Articles tagged with Crystals
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
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Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
The development of fluorooxoborate crystal NH4B4O6F (ABF) resolves the field challenge of meeting all criteria for VUV NLO materials. ABF achieves excellent VUV transparency, a strong NLO coefficient, and substantial birefringence while fulfilling practical criteria such as large crystal size and high laser-induced damage threshold.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based workflow, SPaDe-CSP, to predict crystal structures of organic molecules. The workflow narrows the search space by predicting probable space groups and crystal densities before computationally intensive relaxation steps.
A UH crystals expert has shown how to bend and twist crystals without physical force, using a molecule called a tautomer. This discovery has potential applications in drug delivery and material properties, such as optoelectronics and soft robotics.
A new mathematical framework, STIV, can predict larger-scale effects like proteins unfolding and crystals forming without costly simulations or experiments. The framework solves a 40-year-old problem in phase-field modeling, allowing for the design of smarter medicines and materials.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a technique to grow lead halide perovskites, crucial for LEDs, solar cells, and medical imaging. By striking gold nanoparticles with a single laser pulse, they achieved precise control over crystal formation.
Rice scientists developed a method to pattern device functions with submicron precision directly into an ultrathin crystal using focused electron beams. The approach created bright blue-light emitting traces that also conduct electricity, potentially enabling compact on-chip wiring and built-in light sources.
Researchers have created face-/edge-shared 3D perovskitoid single crystals with suppressed ion migration, providing a new pathway for stable and high-sensitivity X-ray detection. The team's design addresses the long-standing issue of ion migration in traditional perovskites.
Researchers have made significant advancements in soft porous crystals (SPCs) with promising applications in gas storage, separation, catalysis, and devices. The 'dose sensitivity' of SPCs directly affects their economic viability, with high performance and batch consistency crucial for trace or low-dose applications.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered that the crystalline material AgGaGe₃Se₈ exhibits a thermal conductivity of just 0.2 watts per meter-kelvin, three times lower than water and five times lower than typical silica glass.
A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a novel approach to enhance thermoelectric efficiency by controlling oxygen vacancies. By precisely controlling the number of oxygen vacancies in materials, they achieved a remarkable 91% improvement in thermoelectric performance.
Researchers have developed a novel way for liquid crystals to retain information about their movement, enabling the creation of smart and flexible materials. The breakthrough could lead to advancements in memory devices, sensors, and new types of physics.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters demonstrate quantum confinement in a new covalent organic framework without shrinking the material. The framework exhibits exceptional photoluminescence properties, making it suitable for applications such as lighting devices and chemical sensors.
Researchers from The University of Osaka have devised new mathematical models to describe the mechanics of crystal defects. Using differential geometry, they provided a robust and rigorous framework for understanding these phenomena.
A study from Waseda University reveals distinct differences between enantiomeric and racemic thalidomide crystals, with asymmetric and uniform thermal responses attributed to dimer symmetry. This research provides insights into chiral compound behavior and supports rational drug design.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to fabricate ultrapure diamond films for quantum and electronic applications. By growing an extra layer of diamond on top of the substrate after ion implantation, they can bypass high-temperature annealing and generate higher-purity films.
A team of scientists discovered that electrons and protons are closely linked in certain biological crystals, influencing proton transfer. This connection has implications for understanding energy and information transfer in life.
Research finds that pyrope garnet can retain up to 0.2 wt.% water, potentially dominating water transport via basaltic slabs into the lower mantle. The study also reveals strong pressure-temperature dependence of water solubility in pyrope garnet.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a colloidal crystal model to control specific polymorph formation, advancing understanding of polymorph control for material fabrication and drug development. The study found that particle additives can effectively control polymorph formation and probability by size and cluster stability.
Researchers from Waseda University used machine learning to enhance the performance of photomechanical crystals, achieving up to 3.7 times greater force output compared to previously reported values. This breakthrough has significant implications for remote-controlled actuators, medical devices, and energy-efficient systems.
Koun Shirai bridges conventional physics and nonequilibrium materials to provide robust thermodynamic description of glasses. He redefines equilibrium as energy extraction impact, allowing tools of thermodynamics to apply to glasses.
The thorium-229 nuclear optical clock has the potential to achieve a very high-precision time and frequency standard due to its unique properties. Despite significant progress, numerous challenges remain, including temperature sensitivity and the scarcity of the isotope.
Researchers developed Cu/Zn solid-solution phase hosts to overcome electrochemical limitations in multivalent metal ion batteries. The material's layered crystal structure and abundant interlayer confined species provide favorable diffusion pathways for charge carriers.
Researchers enhance organic scintillators' light yield by introducing charge-separated state traps, achieving higher LY than traditional inorganic scintillators. The resulting scintillator displays a super-long afterglow for 7 hours, enabling new non-destructive testing methods.
A team of Rice and UH scientists discovered simple solutions to address a fundamental issue in carbon capture technology - carbon dioxide reduction reaction. They found that lowering the concentration of cations like sodium or potassium in the electrolyte slows down salt buildup, improving reactor stability.
Researchers investigated zinc electrode dissolution behavior in AZBs, revealing a transformation from 0D to 1D to 2D with increased current density. The study found differences in dissolution rates among various crystal planes, with the (002) plane most resistant and the (110) plane most susceptible.
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
Researchers have developed a battery that can harness ambient gamma radiation to produce strong electric outputs, enabling potential applications in space exploration and sensors. The prototype demonstrated a peak power output of 288 nanowatts using cesium-137 and 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60.
Researchers developed heteroepitaxial diamond quantum sensors with high sensitivity and accuracy for monitoring electric vehicle battery systems. The breakthrough could pave the way for widespread adoption in industries related to sustainable development.
Australian scientists have identified the origin of the restoring force in elastic crystals, allowing for the design of new hybrid materials. The study found that energy is stored in molecular interactions under compressive and expansive strain, enabling the crystal to return to its original shape.
Researchers at Lancaster University have successfully demonstrated negative refraction using atomic arrays, eliminating the need for metamaterials. This achievement paves the way for novel technologies based on negative refraction, including perfect lenses and cloaking devices.
Hydrogen and carbon monoxide adsorb onto platinum atoms in nanoscale voids, with hydrogen diffusing faster due to smaller size. The team's findings highlight the importance of engineering voids for next-generation sensors and gas separation.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. The novel coating has the potential to make components from rockets to semiconductors more safe, durable, and cost-effective.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have verified the impact of neutron radiation on concrete expansion, finding a 'flux effect' that reduces degradation. This discovery may allow nuclear power plants to operate more safely over longer periods.
Researchers have discovered a unique configuration of twisted bilayer-trilayer graphene that forms a perfectly ordered array of electrons, resulting in a topological electronic crystal. This phenomenon enables effortless electric current flow along the edges while maintaining insulating properties within the interior.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new crystal structure that shows naturally existing particles can behave like axions, promising to detect dark matter. The findings could lay the groundwork for understanding cosmic phenomena and uncovering the universe's greatest mysteries.
A Japanese research team investigates the origin of Bi2212's strong optical anisotropy, finding that increasing lead content reduces incommensurate modulation, enabling accurate measurement of optical activity and circular dichroism. This study contributes to understanding high-temperature superconductivity mechanisms.
German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.
Researchers have uncovered key insights about how liquid crystals transform between different phases using direct simulation and machine learning. This study provides a clearer understanding of the microscopic-level changes in these materials, which could lead to new possibilities for advanced materials development.
Researchers at USTC observe higher-order and fractional discrete time crystals in floquet-driven Rydberg atomic dissipative systems, exhibiting robustness against perturbations. The team identifies phase transitions between adjacent integer DTCs and discovers fractional DTCs with stability against perturbations.
Researchers demonstrate transverse thermoelectric conversion in WSi2 for the first time, using mixed-dimensional Fermi surfaces to enable TTE effect. The study paves the way for developing new sensors and efficient thermoelectric materials.
Researchers at Cal Poly and an international team are exploring unproven theories related to nuclear decay and the nature of matter. They aim to detect a type of decay that is currently forbidden by physics laws, which could reveal insights into the universe's origins.
Physicists at MIT have made a breakthrough discovery that sheds light on the conditions that lead to exotic electronic states in graphene and other two-dimensional systems. Through calculations, they show that pentalayer graphene can exhibit fractional charge without a magnetic field.
Scientists have developed a method to control heat transfer in graphite crystals, enabling efficient thermal management in electronic components. The discovery uses concepts from fluid dynamics to manipulate phonons, or quasiparticles that propagate through solid-state crystals.
Researchers successfully visualized tiny magnetic regions, known as magnetic domains, in a specialized quantum material using nonreciprocal directional dichroism. They also manipulated these regions by applying an electric field, offering new insights into the complex behavior of magnetic materials at the quantum level.
Researchers from Göttingen University identified the low crystallisation temperatures and groundwater origin of amethyst geodes in northern Uruguay. The study proposes a new model explaining their formation, which could improve exploration techniques and lead to sustainable mining strategies.
Researchers from Okayama University successfully controlled the population of the thorium-229 isomeric state using X-rays, a crucial step towards building a compact and portable nuclear clock. This achievement demonstrates the potential for nuclear clocks to advance fundamental physics research and other applications such as GPS systems.
Researchers have successfully mass-produced aluminum nanowires using a novel atomic diffusion technique, paving the way for mass production of high-performance nanodevices in fields like sensing devices and optoelectronics. The new method enables precise control over NW growth, leading to significant improvements in quality and purity.
A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.
Scientists at TU Wien and JILA/NIST have successfully created the world's first nuclear clock, leveraging thorium atomic nuclei to achieve ultra-high precision measurements. The breakthrough combines a high-precision optical atomic clock with a high-energy laser system, setting the stage for future improvements in precision.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed an ammonia-free technique for producing GaN semiconductors, enabling high-quality growth at lower temperatures and reduced raw material consumption. This method also reduces the need for detoxifying systems and energy expenditure.
Researchers grew crystals containing actinium and studied its atomic structure, revealing how it interacts with surrounding atoms. The study could help design better targeted alpha therapy for cancer treatment.
Boris Yakobson aims to transform the future of advanced materials through Rice University research. His projects focus on developing predictive synthesis models and automating the search for new materials, with applications in energy and electronics.
Scientists at Yokohama National University have developed a novel approach to create dual-pore molecular crystals with two distinct functionalities. By using quasi-racemates, the researchers achieved social self-sorting of two pairs of quasi-racemates to form ring-shaped molecules with varying pore sizes.
Scientists discovered that synthesis methods can alter calcite crystals' internal structure, affecting its reactivity and properties. This discovery has implications for long-term carbon storage and the development of durable materials.
Researchers found that the energy dissipated by past earthquakes was significantly higher than expected, suggesting repeated earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.8-8.3 Mw. The unique pattern of fragmentation in the breccia provided valuable evidence to estimate the energy of past earthquakes.
Researchers at Rice University have made a breakthrough in synthesizing formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite solar cells into ultrastable, high-quality photovoltaic films. The overall efficiency of the resulting FAPbI3 solar cells decreased by less than 3% over 1,000 hours of operation.
Researchers have developed a highly sensitive diamond quantum magnetometer that can achieve practical ambient condition magnetoencephalography. The novel magnetometer uses a single crystalline diamond to detect magnetic fields, achieving record sensitivities of up to 9.4 pT Hz-1/2 in the frequency range of 5 to 100 Hz.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel approach to directly observe electron transfer in solids using X-ray crystal structure analysis. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in energy storage, nanotechnology, and materials science research.
Researchers have found evidence of fresh water on Earth dating back to four billion years ago, shedding light on the planet's early history and the emergence of life. This discovery suggests landmasses and freshwater played a crucial role in supporting life within a relatively short time frame after the planet formed.
Researchers at New York University create a new method to see inside crystals, revealing the position of every unit and creating dynamic three-dimensional models. This technique allows scientists to study crystals' chemical history and form, paving the way for better crystal growth and photonic materials.