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Magnetic fields boost clean energy

EPFL researchers have developed a novel approach to boost electrocatalysis using magnetic fields, enhancing the movement of reactants and improving reaction efficiency. This innovation has significant potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies and increase sustainable fuel production, mitigating climate change.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

New image of the center of our Milky Way: Spiral magnetic fields surround black hole Sagittarius A*

Researchers analyze data from another series of observations to study Sgr A*, finding that strong and ordered magnetic fields are critical to how black holes interact with gas and matter around them. The discovery enhances theoretical models and simulations, refining our understanding of black hole dynamics near the event horizon.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2024

Innovative magnetic levitation: New material offers potential for unlocking gravity-free technology

Researchers at OIST create a floating platform using graphite and magnets that operates without external power, opening potential for ultra-sensitive sensors and precision measurements. The new material, derived from graphite, overcomes energy loss challenges, allowing the platform to achieve 'frictionless' motion.

Tests show high-temperature superconducting magnets are ready for fusion

Researchers at MIT and Commonwealth Fusion Systems confirm their high-temperature superconducting magnet design meets the criteria for a compact fusion power plant. The successful test marks a significant milestone in fusion research, with the potential to usher in an era of virtually limitless power production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity·DateMar 4, 2024

Quantum films on plastic

A research team has discovered a material that exhibits non-linear Hall effect, which could be applied in technologies for controlled use of terahertz high-frequency signals on electronic chips. The thin-layer films can be applied to plastic substrates and control the effect through micro-fabrication.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Metal scar found on cannibal star

Researchers have discovered a unique signature of planetary material ingestion on the surface of a white dwarf star, WD 0816-310. The team observed a concentration of metals imprinted on the star's surface, indicating that the magnetic field played a key role in this process.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 26, 2024

Tracking unconventional superconductivity

Researchers at HZDR have discovered a new superconductor that remains stable under extremely high magnetic fields. This breakthrough offers potential for groundbreaking technological advancements. The material, UTe2, exhibits spin-triplet superconductivity and can withstand magnetic fields up to 73 tesla, setting a record.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Our surprising magnetic galaxy

A team of astronomers created the first-ever 3D map of magnetic field structures within a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy, showing that magnetic fields break away from the general picture and impact star-forming regions. The findings suggest that magnetic fields played a role in creating our own solar system.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2024

When is an aurora not an aurora?

Researchers propose that parallel electric fields in the upper atmosphere could produce the colorful emissions of Steve and the picket fence. This unusual process has implications for understanding energy flow between Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2023

Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon, graphene, using terahertz pulses. The graphene discs briefly turned into strong magnets, with magnetic fields in the range of 0.5 Tesla, and showed promise for developing future magnetic switches and storage devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Atomic dance gives rise to a magnet

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

New quantum effect demonstrated for the first time: Spinaron, a rugby in a ball pit

Scientists at the University of Würzburg validated an alternate theory proposing the spinaron effect, where individual cobalt atoms exhibit perpetual motion and interact with electrons in a unique manner. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in magnetic information encoding and transportation, making IT more energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

Scientists discover molten layer covering Martian core

Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Removal of magnetic spacecraft contamination within extraterrestrial samples easily carried out, researchers say

Scientists have found that magnetic contamination in lunar samples can be easily removed using standard techniques, disproving previous theories. The study's findings suggest that paleomagnetism is a powerful tool for understanding core processes and planetary evolution, enabling the long-term preservation of atmospheres.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 11, 2023

Electrons take flight at the nanoscale

A new device design inspires improved integrated circuit designs by visualizing electric current flow lines around sharp bends. The research enables better understanding of heat generation in electronic devices, leading to more efficient circuit creation and reduced risk of overheating.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2023

Unprecedented gamma-ray burst explained by long-lived jet

A team of astrophysicists at Northwestern University has successfully simulated the process of a black hole-neutron star merger, which is believed to have produced the unprecedented gamma-ray burst GRB211211A. The simulation reveals that the post-merger black hole launches jets of material from the swallowed neutron star.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 31, 2023

New type of star gives clues to mysterious origin of magnetars

Researchers have uncovered a living star, HD 45166, that is likely to become a magnetar, marking the discovery of a new type of astronomical object - massive magnetic helium stars. The star has an incredibly strong magnetic field, 43,000 gauss, and will end its life as a compact core with a magnetic field of around 100 trillion gauss.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2023

High-temperature superconducting large-current conductor with simple stacking

Scientists at NIFS have created a stable and strong High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) large-current conductor, named STARS, that can be applied to fusion reactors. The new conductor overcomes challenges in twisting and transposing thin wires, achieving higher current densities than Low-Temperature Superconductors.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Physics Conference Series·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023

Current takes a surprising path in quantum material

Researchers discovered that electrons flow through the bulk of a special type of insulator, rather than at the edges, using magnetic imaging. This finding provides new insights into electron behavior in quantum Hall insulators and informs the development of topological materials for next-generation quantum devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 3, 2023

A quick look inside a human being

A team of physicists and medical doctors developed a portable Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) scanner that can visualize dynamic processes in the human body, such as blood flow, without using radiation. The scanner is designed for real-time endovascular interventions and has the potential to change the field of intervention.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

Going the distance for better wireless charging

A better way to wirelessly charge over long distances has been developed, utilizing the phenomenon of radiation suppression. The research shows high transfer efficiency, over 80 percent, can be achieved at distances approximately five times the size of the antenna.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 21, 2023

Two-faced star exposed

Astronomers have discovered a white dwarf star with drastically different faces, composed of hydrogen on one side and helium on the other. The team believes magnetic fields may be responsible for the asymmetric sides, allowing a 'hydrogen ocean' to form where the fields are strongest.

Astronomers discover striking evidence of ‘unusual’ stellar evolution

Researchers from Ohio State University found that some low-mass stars have unexpectedly strong surface magnetic fields, which could intensify their radiation for billions of years. This discovery challenges current models of stellar evolution and has important implications for the search for life on other planets.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2023