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A new twist on the Einstein problem reveals unexpected physics

Researchers discover diffraction behaviors never seen in conventional quasicrystals using a new type of monotile structure. The team's findings open a new direction for exploring the fusion of quasiperiodic order and chirality, with potential applications in light manipulation and optical devices.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2026

First bulk ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals synthesized without rapid quenching

Researchers develop annealable ferromagnetic icosahedral quasicrystals with unprecedented structural quality, revealing intrinsic magnetic properties and magnetic criticality. The discovery enables the first systematic investigations of quasiperiodic magnetism and magnetic criticality in QCs.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026
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New material design strategy unlocks magnetic tunability in quasicrystal approximants

Researchers develop a method to transform spin-glass-like quasicrystals into ferromagnetic materials with tunable magnetic properties and strong magnetocaloric response. The technique enables expanded electron-to-atom ratios, unlocking new possibilities for designing high-performance magnetic refrigeration materials.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

Superconductors: Amazingly orderly disorder

Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a material called murunskite that combines properties of cuprates and pnictides in unexpected ways. Despite the random arrangement of its atoms, murunskite exhibits surprisingly ordered magnetic properties at high temperatures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Rare crystal shape found to increase the strength of 3D-printed metal

Scientists at NIST discovered a novel aluminum alloy with enhanced strength through quasicrystals, revolutionizing 3D printing. The unique crystal structure breaks the regular pattern of perfect crystals, causing defects that make the metal stronger.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 7, 2025

Crystallizing time

Physicists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a novel phase of matter called a time quasicrystal, which vibrates at precise frequencies over time. The researchers built the quasicrystals inside a diamond chunk using powerful nitrogen beams and microwave pulses.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 17, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Observation of new electric field signals strong potential for assorted devices: new research at City University of Hong Kong

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have observed a new vortex electric field with the potential to enhance electronic, magnetic and optical devices. The discovery enables the creation of quasicrystals with versatile applications in memory stability, computing speed, spintronics and sensing devices.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2024

Aperiodic approximants for relating quasicrystals and modulated structures

Scientists develop locally periodic honeycomb structure with ordered but non-periodic arrangements, exhibiting properties distinct from usual periodic crystals. The study highlights the effectiveness of aperiodic approximants in inducing modulations within self-assembled soft-matter systems.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Researchers discover liquid quasicrystal with dodecagonal tiling pattern

A team of researchers has discovered a liquid quasicrystal with a dodecagonal honeycomb structure, consisting of triangular, square, and trapezoidal cells. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these special structures and offers promising applications in optics and electronics.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Discovering a tunable ferromagnetic quasicrystal with high phase purity

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have discovered a novel gold-gallium-dysprosium quasicrystal that exhibits ferromagnetic properties, tunability and high phase purity. The discovery opens up new frontiers in magnetic materials science, with potential applications in spintronics and magnetic data storage.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Geologist identifies new form of quasicrystal

A new type of manmade quasicrystal created by the first test blast of an atomic bomb has been identified by a UMass Lowell geologist. The substance holds promise for various applications such as bone repair, heat insulation and converting heat to electricity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2021

Quasicrystal from first nuclear detonation

Researchers identified a unique icosahedral quasicrystal in a red trinitite sample from the Trinity test, the first nuclear bomb detonation. The discovery reveals that similar thermodynamic conditions may produce other quasicrystals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 17, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Using sound waves to make patterns that never repeat

Mathematicians and engineers at the University of Utah have developed a method to create quasiperiodic structures using ultrasound waves, which could lead to customizable materials. The researchers created a pattern similar to a Penrose tiling by arranging carbon nanoparticles in an octagonal setup.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2021
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Solid research leads physicists to propose new state of matter

Researchers at UT Dallas suggest a new type of matter that exhibits both zero viscosity and non-periodic structure. Theoretical framework proposes an experimental setup to produce the material, potentially creating a supersolid with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 9, 2018

Superconductivity in an alloy with quasicrystal structure

A team of researchers from Nagoya University has discovered superconductivity in a quasicrystal alloy, which challenges conventional theories. The alloy's properties were found to be similar to those of weak-coupling superconductors, ruling out the role of critical eigenstates.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2018

Engineering team images tiny quasicrystals as they form

Researchers have successfully formed and imaged tiny quasicrystals using silica nanoparticles, revealing a non-periodic yet ordered structure. The team used transmission electron microscopy to capture the growth process, which was influenced by varying concentrations of chemical compounds and mechanical stirring.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2017
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Tiny works of art with great potential

Scientists at TUM develop a methodology to produce 2D quasicrystals from metal-organic networks, opening the door to new materials. They discovered a new set of building blocks for assembling various quasicrystalline structures.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2016

Brazilian Artur Avila wins TWAS-Lenovo Prize

Artur Avila, a renowned Brazilian mathematician, has won the TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for his groundbreaking work on dynamical systems and chaos theory. His research has helped resolve major mathematical quandaries and brought global awareness of Brazilian mathematics.

SourceTWAS·DateNov 18, 2015

Second natural quasicrystal found in ancient meteorite

A team from Princeton University has discovered a second natural quasicrystal in an ancient meteorite, bringing to two the number of natural quasicrystals ever discovered. The newly found quasicrystal has a decagonal symmetry and is made up of aluminum, nickel, and iron.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2015

Ames Laboratory scientists discover new family of quasicrystals

Researchers found a unique arrangement of spin glass behavior in these new quasicrystals, which is distinct from the magnetic ordering seen in crystalline structures. The discovery provides insight into magnetism in complex environments and opens up new avenues for studying rare-earth quasicrystals.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 10, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Research shows potential for quasicrystals

Researchers explore the potential of quasicrystals in fundamental optics research, offering opportunities for building smaller optical circuits and creating more efficient devices. Quasicrystals' unique properties make them an attractive area of study for applications in biosensing, solar cells, and spectroscopy.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 20, 2013

Evidence further suggests extra-terrestrial origin of quasicrystals

Researchers Paul J Steinhardt and Luca Bindi found naturally occurring quasicrystal samples in far eastern Russia, strengthening the case that they arrived on Earth from outer space. The samples were brought to the area during the last glacial period, suggesting a meteorite hit around 15,000 years ago.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalReports on Progress in Physics·DateAug 9, 2012

Researchers find strange new nanoregion can form in quasicrystals

Researchers have found a new type of defect in quasicrystals that extends beyond the surface and into the bulk. This discovery sheds light on the relationship between surface and bulk defects in materials, which is crucial for understanding the strength and properties of nanostructures.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 16, 2012
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Entropy alone creates complex crystals from simple shapes, study shows

Scientists at the University of Michigan discovered that certain pyramid shapes can spontaneously organize into intricate quasicrystals without any external interactions. This finding could lead to the development of new materials with unique properties, such as optical properties useful for communication and stealth technologies.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2009

Quasicrystal mystery unraveled with computer simulation

Scientists at University of Michigan used computer simulations to understand how quasicrystals form intricate patterns without rearranging atoms. This breakthrough could lead to new materials with improved properties, such as resistance to wear and corrosion.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2008

Quasicrystals: Somewhere between order and disorder

Quasicrystals, crystal-like materials with atomic structures in between order and disorder, are shown to not conduct electricity like traditional crystals. Mathematician David Damanik offers a key proof for this, revealing that electrons behave uniquely within quasicrystals.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Mathematical Society·DateMay 23, 2007

'Quasicrystal' metal computer model could aid ultra-low-friction machine parts

Researchers at Duke University developed a computer model to study the effect of adsorbed gas on quasicrystal alloys, which could lead to improved low-friction properties for machine parts. The model suggests ways to control the transition from quasicrystalline to crystalline structures, preserving the alloy's high lubricity.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 15, 2005
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Proving Da Vinci right at the atomic level

Researchers tested a long-held friction theory using a quasicrystalline material, finding that friction along the periodic surface was significantly higher than along the aperiodic axis. The study's findings have implications for understanding the relationship between a material's structure and its frictional properties.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 26, 2005

Of friction and 'The Da Vinci Code'

Scientists use AFM and STM to study frictional force in decagonal quasicrystals, revealing strong connection between interface structure and dissipation. The results show that friction is greater along the periodic direction, with an anisotropy of up to 8 times greater than in the aperiodic direction.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2005

NYU physicists find way to create three-dimensional quasicrystals

Researchers have successfully created three-dimensional quasicrystals, opening up new possibilities for industrial and commercial applications. The unique optical properties of these quasicrystals have the potential to manipulate light in a way similar to semiconductors, enabling innovative functions.

SourceNew York University·JournalOptics Express·DateJul 11, 2005

An-Pang Tsai wins inaugural Dubois Award

An-Pang Tsai wins inaugural Dubois Award for his remarkable string of discoveries of new quasicrystalline phases, including five main families. His work has had a profound impact on the science of quasicrystals, enabling the preparation of large samples and fundamental property measurements.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·DateMay 18, 2005
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Strange quasicrystal metal alloys spring an electronic surprise

Researchers have found that electrons in quasicrystals travel in bands with distinct momentum and energy, correlated with the structure of the alloy. This discovery challenges theoretical expectations and opens new avenues for inquiry into the material's properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateAug 8, 2000