(National Institute for Materials Science, Japan) A new study led by NIMS researchers reveals that, in solid electrolytes, a Si anode composed only of commercial Si nanoparticles prepared by spray deposition — the method is a cost-effective, atmospheric technique – exhibits excellent electrode performance, which has previously been observed only for film electrodes prepared by evaporation processes. This new result therefore suggests that a low-cost and large-scale production of high-capacity anodes for use in all-solid-state Li batteries is possible.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/nifm-haf122219.php

(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau) Handling very soft, delicate items without damaging them is hard enough with human hands, let alone doing it at the microscopic scale with laboratory instruments. Three new studies show how scientists have honed a technique for handling tiny, soft particles using precisely controlled fluid flows that act as gentle microscopic hands. The technique allows researchers to test the physical limits of these soft particles and the things made from them — ranging from biological tissues to fabric softeners.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/uoia-sdg122319.php

(NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center) When NASA’s Aqua satellite passed over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, water vapor data provided information about the intensity of Tropical Cyclone Phanfone. In the Philippines, the storm is known locally as Ursula.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/nsfc-nat122319.php

(Princeton University, Engineering School) Princeton researchers have uncovered new rules governing how objects absorb and emit light, fine-tuning scientists’ control over light and boosting research into next-generation solar and optical devices.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/pues-nri122319.php

(DOE/Sandia National Laboratories) Experts like engineer Alan Mar ensure components made for the US nuclear stockpile pass stringent standards to resist radiation and remain safe and reliable in extremely harsh environments. The 25-year Sandia National Laboratories employee received a Professional Achievement Award from the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers this year.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/dnl-aeh122319.php

(California Institute of Technology) A new optical atomic clock makes ultra-precise time measurements.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/ciot-cm122319.php

Handling very soft, delicate items without damaging them is hard enough with human hands, let alone doing it at the microscopic scale with laboratory instruments. Three new studies show how scientists have honed a technique for handling tiny, soft particles using precisely controlled fluid flows that act as gentle microscopic hands. The technique allows researchers to test the physical limits of these soft particles and the things made from them — ranging from biological tissues to fabric softeners.

Original source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191223122829.htm

(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau) University of Illinois researchers achieved the highest reported rates of inserting genes into human cells with the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system, a necessary step for harnessing CRISPR for clinical gene-therapy applications. By chemically tweaking the ends of the DNA to be inserted, the new technique is up to five times more efficient than current approaches.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/uoia-fct122319.php

(Kiel University) Chemists and physicists at Kiel University joined forces with colleagues from France, and Switzerland to design, deposit and operate single molecular spin switches on surfaces. The newly developed molecules feature stable spin states and do not lose their functionality upon adsorption on surfaces. They present their results in the current issue of the renowned journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Original source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-12/ku-cwm122319.php

Researchers have uncovered new rules governing how objects absorb and emit light, fine-tuning scientists’ control over light and boosting research into next-generation solar and optical devices.

Original source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191223122802.htm