Author archives: César Tomé

First real-space images of THz plasmon polaritons

First real-space images of THz plasmon polaritons

Condensed matterMaterialsQuantum physics

By César Tomé

Polaritons attract wide attention due to their ability to confine and guide light at the nanometre scale. These capacities are key for the development of ultrasmall resonators and waveguides that can be used for sensing, heat transfer and optical circuitry applications. But, what are polaritons in the first place? If, for the sake of the […]

MI weekly selection #512

MI weekly selection #512

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Mars formations may derive from similar material Scientists who reviewed data from the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer on NASA’s Opportunity rover say Mars’ Burns formation and underlying Grasberg formation may have originated from a similar source material. Dust particles or ash from volcanic eruptions may have solidified before they were blown to the site and […]

Reducing the energy requirements and carbon footprint of ammonia production

Reducing the energy requirements and carbon footprint of ammonia production

CatalysisChemical engineeringChemistry

By César Tomé

Ammonia (NH3), a ubiquitous compound, was generated in excess of 187 million tons globally in 2020. Roughly 85% is employed in the creation of nitrogenous fertilizers, while the remainder is used for refining petroleum, producing various other chemicals, and manufacturing synthetic fibers like nylon. However, these processes come with a substantial energy expenditure. Presently, the […]

MI weekly selection #511

MI weekly selection #511

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Researchers compare hundreds of mammalian genomes Researchers working on the Zoonomia Project, an international study comparing the traits and genomes of some 240 mammal species, including humans, have released some of their findings in 11 papers published in Science. Researchers found conserved stretches of DNA common across species that are largely unchanged by evolution, and […]

A recyclable aqueous organic high-capacity battery

A recyclable aqueous organic high-capacity battery

ChemistryMaterials

By César Tomé

Our modern rechargeable batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, are anything but sustainable. One alternative is organic batteries with redox-organic electrode materials (OEMs), which can be synthesized from natural “green” materials. A Chinese team has now introduced a new OEM for aqueous organic high-capacity batteries that can be easily and cheaply recycled. Traditional inorganic electrode materials […]

MI weekly selection #510

MI weekly selection #510

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Colour-changing dressing to aid in wound monitoring A wound dressing composed of a nanocellulose mesh with bromthymol blue dye that changes from yellow to blue when the wound has become infected has been developed. Being able to see instantly whether a wound has become infected, without having to lift the dressing, opens up for a […]

MI weekly selection #509

MI weekly selection #509

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Scientists use AI to sharpen first black hole image Scientists have used artificial intelligence to refine the first image of a black hole taken in 2019. The picture reveals a skinnier doughnut-shaped ring and darker center than the original image. Full Story: The Associated Press Volcanic eruptions led to 2 ancient extinctions Carnivores died in […]

MI weekly selection #508

MI weekly selection #508

Weekly Selection

By César Tomé

Tiger personality may be correlated with health Surveys of caretakers for 248 Siberian tigers at two fenced wildlife sanctuaries in China suggest that tigers have distinct personalities. Nearly 40% of the tigers’ behaviours fell into the “majesty” category, described as confident, competitive, and ambitious, or the “steadiness” category, reflecting obedience, tolerance, and gentleness. Those demonstrating […]