Researchers study organizing principles behind high Z' crystal structures to understand material properties like solubility and bioavailability. By analyzing complex structures, they identify organization principles tied to chemical molecule details.
Researchers at ICIQ and OSU created a new method to prepare chromium polyoxocations, overcoming a huge synthetic challenge. The study found that controlling the formation of chromium clusters is key to expanding our understanding of metal-oxide cluster crystallization.
A Korean research team has published two papers detailing the crystal structure of PHA synthase from Ralstonia eutropha and its reaction mechanisms. The study reveals that PHA synthase exists as a dimer with two distinct domains, enabling independent polymerization reactions at each site.
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.
Researchers have successfully elucidated the crystal structure of PHA synthase, a key enzyme in producing polyhydroxyalkanoates. This breakthrough enables the development of tailor-made biodegradable polymers that could potentially replace environmentally unfriendly petroleum-based products.
Researchers directly determined the relation between bandgap energy and size/shape of individual CsPbBr3 nanocrystals, revealing effective coupling between semiconductor NCs upon close contact. This study provides unique insights into interacting behavior of neighboring NCs and paves the way for designing large quantum structures.
A comprehensive digital database of magnetic structures, MAGNDATA, has been developed using systematic application of magnetic symmetry. The database contains over 400 commensurate and incommensurate magnetic structures, providing a standardized framework for description and storage of magnetic structures.
A team of scientists from Michigan Technological University and other institutions has discovered a new mineral, merelaniite, with a complex structure composed of layers of molybdenum disulfide and lead sulfide. The discovery showcases the intricate microscopic beauty of exotic materials, which may have useful applications.
Metallic glasses have the potential to revolutionize many commercial applications due to their toughness and hardness. The researchers uncovered the mechanism by which fivefold symmetry inhibits crystallisation, making it an important step in developing metallic glasses for various applications.
Rice University scientists fire micro-cubes at a target to rearrange their nanoscale structures, creating ultrastrong and tough materials. The technique, known as LIPIT, uses advanced laser-induced projectile impact testing to generate high pressure that far exceeds the material's strength.
Researchers from MIPT and JINR use intersecting laser beams to test protein crystal quality and spot peculiar protein features. This method improves the accuracy of detecting small crystals, essential for studying membrane proteins.
Researchers have developed a new way to reveal crystal features in functional materials using infrared light, allowing for detailed imaging at the nanoscale. The technique enables better design and optimization of material properties, with applications in electronics, energy conversion, and biological studies.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a ultra-thin ferroelectric material called hafnium oxide (HfO2) that exhibits ferroelectricity below 450°C, making it compatible with silicon-based semiconductors and suitable for applications in novel random-access memory and transistors.
Researchers at MIPT and several universities create technology to determine spatial structure of receptor proteins, crucial for human health. By using sulfur atoms and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography, scientists solve the problem of radiation damage, enabling precise analysis of protein structures with a resolution of 1.9Å.
Researchers at HZB and Marburg developed an expert system that identifies small molecule fragments bound to proteins in raw X-ray diffraction data. The system has been successfully tested on 364 samples, revealing additional candidates for drug development.
Researchers have crystallized a protein that holds answers to how nicotine addiction occurs in the brain, opening up new possibilities for developing treatments. The breakthrough may also lead to medications for certain types of epilepsy, mental illness, and dementia.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new molecular gel recipe that enables accurate detection of lead in paint chips. The test uses heat and chemical reactions to distinguish between safe and hazardous levels of lead, making it easier for homeowners to assess their risk.
Researchers used neutron crystallography to study the binding of acetazolamide to human carbonic anhydrase isoform II, gaining insights into H-bonding networks and hydrophobic interactions. This technique provides missing details that X-ray crystallography couldn't capture, enabling more effective drug design.
Researchers discovered the cause of vastly different thermal conductivities in superatomic structural analogues, directly related to rotational disorder within those structures. This finding enables the creation of materials with potential applications in sustainable energy generation, energy storage, and nanoelectronics.
A team at The City University of New York led by Dr. Carlos Meriles has successfully demonstrated charge transport between Nitrogen-Vacancy color centers in diamond, paving the way for room-temperature quantum information processing and three-dimensional optical data storage.
Researchers discovered a procedure to restore defective graphene oxide structures, leading to the formation of highly crystalline graphene films with excellent band-like transport. The method involves applying high-temperature reduction treatment in an ethanol environment, resulting in a carrier mobility of ~210 cm2/Vs.
Hydrogen sulfide superconductor exhibits two phases: cubic and hexagonal. Researchers' findings mark significant step towards room-temperature superconductors.
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.
Researchers at McGill University found that two rare minerals, stepanovite and zhemchuzhnikovite, have the same structure as man-made MOFs. This discovery opens up new possibilities for using these materials in various applications such as hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration.
A team of scientists has determined the 3D structure of the human proteasome in unprecedented detail, revealing its exact mechanism and a crucial role for a previously unknown chemical reaction. This knowledge will pave the way to develop more effective cancer therapies by optimizing inhibitor design and efficacy.
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.
Scientists at ORNL discover the optimal ratio of selenium in cadmium-tellurium solar cells, increasing efficiency from 22% to near-theoretical levels. The alloy composition of 50% cadmium, 25% tellurium and 25% selenium performed best.
Researchers discovered a method to create ultrathin graphene-like films from salt using computer simulations. The findings provide a relationship between the critical slab thickness and parameters determining ionic bonds, enabling more efficient nanoelectronics.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully watched a material's crystal structure change in real time, using a new facility at the Argonne National Laboratory. This breakthrough method allows for actual measurement of physical changes and validation of computer simulations.
Scientists at TUM develop a methodology to produce 2D quasicrystals from metal-organic networks, opening the door to new materials. They discovered a new set of building blocks for assembling various quasicrystalline structures.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have created light-powered molecular motors that repetitively bend and unbend, bringing us closer to molecular robots. The development enables complex tasks and autonomous chemical reactions, which may lead to applications in medicine and other fields.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a technology to control the light wavefront reflected from cholesteric liquid crystals, enabling planar optical components. The new technology contributes to the miniaturization of catoptrics devices by allowing functionality by design.
Researchers at Caltech discovered quasicrystals in laboratory experiments after simulating asteroid collisions. The team hypothesized that the energy released during a collision could trigger a rapid cycle of compression and cooling, leading to the formation of these rare structures.
Scientists used X-rays to discover the microscopic structures on butterfly wings reflect light, creating brilliant colors. Researchers found photonic crystals with tiny crystal irregularities that enhance light-scattering properties.
Physicists visualize butterfly wings' internal nanostructure using x-rays and microscopy, discovering highly oriented photonic crystals. Tiny crystal irregularities enhance light-scattering properties, making wings appear brighter.
Scientists have developed a new method to assemble technologically relevant, non-polymorphic crystals through computer simulations. By tuning the size of polymer additives, researchers can stabilize desired crystal structures against competing polymorphs.
Scientists study the molecular structure of edible fats using X-rays, discovering that the ratio of solids to liquids affects a fat's properties. They also investigate the impact of replacing saturated fats with unsaturated alternatives on taste and texture.
Researchers have developed a new type of metallic material that is both extremely strong and ductile. This breakthrough solves the long-standing problem of choosing between these two properties in steels.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discovered Myo1c's role in transporting Neph1, a protein essential for maintaining podocyte function and effective kidney filtration. Understanding this transport mechanism may lead to therapeutic targets for treating glomerular diseases.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to deposit diamond on the surface of cubic boron nitride, creating a single crystalline structure. This integration enables the creation of high-power devices and addresses material limitations such as oxidation and compatibility issues with steel tools.
Researchers discovered that oversized microgel particles shrink to match smaller neighbors due to shared counter ions, increasing osmotic pressure and expelling solvent. This mechanism allows for the formation of crystalline structures with point defects eliminated, unlike hard particle systems.
A team of researchers from Drexel University and two Chinese universities discovered a way to grow thin sheets of conductive metal oxides using salt crystals as a template. This method produces larger and more chemically pure materials, which are better suited for storing energy in devices like batteries and capacitors.
Researchers at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Krakow used antimatter to study liquid crystals. The measurements revealed that positronium forms in nanopores with a diameter of approximately six angstroms, confirming a new model variant. This provides insight into the structure and dynamics of liquid crystals.
Scientists have discovered a tightly wound spiral molecular arrangement in liquid crystals, which could improve LCD performance and help unravel its formation. The study uses a pioneering X-ray technique to confirm the twisted structure, revealing unusual optical properties that warrant further research.
Scientists at Université de Genève successfully manipulate the magnetic properties of LaNiO3 and LaMnO3 oxides to create tailored materials. By controlling the interactions between these materials, they can now develop artificial structures with specific magnetic properties.
Rice University scientists have discovered that certain types of tricalcium silicates are more efficient to produce cement due to their structural properties. These findings could lead to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with concrete production, a major contributor to climate change.
The SwRI-led team found evidence of crystalline clathrate ices in comet 67P's atmosphere, suggesting the cometary nucleus formed closer to the Sun. This discovery could help refine solar system formation models and provide insights into the early history of our solar system.
ORNL researchers have found a potential path to improve solar cell efficiency by understanding the competition among halogen atoms during perovskite synthesis. The study reveals that bromine, chlorine, and iodine ions facilitate growth but only iodine gets into the final crystal structure.
A team of chemists has developed a new method to make metal nanoframe catalysts, which could lead to improved hydrogen fuel production and reduced usage of precious materials. The breakthrough involves creating ruthenium nanocrystals with a unique crystal structure, increasing their surface area and catalytic activity.
Researchers at MIPT and Prokhorov General Physics Institute divide magnetic vortices into two types, one with isotropic resistance and another with anisotropic behavior. This discovery could lead to the development of faster and more compact processors and non-volatile memory.
Researchers used electron cryotomography to visualize bacterial 'motors' in three dimensions, revealing the complexity of type IVa pilus machine and flagellum structures. The study provides insights into pilus assembly, structure, and function, as well as correlations between motor strength and torque-generating protein complexes.
Scientists create a 'hollow' version of the plant virus cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) which can be used as a carrier for drug molecules. This finding opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment and vaccine design.
Researchers have resolved the first protein structure in a family of proteins called transcription terminators, revealing their role as traffic signals for coordinating transcription and gene replication. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying cellular aging and tumor growth.
Researchers at Lehigh University have made a breakthrough in creating single crystals from glasses, which could enable the use of disordered materials in high-tech applications like lasers and LEDs. The new method uses a novel heating strategy to convert glass into a single crystal without unwanted crystals forming.
Scientists have successfully formed nanowires using a combination of atomic layer arrangements and real-time monitoring. The breakthrough discovery aims to control the properties of materials, enabling more efficient electronic devices and future generations of transistors.
Advanced theoretical modelling reveals cubosomes' internal structure may be much more complex than thought. Cubosomes, with regular networks of channels filled with liquid, have varying internal structures despite identical external appearance.
Researchers used neutron characterization techniques to study the nature of atomic motifs in complex metal oxides. They discovered a novel atomic disordering mechanism that challenges previous assumptions about their behavior under extreme environments.
Researchers used DFT to calculate electronic, elastic, and vibrational properties of BiAlO3. The study explores its crystal structure, space group R3c, and lattice parameter a = b = c = 5.338?A.