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Protons ride moving waves to reach record energy with long-pulse lasers

Researchers from the University of Osaka have successfully accelerated protons to record energies using ultrathin graphene and long-pulse lasers, demonstrating improved capabilities for long-pulse laser-driven ion acceleration. The team achieved a record energy of 132 MeV, nearly half the speed of light, using a moving electric field t...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProgress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2026

Scientists ‘see’ nanoscale forces, providing evidence of electric fields at the air‑water interface

Researchers used 3D electron microscopy to capture direct evidence of electric fields at air-water interfaces, opening a path to rationally designed clean-energy materials. The study found a repulsive force holding thinnest films together, reaching 10 megapascals, and provided chemical evidence for the electric field's existence.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

New framework for adoption of distributed energy resources quantifies uncertainty, ensures validity across grid structures

Researchers propose a data-driven forecasting approach to predict DER adoption patterns and quantify uncertainty for more informed decision making. The framework provides plausible adoption scenarios, enabling utilities, regulators, and planners to make strategic investments and plan for long-term infrastructure needs.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAnnals of Applied Sciences·DateAug 3, 2026

Toward power-generating displays: a single device that harvests and emits light

Researchers have developed a single device that can harvest light and emit bright visible light, achieving high efficiency in both power conversion and electroluminescence. The device uses a novel organic semiconductor material with controlled energy flow, enabling it to operate at standard lithium-ion battery voltages.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

FAU ‘shark-repellent’ method could reform fisheries by curbing bycatch

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a patent-pending shark deterrent that can be used to reduce bycatch in fisheries. The device produces an electric field that repels sharks from bait without affecting target fish, and has been shown to reduce catches of coastal sharks by 62-70%.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2026

Bidirectional ion–electric field synergy via in situ grown BiOCl/Bi heterostructure enabling ultra–stable zinc anodes across wide temperatures

Engineers develop a self-forming protective layer to prevent dendrite growth and parasitic reactions, enabling unprecedented performance and resilience. The bi-directional regulation system maintains stability across wide temperatures, paving the way for practical grid-scale applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025

Fullerene's role as an efficient, metal-free catalyst for clean energy

Researchers at Tohoku University found that C60 fullerene can serve as an active catalytic site for CO2 electroreduction, improving the efficiency of reactions like hydrogen evolution and carbon dioxide reduction. The discovery opens new possibilities for designing efficient, metal-free catalysts to combat climate change.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 20, 2025

Scientists create ‘virtual sorting nanomachines’ using electron beams to manipulate graphene oxide

Researchers at Nagoya University developed an interface that creates programmable electric fields to sort graphene oxide without fixed microfluidic devices. The findings allow precise sorting of GO sheets, which can capture pollutants, solvents, and biomolecules based on their size-dependent properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalColloids and Surfaces A Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Control the world's toughest creatures

Scientists successfully fabricated micron-scale metal patterns on living tardigrades, enabling controlled movement through magnetic fields. This breakthrough opens doors for micro/nanofabrication of living organisms and bio-inorganic hybrid systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

Electrochemical field key to how dementia precursors ‘break bad’

A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers has found a critical role for the physical interfaces of amyloid beta peptides in determining their chemical dynamics, leading to neurodegeneration. The research identified small molecules capable of breaking the toxic feedback loop, providing evidence that proper nutrition may ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 26, 2025

A mite-y use of electricity

Researchers found that the mites sense and rely on electric fields generated by hummingbird wings for survival. The study revealed that the mites are attracted to specific frequencies of static electricity and can recognize positive charges.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Shocking cues

A study reveals that cells in the neural crest, which forms bones and nervous system tissues, use internal electric fields to migrate. This process, known as electrotaxis, is guided by an enzyme called voltage-sensitive phosphatase 1 (Vsp1), which converts electrical signals into directional cues.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 17, 2025

New cooling pump drops temperatures by 16 degrees, more at source of heat

Researchers at UCLA have developed a compact cooling technology that can continuously pump away heat using layers of flexing thin films. The prototype lowered ambient temperatures by 16 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 25 degrees at the source of heat, offering a simpler design without greenhouse-gas-generating coolants or liquids.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

Hidden transport pathways in graphene confirmed, paving the way for next-generation device innovation

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology confirm the existence of hidden transport pathways in graphene, which enables faster and more efficient data handling. The study sheds light on the 'Valley Hall Effect' and its role in nonlocal resistance, providing crucial insights for advancing valleytronics device design.

Observation of new electric field signals strong potential for assorted devices: new research at City University of Hong Kong

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have observed a new vortex electric field with the potential to enhance electronic, magnetic and optical devices. The discovery enables the creation of quasicrystals with versatile applications in memory stability, computing speed, spintronics and sensing devices.

Research team demonstrated nonlinear compton scattering with a multi-petawatt laser, mimicking astrophysical phenomena and producing ultra-bright gamma rays

A team of researchers successfully demonstrated nonlinear Compton scattering using a multi-petawatt laser, producing ultra-bright gamma rays. The achievement offers new insights into high-energy electron-photon interactions without traditional particle accelerators.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Electric field signals reveal early warnings for extreme weather, study reveals

Researchers analyzed data from southern Israel to find significant electric field changes during heavy precipitation, suggesting early indicators for extreme weather. The study highlights the potential of incorporating electric field observations into weather monitoring systems for enhanced nowcasting capabilities.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAtmospheric Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2024

Spin current observations from organic semiconductor side

A team at Osaka Metropolitan University has designed a multilayer device to investigate spin currents, using an organic semiconductor material with a long spin relaxation time. This allows direct observation of phenomena due to spin current generation and enables researchers to gain deeper insights into the properties of spin currents.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Large-scale programmable logic array achieves complex computations

Researchers developed a large-scale optical programmable logic array that can execute complex models like Conway's Game of Life, marking a significant advancement in optical computing. The array uses parallel spectrum modulation to achieve an 8-input system, significantly expanding the capabilities of optical logic operations.

Solving computationally hard problems with 3D integrated photonics

Researchers have developed a reconfigurable three-dimensional integrated photonic processor specifically designed to tackle the subset sum problem, a classic NP-complete challenge. The processor operates by allowing photons in a light beam to explore all possible paths simultaneously, providing answers in parallel and demonstrating hig...

Building better solar cells: assembly of 2D molecular structures with triptycene scaffold

Scientists developed a streamlined approach to assemble 2D molecular structures using a supramolecular scaffold, enhancing the efficiency of singlet fission and paving the way for advancements in solar cells. The new method created two distinct 2D self-assembling structures with high quantum yields, outperforming previous designs.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2024

Fluoride-free batteries: Safeguarding the environment and enhancing performance

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a non-fluorinated battery system to comply with environmental regulations and enhance battery performance. The innovative 'APA-LC' system, entirely free of fluorinated compounds, shows improved oxidation stability and higher capacity retention.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 26, 2024

A smoother way to study ‘twistronics’

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new device that can easily twist and study 2D materials, opening up new possibilities for discovering new phases of matter. This innovation uses micro-electromechanical systems to control the twist angle, making it easier to produce unique samples and study their properties.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Gut bioelectricity provides a path for bad bacteria to cause diseases

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that allows Salmonella bacteria to navigate the gut lining and find vulnerable entry points. The study found that Salmonella bacteria detect electric signals in FAE, which helps them move towards openings in the gut where they can enter.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Quantum sensor for the atomic world developed through international scientific collaboration

A groundbreaking quantum sensor capable of detecting minute magnetic fields has been developed through international scientific collaboration. The sensor utilizes a single molecule to sense electric and magnetic properties of atoms, offering spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an angstrom.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

SIAT team investigates nonlinear current response in perovskite X-ray detectors

Researchers proposed a design strategy to mitigate nonlinear responses in polycrystalline metal halide perovskite X-ray detectors, addressing issues like 'delay' and 'ghosting'. The study demonstrated high-resolution X-ray imaging with suppressed ghosting contrast and top sensitivity for similar X-ray energies among polycrystalline per...

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 24, 2024

Aluminum scandium nitride films: Enabling next-gen ferroelectric memory devices

Researchers have discovered aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) films that remain stable and maintain their ferroelectric properties at temperatures up to 600°C, making them promising candidates for next-generation ferroelectric memory devices. The films exhibit a high remnant polarization value and only a slight increase in coercive fie...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

SLAC’s high-speed electron camera uncovers a new ‘light-twisting’ behavior in an ultrathin material

Researchers discovered a promising approach to manipulating light in an ultrathin material that could be useful for devices like LEDs and medical imaging. The study used SLAC's world-leading instrument to visualize the electric and magnetic fields of terahertz pulses, indicating circular polarization in the material.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2024

Controlling ion transport for a blue energy future

A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024