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Portable and affordable all-optical system for testing lab-on-a-chip human hearts

Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2023

International research collaboration produces all-perovskite tandem solar cell with high efficiency, record voltage

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto and Northwestern University has developed an all-perovskite tandem solar cell with extremely high efficiency and record-setting voltage. The prototype device demonstrates the potential of this emerging technology to overcome key limits associated with traditional silicon solar cells.

Study shows shaker channel mutation differs structurally from human potassium channels

A recent study led by Dr. Luis Cuello and Alain J. Labro found that a known Shaker channel mutation differs structurally from its human counterparts, with implications for drug development and ion transport mechanisms. The research reveals a unique conformation of the W434F mutant that is distinct from wild-type channels.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists improve the power output of triboelectric nanogenerators with carbon particles

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology improve triboelectric nanogenerators by using mesoporous carbon spheres to enhance charge transport and surface charge densities. The device achieves a 1300-fold higher output current, enabling potential sustainable energy harvesting.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Engineers at UBC get under the skin of ionic skin

Researchers at UBC create ionic skins made of flexible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. These hydrogels can generate voltages when touched, producing a piezoionic effect that allows them to detect pressure and other stimuli. The technology has potential applications in prosthetics, wearable sensors, and body impla...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Higher solar yield, less power effort

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new type of organic solar cell that generates electricity efficiently even with a relatively low offset of 0.1 eV. This breakthrough offers a promising solution for the production of more efficient and flexible solar panels, potentially reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

An efficient electrochemical intercalation method for high-yield production of TMD nanosheets

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has developed an efficient electrochemical intercalation method to produce high-yield mono- or few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets. The new strategy offers a higher degree of control over lithium insertion and can be scaled up for industrial applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Research Group of Ryuichi Shindou proposed dissipationless conversion between magnetic spin and electric charge in emergent superfluid in 2D materials

A research group led by Ryuichi Shindou proposes a new phenomenon where magnetic spin and electric charge are converted without energy loss in emergent superfluids of 2D materials. This conversion is made possible by exciton condensates, which exhibit dissipationless supercurrent flows.

SourcePeking University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2022

Research Group of Ryuichi Shindou proposed dissipationless conversion between magnetic spin and electric charge in emergent superfluid in 2D materials

A team of researchers proposed a novel approach to spintronics, demonstrating dissipationless conversion between magnetic spin and electric charge in an emergent superfluid in 2D materials. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient spintronic devices.

SourcePeking University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2022

The link between electrical voltage and brain flexibility a new study by Tel Aviv university found, for the first time; a direct and significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and the brain’s ability to adapt to external changes

A Tel Aviv University study found a significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and brain adaptability. Disabling the voltage sensor of these proteins caused uncontrolled brain flexibility, leading to excessive habituation to odors.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2022

New technique improves conversion of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new approach to modify the surface of copper catalysts, improving the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels. The technique involves coating the copper with thin films of ionomers, which steer the reaction towards generating carbon-rich products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Fabricating MgB2 superconductors using spark plasma sintering and pulse magnetization

New research from Shibaura Institute of Technology reveals that spark plasma sintering produces highly dense MgB2 bulks with improved mechanical and superconducting properties. The resulting samples exhibit superior strengths and high trapped field performance, making them suitable for space applications and electric machines.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering B·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Chemists provide a new look at the problem of energy efficiency in lithium-ion batteries

A new study refutes a long-standing explanation for low energy efficiency in lithium-ion batteries, suggesting that voltage hysteresis is caused by reversible electron transfer between oxygen and transition metal atoms. This phenomenon could be mitigated through manipulation of electron transfer barriers.

A solid favor for researchers: A new way to investigate the electric double layer effect

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science develop a new methodology to investigate the elusive electric double layer (EDL) effect in all-solid-state batteries. The study reveals that the EDL effect is dominated by the electrolyte's composition and can be suppressed through charge compensation, leading to improved performance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Surpassing the lower limit on computing energy consumption

Researchers have found that using topological insulators in transistors could reduce switching energy by half and the overall energy used by each transistor by a factor of four. This breakthrough could lead to substantial reductions in computing energy consumption, as the industry continues to strive for sustainable technologies.