Latest science news in Physics & Chemistry
Thin layer protects battery, allows cold charging
In the search for a reliable, quick-charging, cold-weather battery for automobiles, a self-assembling, thin layer of electrochemically active molecules may be the solution, according to a team or researchers.
Revised code could help improve efficiency of fusion experiments
An international team of researchers led by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has upgraded a key computer code for calculating forces acting on magnetically...
Building mechanical memory boards using origami
Origami can be used to create mechanical, binary switches, and researchers report the fabrication of such a paper device, using the Kresling pattern, that can act as a mechanical switch....
Researchers reveal molecular structures involved in plant respiration
New research provides the first-ever, atomic-level, 3D structure of the largest protein complex (complex I) involved in the plant mitochondrial electron transport chain. The results could unlock new advances in...
Revised code could help improve efficiency of fusion experiments
Researchers have upgraded a key computer code for calculating forces acting on magnetically confined plasma in fusion energy experiments. The upgrade will help scientists further improve the design of breakfast-cruller-shaped...
Using light's properties to indirectly see inside a cell membrane
Using properties of light from fluorescent probes is at the heart of a new imaging technique that allows for an unprecedented look inside cell membranes.
#BlackinChem breaks down barriers
Campaign amplifies the voices of Black chemists and shows they are not alone
Researchers develop AI to detect fentanyl and derivatives remotely
To help keep first responders safe, researchers have developed an artificial intelligence method that not only rapidly and remotely detects the powerful drug fentanyl, but also teaches itself to detect...
Measuring the sensitivity of COVID tests with new material from NIST
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have produced synthetic gene fragments from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This material, which is non-infectious and safe to...
Polymers in water at dentist can prevent aerosol mists that spread germs
New research suggests the addition of food-grade polymers, such as polyacrylic acid, to water solutions can prevent misting. In lab experiments, small amounts of polyacrylic acid eliminated aerosolization entirely.
Researchers on a path to build powerful and practical quantum computer
For the first time, researchers have designed a fully connected 32-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer register operating at cryogenic temperatures. The new system represents an important step toward developing practical quantum...
'Joe Exotic': Kate McKinnon series to air on NBC, USA Network, Peacock
NBCUniversal gave a series order to "Joe Exotic," a new show starring Kate McKinnon as Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin.
Deep learning algorithm to speed up materials discovery in emerging tech industries
Solid-state inorganic materials are critical to the growth and development of electric vehicle, cellphone, laptop battery and solar energy technologies. However, finding the ideal materials with the desired functions for...
Faster, more efficient energy storage could stem from holistic study of layered materials
A team has developed a novel, integrated approach to track energy-transporting ions within an ultra-thin material, which could unlock its energy storage potential leading toward faster charging, longer lasting devices.
Hydrochloric acid boosts catalyst activity
A research team has developed a synthesis process which drastically increases the activity of catalysts for the desulfurization of crude oil. The new process could perhaps also be used for...
Battery life for wearable electronic devices could be improved
Researchers have found that asymmetric stresses within electrodes used in certain wearable electronic devices provides an important clue as to how to improve the durability and lifespan of these batteries.
New insights into lithium-ion battery failure mechanism
Researchers have identified a potential new degradation mechanism for electric vehicle batteries - a key step to designing effective methods to improve battery lifespan.
Microwaving new materials
Microwave ovens are the mainstay of cooking appliances in our homes. Five years ago, when Reeja Jayan was a new professor at Carnegie Mellon University, she was intrigued by the...
Beating noise via superposition of order
Information can successfully be transmitted through noisy channels using quantum mechanics, according to new research from The University of Queensland and Griffith University.
Cutting surgical robots down to size
Teleoperated surgical robots are becoming commonplace in operating rooms, but many are massive (sometimes taking up an entire room) and difficult to manipulate. Medical researchers and engineers have now created...
Teamwork can make the 5G dream work: A collaborative system architecture for 5G networks
Scientists explain how collaboration between cloud and network service providers could enable advanced 5G applications.
New method to track ultrafast change of magnetic state
Physicists have developed a precise method to measure the ultrafast change of a magnetic state in materials. The international research team recorded emissions of terahertz radiation.
A colorful detector: Crystalline material reversibly changes color when absorbing water
Scientists unveil a new crystalline material that reversibly changes color from yellow to red when absorbing water, paving the way for chemically sensitive detectors that can work without electricity.
We can programme plants to grow biomolecules. Is farming the future of vaccines?
On the southern outskirts of the city of Owensboro in Kentucky, US, there is a square, nondescript building. Inside, rows and rows of small plants are growing under artificial lights....
Affordable and scalable nitrogen dioxide sensor
Scientists have developed a highly sensitive, accurate and affordable carbon-based nitrogen dioxide sensor. The gas sensor could provide accurate readings of the nitrogen dioxide levels in the local environment in...
Building mechanical memory boards using origami
The ancient Japanese art of paper folding, known as origami, can be used to create mechanical, binary switches.
Hydrochloric acid boosts catalyst activity
A research team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) led by chemist Johannes Lercher has developed a synthesis process which drastically increases the activity of catalysts for the desulfurization...
Less is more: A soft, self-actuated pump to simplify mechatronic devices
Modern mechatronic devices, from industrial machinery to robots, have seen a drastic increase in complexity and intricacy. With sophisticated functionalities being unlocked with each passing day, there has been an...