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Molecule snapshot by explosion

Researchers at the European XFEL facility have taken pictures of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules at atomic resolution using ultra-bright X-ray pulses. The images were reconstructed from the fragments caused by a Coulomb explosion, providing unprecedented clarity for this method and molecule size.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Boxing up molecular machines

A team of scientists successfully constructed a supramolecular rotor inside a hollow cube-shaped zinc(II)-metallated porphyrinic cage (Zn-PB) molecule. The addition of a chemical stimulant initiates both rotary and tumbling motions, controlled by external stimuli.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022

On-water creation of conducting MOF nanosheets

Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University developed a novel method for creating uniform, electrically conductive nanosheets using oil and water interfaces. The approach resulted in highly organized three-dimensional nanostructures with high electrical conductivity, offering potential applications in energy devices and sensors.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2021

Atom by atom: Scientists simulate a step in hepatitis B viral infection to help develop therapies targeted at capsid disassembly

Researchers successfully simulated the capsid disassembly step of hepatitis B viral infection at an unprecedented atomic level, identifying specific regions of the capsid protein that contribute to breakage. This high-accuracy simulation can help design drugs to interrupt these processes and prevent chronic infection.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2021

Understanding a nanomuscle

Researchers at Kanazawa University have made significant progress in understanding the constriction mechanism of dynamin, a protein involved in endocytosis. By combining experiments and simulations, they found that the nanomuscle's motion resembles a ratchet motor, generating enough force to cut off vesicles from cell membranes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2021

Environment turns molecule into a switch

Physicists from the University of Würzburg have successfully manipulated a molecule into two stable states by controlling its environment using an electrical field. This breakthrough could enable the creation of molecular switches for spintronics applications, a promising technology for future data processing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·DateNov 26, 2018

Sensing interactions between molecules

Physicists and chemists at the University of Münster have developed a microscopic method to image organic molecules with exceptional resolution. The technique uses an atomically defined probe tip that greatly increases imaging resolution by reducing undesired interaction between atoms.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 11, 2018

How water can split into two liquids below zero

Researchers confirmed a theoretical possibility of dual liquid states in sub-zero water and other tetrahedral molecules. A study using DNA origami and simulation revealed that such structures could exhibit a high-density and low-density liquid phase, separated by an empty lattice.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 25, 2017

Fixing deficits in boundary plasma models

Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility have successfully reproduced radiation patterns in simulations, providing a breakthrough in fusion research. By eliminating molecular physics and accurately accounting for divertor plasma parameters, researchers have made significant progress towards designing radiating exhaust solutions.

Physicists shatter stubborn mystery of how glass forms

Scientists have described the molecular-level process of glass formation, combining two decades-old theories to predict bulk behavior, surface flow, and the elusive glass transition. The new theory has implications for developing nanomaterials with conductive properties and calculating pharmaceutical uptake.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

Yale's cool molecules

Yale physicists have successfully cooled strontium monofluoride to near absolute zero using magneto-optical trapping, enabling new research in quantum chemistry and particle physics. The discovery opens doors for experimentation in precision measurement, quantum simulation, ultracold chemistry, and tests of the standard model.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2014

Nature: Elementary physics in a single molecule

A team of physicists has successfully demonstrated magnetism within a single molecule. By applying voltage, researchers were able to switch the magnetic state on and off, reproducing elementary physics in a single molecule. This discovery provides new insights into magnetism as an elementary phenomenon of physics.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2013

Great expectations

Researchers outline challenges and potential solutions for synthetic molecular machines to fulfill their promise. The team proposes using metal-organic frameworks to organize molecular switches spatially and temporally.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChemical Society Reviews·DateNov 25, 2011

Growing geodesic carbon nanodomes

Graphene nanodomes, formed by concentric rings of carbon atoms, offer new insight into graphene growth and potential methods for assembling components of graphene-based computer circuits. The discovery enables varying the size of the carbon domes from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers across.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 12, 2009

Cracking a controversial solid state mystery

Scientists at the University of Nottingham and the University of California, Berkeley have provided evidence for a new kind of sudden transition between liquid and solid glass. This transformation occurs when molecules are viewed in both space and time, guiding towards methods for producing stronger and longer-lasting glass.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience·DateFeb 6, 2009