New porous crystal catalyst offers durable, efficient solution for clean hydrogen production
A new catalyst structure offers a potential pathway toward more cost-effective hydrogen production via water electrolysis. The material centers on mesoporous single-crystalline Co3O4 doped with atomically dispersed iridium (Ir), designed for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Categories: Global Energy News (news-and-events/news)
From beam to battery: Single-step laser printing supercharges high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries
A research team has developed an innovative single-step laser printing technique to accelerate the manufacturing of lithium-sulfur batteries. Integrating the commonly time-consuming active materials synthesis and cathode preparation in a nanosecond-scale laser-induced conversion process, this technique is set to revolutionize the future industrial production of printable electrochemical energy storage devices.
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Engineers print synthetic 'metamaterials' that are both strong and stretchy
Engineers have fabricated a metamaterial that is not only strong but also stretchy. Their new method could enable stretchable ceramics, glass, and metals, for tear-proof textiles or stretchy semiconductors.
Categories: Global Energy News (news-and-events/news)
Bacteria killing material creates superbug busting paint
A bacteria killing coating created by scientists has been used in trials of a new paint that can be applied to a range of surfaces to effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including difficult to kill species such as MRSA, flu and COVID-19.
Categories: Global Energy News (news-and-events/news)
Some protective resin coatings may damage metal artifacts
Conservators and museum technicians protect precious archaeological metal objects, such as tools and weapons, with clear coatings, leaving preserved and unobstructed views of these detailed treasures. However, researchers have reported that some of the resins used for these coatings react with iron-containing metals and can cause damage. The team developed a non-invasive fluorescence imaging strategy that reveals early signs of these damaging chemical reactions and confirmed its utility on ancient artifacts.
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Scientists have found a way to 'tattoo' tardigrades
If you haven't heard of a tardigrade before, prepare to be wowed. These clumsy, eight-legged creatures, nicknamed water bears, are about half a millimeter long and can survive practically anything: freezing temperatures, near starvation, high pressure, radiation exposure, outer space and more. Researchers took advantage of the tardigrade's nearly indestructible nature and gave the critters tiny 'tattoos' to test a microfabrication technique to build microscopic, biocompatible devices.
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New electronic 'skin' could enable lightweight night-vision glasses
Engineers developed a technique to grow and peel ultrathin 'skins' of electronic material that could be used in applications such as night-vision eyewear and autonomous driving in foggy conditions.
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New model predicts a chemical reaction's point of no return
Researchers developed a machine-learning model that can predict the structures of transition states of chemical reactions in less than a second, with high accuracy. Their model could make it easier for chemists to design reactions that could generate a variety of useful compounds, such as pharmaceuticals or fuels.
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Material? Robot? It's a metabot
The invention is a metamaterial, which is a material engineered to feature new and unusual properties that depend on the material's physical structure rather than its chemical composition. In this case, the researchers built their metamaterial using a combination of simple plastics and custom-made magnetic composites. Using a magnetic field, the researchers changed the metamaterial's structure, causing it to expand, move and deform in different directions, all remotely without touching the metamaterial.
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Light fields with extraordinary structure: Plasmonic skyrmion bags
A research group has manipulated light through its interaction with a metal surface so that it exhibits entirely new properties.
Categories: Global Energy News (news-and-events/news)
Robot see, robot do: System learns after watching how-to videos
Researchers have developed a new robotic framework powered by artificial intelligence -- called RHyME (Retrieval for Hybrid Imitation under Mismatched Execution) -- that allows robots to learn tasks by watching a single how-to video.
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Researchers use machine learning to engineer 'bespoke enzymes' for gene editing
Genome editing has advanced at a rapid pace with promising results for treating genetic conditions -- but there is always room for improvement. A new paper showcases the power of scalable protein engineering combined with machine learning to boost progress in the field of gene and cell therapy. In their study, authors developed a machine learning algorithm -- known as PAMmla -- that can predict the properties of about 64 million genome editing enzymes. The work could help reduce off-target effects and improve editing safety, enhance editing efficiency, and enable researchers to predict customized enzymes for new therapeutic targets.
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New technique expands tissues so hundreds of biomolecules can be seen inside cells
A new tissue expansion method enables scientists to use mass spectrometry imaging to simultaneously detect hundreds of molecules at the single cell level in their native locations.
Categories: Global Energy News (news-and-events/news)
Transformable flat-to-shape objects created using sewing technology
Researchers introduced a novel method for fabricating functional flat-to-shape objects using a computer-controlled sewing machine. The team's method uses the sewing machine to stitch pockets between layers of fabric, and stiff panels are inserted into the pockets. Multiple fabrics types can be used, ranging from muslin for heavy-duty applications to more delicate fabrics for decorative purposes. The materials can also be customized on a panel-by-panel basis to adapt to each object's needs. The researchers demonstrated how the materials can be chosen to support a variety of functional goals, such as using thicker plywood for a human-weight supporting chair and custom LED panels with sheer fabric for a functional lamp. Additionally, The technique also allows for additional mechanisms such as cords, magnets, and hook-and-loop fasteners to direct and stabilize flat-to-shape transitions.
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Trash talk: As plastic use soars, researchers examine biodegradable solutions
Researchers document a multi-faceted global snapshot of the environmental aspects and trends surrounding single-use plastics in a review article. The researchers state that the largest area of application for biodegradable plastic materials is the packaging segment, which accounts for about half of single-use plastic production.
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Shining a light on DNA: A rapid, ultra-sensitive, PCR-free detection method
Researchers have developed a light-induced DNA detection method that enables rapid, PCR-free genetic analysis. Their technique offers ultra-sensitive mutation detection in just five minutes, reducing costs and simplifying testing. The method has significant potential in healthcare, environmental conservation, and personal health monitoring.
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A colloidal crystal model for controlled polymorph selection
Researchers explored a colloidal crystal model to produce specific polymorphs, required for use in materials science and pharmaceuticals.
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Activity stabilizes mixtures
Asymmetric interactions between molecules may serve as a stabilizing factor for biological systems. A new model reveals this regulatory role of non-reciprocity. The scientists aim to understand the physical principles based on which particles and molecules are able to form living beings and, eventually, organisms.
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In US, saving money is top reason to embrace solar power
Financial benefits, such as saving on utility payments and avoiding electricity rate hikes, are a key driver of U.S. adults' willingness to consider installing rooftop solar panels or subscribing to community solar power, a new study suggests.
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Using blue light to fight drug-resistant infections
Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery that could potentially revolutionize treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, cancer and other challenging gram-negative pathogens without relying on precious metals.
Categories: Global Energy News (news-and-events/news)