A study by researchers at KAUST reveals that image artifacts from astigmatism can misidentify crystal phases in 2D semiconductors, affecting the accuracy of scanning transmission electron microscopy. The team demonstrated that these effects can be mitigated using specific beam configurations.
A team of scientists from Arizona State University developed a microfluidic device that reduces sample size and waste in X-ray crystallographic experiments. The device, validated by publishing results in Nature Communications, allows for the determination of protein structures with high resolution and reduced sample consumption.
Researchers at KAUST developed a novel approach to grow single-crystal transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanoribbons using surface templates and ledge-directed growth. The resulting TMD nanoribbons exhibited defect-free structures and could be transferred onto new substrates without damage.
Researchers from the University of Freiburg and their collaborators have developed a new method to simulate the formation of quantum crystals using dipolar atoms. This allows for unprecedented precision in measuring structures that have not been observed before, providing insights into the quantum properties underlying crystal formation.
Scientists have discovered a novel disordered crystalline phase of silica that forms under dynamic shock compression, challenging longstanding assumptions about the material's behavior. The findings provide new insights into planetary formation and evolution, and may reveal details about the Earth's geologic history.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Physicists at the University of Warwick demonstrate that applying a noble metal to a crystal's surface can excite its structure, enabling new electrical effects such as converting movement and heat into electricity. This technique has great potential for use in sensors, energy conversion, and mobile technologies.
Scientists have created a novel artificial material made of thin layers of nickelates, which can accurately control electronic properties and develop energy-efficient devices. By refining the layers to eight atoms, the entire sample behaves like a single material with one large jump in conductivity.
Researchers have successfully observed the interaction of two time crystals, a major breakthrough that could lead to applications in quantum information processing. The discovery showcases controlled interactions between time crystals, a crucial step towards harnessing their potential.
Researchers at Aalto University have successfully demonstrated the quantum-mechanical interaction of two time crystals, a breakthrough that could enable the construction of a quantum computer operating at room temperature. The experiment involved exchanging magnetic quantum excitations, or magnons, between the two time crystals.
A compound used in rewritable discs has been found to exhibit Dirac electrons, behaving similarly to graphene. The discovery could lead to the development of faster electronic devices with improved switching speeds.
Researchers at Nagoya University found a highly unusual atomic configuration in a tungsten-based material, where three atoms share only two electrons to form a tritungsten molecule. This discovery suggests the potential for compounds with new and interesting electronic properties.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel approach to synthesize manganese dioxide nanoparticles with specific crystalline structures and porous structures. The study found that adjusting the acidity of the solution can produce large spherical pores in β-MnO2 nanoparticles, leading to better catalytic performance.
A team of researchers at Aarhus University discovered a novel class of carbohydrate receptors in bacteria, which play a crucial role in biofilm formation, cell-to-cell interactions, and pathogenesis.
Researchers propose creating a global database of 2D crystal patterns and recipes to unlock the CVD process and environment for mass production. A Nakaya-like diagram has been developed to analyze these patterns, enabling scientists to infer clues about process variables.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a way to stretch and strain liquid crystals to generate different colors, leading to a wide range of optical effects. This technology has potential applications in temperature and strain sensors, enabling remote measurement without contact.
Researchers have observed that palladium gallium (PdGa) reaches the maximum allowed Chern number of four, a fundamental aspect yet to be settled in topological physics. The team also demonstrated control over the sign of the Chern number by manipulating the crystal's handedness during growth.
Researchers developed a technique to modify defect populations in perovskite crystals without chemical additives, enabling the material to act as a memristor device with multiple resistance states. The voltage regulation engineering helps improve optical and electrical properties by passivating deep-level donor-like defects.
Researchers discovered ferroelastic twin domains in perovskite crystals that can influence electron movement. These structures, or 'electron highways,' could make perovskite solar cells more powerful and improve their efficiency.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered that the source of thermodynamic instability in cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) is the 'rattling' behavior of the inorganic cesium atom within its crystal structure. This discovery could help improve the stability and efficiency of solar cells made from this material.
Scientists have identified a new proton-conducting material with high conductivity and oxygen-deficient layers, which could lead to more efficient and scalable fuel cell technology. This discovery could enable the development of low-cost and efficient fuel cells, crucial for a sustainable energy economy.
Researchers at Skoltech have solved the long-standing puzzle of tungsten boride's crystal structure, revealing a new material with exceptional mechanical properties. The discovery of WB5-x has exciting implications for various industrial applications, including drilling technology.
Perovskite solar cells, discovered almost 200 years ago, hold potential to undercut fossil fuels with lower manufacturing costs and improved efficiency. The discovery has sparked a new wave of research into improving the stability and commercial viability of these materials.
A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to implant atoms precisely into ultra-thin crystals, yielding Janus structures with different chemical compositions. This technique may improve the abilities of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to separate charge and catalyze chemical reactions.
A team of researchers has performed the first room-temperature X-ray measurements on the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, enabling the creation of a comprehensive 3D model. This model will be used to advance supercomputing simulations aimed at finding drug inhibitors to block the virus's replication mechanism.
Researchers have found a new material with extremely low thermal conductivity, attributed to the weakening of chemical bonds in its one-dimensional chain structure. This discovery opens up potential applications for thermoelectric materials and thermal barrier coatings.
Researchers from KAUST developed a simple and noninvasive treatment to optimize perovskite solar cell materials. A bromine vapor treatment penetrates the surface of crystals, removing defects and producing a dramatic increase in electrical conductivity and carrier mobility.
EPFL physicists have found a way to visualize the whole melting process of skyrmion crystals in Cu2OSe3 by varying magnetic field. They used LTEM to record massive images and videos, demonstrating two novel phases: the skyrmion hexatic phase and the skyrmion liquid phase.
Researchers discovered that nanometer-scale antimony crystals form hollow structures during charging, allowing more ion flow and improving battery performance. The self-hollowing structures could also be used in sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries, expanding material options for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries.
A Texas A&M University research project, led by Dr. Justin Wilkerson, aims to identify the damaging effects of vacancies in aluminum's atomic structure on ballistic performance. The study uses supercomputing facilities to calculate changes due to vacancies over time and may lead to improved armor materials for the US Army.
A study published in PNAS reveals that collagen maturation controls the availability of PEDF, a secreted protein involved in multiple biological functions. Researchers found that PEDF selectively destroys developing vessels by binding to newly synthesized collagen.
Scientists have discovered the mysterious material tantalum disulfide, which exhibits unintuitive behavior, switching from conductor to insulator. The study reveals that 'Mottness' is a key player in explaining this phenomenon, challenging traditional theories.
A new algorithm, Mendelevian Search, predicts optimal materials by searching through all possible combinations of chemical elements and crystal structures. The method has successfully predicted diamond and several dozen hard and superhard phases, including some new ones.
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism of boswellic acid, a substance responsible for frankincense's anti-inflammatory effect. Frankincense reprograms the inflammatory enzyme 5-lipoxygenase into an anti-inflammatory enzyme.
Researchers discovered a unique Apollo 17 sample with high-temperature mineralogical evidence that formed at incredibly hot temperatures, suggesting large-scale meteorite impacts played a critical role in the Moon's surface. The findings suggest these impacts not only destroyed the lunar crust but also helped build it.
Scientists at Saarland University study atomic rearrangements in a gold alloy as it cools, revealing a fundamental new finding that challenges conventional wisdom. The researchers found that the freezing process is decoupled from the alpha-relaxation rate, leading to improved understanding of amorphous metals and glass-forming materials.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a single-crystal electrode that provides a deeper understanding of charge-discharge processes in advanced batteries. The study reveals new information about the cathode chemistry, including the origin of extra capacity and the formation of detrimental phases during cycling.
Drexel researchers have discovered a way to chemically manipulate polymer structures to form spherical crystals with controlled symmetry. This technique could improve the mass production of targeted therapies by allowing for precise control over crystal shape and size.
Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University used machine learning methods to predict artificial sapphire crystals' properties. The goal is to minimize defects in crystal structure for modern technology development.
The study highlights the potential of wide bandgap semiconductor devices built with silicon carbide to achieve faster switching speeds, lower losses, and higher blocking voltages. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote a more sustainable green economy.
Researchers from Skoltech and MIPT discovered the stable crystal structure of molybdenum pentaboride MoB5, with four to five boron atoms per molybdenum atom, resisting compression and deformations. The predicted hardness is close to that of superhard materials.
A team of researchers has used neutron crystallography to determine the structure of a large oxidase protein with high-resolution structural details. They found unusual proton behavior between a cofactor and an amino acid residue, and established a complete picture of topa quinone 30 years after its discovery.
Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) research reveals electrons are spin-polarized when passing through non-magnetic chiral molecules or crystals like CrNb3S6. This phenomenon is puzzling, but it may enable the creation of spin-polarized states in materials without magnets.
A Korean research team has developed a high-performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries by stabilizing the surface of over-lithiated layered oxides (OLO) using salmon DNA. The study improved catalyst performance and lifespan through integrated advanced analytical techniques.
Researchers identify 'deep trap' caused by clusters of smaller atomic-sized defect sites at grain boundaries, leading to power losses and instability. The discovery could streamline efforts to increase efficiency of perovskites, bringing them closer to mass-market production.
Researchers discover deep trap clusters at grain boundaries in perovskites, reducing efficiency and stability. The findings could streamline efforts to increase the efficiency of perovskites for mass-market production.
Researchers have found a unique connection between magnetic properties and atomic dynamics in troilite, which could enable new technologies such as spintronic computing. The material's transition into a magnet controls instabilities in its crystalline structure, causing it to change from a conductor to an insulator.
University of Groningen scientists study the rapid formation of thin films in real-time during spin-coating from solution. They discovered that adding a small amount of a 2D material to tin-based perovskites helps orient the crystals but forms an insulating layer that reduces efficiency.
Scientists have created a stable perovskite LED with an efficiency of 17.3%, significantly surpassing previous results. The breakthrough composite thin film, made by embedding a perovskite into an organic molecule matrix, has enabled the development of long-lasting LEDs.
Scientists create a concept based on periodic phase transformation to compensate for phase mismatching in nonlinear crystals, enabling efficient conversion of ultraviolet to deep-ultraviolet wavelengths. The approach may revolutionize nonlinear and linear modulation in photonics.
A team of scientists has identified a triple-helix structure in calcium acetate hemihydrate, a compound formed on an ancient artwork through corrosion. The structure is similar to that found in collagen proteins and may have potential applications for bioinorganic chemistry.
Monash University researchers improved aluminum alloy design by introducing specific crystal defects, enabling rapid nucleation of a strengthening phase. The study's findings have implications for lightweight alloys used in the aerospace industry.
The study reveals that applying strain to monolayer AlN crystals can enhance the efficiency of even and odd harmonics radiated under ultrafast laser excitation. Researchers found that strain-dependent electronic transitions result in different harmonic spectra, providing a new reference for studying semiconductor dynamics.
Researchers have developed a novel planar chiral mirror that preserves the spin of light upon reflection, overcoming limitations of traditional mirrors. This innovation has potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum optics.
Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.
Researchers have created a highly stable artificial protein called SUWA, which can withstand temperatures of up to 122°C without denaturing. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in nanotechnology and synthetic biology.
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully converted crystalline MOFs into glassy or liquid states, demonstrating porosity, ion conductivity, and optical properties. The new materials show promise for heat storage, gas permeation, and catalytic reactions.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new method to isolate atomic sheets from layered van der Waals crystals, producing large-area atomically thin layers with high quality. The monolayers can be stacked in any desired order and orientation to generate a whole new class of artificial materials.
Scientists have created custom light using 2D materials by combining different transition metal dichalcogenides to form artificial semi-conductors emitting specific colors. This discovery opens up new strategies for manipulating light with precise energy and color, paving the way for mass industrialization of tailor-made lighting.