Implantable medical devices have long relied on traditional batteries to function, but these batteries eventually run low and require invasive surgeries for replacement. However, researchers in China have developed a revolutionary implantable battery that runs on oxygen within the body, offering a potential solution to this issue. The key innovation behind this new implantable battery
Chemistry
Meeting the world’s growing energy needs in a sustainable way has become a pressing issue. Oxygen electrocatalysis plays a vital role in various energy conversion and storage technologies, including water splitting, fuel cells, and metal-air batteries. However, the high activation energies involved in these reactions have long been a challenge in finding efficient catalysts to
In the realm of metalworking, researchers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with new techniques such as Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) and friction stir welding. These innovative methods have allowed for the production of metal components that are not only lighter and stronger but also more precise than ever before.
Polymer systems have the unique ability to spontaneously induce emulsion or microdroplets through mechanical mixing, creating an intermediate state of macroscopic phase separation. However, the challenge lies in the nonuniform size and random spatial arrangement of these droplets, which tend to grow larger over time in a process known as coarsening. Researchers have attempted to
When looking at Rabih O. Al-Kaysi’s molecular motors, one might mistake them for tiny organisms moving in a drop of water. However, these intricate devices are not alive; they are actually made from crystallized molecules that exhibit coordinated movements when exposed to light. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, from medicine
Mucus, often seen as a mere inconvenience during cold and flu season, is actually a complex and essential component of human health. Recent research has shed light on the myriad roles of mucus, particularly focusing on its major component – sugar-coated proteins called mucins. These proteins play a crucial role in regulating the transport of
Lignin, a complex organic polymer, plays a crucial role in providing structural support and rigidity to trees, making them resilient against various environmental factors. However, when wood is processed into paper, lignin becomes a hindrance and is often discarded as waste. Marcus Foston, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is leading research
Many of us are familiar with the concept that diamond is one of the toughest materials known to man. However, recent research has hinted at the existence of a carbon phase that might surpass diamond in terms of toughness. The eight-atom body-centered cubic (BC8) crystal is a unique form of carbon that is believed to
Prof Dr. Johannes Margraf and his team of scientists have made significant progress in the field of electrocatalysis by developing a cutting-edge method to enhance the efficiency of electrocatalysts. Their research, which was recently published in the prestigious Journal of the American Chemical Society, focuses on the use of high entropy alloys (HEAs) as promising
When it comes to picnics, insects are usually seen as unwanted intruders. However, in some parts of the world, these tiny creatures are not just a nuisance, but rather a valuable source of nutrition and flavor. Ants, for instance, are considered a delicacy in various cultures. Researchers have delved into the unique aroma profiles of
Fuel cells have gained attention as a promising carbon-free energy source due to their ability to directly convert the chemical energy of fuel into electricity. Consisting of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, fuel cells play a crucial role in the global transition away from fossil fuels. While the operation of fuel cells results
Cell biology has long been fascinated by the intricate relationship between lipid membrane fluidity and various cellular functions. Lipid membranes are not merely static barriers, but rather dynamic structures that play crucial roles in processes such as cell division, material exchange, and sensory perception. Understanding the order and fluidity of lipid membranes is therefore essential