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Extracting a clean fuel from water

A low-cost catalyst developed by Argonne National Laboratory can produce clean hydrogen from water at a lower cost, making it an ideal choice for replacing fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new catalyst uses cobalt instead of expensive iridium, significantly reducing the cost and increasing efficiency.

Assessing the impact of going off-grid on transmission charge and energy market outcomes

A team of researchers found that prosumers, who produce their own electricity, can lower transmission charges when generating less energy. However, when producing a large amount of renewable energy, transmission charges increase. The study suggests levying a per-MWh tax on prosumer consumption to reduce the likelihood of death spirals.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2023

MSU to refurbish world’s first superconducting cyclotron for chip testing

The MSU facility will provide several thousand additional hours of chip testing capacity annually, addressing the US national shortfall in advanced microelectronics testing. The K500 cyclotron will be used to test electronic components for space-based applications where levels of ionizing radiation are higher than at Earth's surface.

Strike (aging) when the iron is hot

Scientists at SENS Research Foundation have discovered a new class of broad-spectrum senolytic drugs that target the key vulnerability in destructive aging cells. These drugs are effective against both primary and secondary senescent cells, making them a promising approach for treating age-related diseases.

SourceSENS Research Foundation·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

How neuroimaging can be better utilized to yield diagnostic information about individuals

Researchers from Dartmouth and University Medicine Essen found that strong links between brain measures and traits can be obtained when machine learning algorithms are utilized. This approach allows for high-powered results from moderate sample sizes, opening up studies of many traits and clinical conditions previously inaccessible.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a novel thermoelectric generator inspired from zebra skin

Researchers at GIST developed a novel thermoelectric generator inspired by zebra skin, creating a high in-plane temperature gradient for generating electricity. The design uses a pattern resembling black-and-white zebra stripes to increase its applicability while reducing environmental impact.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Chaos on the nanometer scale

Researchers at TU Wien have detected clear indications of chaos in chemical reactions on nanometer-scale rhodium crystals, a phenomenon previously unseen in atomic scale systems. The coupling behavior can be controlled by changing the hydrogen concentration, leading to a transition from ordered to chaotic behavior.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Study offers details on using electric fields to tune thermal properties of ferroelectric materials

Scientists from NC State University have discovered a way to manipulate the flow of heat through ferroelectric materials by applying different electric fields. The study, published in Advanced Materials, found that varying electric field strengths, types (AC/DC), time, and frequency can alter the thermal properties of these materials.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

A severe begomovirus-satellite DNA disease complex in Texas lower Rio Grande valley okra fields and its potential threat to cotton production: New “focus on cotton” webcast

A severe begomovirus-satellite DNA disease complex has been detected in okra fields in the lower Rio Grande Valley area of Texas, posing a significant threat to cotton production. The complex involves the exotic cotton leaf curl Gezira virus and its associated satellite DNA molecules.

Can algae enhance skin regeneration and wound healing?

Researchers have developed a system using microvesicles from algae that promote skin cell proliferation and migration, leading to increased collagen synthesis. The findings show promising results for the treatment of wounds and skin regeneration.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 11, 2023

Taking pride in identity may protect mental health against online hate, experience of Asian Americans finds

A recent study suggests that taking pride in one's identity can help protect mental health from online hate, with Asian Americans showing increased resilience. The research found that those who affirmed their identities were more likely to experience better psychological and physical health, as well as stronger personal relationships.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Through thick and thin: X-rays track the behavior of soft materials

Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 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

Future-proofing the Great Lakes region through climate research: Improved regional climate models will help the Great Lakes Region become more informed, ready and resilient

A new study uses high-resolution regional model experiments to explore how lake surface temperatures may affect the climate of the Great Lakes region. Small differences in lake surface temperatures can have a significant impact on summer climate and fuel extreme weather events.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateAug 3, 2022

CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2022

Community-engagement preventive intervention promotes mental health of Bhutanese families in Western Massachusetts

A peer-led, family-centered preventive intervention is being tested to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Bhutanese immigrants. The program, developed by Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, uses problem management plus (PMP) and addresses multiple stressors, resulting in improved coping skills and social networking.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2022

New method melds data to make a 3-D map of cells’ activities

Researchers developed PASTE, a method to analyze spatial transcriptomics data in three dimensions, enabling biologists to better understand cell environments and identify rare cell types. The technique can integrate information from multiple tissue slices, providing a more complete picture of gene expression within tissues.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Spintronics: How an atom-thin insulator helps transport spins

Researchers have discovered a way to mitigate significant losses in spin current transport by integrating an atom-thin insulator between materials. This innovation has important implications for energy-efficient and ultra-fast storage technologies, as well as applications in terahertz emitters and other spintronic devices.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022