New sensor could detect rare earth element in unexpected locations
Scientists have developed a luminescent sensor that can detect and measure the presence of a rare earth element called terbium.
The element is used in...
Scientists make square droplets and liquid lattices
When two substances are brought together, they will eventually settle into a steady state called the thermodynamic equilibrium.
In everyday life, we see examples of...
Scientists discover new super material for batteries and other energy conversion devices
Unplanned discovery could lead to future pivotal discoveries in batteries, fuel cells, devices for converting heat to electricity and more.
Scientists normally conduct their research...
Scientists find way to change material properties for next-generation electronics
By confining the transport of electrons and ions in a patterned thin film, scientists find a way to potentially enhance material properties for design...
New laser captures energy like noise-cancelling headphones
Physicists at The Australian National University (ANU) have developed extremely powerful microscopic lasers that are even smaller than the wavelength of the light they...
Scientists create tiny capsules that can vacuum up or deliver cargo at will
The need to carry things around is as old as humanity itself—we may have evolved to walk upright in part to carry tools—but transporting...
New ceramics could self-heal cracks even at room temperature
Researchers have discovered a class of ceramics called MAX phases that can self-heal cracks even at room temperature.
They’ve shown that these engineered ceramics form...
Scientists find potential way to convert food waste into batteries
What do apple cores, spent grain, and walnut shells have in common? They could one day be used to power a data center.
As the...
New shape memory polymer could someday help robots flex their muscles
When stretched or deformed, shape memory polymers return to their original shapes after heat or light is applied.
These materials show great promise for soft...
What’s in your cup? Engineers design new approach to ensure safe drinking water
Most Americans take safe, clean drinking water for granted, not realizing that what's flowing from their faucets likely contains myriad potentially harmful chemicals.
A recent...