Article archives

MI weekly selection #564

MI weekly selection #564

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Earth’s inner core may have started slowing spin in 2010 Seismograms confirm Earth’s inner core has slowed its rotation for the first time in decades, possibly beginning in 2010 because of gravitational pull or the liquid iron outer core’s constant motion, which generates the planet’s magnetic field. The slowdown could change the length of a […]

Investigating the fundamental stages of the CO oxidation reaction using a kinked Pt crystal

Investigating the fundamental stages of the CO oxidation reaction using a kinked Pt crystal

CatalysisChemistryDIPC Interfaces

By DIPC

Carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation (2CO + O2 → CO2) on platinum (Pt) group metal surfaces is the model heterogeneous gas/surface catalytic reaction. Pt itself is of the upmost importance as a catalyst for car exhaust cleaning or for the water gas shift reaction, whereas Pt crystal surfaces are model systems for investigating the catalytic CO […]

Landau singularities revisited

Landau singularities revisited

MathematicsParticle physicsPhysics

By César Tomé

Scientists have used computational algebraic geometry to study predictions for particle physics experiments, such as those at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). These experiments, in combination with new mathematical tools, help to solve unanswered questions in physics in a much faster way and have a profound impact on our understanding of nature. When studying particle […]

New multispecies compact ion source and efficient experimental proton beam characterization

New multispecies compact ion source and efficient experimental proton beam characterization

Physics

By Invited Researcher

Any particle accelerator needs a reliable electron or ion source as a first, humble but essential and critical component. The world’s most powerful particle accelerator today -the Large Hadron Collider- extracts its protons from a single bottle of Hydrogen gas. Ion sources produce beams for a large variety of different scientific experiments, industrial processes and […]

MI weekly selection #563

MI weekly selection #563

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Seahenge may have been built to combat climate change Seahenge, an ancient timber monument discovered on an English beach, may have been built to counteract climate deterioration, according to a study in GeoJournal. The research suggests that Seahenge and the nearby Holme II were ritual structures aimed at bringing warmth during periods of severe cold […]

Synthesis of organometallic helicenes by simple combinations

Synthesis of organometallic helicenes by simple combinations

ChemistryDIPC BiochemistryMaterials

By DIPC

“Helicene” is the name introduced by Newman in 1955, to describe the benzologues of phenanthrene in which the extra ortho -condensed rings give rise to a (regular) cylindrical helix. The pioneer work of Newman in this field cannot be overemphasized; his brillant synthesis and resolution of [6]helicene will remain as a landmark, for it opened […]

Taste receptors: not only in the mouth, not only for taste

Taste receptors: not only in the mouth, not only for taste

Neurobiology

By José Ramón Alonso

The perception of food occurs when food enters the oral cavity and depends on the action of three complementary sensory systems: somesthesia (a group that includes mechanoreception, thermal sensation and nociception), retronasal olfaction and taste. Taste is one of the five classical senses, along with smell, touch, hearing and sight. One of the most common […]

Stable, high-energy-density and fast charging lithium-ion batteries

Stable, high-energy-density and fast charging lithium-ion batteries

ChemistryMaterials

By César Tomé

Convenient fast charging and energy density of lithium-ion batteries have long been considered a trade-off, which has hindered the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. A new process will help develop stable, high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries capable of fast charging. A crucial prerequisite for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is the enhancement of lithium-ion battery […]