ScienceDaily: Matter & Energy News

Brothers working in a lab discover that sound can be used to analyze the properties of laser-induced graphene in real time.

Researchers describe a humidity sensor inspired by the structure and properties of camels' noses. In experiments, they found this device could reliably detect variations in humidity in settings that included industrial exhaust and the air surrounding human skin.

A study discusses how advances in global lightning detection have provided novel ways to characterize explosive volcanism.

Researchers have achieved a key milestone toward the development of a fault-tolerant quantum computer. They were able to demonstrate a two-qubit gate fidelity of 99.5 percent -- higher than the 99 percent considered to be the threshold for building fault-tolerant computers -- using electron spin qubits in silicon, which are promising for large-scale quantum computers as the nanofabrication technology for building them already exists.

Researchers have proven that near error-free quantum computing is possible, paving the way to build silicon-based quantum devices compatible with current semiconductor manufacturing technology.

Crystals reveal the hidden geometry of molecules to the naked eye. Scientists use crystals to figure out the atomic structure of new materials, but many materials can't be grown large enough. Now, a team of researchers report a new technique that can lead to the discovery of the crystalline structure of any substance.

A smart and super-efficient new way of capturing carbon dioxide and converting it to solid carbon could help advance the decarbonization of heavy industries.

Researchers have used current and voltage measurements on individual nanoparticles to determine that the capacitively stored charge at platinum interfaces can be significantly higher than previously assumed. They attribute this to a special arrangement and bonding of water molecules.

Daylight passing through smart windows results in almost complete disinfection of surfaces within 24 hours while still blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, according to new research. For this research, she tested four strains of hazardous bacteria -- methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa -- using a mini-living lab set-up. The lab had smart windows, which tint dynamically based on outdoor conditions, and traditional windows with blinds.

Researchers have developed a new strategy for manufacturing nanoscale structures in a time- and resource-efficient manner.

Skiers, hikers, soldiers and others exposed to extreme cold temperatures can experience frostbite -- a painful injury that occurs when ice crystals form in the skin. Many extremely cold areas are also remote, and delays in frostbite treatment can result in severe wounds, scarring and even limb amputation. Now, researchers have developed a cream that prevents frostbite injuries in mice when applied to the skin 15 minutes before severe cold exposure.

Researchers created a novel 3D printed robotic replica of a human spine modified to include an artificial disc implant with a soft magnetic sensor array to enable surgeons to preview the effects of surgical interventions prior to the operation. The patient-specific model was based on a CT scan of the human spine. Results showed that the soft magnetic sensor array system had the high capability to classify five different postures of the spine with 100 percent accuracy, which can be a predictor of different problems of the spine that people experience.

Engineers have discovered that they can actually move deep water and create upward fountains by shining laser beams on the water's surface. The finding, credited to the Marangoni effect, has potential to impact fluid dynamics in many applications.

Most noninvasive brain scanning systems use continuous-wave fNIRS, where the tissue is irradiated by a constant stream of photons. However, these systems cannot differentiate between scattered and absorbed photons. A recent advancement to this technique is time-domain (TD)-fNIRS, which uses picosecond pulses of light and fast detectors to estimate photon scattering and absorption in tissues. However, such systems are expensive and complex and have a large form factor, limiting their widespread adoption. To overcome these challenges, researchers have developed a wearable headset based on TD-fNIRS technology.

In a recent study, scientists provide evidence of the effects of photodissociation on the quantum level for an atmospheric pollutant, formaldehyde, thereby showing photodissociation reactions can't be treated classically, like 'billiard-balls' coming together, colliding and reconnecting, said an author of a new study.

Civil engineers develop a computational modeling strategy to help plan effective repairs to damaged reinforced concrete columns.

Boxing up molecular machines. The construction of a molecular rotor inside a nanostructured cage allows for the development of a tunable molecular device.