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The science behind the foldable molecular paths

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology developed foldable molecular paths using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, which can adjust size, shape, and alignment in response to temperature, pressure, and gas interactions. This technology has potential applications in creating filters that adapt to capture harmful ...

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 6, 2025

X-ray data-enhanced computational method can determine crystal structures of multiphase materials

Researchers develop a computational method to determine the crystal structures of multiphase materials directly from powder X-ray diffraction patterns. This approach can analyze existing experimental data that was previously difficult to decipher, leading to potential discoveries of new material phases.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2024

Kamikaze termites protect their colony with the help of a special enzyme. Its secrets have been uncovered by scientists from IOCB Prague

Researchers from IOCB Prague uncover the mechanism behind a unique termite defense, where worker termites sacrifice themselves to kill attackers. The discovery sheds light on the enzyme's durability and functionality in harsh conditions.

Shedding light on perovskite hydrides using a new deposition technique

Researchers develop a new method to grow single-crystal perovskite hydrides, allowing for accurate measurement of intrinsic H- conductivity. The technique enables the production of high-quality crystals with minimal imperfections, paving the way for sustainable energy technologies and hydrogen storage applications.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Filming ultrafast molecular motions in single crystal

Scientists have applied time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to study molecular motion in real-time with atomic resolution, revealing three pathways of structural change in a porous coordination network sample. This breakthrough unlocks new opportunities for investigating chemical systems and material science.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Finding new answers with the nuclear clock

Researchers aim to create a nuclear clock using thorium isotopes, which could increase measurement accuracy by a factor of 3. The project uses light with orbital angular momentum to excite the nucleus, emitting photons that can be detected. This technology has the potential to answer fundamental questions in physics and astronomy.

Solving an age-old mystery about crystal formation

University of Houston researcher Peter Vekilov discovers two-step incorporation into crystals, mediated by an intermediate state, solving a 40-year-old riddle. The new paradigm guides the search for solvents and additives to stabilize the intermediate state and slow down unwanted polymorphs.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2024

Discovery of magnetic liquid crystal

Researchers have directly observed a magnetic analog of liquid crystal, known as the 'spin-nematic phase', in a quantum spin system. This discovery was made possible by advancements in synchrotron facility development and has significant implications for quantum computing and information technologies.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2023

Scientists film soundwaves in a crystal

Researchers used a unique X-ray technique to capture soundwaves' propagation in a diamond crystal, revealing ultrafast structural phenomena that were previously beyond scientific reach. The breakthrough enables real-time imaging of solid materials with unprecedented resolution and speed.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2023

Crafting molecular puzzles: A strategic approach to developing robust porous molecular crystals

Researchers developed a stable, porous molecular crystal using triptycene as a building block, leveraging noncovalent interactions to create a flexible material with high solubility and self-healing capabilities. The synthesized PMC exhibits excellent thermal and chemical resistance, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Towards efficient lithium–air batteries with solution plasma-based synthesis of perovskite hydroxide catalysts

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a faster way to synthesize CoSn(OH)6, a powerful catalyst required for high-energy lithium–air batteries. The new method uses solution plasma-based synthesis and achieves highly crystalline CSO crystals with improved catalytic properties.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Symmetry breaking by ultrashort light pulses opens new quantum pathways for coherent phonons

Researchers at Max Born Institute find that ultrafast mid-infrared excitation of electrons in bismuth reduces crystal symmetry, opening new quantum pathways for coherent phonon excitation. This leads to bidirectional atomic motions and oscillations with a frequency different from low-excitation levels.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Discovering hidden order in disordered crystals

A new material analysis method combines resonant X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR to reveal the chemical order of Mo atoms in disordered Ba7Nb4MoO20. The study provides valuable insights into how a material's properties, such as ion conduction, are influenced by its hidden chemical order.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

KAIST researchers find the key to overcome the limits in X-ray microscopy​

Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed a new X-ray microscope technology that can overcome the resolution limitations of existing microscopes. This breakthrough enables high-resolution imaging of nanoscale structures, with a resolution of 14 nm, which is comparable to that of electron microscopes. The technology uses random d...

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 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

Artificial intelligence deciphers detector "clouds" to accelerate materials research

Researchers used AI to automate the process of analyzing X-ray snapshots of materials, accelerating the technique by ten times on its own and 100 times with improved hardware. The new method can extract information from a range of previously inaccessible materials, including high-temperature superconductors and quantum spin liquids.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalStructural Dynamics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

A quantum wave in two crystals

A team of scientists has successfully built a neutron interferometer using two separate crystals, a major breakthrough in quantum physics. This achievement opens up new possibilities for quantum measurements and research on quantum effects in a gravitational field.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022