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Can smoother surfaces prevent hydrogen embrittlement?

Research finds that surface roughness influences the formation and size of hydrogen-related defects in iron, leading to a new approach to material design. The study provides fundamental understanding of hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms and could reduce life-cycle costs of hydrogen technologies.

SourceChiba University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2025

Control the world's toughest creatures

Scientists successfully fabricated micron-scale metal patterns on living tardigrades, enabling controlled movement through magnetic fields. This breakthrough opens doors for micro/nanofabrication of living organisms and bio-inorganic hybrid systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2025

The insulator unraveled

The researchers used noncontact atomic force microscopy to analyze the surface structure and found that the surface rearranges to allow aluminum atoms to penetrate into the material. This rearrangement reduces energy and stabilizes the structure without changing its composition.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Smartphone-based microscope rapidly reconstructs 3D holograms

A new smartphone-based digital holographic microscope enables precise 3D measurements and has potential applications in medical diagnostics, education, and resource-limited settings. The portable device uses a simple optical system created with a 3D printer and calculates reconstructions based on a smartphone.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateSep 11, 2024

Faster than one pixel at a time – new imaging method for neutral atomic beam microscopes developed by Swansea researchers

Researchers have developed a new imaging method for neutral atomic beam microscopes that can improve image resolution without significantly increasing measurement time. The new method uses magnetic spin precession to encode the position of beam particles, which interact with the sample.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 16, 2024

World-first microscopic stiffness probe could revolutionise early cancer diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a world-first device that can image individual cells' stiffness, potentially catching cancer earlier. The technology uses Brillouin scattering to detect stiffness down to billionths of a meter and could replace traditional biopsies with non-invasive, single-cell imaging.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2024

μkiss-and-tell: A new method for precision delivery of nanoparticles and small molecules to individual cells

Scientists create 'μkiss' technique for precise delivery of materials to individual cells, offering new possibilities in single-cell science and next-generation therapeutic applications. The method provides full control over location, time, and scale of material application, enabling detailed studies of cellular processes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

The rock that creates clouds

Researchers at TU Wien discovered that feldspar's unique surface geometry provides the perfect anchoring point for water molecules, enabling efficient cloud formation. The hydroxyl layer formed on the feldspar surface allows water molecules to stick and freeze, forming clouds.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 9, 2024

Progress in the investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics using short light pulses

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding ultrafast electron dynamics by tracking the motion of electrons released from zinc oxide crystals using laser pulses. The research team combined photoemission electron microscopy and attosecond physics technology to achieve temporal accuracy, enabling them to study the interact...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalAdvanced Physics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Replicating the structure of bird feathers

Researchers at ETH Zurich replicate the structural design of bluebird feathers using a new method. The material exhibits nanonetworks similar to those found in natural feathers and offers potential for technical and sustainable applications, including battery improvements and water filtration.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2023

Proof of concept of new material for long lasting relief from dry mouth conditions

A novel aqueous lubricant technology has been developed at the University of Leeds, providing a longer-lasting solution for people with dry mouth conditions. The substance, composed of microgel and hydrogel, binds strongly to the surface of the mouth, reducing desorption and offering up to five times more effective relief.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Two conductors of a chemical reaction

Researchers have successfully observed the operating principle of promoters in a catalytic reaction in real-time. Using high-tech microscopy methods, they visualized individual La atoms' role in hydrogen oxidation. The study revealed that two surface areas of the catalyst act as pacemakers, controlled by promoter lanthanum.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Risk of serious infection even in low-active IBD

Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 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

The correlation between the structures of bimetallic tartrate complexes in solutions for laser-induced synthesis and sensor characteristics of microbiosensors materials

Researchers discovered bimetallic tartrate complexes with unique structures, formed by insufficient ligand, leading to improved sensor characteristics for microbiosensors. The study showcases the potential of laser-induced chemical liquid phase deposition for creating nanostructures with various applications.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organocatalysis·DateJul 11, 2023

3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries revealed for the first time

Researchers pioneered a technique to observe the 3D internal structure of rechargeable batteries, enabling direct observation of the solid electric interface (SEI) and its progression. The study reveals key predictors of SEI layer formation in a complex interplay of molecular dimensions, surface properties, and solvent interactions.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023

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

Surface melting of glass

Researchers observe a surprising phenomenon where particles near the surface of colloidal glass move faster than in the solid below, forming a liquid layer up to 30 particle diameters thick. This discovery sheds new light on the properties of thin disordered films and their potential applications in technology.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2022

Just wait a femtosecond

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba created a scanning tunneling microscopy system that captures images as fast as 30 femtoseconds, allowing for faster study of rapid processes in materials. This advancement enables researchers to understand ultrafast dynamics and behavior of materials more accurately.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Photonics·DateSep 7, 2022

Nanoscale observations simplify how scientists describe earthquake movement

Researchers at the University of Illinois used single calcite crystals with varying surface roughness to simplify the physics of fault movement. The study found that friction can increase or decrease with sliding velocity depending on mineral types and environment, providing a fundamental understanding of rate-and-state equations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Towards stable, sustained Raman imaging of large samples at the nanoscale

A research team from Japan has developed a stable TERS system that enables characterization of defect analysis in large-sized WS2 layers at high pixel resolution. The team successfully imaged nanoscale defects over a period of 6 hours in a micrometer-sized WS2 film without significant signal loss.

SourceInstitute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

Surface chemistry reveals corrosive secrets

A new technique reveals the role of cations in surface chemistry, shedding light on environmental issues like rust and pollution. The study uses surface analysis to understand the initial stages of iron corrosion, which can help monitor carbon dioxide capture, water quality, and infrastructure management.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

Nanoparticles to help evaluate the effectiveness of radiation therapy for cervical cancer

Researchers found changes in erythrocyte morphology and nanoparticles on cell surfaces during radiation therapy, which may indicate treatment effectiveness or prognosis. The study suggests that analyzing these changes could lead to the development of a diagnostic method for assessing RT efficacy.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedicine·DateJul 30, 2021

A new look at surface chemistry

A new analytical method using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) has resolved the unique atomic structure at the surface of a material for the first time. This breakthrough enables direct information on both surface and bulk atoms, improving understanding of critical reactions such as catalysis and corrosion.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015