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Researchers find superconductors can carry magnetic information to much longer distances than conventional metals

The study reveals that superconductors can transmit spin currents between magnets, allowing for controlled magnetic interactions and modifying the magnetic response. This breakthrough enables new approaches to information processing using magnetic materials at low temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2022

On the edge

Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered a new magnetic phenomenon called edge magnetism, where materials only retain magnetism on their edge. This discovery could revolutionize the production of spintronics devices, enabling the creation of ultra-thin wire magnets with curved shapes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNano Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2022

Engineers develop a ‘magnetic tentacle robot’ to pass into the narrow tubes of the lung

A team of engineers and scientists has developed a proof-of-concept for a magnetic tentacle robot that can navigate the narrow tubes of the lung, enabling doctors to take tissue samples or deliver cancer therapy. The device measures just 2 millimeters in diameter and uses an autonomous magnetic guidance system to guide it into place.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeCase study·DateMar 21, 2022

Touch sensitive brain cells controlled by micromagnets

Researchers at UCL have created a technique called magnetomechanical stimulation that uses microscopic magnetic particles to control touch-sensitive brain glial cells. This allows for precise and remote activation of astrocytes, providing a new tool for understanding their function and potential treatment of neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Evidence for exotic magnetic phase of matter

Researchers discovered a novel type of magnet, the antiferromagnetic excitonic insulator, which involves strong magnetic attraction between electrons in a layered material. The new state emerges when electrons form bound pairs with holes and trigger an antiferromagnetic alignment of adjacent electron spins.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Strong magnets put new twist on phonons

Rice University scientists discovered that strong magnetic fields can manipulate the material's optical phonon mode, a phenomenon previously unseen. The effects were much stronger than expected by theory, revealing a new way of controlling phonons.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Success in efficient fabrication of high-performance neodymium magnets using machine learning

Researchers at NIMS successfully fabricated high-performance neodymium magnets using machine learning, optimizing processing conditions with limited experimental data. By leveraging active learning and Bayesian optimization, they were able to achieve better magnetic properties than conventional sintered magnets.

Harvard-led researchers document the presence of quantum spin liquids, a never-before-seen state of matter

Researchers at Harvard have successfully observed quantum spin liquids, a previously unseen state of matter that has been elusive for nearly 50 years. By manipulating ultracold atoms in a programmable quantum simulator, the team was able to create and study this exotic state, which holds promise for advancing quantum technologies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Waste of space

Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate orbiting debris with spinning magnets, allowing for gentler maneuvering and potential repair of malfunctioning objects. The technology has the potential to help clear space junk from Earth's orbit and extend the life of satellites.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2021

Children’s ingestion of tiny magnets, button batteries increased significantly during pandemic, new research shows

A recent study has found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in cases of children ingesting small magnets and button batteries, which can cause serious harm or even death. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that emergency departments saw a higher proportion of battery and magnet ingestions during the pandemic.

Story tips: Carbon goes to space, cybersecurity put to the test, fusion’s power trip, cost-cutting controls and fungal infusion

Researchers have developed a novel process to manufacture extreme heat-resistant carbon-carbon composites, which will be tested on a U.S. Navy rocket launching with NASA this fall. Additionally, they created a technology that more realistically emulates user activities to improve cyber testbeds and prevent cyberattacks.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

Shining light on two-dimensional magnets

A team of researchers has successfully controlled the magnetic state of two-dimensional van der Waals magnets using light, enabling efficient data storage and fast data processing. By inducing 'magnetic anisotropy' with ultrashort pulses of light, the scientists can manipulate the material's magnetic properties on demand.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 2, 2021

Researchers develop magnetic thin film for spin-thermoelectric energy conversion

A new class of magnetic materials has been introduced for spin caloritronics, paving the way for versatile recycling of ubiquitous waste heat. The developed molecule-based magnet exhibits low thermal conductivity and efficient magnon excitations, making it an attractive alternative for energy harvesting from waste heat.

Calls to poison centers about high-powered magnets increased by 444% after ban lifted

A recent study found a significant increase in high-powered magnet-related injuries in children after the ban was lifted, with cases increasing by 355% and hospitalizations rising by 39%. The study calls for stricter regulations on these products to protect children and emphasizes the importance of keeping them out of reach of young ones

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 15, 2021

Novel public-private partnership facilitates development of fusion energy

Researchers at PPPL and Commonwealth Fusion Systems successfully simulated particle confinement in the SPARC tokamak device, crucial for achieving commercial fusion energy. The study predicts well-confined alpha particles will minimize damage to the facility, paving the way for plasma self-heating and improved techniques for control.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalJournal of Plasma Physics·DateDec 30, 2020

Magnetic vortices come full circle

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute report the discovery of three-dimensional magnetic 'vortex rings' within a tiny pillar made of gadolinium cobalt. These structures, consisting of doughnut-shaped vortices, provide fundamental insight into intricate nanoscale structures inside bulk magnets.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 30, 2020