Category Technology/Electronics

Electron microscopy showing one of the unique geometries observed in the nano-silicon power derived from diatomaceous earth. Credit: Image courtesy of University of California – Riverside

Engineers have developed an inexpensive, energy-efficient way to create silicon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries from the fossilized remains of single-celled algae called diatoms. The research could lead to the development of ultra-high capacity lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and portable electronics.

Lithium-ion batteries, the most popular rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and personal electronics, have several major components including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte made of lithium salt dissolved in an organic solvent...

A team of students from the University of Cincinnati looks on as their Hyperloop Prototype prepares to levitate. Credit: Jay Yocis/University of Cincinnati

The whirring sound of Hyperloop UC’s hover engines filled the conference room as an anxious crowd shuffled closer for a better view. The answer came in a matter of moments as the 8 miniature engines gained revolutions per minute – emitting noises reminiscent of Star Wars sound effects – and the 14-foot-long Hyperloop UC pod achieved roughly a quarter-inch of magnetic levitation.

The unveiling and demo of Hyperloop UC’s prototype at the University of Cincinnati’s Myers Alumni Center on Oct...

The image shows a good match between the results of the neutron scattering experiments (top) and the theoretical model (bottom). Credit: IBS, Nature Comms

Scientists have observed, quantified and created a new theoretical model of the coupling of 2 forms of collective atomic excitation, known as magnons and phonons in crystals of the antiferromagnet manganite (Y,Lu)MnO3, a mineral made of manganese oxide and rare-earth elements called yttrium (Y) and lutetium (Lu). This study could provide an important breakthrough for solving a 100 year old physical problem, and deepen our knowledge of multiferroics.

While we generally think of solids as static objects, their molecules are actually in a constant state of vibration...

Washington State University researchers have developed a low-cost, portable laboratory on a smartphone that can analyze several samples at once to catch a cancer biomarker, producing lab quality results. Credit: Washington State University

Researchers have developed a low-cost, portable laboratory on a smartphone that can analyze several samples at once to catch a cancer biomarker, producing lab quality results. At a time when patients and medical professionals expect always faster results, researchers are trying to translate biodetection technologies used in laboratories to the field and clinic, so patients can get nearly instant diagnoses in a physician’s office, ambulance or emergency room.

The WSU research team created an 8 channel smartphone spectrometer that can detect human interleu...