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1 step closer to a quantum computer

Linköping University researchers have successfully initialized and read nuclear spins at room temperature, a crucial step towards building a quantum computer. The breakthrough uses dynamic nuclear polarisation to control the polarisation of nuclear spins, enabling the creation of a flow of free electrons with a given spin.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 2013

Unlocking fuel cell conductivity

Researchers have devised a model of oxygen-ion dynamics that contribute to the conductivity of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), a material of great interest in electrochemical devices. By understanding oxygen-ion diffusion, scientists aim to reduce fuel cell operating temperatures from above 700°C to room temperature.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 27, 2013

Important progress for spintronics

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a world's first spin amplifier that can be used at room temperature, a crucial step towards spintronics. This achievement has significant implications for the future of electronics and data processing.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 16, 2012

Boiling water without bubbles

Researchers at Northwestern University have engineered a surface that prevents bubbling during boiling, creating a stable vapor cushion and eliminating bubbles. This discovery could lead to advancements in heat transfer equipment, anti-frost technologies, and reduce damage to surfaces.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2012

MASER power comes out of the cold

Researchers have developed a solid-state MASER capable of operating at room temperature, eliminating the need for extreme conditions. This breakthrough has significant implications for various fields, including medicine, where it could be used to create more sensitive medical instruments.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 15, 2012

Quantum computing, no cooling required

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully created room-temperature quantum bits that can store information for nearly two seconds. This achievement is a significant step towards building a functional quantum computer and opens up new possibilities for various applications such as quantum cash and secure communications.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJul 3, 2012

Locating the elusive

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have engineered a material that exhibits both electrically charged (ferroelectric) and magnetic (ferromagnetic) properties, controlled by electricity. This 'multiferroic' material has potential for multi-state data storage in computers, offering cost-effectiveness compared to existing materials.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2011

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute develop new method for mass-producing graphene

A new technique enables large-scale production of high-quality graphene at room temperature using a molecular wedge, resulting in undamaged graphene dispersed in water. The researchers used the graphene to build chemical sensors and ultracapacitors with high-performance applications in environmental sensing and energy storage.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 21, 2010

Cocaine-related deaths rise in warm weather

Researchers found that accidental overdose deaths from cocaine use rose significantly when ambient temperature exceeded 24 degrees Celsius. The number of cocaine-related overdose deaths continued to climb as temperatures increased, due to cocaine's effect on core body temperature and cardiovascular system.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateMar 2, 2010

Mother bats expert at saving energy

A new study reveals that wild female bats switch between clustering and torpor to minimize energy expenditure, with torpor use increasing post-lactation. This flexible strategy allows for optimal thermoregulation despite environmental changes.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateFeb 10, 2010

Hot drinks help fight cold and flu

New research by Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre found that hot fruit cordial provides immediate relief from cold symptoms. The study of 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms showed a 'hot' version of the drink to be effective in reducing symptoms such as runny nose and cough.

SourceCardiff University·JournalJournal of Rhinology·DateDec 10, 2008

Golden scales

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) that can weigh individual gold atoms, measuring masses as small as two fifths of a gold atom in just over one second. The NEMS mass sensor uses carbon nanotubes and achieves sub-single-atom resolution at room temperature.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 28, 2008

Room temperature superconductivity

Scientists have discovered the location of doped hole carriers that aggregate in high-temperature superconductors, advancing understanding of how they form pairs. This finding reveals the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity, suggesting that non-superconducting vortex cores may exhibit collective magnetism.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2008

Taking the temperature of the no-fly zone

A new study reveals that fruitflies have four large heat-responsive neurons in their brain, which help them detect and avoid temperatures just above their preferred level. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of neural circuits that drive animals to select a preferred temperature.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature·DateJun 11, 2008

New mid-infrared lasers show doubled efficiency

Researchers have doubled the efficiency of infrared lasers in the mid-infrared wavelength range, which could enable next-generation laser-based defense systems and commercial applications like trace chemical analysis and pollution monitoring. The advancements were achieved through improvements to material quality, design, and fabrication.

A step nearer to understanding superconductivity

Critical high-temperature superconducting materials exhibit metallic behavior, similar to ordinary metals. This discovery paves the way for a deeper understanding and potentially higher critical temperatures, bringing us closer to room temperature superconductivity.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2007