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A sustainable alternative to air conditioning

A team of researchers from McGill University, UCLA, and Princeton has found an inexpensive, sustainable way to cool buildings in hot climates using radiative cooling materials. They achieved temperatures several degrees below the ambient temperature, without compromising healthy ventilation air changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 30, 2023

A potentially cheaper and 'cooler' way of hydrogen transport

Kyushu University researchers have developed a new material that can store hydrogen energy for up to three months at room temperature, using an inexpensive element like nickel. This innovation could potentially reduce the cost of future compounds and contribute to the transition to alternative energy sources.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

Design of high-performance high temperature proton Exchange Membrane -Poly (triphenyl piperidinium) with long side chain alkyl quaternization

The team developed poly(triphenyl piperidinium) based high-temperature proton exchange membranes with improved physicochemical properties, demonstrating enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The membranes showed promising performance in fuel cell applications, with the highest peak power density achieved at 210 °C.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

New insight for stabilizing halide perovskite via thiocyanate substitution

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to stabilize the α-phase of α-FAPbI3, a promising solar cell material. By introducing pseudo-halide ions like thiocyanate into its structure, the team has successfully stabilized the α-phase, reducing its transition temperature and increasing its energy band gap.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

Sleep can be most restful for older adults when nighttime temperature range is between 68 to 77 °F, study finds

Research finds that a nighttime ambient temperature range of 68-77°F enhances restful sleep for older adults. The study also highlights substantial individual differences in optimal temperatures and the potential impact of climate change on sleep quality.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2023

Medications for chronic diseases affect the body’s ability to regulate body temperature, keep cool

Chronic disease medications impair the body's ability to regulate core temperature, increasing the risk of heat-related illness in elderly patients. Exercise and improved fitness levels can help mitigate these effects, but bodily impairments from chemotherapy and medications may limit exercise capacity.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPharmacological Reviews·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

TNMSC researchers create high-performance aluminum matrix composites with asymmetric cryocooling

Scientists have developed a new method to manufacture high-performance aluminum matrix composites using asymmetric cryorolling, resulting in improved mechanical properties and increased ductility. The technique produces sheets with fewer microvoids, finer grain size, and higher density of dislocations.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute receives $18 million award to develop a temperature stable, single-dose chikungunya RNA vaccine through a phase 1 clinical trial

The Access to Advanced Health Institute has received an $18 million award from the NIH to develop a temperature-stable, single-dose chikungunya RNA vaccine candidate. The vaccine uses innovative RNA platform technology to protect against the virus, which causes debilitating joint and muscle pain in endemic areas.

Room-temperature, solid-state synthesis of high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully synthesized high-quality Cs3Cu2I5 thin films using a novel solid-state synthesis method. The team discovered that depositing CuI and CsI layers in specific ratios results in distinct local structures containing point defects, leading to highly efficient emissions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

Ultra-miniaturized non-classical light sources for quantum devices

The researchers developed a method to create ultracompact photonic crystal cavities that can generate entangled photons. The discovery is crucial for the development of quantum computing and sensing applications. By controlling the cavity's properties, they can efficiently convert pump power into coherent light.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeNews article·DateApr 20, 2023

Solar cells charging forward

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Birch reduction simplified to a one-minute mechanochemical process

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a simplified Birch reduction method that avoids liquid ammonia and can be carried out in ambient air, making it faster and more eco-friendly. The mechanochemical approach uses a ball mill to break through the surface layer on lithium metal, enabling the Birch reduction to proceed.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023

Opening a new frontier: PdMo intermetallic catalyst for promoting CO2 utilization

Researchers developed a stable and active catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts. The PdMo intermetallic catalyst was synthesized via a simple ammonolysis process and demonstrated robustness and durability in various conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Customizing catalysts for solid-state reactions

Chemists have developed a high-performance catalyst specifically designed for solid-state mechanochemical synthesis, achieving efficient reactivity at near room temperature. The approach uses a metal catalyst attached to a long polymer molecule, which traps the catalyst in a fluid-phase, enabling fast and energy-efficient reactions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute reports encouraging results of first-in-human trial of its temperature-stable tuberculosis vaccine candidate

A Phase 1 clinical trial of AAHI's thermostable, freeze-dried single-vial ID93 + GLA-SE vaccine candidate showed higher levels of antibodies and favorable cellular immune responses compared to the two-vial presentation. The results represent significant progress in global efforts to combat TB.

SourceAccess to Advanced Health Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

Approaching the terahertz regime

Scientists have created a new class of nonvolatile memory devices using antiferromagnets that can store stable memory states and read them incredibly quickly. This breakthrough could lead to faster memory devices with performance beyond the terahertz regime.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

X-ray light reveals how virus responsible for COVID-19 covers its tracks, eluding the immune system

A new study uses serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of NendoU protein at room temperature. The resulting high-resolution image shows that the protein's flexibility plays a crucial role in its functional mechanism, which is essential for designing antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023

Fermi kinetics transport program models high-speed semiconductor devices better, Journal of Applied Physics editor’s pick study says

Researchers compared two semiconductor simulation tools and found that the Fermi kinetics transport solver outperforms a commercial hydrodynamics software package in modeling electronic heat flow and electron temperature, particularly in high-speed applications. The custom-developed code converges faster and provides more consistent re...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 19, 2022

Cupric oxide exhibiting both magnetic and dielectric properties at room temperature

Researchers confirmed cupric oxide's multiferroic state at room temperature under high pressure using neutron diffraction. Thin films of precisely distorted crystals may exhibit such properties at ambient pressure. This discovery enables the development of next-generation memory devices and energy-efficient optical modulators.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

Seeing clearly into a new realm – researchers prototype a new generation of quantum microscopy

A team of researchers has developed a prototype of a quantum microscope that can see electric currents, detect fluctuating magnetic fields, and even see single molecules on a surface. The microscope uses atomic impurities and van der Waals materials to achieve high resolution sensitivity and simultaneous imaging of magnetic fields and ...

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

What if ceramics were ductile?

Researchers have discovered a way to create ductile ceramics that can exhibit ultimate strength of up to 11 GPa, potentially leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced material usage. However, further studies are needed to scale up the process and apply it to larger materials.

SourceTampere University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2022

Antiferromagnetic hybrids achieve important functionality for spintronic applications

Researchers have successfully achieved efficient spin injection and transport in antiferromagnetic hybrids, paving the way for room-temperature spintronics devices. The study, led by Igor Barsukov at UC Riverside, shows promise for ultra-fast and energy-efficient information storage and processing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

New magnesium superionic conductor towards lithium-free solid-state batteries

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create a metal–organic framework-based magnesium ion conductor showing superionic conductivity at room temperature, overcoming the limitations of magnesium ion-based energy devices. The novel Mg2+ electrolyte exhibits a high conductivity of 10−3 S cm−1, making it suitable for battery applica...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Low pressure, high stakes: UNLV physicists make major gains in race for room-temperature superconductivity

A team of UNLV physicists has replicated room-temperature superconductivity at the lowest pressure ever recorded, building on their 2020 landmark discovery. By tuning the composition of carbon, sulfur, and hydrogen, scientists have produced a material that retains its state of superconductivity at lower pressures.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Found: The ‘holy grail of catalysis’ — turning methane into methanol under ambient conditions using light

Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Quantum ‘shock absorbers’ allow perovskite to exhibit superfluorescence at room temperature

Researchers at NC State University discovered that built-in thermal shock absorbers in perovskites protect dipoles from thermal interference, enabling room-temperature superfluorescence. The 'Quantum Analog of Vibration Isolation' mechanism creates a filter that allows synchronized emission of photons.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022