Designer molecules may help valuable minerals float
Critical Materials Institute researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Arizona State University have studied the mineral monazite, an important source of rare-earth elements, to enhance methods of recovering critical materials for energy, defe.....»»
Fused molecules could serve as building blocks for safer lithium-ion batteries
By fusing together a pair of contorted molecular structures, Cornell researchers have created a porous crystal that can uptake lithium-ion electrolytes and transport them smoothly via one-dimensional nanochannels—a design that could lead to safer s.....»»
A new era of solar observation: International team produces global maps of coronal magnetic field
For the first time, scientists have taken near-daily measurements of the sun's global coronal magnetic field, a region of the sun that has only been observed irregularly in the past. The resulting observations are providing valuable insights into the.....»»
Quantum researchers come up with a recipe that could accelerate drug development
University of Copenhagen mathematicians have developed a recipe for upgrading quantum computers to simulate complex quantum systems, such as molecules. Their discovery brings us closer to being able to predict how new drugs will behave within our bod.....»»
Lunar mission data analysis finds widespread evidence of ice deposits
Deposits of ice in lunar dust and rock (regolith) are more extensive than previously thought, according to a new analysis of data from NASA's LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) mission. Ice would be a valuable resource for future lunar expeditions. W.....»»
More consumption, more demand for resources, more waste: Why urban mining"s time has come
Pollution and waste, climate change and biodiversity loss are creating a triple planetary crisis. In response, UN Environment Program executive director Inger Andersen has called for waste to be redefined as a valuable resource instead of a problem......»»
iPhone 16 designers share the thinking behind the Camera Control button
Two of the iPhone 16 designers have spoken on the Cool Hunting Design Tangents podcast, sharing some of the thinking behind the development of the new Camera Control button. Senior product designer Rich Dinh said that he’s worked on the iPhone s.....»»
Beyond "one pore at a time": New method of generating multiple, tunable nanopores
Nanoporous membranes with atomic-scale holes smaller than one-billionth of a meter have powerful potential for decontaminating polluted water, pulling valuable metal ions from the water, or for osmotic power generators......»»
Predicting river flow dynamics using stable isotopes for improved ecosystem health
An international science team has made significant strides in understanding river flow dynamics. The findings leverage isotope hydrology techniques such as measuring stable isotopes in water molecules to elucidate the contributions of various water s.....»»
New insights into exotic nuclei creation using Langevin equation model
Researchers have introduced a model based on the Langevin equation that offers new insights into the formation of exotic nuclei. This development could enhance the ability to produce rare isotopes that are valuable for various applications in science.....»»
Fluorescent molecules to illuminate life: Simplified synthesis with formaldehyde
A research team has recently made a breakthrough in synthesizing organic fluorophores more cost-effectively and atom-efficiently than ever before by using formaldehyde, the simplest carbon molecule. Their findings were published in Angewandte Chemie.....»»
Bruno Sacco, creator of many Mercedes-Benz postwar classics, dies
Bruno Sacco, the designer of many of the top-selling vehicles in Mercedes-Benz history, died in Germany on Sept. 19 at age 90......»»
Google and Meta update their AI models amid the rise of “AlphaChip”
News about Gemini updates, Llama 3.2, and Google's new AI-powered chip designer. Enlarge / There's been a lot of AI news this week, and covering it sometimes feels like running through a hall full of danging CRTs, just like this.....»»
Bioengineers and chemists design fluorescent 3D-printed structures with potential medical applications
In a process as simple as stirring eggs and flour into pancakes, University of Oregon researchers have mixed fluorescent ring-shaped molecules into a novel 3D printing process. The result: intricate glowing structures that support the development of.....»»
The biological marvels of the seabed are being mined to create commercial products—here are the risks
Thousands of genes from deep-sea marine life are being used to create new commercial products ranging from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics. Genes are segments of DNA that provide instructions for making other molecules that are essential for the structu.....»»
Marine dust identifies 1.5 million year Oldest Ice near South America
Earth's climate has experienced major shifts over its billions of years of history, including numerous periods where ice proliferated across the planet. Today, ice cores can be a valuable resource for understanding these periods of Earth's history as.....»»
The unexpected role of magnetic microbes in deep-sea mining
Polymetallic nodules are potato-sized formations on the ocean floor that are rich in minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. Their concentration of rare, economically important minerals has made the nodules the focus of controversial deep-sea.....»»
"Tamed" molecules for more sustainable catalysts: Chemists succeed in synthesizing a spectacular gallium compound
Catalysts play an important role in the manufacture of many products that we encounter in everyday life—for example in cars for exhaust gas purification or in the chemical industry in the production of fertilizers. Catalysts ensure that these react.....»»
A new approach for rockburst risk control and mitigation in deep mining
Mining of minerals is important for the advancement of modern society. However, over many years of mining, shallow resources are depleting with the need to migrate to deep levels......»»
Sustainable metal-recycling method reduces cost and greenhouse gas emissions
A research team led by Rice University's James Tour has developed a method to recycle valuable metals from electronic waste more efficiently while significantly reducing the environmental impact typically associated with metal recycling......»»
Ultra-high speed camera for molecules: Attosecond spectroscopy captures electron transfer dynamics
In nature, photosynthesis powers plants and bacteria; within solar panels, photovoltaics transform light into electric energy. These processes are driven by electronic motion and imply charge transfer at the molecular level. The redistribution of ele.....»»