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Magnetic cellular 'Legos' for the regenerative medicine of the future

Scientists successfully aggregate cells using only magnets without an external matrix, forming a deformable tissue that can be stretched or compressed at will. This breakthrough approach could revolutionize regenerative medicine by providing a powerful tool for biophysical studies and tissue engineering.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 12, 2017

Reality check for 'wonder material'

Researchers investigated the surface states and bulk material of topological insulators, finding that a considerable part of charge transport occurred in the bulk phase, not just at the surface. The imperfect crystal structure was found to be the reason for this, with freely moving electrons generating electric current in the bulk.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 27, 2017

Magnets, all the way down!

Assemblies of metallic nanoparticles behave like bulk magnets, displaying intriguing shape-dependent behavior that could improve high-density information storage technologies. The structures' magnetic behavior is influenced only by the shape of the assemblies, revealing a single bulk ferromagnet.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 13, 2017

Physicists develop ultrathin superconducting film

Researchers at Saarland University create a flexible, ultra-thin superconducting film with potential applications in space technology and medical devices. The material can screen electromagnetic fields and levitate magnets, making it ideal for applications where weight is an issue.

SourceSaarland University·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateApr 6, 2017

Researchers watch biomolecules at work

Scientists at the University of Bonn have successfully observed an important cell protein in action using a novel method that measures structural changes within complex molecules. This breakthrough allows researchers to elucidate cellular processes in their natural environment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 9, 2016

3-D-printed magnets

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to produce permanent magnets using a 3D printer, enabling precise customization of magnetic fields. The process involves depositing tiny magnetic particles into a polymer matrix, which is then exposed to a strong external magnetic field to create a permanent magnet.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 25, 2016

Quantum drag

Researchers found that a magnetic current flowing through one iron sheet can create quantized spin waves in another separate sheet, without physical connection. This phenomenon has potential benefits for emerging spintronics technology.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2016

Physicists discover flaws in superconductor theory

Researchers discovered significant deviations from the Critical State Model, revealing unexpected behavior favorable for practical applications. The study suggests using 'trapped field magnets' in various new ways and applications, including replacing expensive low-temperature superconducting magnets with more affordable alternatives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 8, 2016

Discovered a new magnet

A new magnet has been discovered that can control Dirac fermions with zero mass. The researchers found that applying a magnetic field perpendicularly to the layers suppressed conductivity by 1000 percent and confined Dirac electrons, leading to a bulk half-integer quantum Hall effect.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 29, 2016

Twisting magnets enhance data storage capacity

Researchers successfully experimented with chiral magnetic materials that show a unique magnetic twisting effect triggered by weak external magnetic fields. This leads to the development of new types of magnetic memories with unprecedented storage capacities, up to 10 million times larger than conventional magnetic storage memory devices.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 11, 2016

Using nanoparticles to combat arteriosclerosis

A team of researchers developed a method for guiding replacement cells to diseased vascular segments using nanoparticles, which demonstrated promising results in mice. The fresh cells exert their curative effect in these segments by producing nitric oxide and regulating blood vessel expansion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 6, 2016

Nonmagnetic elements form unique magnet

Researchers created the material by combining titanium and gold, resulting in an unusual magnetic property. The discovery of TiAu has significant implications for understanding magnetism and its applications, particularly in studying phase transitions at absolute zero.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2015

Researchers synthesize magnetic nanoparticles that could offer alternative to rare Earth magnets

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have synthesized a powerful new magnetic material containing iron, cobalt, and carbon atoms, which can store information up to 790 kelvins. This material has long-range magnetic order and rivals the properties of permanent magnets, potentially reducing dependence on rare earth elements.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 1, 2015