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New Study: The price tag of phasing-out coal

A new study finds that government plans for coal phase-out around the world include monetary compensation to affected parties, with a total estimated global cost of USD 200 billion. However, if China and India were to adopt similar plans, the cost would skyrocket to over USD 2 trillion. The researchers argue that international finance ...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 13, 2024

Cars as particles

A mathematical model developed by Alexandre Solon and Eric Bertin describes the movement of particles in situations similar to cars on a road or bacteria attracted to a nutrient source. The model identifies conditions that favor traffic jams, including high vehicle density and driver inertia.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

In-situ alloying of NiTiNb shape memory alloys by additive manufacturing

Scientists at Shandong University have created a novel approach to fabricate high-performance NiTiNb shape memory alloys using laser powder bed fusion. The in-situ alloying process yields good mechanical and functional properties, surpassing conventional casting methods. By integrating material synthesis and structure forming, research...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 16, 2024

KAIST researchers developed a novel ultra-low power memory for neuromorphic computing​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel ultra-low power memory device that can replace existing memory or be used in implementing neuromorphic computing. The new phase change memory device consumes 15 times less power than conventional devices, enabling the development of low-cost and energy-efficient artificial intelligence hardware.

Rice research shows promise for advancing quantum networks

Rice University engineers have demonstrated a way to control the optical properties of T centers, paving the way toward leveraging these point defects for building quantum nodes. By embedding a T center in a photonic integrated circuit, they increased the collection efficiency for single photon emission by two orders of magnitude.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

Connecting computers so they can think faster

Researchers at NTNU's Department of Chemistry have developed a method to increase the calculation speed of chemical reactions by 30-40 times. By connecting 20 computers and optimizing data exchange, they achieved this significant improvement, enabling previously impractical calculations to be performed.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2024

Curved post-garnet phase boundary may explain puzzled subducting slabs and upwelling plumes

A team of scientists has precisely determined the temperature dependence of a mantle mineral's phase transition pressure, revealing a curved post-garnet phase boundary that accelerates upwelling plumes and decelerates subduction. This discovery could explain puzzling seismic observations in the upper part of the lower mantle.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

More than a decade after the theory of interdependent networks was introduced, researchers establish the first physics laboratory benchmark for its manifestation

Physicists have developed a controlled system of interdependent superconducting networks, a physical analogy to the interdependent networks involved in the Italy blackout. The study shows that coupled systems exhibit an abrupt transition, while separate networks show a smooth transition, as predicted by the theory.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 1, 2023

Helping construction material manufacturers reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint of heating and cooling homes

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method for incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelope elements, which reduces energy consumption by moderating temperature fluctuations. The process increases the thermal inertia and compressive strength of construction materials while making them more resilien...

SourcePurdue University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateMar 1, 2023

Tame heat with pressure

A Chinese research team has developed a barocaloric thermal battery concept that extracts thermal energy from low-temperature waste heat sources by controlling pressure. The system, materialized in ammonium thiocyanate, releases up to 11 times more heat than the mechanical energy input.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

Researchers: Energy-efficient construction materials work better in colder climates

The study reveals that phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release large amounts of energy, providing a cooling effect in winter and a warming effect in summer. In colder climates, the energy payback period of using PCMs is the shortest, with annual energy savings ranging from 0.24 to 29.84 kWh/m2a.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2023

Watch this person-shaped robot liquify and escape jail, all with the power of magnets

Engineers design miniature robots that can rapidly shift between liquid and solid states, with magnetic properties, to overcome traditional robot limitations. The new material is used to remove foreign objects, deliver drugs, and assemble parts in hard-to-reach spaces, opening up new possibilities for medical and engineering applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

North or south? How the position of sea surface temperature anomalies in the North Pacific can influence the stratospheric polar vortex in the Arctic

A study found that a northward position of North Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies weakens the Arctic stratospheric polar vortex. This weakening can lead to Eurasian cooling and negative surface temperature anomalies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 24, 2023

Towards highly conducting molecular materials with a partially oxidized organic neutral molecule

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a single purely organic neutral molecule with an incomplete oxidation state for the first time. The new molecule exhibits multi-step phase transitions and crossover caused by intra- and intermolecular electronic interactions, leading to unique strongly correlated electron properties.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Scientists reveal the mechanism of temperature-dependent structure evolution during electrocatalyst formation

Scientists reveal phase-transition-temperature-dependent structure evolution process of intermetallic compounds, a crucial step in synthesizing efficient fuel cell electrocatalysts. The research provides a guideline to optimize alloying and ordering processes, leading to improved particle sizes and catalytic activity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2023

A seventeen-year landmark study finds that group meditation decreases US national stress

A seventeen-year study by Maharishi International University found that group meditation decreased multiple stress indicators in the US, resulting in reduced murder rates and improved overall well-being. The study suggests that collective consciousness can create coherence through the unified field level of natural law.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalWorld Journal of Social Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 23, 2022

Unveiling the mechanism of the metal-to-insulator transition in ruthenium phosphide suggests a new way of looking at solids

Researchers at Nagoya University have uncovered the mechanism behind ruthenium phosphide's transition from metal to insulator, revealing a unique crystal structure and molecular bonding. This discovery could lead to the development of faster responding sensors and smart windows that change light transmittance depending on temperature.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 29, 2022

Bringing the Kelvin problem solutions to life with the first-ever polymeric Weaire-Phelan structures

A Japanese research team successfully constructed the first polymeric Weaire-Phelan structure, a previously theoretical form predicted to be the most efficient solution for a century-old tessellation problem. The structure was achieved through a novel polymerization-induced phase separation method.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022

Shanghai Polytechnic University researchers develop new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy

Researchers from Shanghai Polytechnic University developed new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy, demonstrating superior photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity. The study found that the novel PCM microcapsule shells showed a 54.9% photothermal conversion efficiency, significantly higher than non-do...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnergy Storage and Saving·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022