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Sepiolite: a new component suitable for 380 km/h high-speed rail brake pads

Researchers developed a new component, sepiolite, to improve braking effectiveness in high-speed rail brakes. Sepiolite exhibits high-temperature lubricity, weakening bonds between its layered structures, and accelerates the formation of a surface lubricating film, providing stable friction at high temperatures.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

Blueprints of self-assembly

Scientists at Arizona State University develop a new simulation method to predict and guide the self-assembly process, creating tiny, self-assembled crystals with unique optical properties. This breakthrough advances technologies in computer science, materials science, medical diagnostics, and more.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

UTA scientists test for quantum nature of gravity

Researchers at UTA used ultra-high energy neutrino particles to search for signatures of quantum gravity, but found no evidence of expected quantum gravitational effects. This non-observation represents a powerful statement about the still-unknown physics operating at the interface of quantum physics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024

Dual-beamline photoelectron momentum microscopy upgrade revolutionizes valence orbital analysis

Researchers upgraded a photoelectron momentum microscope to use two undulator beamlines, enabling element-selective measurements and precise analyses of valence orbitals. This innovation provides deeper insights into the behavior of electrons in materials, advancing fields like condensed matter physics and materials science.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

A reliable and efficient computational method for finding transition states in chemical reactions

Researchers have developed a reliable and efficient computational method to find transition states in chemical reactions, reducing computational costs by 50-70%. The new method outperforms existing methods like Nudged Elastic Band (NEB), achieving high accuracy in identifying transition states in 98% of cases.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2024

Molecular orientation is key: shining new light on electron behavior using 2-photon photoemission spectroscopy

Scientists observed dynamic electronic behavior and surface structure of triphenylene molecules deposited on graphite substrates, revealing a standing-up configuration. The study contributes to the development of new luminescent materials and functional organic electronic devices.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Optical frequency combs make ultraviolet spectroscopy more sensitive and more precise

Researchers at Max Born Institute have successfully implemented high-resolution linear-absorption dual-comb spectroscopy in the ultraviolet spectral range. This breakthrough enables experiments under low-light conditions, paving the way for novel applications in precision spectroscopy and biomedical sensing.

2D Janus materials could harvest abundant hydrogen fuel

Researchers have discovered four new 2D Janus materials that can catalyse the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen with excellent stability and light absorption. These materials, which are well-suited for redox reactions, could be a key element in the global effort to eliminate carbon emissions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 23, 2023

Nanofluidic devices offer solutions for studying single molecule chemical reactions

Researchers have developed nanofluidic devices to study single molecule chemical reactions in solution. These devices provide a test tube-like environment to confine individual molecules and enable high temporal resolution for investigating fast single molecule reactions. By integrating various fields using nanofluidics, scientists can...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalTrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 22, 2023

Why icicles are rippled

Researchers found that salt concentration is crucial for icicle ripple formation. With increasing salt levels, ripples become stronger and more visible. This discovery explains the rippled patterns on gutters and car bumpers during winter.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateFeb 7, 2023

Critical impacts of interfacial water on C–H activation in photocatalytic methane conversion

Researchers discovered that interfacial water promotes non-thermal C-H activation by abstracting hydrogen from methane, improving conversion rates dramatically. This work provides a fundamental basis for designing non-thermal catalytic systems for sustainable methane utilization under ambient conditions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Ultrafast and ultra-sensitive protein detection method allows for ultra-early disease diagnoses

Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have developed a novel protein detection method that allows for ultra-fast and highly sensitive detection of proteins, enabling early disease diagnoses. The method uses light-induced acceleration of antigen-antibody reaction to detect attogram-level proteins within 3 minutes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

Microscopic chains that mimic DNA

Researchers discover circular polycatenanes with properties similar to DNA rings, showcasing a connection between local and global properties. These structures have unique elastic properties and can be used in designing new materials and micro-sensors.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2022

Pushing the boundaries of science

Prof. Katharina Boguslawski and Prof. Piotr Wcisło from Nicolaus Copernicus University have been awarded ERC grants for their ambitious projects, which aim to push the boundaries of knowledge in physics and astronomy. The awards will provide significant funding for research, equipment, and personnel over a period of five years.

Small molecules, giant (surface) potential

Scientists at Kyushu University have developed organic molecules that align in the same direction, creating a 'giant surface potential' when evaporated onto a surface. This alignment leads to a significant electric field, which can improve OLED efficiency and open new routes for realizing devices that convert vibrations into electricity.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

Suitable computational conditions of Adiabatic State Preparation discovered for quantum chemical calculations on a quantum computer

A research group from Osaka Metropolitan University investigates Adiabatic State Preparation (ASP) for efficient electron correlation effects in molecules. They find four key points relevant to ASP's computational conditions, making the method more practical.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2022

Neural networks and ‘ghost’ electrons accurately reconstruct behavior of quantum systems

Physicists have created a way to simulate quantum entanglement between interacting particles using neural networks and fictitious 'ghost' electrons. This approach enables accurate predictions of molecule behavior, which could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceutical development and material design.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022

HKU Laboratory for Space Research put a positive spin on the Buckyball ‘C60’: Its potential for high level ionisation and as the origin for some of the Mysterious Unidentified Infrared Emission Bands seen in the Universe

A team led by Dr SeyedAbdolreza Sadjadi and Professor Quentin Parker from HKU's Laboratory for Space Research identified highly ionised species of C60 fullerene as plausible carriers of some prominent UIE bands. Theoretical mid-infrared signatures of these ionised forms match well with astronomical UIE features, providing a promising d...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2022

Successful development of pentacene derivative that has 100 times more light durability than conventional products

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a pentacene derivative with significantly improved photostability, exceeding 100 times that of existing products. The molecule's planarity and π-electron conjugation are strengthened through the addition of a radical substituent.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Controlling mirror images

Researchers have developed a method to control the rotational states of chiral molecules, allowing for specific separation of enantiomers. By irradiating chiral molecules with UV radiation and microwaves, the team has gained more control over which 'hand' is in which state.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Unravelling tautomeric mixtures: RIXS at BESSY II allows to see clearly

A team of scientists successfully investigated the electronic structure of tautomeric mixtures using inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) at BESSY II. They can now experimentally separate the signal of each individual molecule, providing detailed insight into their functionality and chemical properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

Models for molecules show unexpected physics

A study by Sibani Lisa Biswal and Kedar Joshi shows that magnetically driven colloidal suspensions exhibit behavior consistent with the principles of classical thermodynamics, including vapor pressure, viscosity, and surface tension. The researchers' findings have implications for designing materials with reconfigurable properties.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

New optical tweezers put on the pressure to change color

Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a new technique for controlling the luminescence color of materials using optical tweezers and nanotextured black silicon. The system can change the color of a material in response to changes in light pressure, allowing for fully reversible remote control.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 28, 2022