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Supercomputer unravels structures in DVD materials

A team of researchers used the Jülich supercomputer to unravel the structures of DVD materials, revealing a new understanding of the read and write processes. The study provides insight into the rapid phase change mechanisms, which could lead to improved storage materials with longer life, larger capacity, or shorter access times.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 9, 2011

X-ray crystallography reveals structure of precursor to blood-clotting protein

Using x-ray crystallography, researchers at Saint Louis University have revealed the molecular structure of the zymogen form of thrombin, a precursor to the active enzyme involved in blood clotting. This discovery provides crucial information about the activation mechanism and opens new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2010

Breakthrough in nanocrystals growth

Researchers at Carnegie Institution for Science have successfully watched nanoparticles grow from the earliest stages of formation using high-energy X-rays. This breakthrough allows for the development of new techniques to control growth conditions, paving the way for improved solar-cell technology and chemical sensors.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 18, 2010

Nano 'pin art': NIST arrays are step toward mass production of nanowires

NIST nanowires grown through precisely defined holes in a stencil-like mask covering the silicon wafer exhibit excellent mechanical quality factors and controlled diameter placement. The technique enables precise control of wire location, resulting in uniform shape and size of nearly perfect hexagonal shapes.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 30, 2010

Metallic glass yields secrets under pressure

Scientists at Carnegie Institution used high-pressure techniques to study the connection between density and electronic structure of a cerium-aluminum metallic glass, opening up new possibilities for developing metallic glasses. The research found that high pressure causes changes in properties such as volume or electronic behavior, re...

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 16, 2010

December 2009 Geosphere highlights

The December 2009 Geosphere issue examines the Stateline fault along the California-Nevada border, revealing right-lateral deformation and extension. The study also investigates crystal-rich magmas of the Tuolumne batholith in the Sierra Nevada range, exploring magma chamber formation and physical processes.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 7, 2009

Glass you can build with

Researchers have developed metallic glass alloys with improved fatigue resistance, surpassing conventional metal alloys in both strength and durability. The breakthrough involves introducing a second phase of crystalline metal within the glass, which acts as a local arrest point to prevent crack propagation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2009

It's raining pentagons

Researchers at the London Centre for Nanotechnology have discovered a novel one-dimensional ice chain structure built entirely from pentagons, challenging the long-held assumption that hexagons are the building blocks of ice. This discovery has significant implications for understanding hydrogen bonding at interfaces and may lead to ne...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 8, 2009

Long-sought protein structure may help reveal how 'gene switch' works

Researchers at NIST and Brookhaven National Laboratory have defined the structure of a metabolic switch found inside most types of bacteria, revealing how a key protein regulates genes involved in bacterial survival. The discovery could lead to new methods for preventing tuberculosis and other pathogenic diseases.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2009

Beaming new light on life

Physicists and chemists at the University of Utah developed a new method using silver nanoparticles to visualize internal structures in nearly opaque biological materials. The technique allows for the detection of fatigue in materials like carbon-fiber plastics used in aircraft, enabling regular inspections of fuselage integrity.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 4, 2009