Article archives

The cryogenic quantum twisting microscope and the phason mode of moiré systems

The cryogenic quantum twisting microscope and the phason mode of moiré systems

DIPC Advanced materialsMaterialsQuantum physics

By DIPC

In the realm of modern physics, few materials have captured the imagination quite like graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. Its remarkable properties, such as exceptional electrical conductivity and strength, have made it a cornerstone of research into quantum materials. A recent study published in Nature takes this fascination […]

On real-life Mars exploration

On real-life Mars exploration

GeosciencesPlanetary Science

By Invited Researcher

Author: Ari Koeppel, Postdoctoral Scientist in Earth and Planetary Science, Dartmouth College Andy Weir’s bestselling story “The Martian” predicts that by 2035 NASA will have landed humans on Mars three times, perfected return-to-Earth flight systems and collaborated with the China National Space Administration. We are now 10 years past the Hollywood adaptation’s 2015 release and […]

Kirigami, inverse design with no advanced computational tools

Kirigami, inverse design with no advanced computational tools

MathematicsPhysics

By Mapping Ignorance

Kirigami is a traditional Japanese art form that entails cutting and folding paper (origami is just folding it) to produce complex three-dimensional (3D) structures or objects. Over the past decades, this creative practice has also been applied in the context of physics, engineering, and materials science research to create new materials, devices and even robotic […]

MI weekly selection #604

MI weekly selection #604

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

New bacterium found on Tiangong space station Researchers have discovered a previously unknown bacterium, Niallia tiangongensis, on China’s Tiangong space station. The bacterium, found in swabs taken by the Shenzhou-15 crew, shows unique traits that may help it survive the harsh space environment. Full Story: ScienceAlert Unique facial tattoos discovered on 800-year-old mummy Researchers have […]

Unlocking magnetism in nanographenes: The role of oxyradicals and molecular design

Unlocking magnetism in nanographenes: The role of oxyradicals and molecular design

ChemistryDIPC Advanced materialsDIPC InterfacesMaterialsNanotechnology

By DIPC

Nanotechnology is like a playground for scientists, where they tinker with materials at the scale of atoms to create new tools and devices with extraordinary properties. One of the most exciting areas in this field involves nanographenes, which are tiny pieces of graphene—a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern, known for […]

Could the euro replace the dollar as global reserve currency? It’s not getting any less likely

Could the euro replace the dollar as global reserve currency? It’s not getting any less likely

Economics

By Invited Researcher

Author: Sergi Basco, Adjunct Professor of Economics, Universitat de Barcelona A global reserve currency is one that is extensively held by foreign Central Banks. Since the 1944 Bretton Woods agreement this position has been occupied by the US dollar and it still holds true – according to IMF data from late 2024, the dollar represented […]

Living beings emit light that extinguishes upon death

Living beings emit light that extinguishes upon death

BiochemistryBiologyChemistryPhysicsPhysiologyPlant biology

By Mapping Ignorance

The light of someone’s life might not be just another person, but light in the literal sense. According to a recent study , every living system emits light without requiring external excitation due to a biological phenomenon known as ultraweak photon emission (UPE). In mice, UPE was linked to vitality as live mice emitted significantly […]

MI weekly selection #603

MI weekly selection #603

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Starch bioplastic as toxic as conventional plastic Starch-based bioplastic, often deemed a sustainable alternative, may be as toxic as petroleum-based plastic. The research highlights potential health issues, including organ damage and metabolic changes, from long-term exposure to bioplastic microplastics, raising concerns about their safety. Full Story: The Guardian Heat waves, pollution drive premature deaths A […]