Category archives: Technology

27% of all materials in nature are topological. And now there is a catalogue

27% of all materials in nature are topological. And now there is a catalogue

ChemistryCondensed matterMaterialsQuantum physics

By DIPC

Topological materials have special universal properties, which are protected against perturbations. Such properties are theoretically described by topology, a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of geometrical objects that are unchanged by continuous deformations. Topological materials behave like an ordinary insulator in the bulk but have conducting states on their boundaries, i.e., edges or […]

How lithium ions move in substituted ceramic solid electrolytes

How lithium ions move in substituted ceramic solid electrolytes

ChemistryCondensed matterEnergyMaterialsMathematics

By BCAM

From electric vehicles to storing wind and solar energy produced during off-peak hours, rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the best option that we currently have tu support our technological future. But if we want them to be truly environmentally-friendly and safe devices, they do need some changes. The Li-ion battery is a rechargeable cell. Typically […]

The unexpected role of glycolaldehyde in photocatalytic cofactor regeneration using triethanolamine

The unexpected role of glycolaldehyde in photocatalytic cofactor regeneration using triethanolamine

ChemistryEnergyMaterials

By DIPC

Nature is a source of inspiration for scientists. If the efficiency of natural processes efficiency has been honed by billions of years of evolution, it seems reasonable that the best way to achieve some process is to try and mimic what nature has already come up with. This is the case with photosynthesis, a process […]

Ayahuasca in the treatment of depression

Ayahuasca in the treatment of depression

HealthMedicineNeurosciencePharmacy

By José Ramón Alonso

Ayahuasca is an illegal entheogenic drug, substances that have the capacity to generate a mystical experience, a psychological sensation of contact with the divinity. Ayahuasca is an infusion prepared from the Banisteriopsis caapi liana and other ingredients, which include leaves of Psychotria viridis , Diplopyterys cabrerana and Mimosa tenuiflora . Psychotria has dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a […]

Design of protein-protein binding sites suggests a rationale for naturally occurring contact areas

Design of protein-protein binding sites suggests a rationale for naturally occurring contact areas

BiochemistryChemistryMaterials

By Invited Researcher

Molecular recognition is a critical process for many biological functions and consists in non-covalent binding of different molecules, such as protein-protein, antigen-antibody and many others. The host-guest molecules involved often show a shape complementarity, and one of the leading specification for molecular recognition is that the interaction must be selective, i.e. the host should strongly […]

Methane and the determination of the Majorana nature of neutrinos

Methane and the determination of the Majorana nature of neutrinos

DIPC Particle PhysicsParticle physicsPhysics

By DIPC

Experiments performed in 1909 by Geiger and Marsden, also called Rutherford gold foil experiment because Rutherford was their supervisor, led to the discovery of nuclear structure in the atom: the nucleus of the atom is its central core and contains most of its mass and the nucleus is positively charged. Further research during the next […]