Articles tagged with Hardness
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.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
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.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
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.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered that monolithic biochar can achieve exceptional strength and durability, comparable to mild steel. The study found strong correlations between hardness, bulk density, and carbon content, providing a quantitative foundation for tailoring biochar's performance.
Researchers use a combination of materials science and human genetics to map out the properties of enamel and dentin development in mouse incisors. Their methodology has the potential to provide new insights into identifying and treating rare craniofacial diseases and common dental cavities.
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.
Researchers developed a novel anode material combining hard carbon with tin, enhancing energy storage and stability. The composite structure shows excellent performance in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, promising applications in electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage.
A new artificial intelligence-based method detects genetic markers of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatments. The method, called Group Association Model, uses machine learning to identify key mutations linked to drug resistance, reducing false positives and misdiagnoses.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
The ISS National Lab's new podcast, 'Between a Rocket & a Hard Space', offers exclusive insights from scientists, engineers, and visionaries on the future of space research. The first episode explores the groundbreaking science happening on the International Space Station, including its impact on medicine, technology, and industry.
A study published in the International Journal of Manpower found that offering paid time off (PTO) significantly reduces the likelihood of employees quitting their jobs, with a greater reduction for men. PTO does not affect job satisfaction, which independently reduces turnover by 30-40%. Flexible scheduling also reduces turnover, but ...
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed sapphire-based nanostructures with self-cleaning capabilities, repelling fog, dust, and glare. These nanostructures maintain a high level of durability and performance while being mechanically robust and multifunctional.
Researchers developed a durable de-icing surface inspired by human skin's layered structure, achieving exceptional performance with low ice adhesion strength. The surface design creates extensive wrinkling at the ice-substrate interface, allowing ice to shed under its own weight without external energy inputs.
Scientists have clarified the conditions under which large numbers of 'squishy' grains, similar to those found in biological tissues, undergo a yielding transition from solid-like to fluid-like behavior. The findings provide insights into the roles of mechanical and biochemical processes in biological systems.
A study led by WVU epidemiologist Bethany Barone Gibbs found that alternating sitting and standing at work reduces sedentary behavior but has no effect on lowering blood pressure. Prolonged static standing may even have negative effects on cardiovascular health due to a physiological mechanism called the muscle pump.
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...
Glassy gels are a new class of materials that combine the properties of glassy polymers and gels, with unique characteristics including high elasticity and adhesive surfaces. The materials were created by mixing liquid precursors with an ionic liquid, resulting in a hard yet stretchable material.
A WPI researcher has received a CAREER Award to develop new technologies to monitor and protect computer chips from malicious attacks. The project aims to create better metrics to verify the integrity of components and advance understanding of side-channel attacks.
Researchers from the University of Bath have created a deformable screen called DeformIO, which can be deformed through finger pressure. The surface becomes softer or stiffer in direct response to force applied, allowing users to interact with digital objects in a more tactile way.
Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.
A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...
A recent study found that eating fortified eggs had no adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels and may even have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Subgroup analyses revealed potential benefits among older adults and those with diabetes.
For the first time, astronomers have measured the speed of fast-moving jets in space, crucial to star formation and the distribution of elements needed for life. The jets of matter, expelled by stars deemed 'cosmic cannibals', were found to travel at over one-third of the speed of light.
Researchers from Tsinghua University propose a novel process to convert cutting chips into unique microstructures, transforming waste into valuable materials. The finding has potential applications in enhanced heat transfer, anti-icing, and antibacterial properties.
Researchers discovered controlled storage affects rice's physicochemical properties, including gelatinization degree and water absorption capacity. The study suggests optimal temperatures can enhance cooked rice quality, offering farmers a practical strategy to minimize pest contamination risks.
A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.
Researchers at TU Delft have discovered amorphous silicon carbide, a material with exceptional strength and scalability, making it suitable for ultra-sensitive microchip sensors. Its tensile strength of 10 GPa is unprecedented in materials science.
Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.
Researchers developed a groundbreaking soft valve technology that integrates sensors and control valves into soft robots, eliminating the need for electric components. This innovation enables safe operation underwater or in environments with sparks risks, reducing weight burdens and costs.
Researchers created a nanocomposite of hexagonal and cubic boron nitride, which exhibits unexpected thermal and optical properties. The composite's low thermal conductivity makes it suitable for heat-insulating electronic devices, while its second-harmonic generation property is larger than expected after heating.
Washington State University engineers have created a way to 3D-print two types of steel in the same circular layer using two welding machines. The resulting bimetallic material proved stronger than either metal alone due to pressure caused between the metals as they cool together.
A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.
Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.
The study reveals hydrated salts can lose their facets and become soft when slowly dissolved in humid air, exhibiting liquid-like molecular mobility at their surfaces. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of crystal formation and behavior.
A model predicting oxygen levels in freshwater streams, developed by WVU researcher Omar Abdul-Aziz, helps determine stream pollution and health. The tool allows citizen scientists to take action on stream pollution, with potential applications for implementing the Clean Water Act.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered tiny magnetic vortices called skyrmions that could store data in computers, promising 100-1000 times better energy efficiency than current memory. The team used AI and a high-power electron microscope to visualize and study the behavior of these micro-scale magnetic structures.
Researchers have discovered a way to create ductile ceramics that can exhibit ultimate strength of up to 11 GPa, potentially leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced material usage. However, further studies are needed to scale up the process and apply it to larger materials.
Researchers probed local structure and magnetic properties of a Mn-rich Cantor alloy using EXAFS and XMCD techniques. The results show complex magnetic ordering with coexistence of different phases, consistent with macroscopic behavior.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a semicrystalline polymer that combines strength and flexibility, overcoming challenges of mixed materials in robotics and electronics. The new material is 10 times as tough as natural rubber and can be controlled with light.
A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.
Scientists at Duke University have engineered materials capable of producing tunable plasmonic properties while withstand extremely high temperatures. The new high-entropy carbides can achieve improved communications and thermal regulation in aerospace technologies, including satellites and hypersonic aircraft.
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
Researchers at Washington State University have created hexagonal diamonds using sound waves, finding them stiffer than natural cubic diamonds. The discovery could lead to the development of superior materials for machining and drilling, potentially replacing traditional diamond in these industries.
This study evaluated the setting behavior of two bioceramic materials under different environmental conditions. The results showed that MTA Angelus exhibited significantly higher hardness values compared to NeoMTA Plus, regardless of wet or dry conditions.
Researchers have successfully created a stable armchair-like hexazine N6 ring in tungsten hexanitride under high-pressure conditions. The compound, WN6, exhibits exceptional hardness and toughness, making it a promising candidate for high-energy-density materials.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model that predicts the hardness of new materials based on their chemical composition, finding over 10 promising borocarbide phases. The model's accuracy surpasses classical methods, enabling scientists to more efficiently discover suitable compounds for various applications.
A new study from North Carolina State University has developed a fast and efficient radiation detector using single-crystal gallium oxide. The detector can monitor X-ray radiation in near-real time, making it suitable for applications such as medical imaging and security.
Researchers at UAB create novel boron-rich boron-carbide material with 37% the hardness of cubic diamond, showing promise for applications under extreme conditions. The new material has a chemical formula B50C2, chemically stable and acting as an insulator.
Researchers identified 43 previously unknown forms of superhard carbon, including structures with fragments of diamond and lonsdaleite. The study uses computational techniques and machine learning to accelerate material development, predicting properties such as hardness.
Researchers have created a predictive model to guide the synthesis of new materials that are tough enough for the mining and space industries. The 'Mendelevian search' algorithm considers all possible combinations of elements in the periodic table, resulting in highly accurate predictions of material properties.
Researchers successfully synthesized nanotwinned cubic boron nitride (nt-cBN) and nanotwinned diamond (nt-diamond) using onion-like boron nitride (oBN) precursors. The size change of oBN precursor results in distinct microstructures, leading to significant alteration of microstructure and performance in the produced materials.
Researchers successfully predicted a non-metallic nitrogen-rich tungsten nitride, h-WN6, with exceptional hardness (57 GPa) and thermal stability. The material exhibits high energy density, making it a potential candidate for advanced applications.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique to measure the hardness of living tissues, which can influence organ formation during development. The method combines physical modeling and statistical estimation to estimate tissue hardness based on cell population deformation and mechanical forces applied to the tissue.
Researchers have discovered a way to make diamonds flexible by etching tiny needles from artificial diamond films, achieving strains up to 9% and surpassing theoretical limits. The development holds implications for bioimaging, biosensing, and ultra-strength nanostructures, as well as optomechanical devices.
The GelSight sensor uses physical contact to provide a detailed 3-D map of an object's surface, enabling robots to judge the hardness of surfaces they touch. Researchers also use it to enable robots to manipulate smaller objects than previously possible.
Researchers have created a titanium-gold alloy that is four times harder than most steels, making it an ideal material for artificial knee and hip joints. The alloy's improved hardness and biocompatibility are due to its unique crystal structure, which is resistant to wear and tear.
Research suggests that high levels of water hardness in homes may be linked to the development of eczema in early infancy. Living in a hard water area was associated with an up to 87% increased risk of eczema at three months of age, independent of domestic water chlorine content.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully controlled the introduction of amino acids to pure calcite, increasing its hardness to values equivalent to biogenic calcite. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for creating stronger calcite systems and has significant implications for various applications.
Researchers have presented new unconditional hardness results for dynamic and online problems, including matrix-vector multiplication and Patrascu's Multiphase Problem. These findings prove the existence of problems that are provably hard to solve, offering significant advancements in computer science.
Researchers discovered that female parasitic fig wasps possess zinc-tipped ovipositor drill bits, allowing them to efficiently navigate and lay eggs within the fruit's woody interior. The drill bit's hardness and wear resistance were found to be remarkable, comparable to dental implants.
The NRL research team has developed a method to fabricate nanocrystalline spinel that is 50% harder than current spinel armor materials, offering improved protection and weight savings. The new material demonstrates increased hardness even at extremely small grain sizes, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
Researchers have developed a new machine that measures a material's hardness with unprecedented accuracy. The Precision Nanoindentation Platform (PNP) can test properties beyond the reach of previous devices, including viscoelastic creep.
Engineers at MIT validate the scratch test as a simple method to assess a material's fracture properties. By analyzing the force and dimensions of scratches, researchers can determine a material's toughness, making it a valuable tool for understanding how materials break.