Complex structure

Antiferroelectric films show promise for overcoming clamping issues in miniaturized piezoelectric devices

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Lighting a gas grill, getting an ultrasound, using an ultrasonic toothbrush—these actions involve the use of materials that can translate an electric voltage into a change in shape and vice versa. Known as piezoelectricity, the ability to trade between mechanical stress and electric charge can be harnessed widely in capacitors, actuators, transducers and sensors like … Read more

The Interstellar Medium: Cosmic Gas and Dust

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The interstellar medium (ISM) is the vast expanse of gas and dust that fills the space between stars in galaxies. Comprising a complex mixture of elements, molecules, and particles, the ISM plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of stars, planets, and galaxies. Understanding the properties and dynamics of the interstellar medium is … Read more

Hundreds of young stars discovered in dusty stellar nurseries

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Astronomers from Armenia have delved into the mysteries of star formation by examining three distinct star-forming regions using data from space telescopes and astronomical surveys. Their study, recently published in the Astrophysics and Space Science journal on April 5, sheds light on the young stellar objects (YSOs) and the intricate dynamics within these cosmic nurseries. … Read more

Pair distribution function technique unravels hidden electronic state in 1T-TaS2

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Research often unfolds as a multistage process. The solution to one question can spark several more, inspiring scientists to reach further and look at the larger problem from several different perspectives. Such projects can often be the catalyst for collaborations that leverage the expertise and capabilities of different teams and institutions as they grow. For … Read more

Scientists develop sustainable iridescent materials from beetle exoskeletons

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Taking inspiration from the remarkable world of beetles, researchers have developed a revolutionary method for producing vibrant, iridescent colors using chitin, the Earth’s second-most abundant organic material. This groundbreaking approach not only offers stunning visual effects but also boasts complete biodegradability, aligning perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable solutions. “Nature, under conditions of scarcity, … Read more

First total synthesis of illicium sesquiterpene merrillianin opens doors for future drug development

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An avenue that scientists are currently exploring for the development of novel pharmaceuticals involves the synthesis of bioactive compounds found in Chinese herbal medicine. This collaborative effort, combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods, focuses on pharmaceutically relevant compounds found in medicinal plants for large-scale synthesis. An important compound in this context is merrillianin, a … Read more