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International study identify the process of rock formed by meteors or nuclear blasts

Researchers from Brazil, China, and Italy developed a model to map the phases of coesite formation, a polymorph of silica that occurs under high pressure. The study uses atomic computer simulation to describe the interactions among atoms and the transformations resulting from pressure changes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2018

The quantum dance of oxygen

Researchers have identified a new phase of oxygen with unprecedented characteristics, including the formation of quartet molecules that exhibit a 'quantum dance' at high pressures. This phenomenon leads to fluctuating magnetic properties in one phase and loss of magnetism in another.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2014

3-dimensional carbon goes metallic

Researchers have discovered a new metallic structure of carbon that is stable at ambient temperature and pressure. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in materials science and technology, including the development of lightweight metals for space applications.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2013

High-pressure science gets super-sized

Scientists have developed a way to generate super-high pressures without using shock waves, allowing them to study materials at conditions corresponding to the core of gas giant planets. This breakthrough could lead to new revelations about how the Earth evolved and how iron functions at extremes.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2012

Under pressure: Germanium

Researchers discovered germanium undergoes structural changes to become metallic under high pressure, exhibiting superconductivity caused by phonons. The findings matched theoretical predictions, confirming the element's potential applications in electronics and materials science.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 2011

Metal hydrides for high temperature superconductivity

A team of scientists has discovered a general trend in the behavior of metal hydrides ScH3, YH3, and LaH3, finding that superconducting states are strongest when materials are weakest. The researchers also found differences between the three metal hydrides, with a secondary superconducting phase present in YH3 but absent in ScH3 and LaH3.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2010

Study shows why sporting heroes should thank their friends

A study by the University of Exeter found that social support from friends and family significantly improves sports performance, particularly under stress. The researchers discovered that athletes with high levels of support maintained good performance even when experiencing personal problems or playing under pressure.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateMar 3, 2009

An impossible alloy now possible

Researchers at Uppsala University have successfully formed a substitutional alloy between Cerium and Aluminium under high pressure, defying previous limitations on element compatibility. The discovery opens up possibilities for creating new alloys with unique mechanical, electronic, and magnetic properties.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2009

Geoscience converges under pressure

Researchers have created conditions similar to those inside the Earth to study its inner workings. The study provides new insights into the planet's materials and processes under high pressure, revealing surprising findings about the D'' layer near the core.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2007

Common microbes survive pressures equal to those found at 50 kilometers inside the Earth’s crust

Researchers use diamond anvil cells to test bacteria's survival under extreme pressure, finding they can withstand conditions similar to deep ocean trenches and the deep crust. The study's findings raise questions about the impact of pressure on life's evolution and expand our understanding of potential habitable niches beyond Earth.