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    Category Technology/Electronics

    Gold Remembers: ‘Shape Memory’ Effect Demonstrated in Gold Particles

    July 9, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    Self-Healing and Shape Memory Effects in Gold Microparticles through the Defects-Mediated Diffusion. Advanced Science, 2017; 1700159 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700159

    Self-Healing and Shape Memory Effects in Gold Microparticles through the Defects-Mediated Diffusion. Advanced Science, 2017; 1700159 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700159

    Researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and Germany have demonstrated for the first time the phenomena of shape memory and self-healing in gold microparticles. Achieved through defects-mediated diffusion in the particle, the discovery could one day lead to development of micro- and nano-robots capable of self-repair; mechanically stable and damage-tolerant components and devices; and targeted drug delivery.

    Shape-memory materials are characterized by the ability to repair the damage caused to them (such as plastic deformation) and to recover their original shape...

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    Iron Secrets behind Superconductors unlocked

    July 8, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics, Chemistry/Nanotechnology

    This illustration is based on a theoretical understanding of microscope-based measurements carried out by Cornell Univrsity. It shows a 2-dimensional iron-layer. The lattice seen here rougly measures 10/1.000.000 of 1 millimeter on each side. The red and darkblue clover-like structures represent two diffent iron electrons - each individually expressed (orbital state). In order to arrive at superconductivity the electrons must form groups of two (Cooper pairing) - symbolized by the light blue 'eclipses'. They are superconductive - while the red do not form Cooper pairs because they predominantly contribute to the upholding of magnetism in the entire system. The scientific article from Niels Bohr Institute, Cornell University, University of St. Andrews et.al. demonstrates for the first time ever, that the five unbound iron electrons behave fundamentally different during the state of superconductivity. Illustration: Cornell University

    This illustration is based on a theoretical understanding of microscope-based measurements carried out by Cornell Univrsity. It shows a 2-dimensional iron-layer. The lattice seen here rougly measures 10/1.000.000 of 1 millimeter on each side. The red and darkblue clover-like structures represent two diffent iron electrons – each individually expressed (orbital state). In order to arrive at superconductivity the electrons must form groups of two (Cooper pairing) – symbolized by the light blue ‘eclipses’. They are superconductive – while the red do not form Cooper pairs because they predominantly contribute to the upholding of magnetism in the entire system. The scientific article from Niels Bohr Institute, Cornell University, University of St. Andrews et.al...

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    New Material may help Cut Battery Costs for Electric cars, Cellphones

    July 7, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics

    Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas and Seoul National University have designed a novel battery cathode material that offers a potentially lower-cost, more eco-friendly option to lithium-ion batteries. Their sodium-ion design, which retains the high energy density of a lithium-ion cathode, replaces the most of the lithium atoms (green) with sodium (yellow). The layered structure of the new material also incorporates manganese (purple) and oxygen (red). The research is published in the journal Advanced Materials. Credit: University of Texas at Dallas

    Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas and Seoul National University have designed a novel battery cathode material that offers a potentially lower-cost, more eco-friendly option to lithium-ion batteries. Their sodium-ion design, which retains the high energy density of a lithium-ion cathode, replaces the most of the lithium atoms (green) with sodium (yellow). The layered structure of the new material also incorporates manganese (purple) and oxygen (red). The research is published in the journal Advanced Materials. Credit: University of Texas at Dallas

    In the battle of the batteries, lithium-ion technology is the reigning champion, powering that cellphone in your pocket as well as an increasing number of electric vehicles on the road...

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    A Future without Fakes thanks to Quantum Technology

    July 7, 2017, Categories  Physics, Technology/Electronics

    This is a gold microchip. Credit: Lancaster University

    This is a gold microchip. Credit: Lancaster University

    1st demo of patented technology smartphone app aims to eliminate counterfeiting. Counterfeit products are a huge problem – from medicines to car parts, fake technology costs lives. Every year, imports of counterfeited and pirated goods around the world cost nearly US $0.5 trillion in lost revenue. Counterfeit medicines alone cost the industry over US $200 billion every year. They are also dangerous to our health – around a third contain no active ingredients, resulting in a million deaths a year. As the Internet of Things expands, there is the need to trust the identity of smart systems, such as the brake system components within connected and driverless cars.

    But researchers exhibiting at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition be...

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