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Beyond the paddle-wheel mechanism: Elucidating the microscopic lithium ion transport in solid-state electrolytes for next-generation batteries

Researchers discovered that lithium ions move through cooperative rearrangement of 'ion cages' formed by surrounding anions, not the previously proposed paddle-wheel mechanism. This finding provides new guidelines for designing safe and high-performance solid electrolytes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2026

Exploiting interfacial ionic mobility to make heat-moldable nanoparticle aggregates

Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a strategy to make nanoparticle aggregates thermoplastic by introducing ions at interfaces. This allows for the creation of high-strength and low-expansion materials suitable for various applications. The study paves the way for diverse systems, including graphene oxide and cellulose nan...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

The hidden force of growth

Researchers found that self-propelled particles can spontaneously form clusters when navigating a dense colony of dividing cells. The growing medium creates an environment that transforms the particles' behavior, making them behave like active Brownian particles and attracting them to each other without explicit interaction.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMay 14, 2026

How molecules move in extreme water environments depends on their shape

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how organic molecules move with supercritical water inside carbon nanotubes. Aromatic compounds significantly slowed down their own motion and surrounding water, while alkanes moved relatively freely. Temperature played a key role in overcoming transport limitations.

New model predicts how bacteria navigate obstacles to spread

A new model predicts how bacteria navigate obstacles to spread, informing strategies for curbing infections or designing better drug delivery. The model focuses on three surface states: uninterrupted movement, sliding along surfaces, and getting stuck in corners.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2025

Race and ethnicity and diffusion of telemedicine in Medicaid for schizophrenia care after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

A cohort study of Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia reveals rapid diffusion of telemedicine care following the COVID-19 pandemic. Within-agency racial and ethnic differences in telemental health care adoption were observed, underscoring the need for monitoring innovation diffusion across vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 16, 2025

TIFR Hyderabad researchers devise strategy to enhance control over separating chemical isomers

A team of researchers at TIFR Hyderabad has devised a strategy to enhance control over the separation of chemical isomers using a nanoporous metal-organic framework. This approach enables fine-tuning of molecular interactions and diffusion processes, allowing for more efficient and sustainable separation methods.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2024

The expansion of turbid drops in water

A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has developed a new method to study the interior of crystalline drops using monochromatic illumination. This approach exploits the color-dependent scattering of light and reveals the density profile of the drop, including initial rapid expansion due to particle repulsion befo...

Enhanced ion diffusion kinetics achieved through interpenetrated structures in electrochemical energy storage devices

Researchers developed interpenetrated electrode structures to enhance ion diffusion kinetics in electrochemical energy storage devices. The design reduced ion concentration gradients and increased surface area, leading to improved performance at low temperatures.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of supercritical fluids

A team of international researchers has measured the molecular diffusion coefficient of a supercritical fluid, revealing a gradual transition from gas-like to liquid-like behavior across the Widom line. This study contributes to our understanding of supercritical fluid dynamics and holds implications for planetary science.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

How AI helps programming a quantum computer

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck developed a novel method using diffusion models to generate quantum circuits. The model can produce accurate and flexible circuits, including those tailored to specific quantum hardware connections.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2024

Breakthrough research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide, which stabilizes perovskite solar cells. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer achieved impressive performance with over 81% retention and record-high bias-free solar hydrogen production rate.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 22, 2024

A new method allows quantifying the spatial intermittency of ocean currents

A new methodology developed by the ICM-CSIC team accurately estimates horizontal diffusion of water masses in different ocean regions. The study uses over 600 drifting buoys to quantify horizontal diffusive processes, revealing maximum diffusion near the surface and minimum values at depths of 1400-2000 m.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2023

Geisel study offers new insights into how Medicare fraud has spread across U.S. regions in recent years

A study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found that Medicare fraud in home healthcare billing spread rapidly across U.S. regions between 2002 and 2009, driven by characteristics such as shared patients, high expenditures, and rapid growth in the number of home health agencies. The researchers developed a novel network analysis ...

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Room-temperature, solid-state synthesis of high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films using a novel solid-state synthesis method. The team discovered that depositing CuI and CsI layers in specific ratios results in distinct local structures containing point defects, leading to highly efficient emissions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

TIFR Hyderabad study provides crucial insights on designing efficient nano-filters

Researchers from TIFR Hyderabad create molecular strainers that can filter particles as small as hydrogen molecules, offering a new basis for designing more efficient filtration processes. The study's findings provide insights into the movement of molecules through sieves and open up avenues for further exploration in industries.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2023

Novel oxychloride shows high stability and oxide-ion conduction through interstitial oxygen site

A new Bi-containing compound, LaBi1.9Te0.1O4.05Cl, exhibits high chemical and electrical stability and a high oxide-ion conductivity superior to other materials at low temperatures. The unique mechanism underlying the high conductivity is explained by an interstitialcy migration of oxide ions through the lattice and interstitial sites.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023

Solar cells charging forward

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Speeding up extreme fast charging capability in lithium-ion batteries

A team of Japanese researchers has developed a novel approach to enhance the fast-charging ability of lithium-ion batteries using a binder material that promotes Li-ion intercalation of active material. This results in high conductivity, low impedance, and good stability, reducing the concentration polarization of Li+ ions.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateMar 3, 2023

Biologists, chemical engineers collaborate to reveal complex cellular process inside petunias

A team of Purdue University scientists has identified a protein that plays a key role in helping petunias emit volatiles, challenging the idea that simple diffusion is responsible. The study focuses on how volatiles cross the cell wall, a barrier that separates the cellular interior from the plant's outermost protective layer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalApplied Mathematics and Computation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

How cells control their borders

A team of biochemists at the University of Groningen discovered that membrane thickness, lipid phase, and sterol type are key factors in determining permeability. This knowledge can help companies optimize microbial production and improve drug design.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Getting warmer: Improving heat flux modeling

Scientists at Osaka University developed a new numerical technique to visualize heat flux at the atomic scale for the first time. The team found that sub-atomic stresses in solid and liquid structures determine the direction of heat flux, enabling more efficient nanoscale manufacturing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2022

Advanced analysis of Apollo sample illuminates Moon’s evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals chemical heterogeneities in Apollo 17 sample troctolite 76535, indicating an early rapid cooling of the Moon. This finding challenges previous estimates of a 100-million-year cooling duration and supports initial rapid cooling of magmas within the lunar crust.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Dragged along by micro-swimmers

Researchers have developed a new model for micro-swimmer-based transport, which shows that a swarm of micro-swimmers can transport particles more efficiently than traditional methods. The study's findings suggest that this phenomenon could be useful in biological applications, such as delivering drugs to specific locations in the body.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021