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[Images above] Credit: NIST


NANOMATERIALS

Quantum dots form ordered material

Researchers led by University of Groningen succeeded in making a highly conductive optoelectronic metamaterial through self-organization of quantum dots. Measurements of the electronic properties of the material show that it closely resembles that of a bulk semiconductor but with the optical properties of the dots.

In nanotube science, is boron nitride the new carbon?

Engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Tokyo synthesized aligned forests of nanoscale fibers made of boron nitride. They hope to harness the technique to fabricate bulk-scale arrays of these nanotubes, which can then be combined with other materials to make stronger, more heat-resistant composites.


ENERGY

First online database of photocharged materials developed for battery research

A public database of photocharged materials was created to facilitate design of high-performing materials with photocharging function, their application as rechargeable reductants in organic synthesis, and the development of devices.


ENVIRONMENT

New approach to ‘cosmic magnet’ manufacturing could reduce reliance on rare earths

University of Cambridge researchers, working with colleagues from Austria, found a new way to make a possible replacement for rare-earth magnets: tetrataenite, a “cosmic magnet” that takes millions of years to develop naturally in meteorites. The addition of phosphorus could mean that it is possible to make tetrataenite artificially and at scale.

3D-printed concrete Innoreefs could help restore real coral reefs

Developed at Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, Innoreef consists of 3D-printed concrete modules that are designed to both look and function like the calcium carbonate skeletons of natural coral reefs.


OTHER STORIES

Rare earth elements synthesis confirmed in neutron star mergers

Researchers led by Tohoku University and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science identified rare earth elements produced by neutron star mergers.

Looking to sea urchins for stronger ceramic foams

Virginia Tech researchers unlocked some mysteries in the porous microstructures of sea urchin exoskeletons that could lead to the creation of lightweight synthetic ceramics. One is related to the connection of branches, and another is the size of the pores.

NSF announces name changes to education directorate

The U.S. National Science Foundation announced changes to the names of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources and the Division of Human Resource Development. The directorate will now be known as the Directorate for STEM Education, or EDU, and the division will be known as the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM, or EES.

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