Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Close up of the new mineral merelaniite

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.

Towards better metallic glasses

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.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2016

Smashing metallic cubes toughens them up

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.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateOct 20, 2016

A more accurate sensor for lead paint

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 8, 2016

Hot 'new' material found to exist in nature

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 5, 2016

Every atom counts

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.

Paving the way toward novel strong, conductive materials

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.

On the path toward molecular robots

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 6, 2016

Researchers integrate diamond/boron nitride crystalline layers for high-power devices

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 10, 2016

Adding some salt to the recipe for energy storage materials

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.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2016

Antimatter helps to unveil the secrets of liquid crystals

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.

Generation of tailored magnetic materials

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2016

Brittle is better for making cement

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.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateApr 11, 2016

An up-close view of bacterial 'motors'

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.

Lehigh scientists extend the reach of single crystals

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.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2016

New research shows how nanowires can be formed

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.

SourceLund University·JournalNature·DateMar 17, 2016