a polyproline helix that acts as a recognition motif for binding to the enteric receptor.
The J.R. Macdonald Laboratory will receive a three-year, nearly $8 million grant to support its experimental and theoretical research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. The lab is one of the largest such programs in the country, involving over 69 researchers.
Researchers developed a novel approach to determine how atoms are arranged in materials using Bayesian statistical methods. This new method allows for a richer understanding of material variability, including thermal displacements and vibrations, enabling the characterization of materials from various techniques.
A new flexible smart window material can control both heat and light from the sun using an electric charge, aiming to save on cooling and heating bills. The material's unique nanostructure doubles its efficiency compared to conventional high-temperature processes.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab create a nanoscale display case to reveal new structural details for challenging molecules, including complex compounds and potential drugs. The new technique stabilizes molecules in sturdy structures, enabling precise X-ray views of their atomic structure.
The study found that higher order modes trap and move particles more rapidly than fundamental modes, with the collective particle speed slowing down when more particles are added. The results also showed that interparticle distances were smaller in higher order modes.
Physicists at FAU and the Vienna University of Technology successfully created one-dimensional magnetic atom chains for the first time. The discovery enables basic research in areas such as magnetic data storage and chemistry, by providing a model system with unique properties.
Scientists have developed a method to predict which alloys can form bulk metallic glasses, overcoming the complex process of synthesizing these alloys. The new approach identifies hundreds of new candidates for metallic glass made from simple two-element alloys, opening up possibilities for novel strong and conductive materials.
A new study from Duke University predicts which binary alloys will form metallic glasses, paving the way for strong and conductive materials. The technique involves analyzing structures and energies within solidified alloys to identify potential metallic glasses.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution have produced a new class of materials blending hydrogen with sodium, which could advance superconductivity and be used for hydrogen-fuel cell storage. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and opens up possibilities for metallic high-temperature superconductors.
Researchers developed an ultrasensitive chemical sensor using N-doped graphene and Raman spectroscopy, detecting trace amounts of molecules in solutions. The technique significantly enhances the Raman signal, allowing for detection of organic molecules at very low concentrations.
Frank Mücklich's innovative work using nanotomography and atomic tomography has led to a deeper understanding of material properties and the development of new materials with customized combinations. By analyzing the internal structure of complex materials, he has identified key mechanisms controlling desired material properties.
Researchers at UW-Madison and Purdue University have solved the atomic structure of rhinovirus C, a cold virus linked to severe asthma and respiratory infections in children. The findings provide a foundation for future antiviral drug and vaccine development against the virus.
Researchers split and collide ultracold atoms to directly observe the Pauli Exclusion Principle, a fundamental constraint on identical particles' behavior. This finding has implications for understanding multiple particle scattering processes.
Researchers used quantum mechanics and supercomputing to study the surface structure of rutile TiO2, a promising photocatalyst. The study identified new structures and processes that can enhance its chemical reactivity.
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University have discovered a unique copper-silver nanoparticle structure resembling the Japanese glass fishing floats, known as ukidama. The 'ukidama' structure has properties that could be utilized in biomedical devices and nanotechnology.
Scientists at Aarhus University used X-rays to study eculizumab's mechanism. They found the antibody creates a physical barrier preventing C5 cleaving enzymes from forming contacts.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have determined the 3D atomic structure of a human sterol transporter that helps maintain cholesterol balance. This knowledge could lead to finding highly targeted therapies to treat or prevent diseases related to sterol imbalance.
A Wayne State University researcher aims to improve upconversion nanocrystals' composition and atomic structure to expand the library of bright and multicolor emitters. The project is expected to lead to better diagnosing and treatment plans for numerous health issues by enhancing imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers.
Roland Wiesendanger receives the award for his pioneering work on spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, allowing the study of magnetism at the atomic level. Xiang Zhang is recognized for his discoveries in optical metamaterials and nanophotonics, including the far-field optical super lens.
Chemists develop methods to wind up molecules into screw-shaped structures using artificial molecules, demonstrating a mechanism to transfer handedness. The technique could be used to design molecules for catalysis or energy conversion.
Researchers have developed a new method to obtain high-resolution molecular images using continuous diffraction patterns in imperfect crystals. This approach allows for better structural detail and could revolutionize the study of complex biological machinery, including photosynthesis and catalysis.
Researchers have discovered a way to make certain materials superconduct at more than 100 degrees Kelvin, eliminating the need for liquid nitrogen or helium. This breakthrough could lead to new routes and insights into making better superconductors that work at higher temperatures.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution explore the rules behind metallic glasses, materials that are stronger and more resistant than traditional metals. By studying alloys under extreme pressures, they found a consistent numeric relationship between structure and properties, which could aid further discovery and synthesis.
A new study published in Nature Biotechnology reports that a 2D-NMR spectroscopy method can reliably assess the atomic structures of biologically similar products, yielding equivalent fingerprints. The method's precision is demonstrated through an interlaboratory comparison of four versions of a therapeutic protein drug.
Scientists have determined the dynamical behavior of a water-soluble gold nanocluster's ligand layer, a crucial step towards understanding its interactions with the environment. This breakthrough enables precise control over the functionalization of ligated nanoparticles for various applications.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers conduct the first atomic resolution study of organic-inorganic perovskites used in next generation solar cells. The study reveals positions and orientations of atoms and molecules, providing detailed information on structural defects.
Researchers discovered that guest molecules in host structures of oligothiophene and polythiophene form crystalline phases, controlling electrical conductivity. Precise control over these materials' properties is crucial for successful organic electronics applications.
Engineers at MIT have designed an atomic force microscope that scans images 2,000 times faster than existing models, capturing chemical processes taking place at the nanoscale in near-real time. The instrument produces high-resolution 'movies' of condensation, nucleation, dissolution, and deposition of material.
Scientists have successfully mapped the atomic structure of a protein bound to microtubules, revealing insights into neurodegenerative diseases. The study used magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy to visualize the dynamic interactions between CAP-Gly and microtubules.
Researchers at ORNL developed a unique electron microscopy technique to sculpt 3D structures with precise control, enabling the creation of functional nanoscale devices. The method uses scanning transmission electron microscopes to precision-control shapes as small as one to two billionths of a meter.
Complex engineered materials pose significant structural challenges due to non-periodic and disordered atomic structures. A new approach combining experimental and theoretical tools is required to obtain unique solutions.
Researchers at KAIST and UCLA developed a method to manipulate membrane protein folding in a natural environment, revealing cooperative folding behavior. The study used magnetic tweezers to induce unfolding and refolding, allowing for the mapping of folding energy landscapes and kinetic rates.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to create nanohoops, tiny organic circular structures that can efficiently absorb and distribute energy. These nanostructures show promise in solar cells, organic light-emitting diodes, and medical diagnostics.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a 'design rule' that enables the creation of peptoid nanosheets, flat structures composed of synthetic polymers. The rule allows for counter-rotating patterns in polymer adhesion, resulting in linear and untwisted backbones and larger, flatter nanosheet structures than those found in nature.
Researchers aim to create ultra-high temperature materials using entropy-stabilized alloys, which can withstand temperatures of 2,000 degrees Celsius. The team will develop new experimental approaches and computational techniques to identify promising materials.
Researchers found that flipping the molecular attachments on an iridium hydride catalyst improves its ability to transform CO2 into formate and carbon monoxide, two precursors for methanol production. The study offers insights into designing more effective catalysts for a carbon-neutral society.
Scientists have discovered a fractal pattern at the atomic level in metallic glasses, contradicting previous assumptions about empty space. This finding enables the study of material properties and has implications for fields like mathematics, physics, and computer science.
A new method called Phantom Derivative (PhD) has been developed to determine complex structures with limited experimental data. PhD is a competitive approach in protein crystallography, producing results comparable to existing techniques like density-modification and Vive la Difference.
Scientists solved the atomic structure of a fluoride ion channel using synthetic proteins called monobodies. The discovery revealed a unique 'double-barreled' architecture with two pathways for fluoride ion flow, differing from typical ion channels.
A team from the University of Illinois and Indiana University combined techniques to determine the structure of cyanostar, a symmetrical macrocycle that can capture negative ions. The collaboration used xMDFF and PHENIX programs to overcome challenges of disorder in the molecule.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have demonstrated a new laser cooling technique that could cool molecules using matter wave interference. This technique has the potential to cool atoms and molecules beyond conventional methods, opening up new possibilities for quantum devices and technologies.
Researchers have successfully controlled phase changes in GST material using laser light, achieving rapid and reversible changes in electro-optical properties. The results suggest GST may be a good substitute for silicon materials, with potential implications for flexible displays, logic circuits, and universal memory.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new approach to structuring catalysts, using nano cage structures to achieve more potent chemical reactions with less material. The discovery offers a pathway for industries to wean themselves off platinum, a scarce and expensive metal.
Researchers found that electron-phonon interaction is suppressed in 2D materials due to dimensional effects, leading to increased conduction. The discovery has potential applications in the creation of future flat and flexible electronic devices.
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.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed a new class of organic luminescent materials featuring blue fluorescence, which are suitable for use in organic light-emitting diodes. The boron-containing nanographenes exhibit improved electron transport and stability, making them ideal for portable electronic devices.
Defect-free palladium nanowires, a thousand times thinner than human hair, were stretched under controlled conditions to reveal the point where failures first appear. The study found that thermal uncertainty plays a significant role in the material's failure, with defects forming on the surface of the wire.
Scientists have created unexpected shapes of mesoscale atoms using a new method for precise control over placement of tiny segments of liquid. The discovery enhances the ability to form new structures, opening possibilities for innovative microfluidic systems.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have mapped the structure of an enzyme important for nervous system development. The new structure provides crucial information on how the protein binds to cellular components, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative diseases such as retinal dystrophy and Joubert syndrome.
Chemists have designed four new atomic arrangements of gold nanoparticle clusters, exhibiting lower potential energy and greater stability than previous configurations. The arrangements could inform the use of these nanoparticles in transporting pharmaceutical drugs and removing pollutants from industrial byproducts.
Researchers have created tiny gold nanoparticles that exhibit nature's most intricate patterns, marking the first time a nanoparticle of this size has been crystallized and its structure mapped out atom by atom. These patterns are responsible for the high stability of the particles.