Ionic crystal generates molecular ions upon positron irradiation
The positron, the antiparticle of the electron, has the same mass and charge as that of an electron but with the sign flipped for the charge. It is an attractive particle for scientists because the use of positrons has led to important insights and d.....»»
Making high-quality crystals that resonate strongly with infrared light
Combining electronics with infrared light can enable small, fast, and sensitive devices for sensing, imaging, and signaling at the molecular level. However, in the infrared spectrum, materials must meet strict quality requirements for their crystals.....»»
Agronomists find green way to mitigate the effects of soil salinity
Most crops are sensitive to soil salinity. Excess salts cause salt stress—plants lack water, photosynthesis is suppressed, respiration worsens, chlorophyll breaks down, and potassium ions leak. Water-soluble toxic salts stimulate the synthesis of r.....»»
Interacting polarons: Physicists simulate interacting quasiparticles in ultracold quantum gas
An electron moving through a solid generates a polarization in its environment due to its electric charge. In his theoretical considerations, the Russian physicist Lev Landau extended the description of such particles by their interaction with the en.....»»
People in Europe ate seaweed for thousands of years before it largely disappeared from our diets—new research
Seaweed isn't something that generally features today in European recipe books, even though it is widely eaten in Asia. But our team has discovered molecular evidence that shows this wasn't always the case. People in Europe ate seaweed and freshwater.....»»
Researchers find promising locus for molecular design breeding in legumes
In cereal and legume crops, the size of the plant organs, particularly seeds, is closely related to final yield. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying organ size control in legumes are still poorly understood......»»
A new formula to calculate the strength of thin conical structures
Conical structures can have advantageous applications in a variety of fields, ranging from robotics to civil engineering. Studies have found that conical shells made of liquid crystal elastomer films can be effective lifters; devices that can generat.....»»
Novel nanostructured photoanode hydrothermally prepared at 160°C, followed by 500°C calcination
A new study led by Prof. Tianyou Peng (College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University) and Associate Prof. Peng Zeng (School of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Zhaoqing University) describes how a novel nanostructured WO3-based ph.....»»
Examining the synergistic roles of platinum nanoparticles and sodium ions within beta zeolites
Organic N-alkyl amines are important chemical products and intermediate with wide applications in the fields of daily chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, surfactants, and life sciences. The C–N bonds formed by alkylating reagents (halocarbons,.....»»
More heat waves and vanishing snow: The lake Tahoe basin"s future on a warming planet
Lake Tahoe is known for its crystal-clear blue water, scenic mountain backdrop, and world-class recreation opportunities. Unfortunately, the lake and surrounding basin aren't insulated from global climate change......»»
Pacific footballfish makes rare appearance on Orange County beach
For the second time in three years, a rare and otherworldly looking black anglerfish was found at Newport Beach's Crystal Cove State Park, showing up on Friday the 13th with its gaping mouth, jagged, translucent teeth and spiny dorsal fin......»»
How to solve molecular identification puzzles in Spider-Man 2
Peter and Miles may be scientists in Spider-Man 2, but we're not. When the molecular identification puzzles start to show up, we'll make them a breeze to solve......»»
Electrons are quick-change artists in molten salts, chemists show
In a finding that helps elucidate how molten salts in advanced nuclear reactors might behave, scientists have shown how electrons interacting with the ions of the molten salt can form three states with different properties. Understanding these states.....»»
Widely tunable and high resolution mid-infrared laser based on optical parametric oscillator
A widely tunable and high resolution mid-infrared radiation source operating in the 3–5 µm region has been applied to numerous frontier applications, including remote sensing, molecular spectroscopy, and atmosphere environmental monitoring......»»
Collaborative study focuses on using computer algorithms to find molecular adaptations to improve COVID-19 drugs
As the COVID-19 pandemic scattered and isolated people, researchers across Virginia Tech connected for a data-driven collaboration seeking improved drugs to fight the disease and potentially many other illnesses......»»
Protostars can siphon material from far away, says study
When stars are born, they do it inside a molecular cloud. Astronomers long assumed that the "crèche" supplied all the nutrients that protostars needed to form. However, it turns out they get help from outside the nest......»»
Harnessing molecular power: Electricity generation on the nanoscale
Wave energy technology is a proven source of power generation, but there is power inherent in every molecule of liquid on Earth, even when the liquid is at rest. At the molecular scale, atoms and ions are always moving. If this nanoscale movement can.....»»
Magnetic Minerals May Have Given Life Its Molecular Asymmetry
The preferred “handedness” of biomolecules could have emerged from interactions between electrons and magnetic surfaces on primordial Earth, new research suggests......»»
Unlocking the secrets of cold tolerance: A dive into tomato plants" molecular responses to chilling stress
Cold sensitivity poses a significant challenge for certain essential crops. While there's an indication that these plants may possess cold acclimation capabilities, the molecular dynamics, particularly involving the CRT binding factor (CBF) family, a.....»»
Targeting a coronavirus ion channel could yield new COVID-19 drugs
The genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus encodes 29 proteins, one of which is an ion channel called E. This channel, which transports protons and calcium ions, induces infected cells to launch an inflammatory response that damages tissues and contributes t.....»»
Researchers develop tiny nanoSABERs to aid battle against cancer
When Jedi Knights need to vanquish an enemy, they whip out their trusty lightsabers. In the future, thanks to Johns Hopkins researchers, doctors seeking to crush cancer may wield minuscule molecular nanoSABERs that allow them to look at tumors in way.....»»