Biology: Biotechnology Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Energy: Technology
Published

New 'droplet battery' could pave the way for miniature bio-integrated devices      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have developed a miniature battery that could be used to power tiny devices integrated into human tissues. The design uses an ionic gradient across a chain of droplets -- inspired by how electric eels generate electricity. The device was able to regulate the biological activity of human neurons. This could open the way to the development of tiny bio-integrated devices, with a range of applications in biology and medicine.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers Offbeat: Computers and Math Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Paving the way for advanced quantum sensors      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Quantum physics has allowed for the creation of sensors far surpassing the precision of classical devices. Now, several new studies show that the precision of these quantum sensors can be significantly improved using entanglement produced by finite-range interactions. Researchers were able to demonstrate this enhancement using entangled ion-chains with up to 51 particles.

Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry
Published

A first for ferrocene: Organometallic capsule with unusual charge-transfer interactions      (via sciencedaily.com) 

An organometallic capsule that can reversibly assemble and disassemble in response to chemical stimuli was recently developed by chemists. Comprising ferrocene-based bent amphiphiles, this new capsule can act as a host for various types of guest molecules, such as electron acceptors and dyes. Thanks to the controllable release of its cargo, the capsule would find applications in catalysis, medicine, and biotechnology.

Chemistry: General Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Energy: Alternative Fuels Energy: Fossil Fuels Energy: Technology Geoscience: Environmental Issues
Published

Direct power generation from methylcyclohexane using solid oxide fuel cells      (via sciencedaily.com)     Original source 

Methylcyclohexane is very promising as a hydrogen carrier that can safely and efficiently transport and store hydrogen. However, the dehydrogenation process using catalysts has issues due to its durability and large energy loss. Recently, researchers have succeeded in using solid oxide fuel cells to generate electricity directly from methylcyclohexane and recover toluene for reuse. This research is expected to not only reduce energy requirements but also explore new chemical synthesis by fuel cells.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Mathematics: General Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Quantum computer unveils atomic dynamics of light-sensitive molecules      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have implemented a quantum-based method to observe a quantum effect in the way light-absorbing molecules interact with incoming photons. Known as a conical intersection, the effect puts limitations on the paths molecules can take to change between different configurations. The observation method makes use of a quantum simulator, developed from research in quantum computing, and offers an example of how advances in quantum computing are being used to investigate fundamental science.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Physics: General Physics: Optics Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Scientists use quantum device to slow down simulated chemical reaction 100 billion times      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Using a trapped-ion quantum computer, the research team witnessed the interference pattern of a single atom caused by a 'conical intersection'. Conical intersections are known throughout chemistry and are vital to rapid photo-chemical processes such as light harvesting in human vision or photosynthesis.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer Science: General Engineering: Robotics Research Offbeat: Computers and Math
Published

AI helps robots manipulate objects with their whole bodies      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A new AI technique enables a robot to develop complex plans for manipulating an object using its entire hand, not just fingertips. This model can generate effective plans in about a minute using a standard laptop.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry
Published

Breakthrough in beta-lactam synthesis using nickel catalysts      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the field of asymmetric synthesis of beta-lactams, which are prominent in bioactive compounds. Their innovative approach employs nickel and hydrocarbon sources that are abundant on Earth to access value-added beta-lactam products. The employment of nickel-hydride catalysis and alkenyl dioxazolone derivatives gives rise to the selective formation of four-membered lactam products.

Energy: Batteries Energy: Technology Engineering: Nanotechnology Offbeat: Computers and Math
Published

Scientists invent micrometers-thin battery charged by saline solution that could power smart contact lenses      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Scientists have developed a flexible battery as thin as a human cornea, which stores electricity when it is immersed in saline solution, and which could one day power smart contact lenses.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Physics: Optics
Published

Light regulates structural conversion of chiral molecules      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A team of chemists have developed a novel concept in which a mixture of molecules that behave like mirror images is converted to a single form. To this end, they use light as external energy source. The conversion is relevant e.g. for the preparation of drugs.

Computer Science: Quantum Computers Computer Science: Virtual Reality (VR) Offbeat: Computers and Math Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Do measurements produce the reality they show us?      (via sciencedaily.com) 

The measurement values determined in sufficiently precise measurements of physical systems will vary based on the relation between the past and the future of a system determined by its interactions with the meter. This finding may explain why quantum experiments often produce paradoxical results that can contradict our common-sense idea of physical reality.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Geoscience: Earth Science Physics: General
Published

Hot chemistry quickly transforms aromatic molecules into harmful aerosols      (via sciencedaily.com) 

A research group has established key early steps in the conversion of aromatic molecules, a major constituent of traffic and other urban volatile emissions, into aerosol. Their findings increase understanding of the chemical processes that degrade urban air quality and influence climate change.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Computer Science: General Computer Science: Quantum Computers Physics: General Physics: Quantum Computing Physics: Quantum Physics
Published

Sci­en­tists develop fermionic quan­tum pro­ces­sor      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have designed a new type of quantum computer that uses fermionic atoms to simulate complex physical systems. The processor uses programmable neutral atom arrays and is capable of simulating fermionic models in a hardware-efficient manner using fermionic gates. The team demonstrated how the new quantum processor can efficiently simulate fermionic models from quantum chemistry and particle physics.

Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computer Science: General Offbeat: Computers and Math
Published

How artificial intelligence gave a paralyzed woman her voice back      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that has enabled a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Chemistry: Thermodynamics Energy: Fossil Fuels Energy: Technology
Published

Steam condenser coating could save 460M tons of CO2 annually      (via sciencedaily.com) 

If coal and natural gas power generation were 2% more efficient, then, every year, there could be 460 million fewer tons of carbon dioxide released and 2 trillion fewer gallons of water used. A recent innovation to the steam cycle used in fossil fuel power generation could achieve this.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry Physics: General
Published

Topology's role in decoding energy of amorphous systems      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers used topological data analysis to improve the predictions of physical properties of amorphous materials by machine-learning algorithms. This may allow for cheaper and faster calculations of material properties.

Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry
Published

New epoxy resin resists flames and reduces waste      (via sciencedaily.com) 

Researchers have developed an epoxy resin that can be repaired and recycled, in addition to being flame-retardant and mechanically strong. Potential applications range from coating for wooden flooring to composites in aerospace and railways.