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Diamond owl swoops in with new method to keep electronics cool

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to grow patterned diamond surfaces that can decrease operating temperatures in electronics. This approach uses microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition to create ordered layers of diamond crystals on substrates, allowing for controlled seed placement and scalable growth.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Biochar reimagined: Scientists unlock record-breaking strength in wood-derived carbon

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.

What ever-growing incisors can teach us about genetic disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2025

Introducing 'Between a Rocket & a Hard Space': the ISS National Lab’s new podcast exploring the future of space innovation

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.

Offering paid time off dramatically cuts odds of employees quitting their jobs

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 ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Manpower·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 25, 2025

Researchers uncover what makes large numbers of “squishy” grains start flowing

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.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

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...

What is "time" for quantum particles?

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.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Taking electroretinography to the next level with a soft multi-electrode system

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...

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Rice storage under controlled conditions: Changes in its physicochemical and functional 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.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalJournal of Stored Products Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

Exposure to soft robots decreases human fears about working with them

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateDec 5, 2023

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

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.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023

UVA-led discovery challenges 30-year-old dogma in associative polymers research

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Numerical simulation of materials-oriented ultra-precision diamond cutting: Review and outlook

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.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023

A crystal – but not as we know it

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.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2023

What if ceramics were ductile?

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.

SourceTampere University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic hurt academic experience for African international students, MU study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Finding alternatives to diamonds for drilling

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 23, 2019

Hard water linked to risk of eczema in infants

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 18, 2016

Hardness, in depth

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 30, 2013