Scientists showed how MnBi6Te10, shown here in purple (tellurium), blue (bismuth) and green (manganese), can act as a magnetic topological insulator, conducting electrical current (blue) along a “quantum highway” without losing energy. The study revealed that a concerted action of different material defects is key to the quantum electronic properties. Credit: University of ChicagoQuantum...
Magnetic bacteria (gray) can squeeze through narrow intercellular spaces to cross the blood vessel wall and infiltrate tumors. Credit: Yimo Yan / ETH ZurichScientists worldwide are investigating how anti-cancer drugs can most efficiently reach the tumours they target. One probability is to use modified bacteria as "ferries" to bring the medications with the blood...
The distributions and sizes of lithium peroxide on the end surfaces of C-AAO electrodes and inside them. Credit: Prof. TAN Peng's teamWith a high power density, Li-O2 batteries have become a state-of-the-art battery Innovation. Inside the Li-O2 battery, the generation and disintegration of the discharged product solid lithium peroxide (Li2O2) have a significant impact...
Flame nanoparticle deposition was utilized to make robust nano-sensors that can spot pesticide residues on apple surfaces within minutes. Credit: Georgios A Sotiriou and Haipeng Li.Researchers in Sweden at Karolinska Institutet have developed a tiny sensor for spotting fruit pesticides in just a few minutes. The method, referred as a proof-of-concept in a paper...
The image represents the 3D model of the polarization pattern in the ferroelectric PbTiO3 representing the cycloidal modulation of the vortex core. Credit: University of WarwickFerromagnetic materials possess a self-generating magnetic field; ferroelectric materials create their own electrical field. Electric and magnetic fields are important. Physics tells us that they are entirely different classes...
A Q&A with two scientists aiming to overcome limitations in computing power and energy efficiency deliberately by designing brand-new microchips (CMOS silicon chips).A brief history of microelectronics and CMOS silicone chipsOur laptop computers and smartphones are portable yet powerful due to silicon microelectronics, also known as integrated circuits or chips, the tiny minds behind...
Rice University graduate student Lauren Taylor shows a shirt with carbon nanotube thread that provides constant monitoring of the wearer’s heart. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice UniversityRice's flexible carbon nanotube fibers woven into clothes collect precise EKG, heart rate.There is no demand to wear awkward smartwatches or chest straps to monitor your heart if your comfortable...
Many people have become familiar with using face masks to protect themselves and others throughout the coronavirus pandemic, yet that does not mean the masks are consistently comfortable, especially during exercise. Now, scientists reporting in ACS Nano have created a dynamic respirator that regulates its pore size in response to altering conditions, such as...
