My first encounter with Michael Mosley was at the BBC Summer Party. A recent documentary I had presented had just aired on horizon, making me eligible to attend the event. Feeling overwhelmed amongst the many celebrities present, I found solace at the bar, quietly observing the crowd, until Michael approached me.
“Hello, I’m Michael Mosley,” he introduced himself. I was well aware of who he was, and we ended up spending the evening conversing. Although I first worked with Michael at an event, that initial meeting at the party left a lasting impression on me. Despite not knowing me, he warmly welcomed me as a newcomer.
Michael’s extensive career as a producer, presenter, and writer at the BBC spanned over 40 years, establishing a unique style of ‘self-experimenting presenter’ in science presentations. He famously delved into self-experimentation, including infesting himself with tapeworms and popularizing the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet to manage his type 2 diabetes.
While Michael faced criticism for his methods, he aimed to communicate science rather than conduct formal experiments. His talent for simplifying complex concepts and making science accessible led to widespread education among audiences.
Personally, Michael served as a valuable mentor, offering practical advice and sharing techniques for effective communication in broadcasting. His influence extended to shaping my approach to interviews and on-camera presentations, guiding my work in academia and beyond.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of clear science communication has been highlighted, emphasizing the impact of effectively disseminating information on health issues. Michael’s contributions in this realm have greatly improved public health outcomes and potentially saved lives.
As a close colleague, respected mentor, and cherished friend, Michael Mosley will be deeply missed.
I spend countless hours sifting through plastic pieces in my kitchen to determine if they can be recycled. If you have them, put them in a bag along with glass, cans, cardboard, and paper. If not, or if you’re not confident, put it in a plastic bag (not recyclable) and shove it in the cupboard under the stairs. I plan to drop it off in a non-recyclable plastic bin at my local supermarket. But the road to the landfill is paved with good intentions. Sometimes I get frustrated and throw it away.
I don’t know if my relentless culling will actually make any difference. We hope that what is recyclable will eventually be recycled. As for the others, which make up about half of my plastic waste, I don’t know their fate. I think there’s a reason it’s called “non-recyclable.”
We hope that you won’t have to waste your precious time on this kind of waste prioritization any time soon. A series of “advanced recycling” technologies are gradually being rolled out that promise to convert all kinds of used plastics into something very useful: plastic. The goal is to create a circular economy for this material by eliminating the need to make virgin plastic from crude oil and simply endlessly recycling what we already have. Plastic, once demonized as the scourge of modern society, could once again be great.
There are many things you can use. Since the 1950s, we have produced over 10 billion tons of her.
Cancer cells grow abnormally and are difficult to control. Scientists call this growth on the lining of the stomach stomach cancer. Gastric cancer is a global health concern in the United States, East Asia, and Eastern Europe. There are usually no symptoms at the time of onset, but it often affects people infected with a bacterial species called Helicobacter pylori.
Researchers have found that diagnosing stomach cancer early is difficult, so many people with stomach cancer die within five years of diagnosis. As cancer grows, it moves from the stomach to other organs, such as the kidneys and liver, through a process called metastasis, which increases the severity even further. This problem raises the need for effective early diagnostic and therapeutic targets to combat gastric cancer before metastasis occurs.
Human cells contain molecules that carry genetic information essential for the development and functioning of organs and body systems. This molecule is DNA and it consists of a sequence of four nucleotide bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.
To carry out its role, DNA undergoes two transformations through biochemical reactions. First, it is transcribed into a slightly similar but less stable molecule. RNAIt is a sequence of nucleotide bases that is almost identical to DNA, except that it has uracil instead of thymine. This RNA serves as a template for protein synthesis, and there are various types. Enzymes then convert some of these RNA molecules into in particular messenger RNA or convert mRNA into protein. Proteins allow organs to grow and function.
Not all RNA molecules become proteins. What does not become protein non-coding RNA or ncRNA. These ncRNAs interact with cells and other molecules to control various processes required to form proteins from DNA for cell growth and survival.
In the past, researchers discovered a type of ncRNA called long ncRNA, which affects the body's immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. However, there are no studies specific to their activity in gastric cancer. Therefore, a group of Chinese biomedical researchers investigated how these ncRNAs influence the development of gastric cancer and how scientists can utilize their ncRNAs to predict the survival of gastric cancer patients.
Researchers found that normal and gastric cancer sample from global cancer database called cancer genome atlas. The normal samples were from patients without gastric cancer and served as the standard or reference point for comparison. Using the R programming language and a software package developed for biological data, they investigated which groups of ncRNAs were expressed at different levels in these patients. They used information from a genome browser called ensemble Identify protein-encoding genes located within and around differentially expressed ncRNA regions.
The researchers found that the expression levels of thousands of ncRNAs were different in gastric cancer compared to normal sample tissue. they again, 15 genes surrounding ncRNA regions that influence gastric cancer progression. They found that about 8 out of 10 ncRNAs were expressed at levels higher than those required in normal cells, and the rest were expressed at lower levels.
Additionally, the researchers investigated the time period during which ncRNAs interact with other ncRNAs and mRNAs to influence tumor growth and patient outcomes. They identified five long ncRNAs that interact with mRNA; microRNA. These long ncRNAs caused abnormal increases and decreases in protein levels within cells, influencing differences in tumor development and progression, as well as patient outcomes. They reported one microRNA that could inhibit tumor growth and serve as a potential target during therapy.
They used a statistical method called , to analyze the proportion of cells that fight infections and harmful substances. immune cellswere investigated in cancer and normal samples to determine how each cell interacts with ncRNAs and influences patient survival. The study highlighted that certain immune cells were higher depending on the age and stage of gastric cancer in the patients whose data were obtained. They confirmed the relationship between immunity and long ncRNA regulatory networks in gastric cancer. They identified certain immune cells whose presence increases a patient's chance of surviving stomach cancer, and those whose presence reduces survival.
With this study, the authors hope to identify new potential targets, namely specific immune cells and ncRNAs, to assess patients' chances of recovery and develop effective treatments for them. concluded that further insight into the biological processes involved in gastric cancer was gained. However, the size of the cancer data is much larger than the regular data used for comparison, which may have influenced the results, the researchers reported. They emphasized the need for further research, especially laboratory analysis, to validate the findings.
Living a healthier life can be achieved in many ways. Simple activities like daily walks, healthy eating, and brain-boosting puzzles like Sudoku can keep your mind and body active. For a unique approach, consider trying neuromodulation, which involves sending electric shocks to the brain.
Neuromodulation is an innovative method that uses a stimulator placed on the head to deliver electrical shocks directly to the nervous system. This non-invasive technique offers numerous health benefits and has gained traction as a cutting-edge technology for enhancing well-being.
The concept of neuromodulation has been around for some time, but companies like Parasin and gamma core have reignited interest in recent years. These companies claim to improve mental performance and overall health with their devices that can be used conveniently at home.
Research from reputable institutions like UCL, Harvard University, and University College London supports the effectiveness of neuromodulation. Even tech entrepreneurs like Brian Johnson have shown interest in this technology.
What is neuromodulation and how does it work?
Neuromodulation is a technique that alters neural activity by delivering electrical signals to specific areas. Imagine it as a dimmer switch that can increase or decrease nerve or brain activity. This method can excite or inhibit nerves to alleviate pain and modify neural patterns associated with various conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
Companies like Parasym use “auricular vagal neuromodulation therapy” to deliver electrical signals through the ear to target the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in connecting the brain, heart, and digestive system.
How technology can slow aging
Neuromodulation can help slow down the aging process by combating chronic inflammation, enhancing cognitive function, and improving cardiovascular health. Research shows promising results in addressing age-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease and heart conditions.
While neuromodulation offers benefits like improved heart rate variability and reduced fatigue and depression, it remains in the early stages of development. Safety concerns and experimental results underscore the need for further research and validation.
Is neuromodulation safe?
Neuromodulation has evolved since its inception in the 1960s, with modern devices providing safer options for users. Implantable devices offer more effective treatment but come with higher risks, including infections and other complications.
Non-invasive wearable devices like those from Parasym are considered safer, with minor side effects like skin irritation being the main concern. These devices require consistent use to deliver optimal results, making them a more accessible but less durable alternative to implantable devices.
While neuromodulation technology shows promise in improving health and well-being, users should weigh the benefits against the costs and potential risks before investing in these innovative devices.
The World Health Organization reported that in 2020, 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer. American Cancer Society states that early diagnosis of breast cancer leads to a 100% survival rate. During the initial diagnosis, images or scans of breast tissue are examined by the doctor to detect abnormalities.
Doctors commonly use ultrasound devices to diagnose breast cancer using sound waves. Ultrasound for diagnosing breast cancer. Scientists have identified limitations of ultrasound in the past, such as the need for proper skills and training, poor contact with skin during scanning, and maintenance challenges of large ultrasound machines in hospitals.
To address these limitations, a group of researchers developed a wearable, portable, and affordable device called cUSBr-Patch, which stands for Compatible Ultrasonic Chest Patch. To create this wearable patch, they used a 3D printer to design a honeycomb-shaped patch with holes that can be attached to a soft fabric bra.
Scientists attached a small scanning device to the patch that uses sound waves to acquire medical images similar to an ultrasound machine. This device, called phased array transducer, uses piezoelectric material and differs from traditional hospital ultrasound scanners, producing clear and high-resolution images.
The cUSBr-Patch is attached to a bra with magnets and allows the patch to directly touch the skin for scanning. A small tracker on the phased array transducer is moved and rotated using a handle to capture images of the entire breast.
Researchers tested cUSBr-Patch on female patients with breast abnormalities, scanning both breasts in six different locations using the phased array transducer connected to the patch. Computer programs were then used to generate images similar to those from standard hospital ultrasound machines.
The researchers concluded that cUSBr-Patch can detect breast cancer at a level comparable to traditional hospital ultrasound equipment. They are working on a smaller version of the device, aiming to make it accessible for home use by high-risk individuals and populations without regular testing facilities to improve breast cancer survival rates significantly.
techno signature Any measurable property that could provide evidence of extraterrestrial technology. The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is a branch of astrobiology that focuses on the discovery of technosignatures, which provide evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence. Traditionally, targeted wireless surveys have been the mainstay of his SETI research, and many of his ongoing SETI projects are still conducted in the radio band. SETI Ellipsoid, a newly proposed technology, suggests that an extraterrestrial civilization observing a galactic-scale event such as supernova SN 1987A could use it as a point to broadcast a synchronization signal indicating its presence. This is a strategy for selecting techno signature candidates based on the assumption that .
Gaia Early Data Release 3, using Cabrales' improved star 3D positions other. identified 32 SN 1987A SETI ellipsoidal targets with uncertainties better than 0.5 light-years within the TESS continuum. Image credits: ALMA/ESO/NAOJ/NRAO/Alexandra Angelich, NRAO/AUI/NSF.
Barbara Cabrales, Ph.D., of the SETI Institute and the Berkeley SETI Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and her colleagues demonstrate that the SETI ellipsoid method leverages continuous, wide-field surveys of the sky and demonstrates its ability to detect potential technosignatures. We have shown that it can be significantly improved.
By using up to a year of observations to correct for uncertainties in the estimated time of arrival of such signals, we implement the SETI ellipsoid strategy in an innovative way using state-of-the-art technology.
“The new survey of the sky provides a groundbreaking opportunity to search for technosignatures in concert with supernovae,” Dr. Cabrales said.
“Typical timing uncertainty takes months, so we want to cover the bases by finding well-documented goals over about a year.”
“In addition to that, it's important to make as many observations as possible about each target of interest, so you can see what looks like normal behavior and what looks like potential techno-signatures.” You will be able to judge.”
In examining data from the Continuous Display Zone of NASA's TESS mission, which covers 5% of all TESS data during the first three years of the mission, the authors leveraged advanced 3D position data from Gaia Early Data Release 3. Did.
This analysis identified 32 major targets within the SETI ellipsoid in the southern part of the TESS continuum, with all uncertainties adjusted to better than 0.5 light-years.
Although initial inspection of TESS light curves during ellipsoid-crossing events did not find any anomalies, the foundation laid by this effort lends itself to other investigations, a broader range of targets, and a variety of potential signal types. Paving the way for expansion into research.
Applying SETI Ellipsoid technology to scour large archival databases represents a breakthrough in the search for technosignatures.
This study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging Gaia's highly accurate distance estimates and cross-matching these distances with other time-domain surveys such as TESS to enhance monitoring and anomaly detection capabilities in SETI research. doing.
Combining the SETI Ellipsoid method with Gaia's distance measurements provides a robust and adaptable framework for future SETI searches.
Astronomers can apply it retrospectively to sift through archived data for potential signals, proactively select targets, and schedule future monitoring campaigns.
“The SETI Ellipsoid method, in collaboration with Gaia distances, provides an easy and flexible method for SETI searches that can be adapted to suit a variety of current surveys and source events,” the researchers said. I am.
“This can not only be applied retrospectively to look for signals in archived data, but also propagated in time to select targets and schedule surveillance campaigns.”
In 1957, the first man-made object was successfully launched into space and into orbit around the Earth. This was Sputnik 1, a beautifully simple Soviet spherical satellite with only four antennae.
But this historic event also marked the beginning of another, more disturbing one. It means that humans left the first space debris in orbit around the Earth.
Part of the 267-ton, 30-meter-tall rocket that launched Sputnik also became stuck in orbit. Suddenly, the world was faced with a problem we didn’t know we needed to solve: outer space littering.
Thankfully, Sputnik and the rocket debris it left behind deorbited shortly after launch and burned up in the atmosphere. However, this was not always the case. Just 66 years of space exploration has left vast amounts of detritus in orbit around Earth.
Now, NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are considering ideas to help solve this problem. The idea is to build a satellite out of wood, a widely available biodegradable material.
Space junk is currently a problem
The problems that government agencies are trying to address are big and complex, and they need to know how big the first phase of the project was. At least 130 million pieces of man-made debris are known to be orbiting the Earth, most of them flying at speeds of more than 7 kilometers per second. This is eight times faster than a normal bullet. But while this is a staggering number, some scientists believe it is a conservative estimate.
Most objects sent into space remain in space until either they deorbit and burn up on re-entry, or they are pulled away from Earth into graveyard orbits, where they orbit for hundreds of years. The majority of such objects are actually very small, less than 1 cm in diameter, from paint chips to small pieces of electronic equipment to pieces of insulation foam and aluminum.
Such tiny pieces cannot be seen from Earth, even with powerful telescopes. Therefore, we need to look for evidence left behind when it collides with other objects in space. This is no easy task.
Work to assess the scope of the problem began in earnest after five extraordinary objects, the NASA Space Shuttles, repeatedly orbited and returned. Since 1981, NASA has launched a total of 135 shuttle missions.
After each shuttle returned to Earth, it was evaluated using a fine-tooth comb to identify damage caused by orbital debris. This gives NASA a clearer picture of the problem of small pieces of dead satellites flying through space.
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NASA scientists have discovered exactly what they expected: small pieces of debris just a few millimeters in diameter can cause small but powerful impacts. NASA also produced the first estimates of how degraded the debris environment is.
Prior to 1978, NASA scientists Don Kessler and Barton Coolpare had proposed a scenario they named Kessler syndrome. The phenomenon they discussed is a catastrophic event in which when a satellite is shattered by space debris, the resulting debris destroys more satellites, creating even more debris, repeating an endless chain of events. It is a chain of
Obviously, this is a big problem. So how can we slow down the rate of debris formation or eliminate it altogether? Proposed solutions include using radiation hardening to reach space within five years of launch. It involves taking the ship out of orbit.
materials (designed to be less susceptible to damage from exposure to the high levels of radiation and extreme temperatures experienced in space) and launches on reusable rockets.
Incorporate the idea of a wooden satellite. LignoSat, the name of the NASA and JAXA project, is a coffee machine built using traditional Japanese joinery techniques that houses electronics and other materials needed for space missions, much like today's CubeSats. It is a cup-sized (approximately 10x10x10cm) wooden box.
Wood samples were tested for suitability over 290 days in 2022 on the International Space Station's Kibo Japanese Experiment Module.
Magnolia coped well and performed best when exposed to intense cosmic rays and extreme temperature changes in its harsh environment. It does not burn, rot, crack, or deform, and has the important property that upon re-entry into the atmosphere, it burns up to a fine ash, leaving behind small fragments.
Lignosat prototype.Photo provided by: Kyoto University
Another advantage of wooden satellites is their reflectivity, or rather their lack of reflectivity. Currently, reflections from aluminum satellites are so bright that they can be easily spotted from Earth with the naked eye. Importantly, this reflected light can reach sensitive areas and interfere with astronomical observations.
LignoSat test launch is currently scheduled for 2024. Success could pave the way for further missions.
So will all satellites be made of wood in the near future? Unfortunately, that is unlikely. On the plus side, projects like this encourage researchers to think outside the box and can have a greater impact in the future. If LignoSat is successful, more research groups may try to introduce biodegradable materials to reduce further debris generation.
But for now, I strongly support efforts to actively track as many objects in Earth orbit as possible to reduce future collisions with matter in space.
Immune system researchers have designed a computational tool to improve pandemic preparedness. Scientists can use this new algorithm to compare data from very different experiments and more accurately predict how individuals will respond to disease.
“While we are trying to understand how individuals fight off different viruses, the advantage of our method is that it can be applied to other organisms, such as comparing different drugs or different cancer cell lines. It has general applicability in academic settings,” says Dr. Tal Einab. D., La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI) assistant professor and co-leader of the new study.
This study addresses a major challenge in medical research. Labs that study infectious diseases collect very different types of data, even those that focus on the same virus. “Each dataset becomes its own independent island,” he says Einav.
Working closely with Dr. Rong Ma, a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, Einav set out to develop an algorithm to help compare large datasets. His inspiration comes from a background in physics, where scientists can be confident that their data falls within the known laws of physics, no matter how innovative the experiment. E is always equal to mc2.
For example, researchers may be able to design better vaccines by understanding exactly how human antibodies target viral proteins.
The new method is also thorough enough to give scientists confidence behind their predictions. In statistics, a “confidence interval” is a way to quantify how certain a scientist’s predictions are.
“When people from different backgrounds come together, there is great synergy,” says Einab. “With the right team, we can finally solve these big unsolved problems.”
Cambridge researchers have developed a solar power device that converts contaminated water into clean hydrogen fuel and potable water, providing a sustainable solution to the global energy and water crisis. Credit: Chanon Pornrungroj/Ariffin Mohamad Annuar
A research team from the University of Cambridge has developed an innovative floating device that uses solar energy to convert contaminated or seawater into clean hydrogen fuel and purified water.
The device can operate on any open water source and does not rely on external power sources, making it particularly beneficial for regions with limited resources or without access to the electrical grid.
Innovation inspired by nature
Inspired by photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. But unlike previous versions of “artificial leaves” that could produce green hydrogen fuel from clean water sources, this new device can work from polluted or seawater sources and produce clean drinking water at the same time.
Tests of the device have shown that it can produce clean water from highly polluted water, seawater and even the River Cam in central Cambridge.of result reported in a magazine natural water.
Technical challenges and breakthroughs
“It’s difficult to combine solar fuel production and water purification into a single device,” said study co-lead author Dr Chanon Pornunglozi from the Yusuf Hameed Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. “Solar-powered water splitting, where water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen, requires starting with completely pure water, as contaminants can poison the catalyst or cause unwanted chemical side reactions. .”
“Water splitting is extremely difficult in remote and developing regions, where clean water is relatively scarce and the infrastructure needed to purify water is not readily available,” said co-lead author Arifin. Mohammad Annua said. “If we have a device that works with contaminated water, we could potentially solve two problems at once: we could split water to make clean fuel and we could make clean drinking water.”
Researchers have developed a solar-powered floating device that can turn contaminated or seawater into clean hydrogen fuel or purified water anywhere in the world. Credit: Chanon Pornrungroj/Ariffin Mohamad Annuar
Pornunglozi and Mohammad Annua, members of Professor Irwin Reisner’s research group, have devised a design that does just that. They deposited a photocatalyst on a nanostructured carbon mesh that easily absorbs both light and heat, producing water vapor that the photocatalyst uses to produce hydrogen. The porous carbon mesh treated to repel water facilitated the levitation of the photocatalyst and served to keep it away from the water below so that pollutants would not interfere with the photocatalyst’s function.
Additionally, new devices use more solar energy. “The process of using light to produce solar fuels uses only a small portion of the solar spectrum; much of the spectrum remains unused,” said Mohammad Anuar.
The research team used a white UV-absorbing layer on top of the floating device for hydrogen production through water splitting. The rest of the solar spectrum travels to the bottom of the device, where the water evaporates.
“This way, we are making better use of light. We get steam for hydrogen production, and the rest is water vapor,” Pornunglozi said. “This way we can now incorporate the process of transpiration, so we can really mimic real leaves.”
Potential global impact
A device that can create clean fuel and clean water all at once using only solar power could help address the energy and water crisis facing many parts of the world. For example, according to the World Health Organization, indoor air pollution caused by cooking with “dirty” fuels such as kerosene is responsible for more than 3 million deaths a year. Cooking with green hydrogen instead could potentially reduce that number significantly. And around the world, he said, 1.8 billion people still don’t have safe drinking water at home.
“The design is also very simple. In just a few steps, you can build a device that works well with water from a variety of sources,” said Mohammad Anuar.
“It is very resistant to contaminants, and the floating design allows the substrate to work in very murky or muddy water,” Pornungloj said. “It’s a very versatile system.”
“While our device is still a proof of principle, these solutions will be needed to develop a truly circular economy and sustainable future,” said Reisner, who led the research. Stated. “The climate crisis and issues around pollution and health are closely linked, and developing approaches that help address both could be a game-changer for many people.”
References: “Hybrid photothermal-photocatalytic sheets for solar-powered whole water splitting coupled with water purification” by Chanon Pornrungroj, Ariffin Bin Mohamad Annuar, Qian Wang, Motiar Rahaman, Subhajit Bhattacharjee, Virgil Andrei, Erwin Reisner; November 13, 2023 natural water. DOI: 10.1038/s44221-023-00139-9
This research was partially supported by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme, the European Research Council, the Cambridge Trust, the Petronas Educational Sponsorship Program and the Winton Program for the Physics of Sustainability. Erwin Reisner is a fellow at St. John’s College. Chanon Pornrungroj is a member of the University of Darwin and Ariffin Mohamad Annuar is a member of Clare University.
When a strong laser pulse hits a steel alloy, the material briefly melts where it is irradiated, forming a small magnetic region.Credit: HZDR / Sander Munster
The research team has shown that ultrashort laser pulses can magnetize iron alloys. This discovery has great potential for applications in magnetic sensor technology, data storage, and spintronics.
To magnetize a steel nail, simply stroke its surface several times with a bar magnet. But there is a more unusual method. it is, Helmholtz – Zentrum Dresden – Rossendorf (HZDR) Some time ago, a certain iron was discovered. alloy It can be magnetized with ultrashort laser pulses. The researchers are currently working with the Laser Institute of Mitweida University (LHM) to further investigate this process. They found that this phenomenon also occurs in different classes of materials. This greatly expands the range of potential applications.The working group will publish its results in a scientific journal Advanced functional materials.
Groundbreaking discovery in magnetization
An unexpected discovery was made in 2018. When the HZDR team bombarded a thin layer of iron and aluminum alloy with ultrashort laser pulses, the nonmagnetic material suddenly became magnetic. Explanation: Laser pulses rearrange the atoms in the crystal so that the iron atoms are closer to each other, forming a magnet. The researchers were then able to demagnetize the layer again using a series of weaker laser pulses. This allowed them to discover how to create and erase tiny “magnetic spots” on surfaces.
However, the pilot experiment still left some questions unanswered. “It was unclear whether the effect only occurs in iron-aluminum alloys or in other materials,” explains HZDR physicist Dr. Rantei Bali. “We also wanted to track the process over time.” For further investigation, he collaborated with his Dr. Theo Pflug at LHM and colleagues at the University of Zaragoza in Spain.
Flipbook using laser pulse
Experts especially focused on iron-vanadium alloys. Unlike iron-aluminum alloys, which have a regular crystal lattice, the atoms in iron-vanadium alloys are more randomly arranged, forming an amorphous glass-like structure. To observe what happens during laser irradiation, physicists used a special method called the pump-probe method.
“First, we bombard the alloy with powerful laser pulses to magnetize the material,” explains Theo Pflug. “At the same time, he uses a second, weaker pulse that is reflected off the material surface.”
Analysis of reflected laser pulses reveals the physical properties of the material. This process is repeated several times to continually lengthen the time interval between the first “pump” pulse and subsequent “probe” pulses.
As a result, time-series reflection data are obtained, which can characterize the processes induced by laser excitation. “The whole procedure is similar to creating a flipbook,” he says Pflug. “Similarly, a series of individual images that animate when viewed in succession.”
rapid dissolution
Results: Although they have a different atomic structure than iron-aluminum compounds, iron-vanadium alloys can also be magnetized by lasers. “In both cases, the material melts for a short time at the point of irradiation,” he explains Rantej Bali. “This causes the laser to erase the previous structure and create small magnetic regions in both alloys.”
Promising results: Apparently, this phenomenon is not limited to a particular material structure and can be observed in a variety of atomic arrangements.
The team also tracks the temporal dynamics of the process. “At least we know on what time scale something will happen,” explains Theo Pflug. “Within femtoseconds, a laser pulse excites electrons in the material. After a few picoseconds, the excited electrons transfer their energy to the nucleus.”
Consequently, this energy transfer causes a rearrangement into a magnetic structure, which is then stabilized by rapid cooling. In follow-up experiments, the researchers aim to observe exactly how the atoms rearrange by examining the magnetization process with powerful X-rays.
Perspectives towards applications
Although still in its early stages, this research already provides a first idea of possible applications. For example, one could place small magnets on the chip surface via a laser. “This could be useful in producing highly sensitive magnetic sensors such as those used in vehicles,” he speculates Rantej Bali. “It could also have applications in magnetic data storage.”
Moreover, this phenomenon seems to be related to a new type of electronics: spintronics. Here, instead of electrons passing through transistors as usual, magnetic signals must be used for digital computing processes, providing a possible approach to future computer technology.
Reference: “Laser-Induced Positional and Chemical Lattice Reordering Generating Ferromagnetism” by Theo Pflug, Javier Pablo-Navarro, Md. Chabad Anwar, Markus Olbrich, César Magén, Manuel Ricardo Ibarra, Kay Potzger, Jürgen Faßbender, Jürgen Lindner, Alexander Horn. Lantei Bali, November 21, 2023, Advanced functional materials. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202311951
Schematic diagram showing cooling of nanopores by charge-selective ion transport. Credit: 2023 Tsutsui et al., Peltier Cooling for Thermal Management of Nanofluidic Devices, Devices, ed.
Groundbreaking work by Japanese researchers demonstrates nanopore-mediated cooling, revolutionizing temperature control in microfluidic systems and deepening our understanding of cellular ion channels.
Have you ever wondered how water boils in an electric kettle? Most people may think that electricity just heats a metal coil inside the kettle and transfers that heat to the water. . But electricity can do so much more. When electricity causes ions in a solution to flow, heat is generated. If all ions and surrounding molecules are free to move, this heating effect will be uniform throughout the solution. Now, Japanese researchers have investigated what happens if this flow is blocked in one direction.
Cooling with nanopore technology
In a recently published study, deviceA team led by researchers at Osaka University’s SANKEN (National Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research) has shown that cooling can be achieved by using nanopores (very small holes in membranes) as gateways that allow only certain ions to pass through. Through.
In general, when electricity is used to drive ions in a solution, positively charged ions and negatively charged ions are attracted in opposite directions. Therefore, the thermal energy carried by the ions travels in both directions.
Understanding ion flow and temperature control
If the path of the ions is blocked by a membrane that can only pass through the nanopores, it becomes possible to control the flow. For example, if the pore surface is negatively charged, negative ions can interact without passing through, and only positive ions will flow with energy.
“At high ion concentrations, we measured an increase in temperature as the power increased,” explains study lead author Mayu Tsutsui. “However, at low concentrations, the available negative ions interact with the negatively charged nanopore walls. Therefore, only positively charged ions passed through the nanopore and a decrease in temperature was observed. ”
Applications in microfluidics and cell biology
The demonstrated ionic cooling could potentially be used to cool microfluidic systems, setups used to move, mix, or interrogate very small volumes of liquids. Such systems are important across many fields, from microelectronics to nanomedicine.
Additionally, this discovery could help further our understanding of ion channels, which play a key role in the delicate balance mechanisms of cells. Such insights could be key to understanding function and disease and designing treatments.
Broader implications and future prospects
“We are excited about the breadth of the potential impact of our findings,” says Yuji Kawai, lead author of the study. “There is considerable scope to tune nanopore materials to tune cooling. Additionally, arrays of nanopores can be created to amplify the effect.”
The list of areas that could be enhanced by this discovery is indeed considerable, extending to the use of temperature gradients to generate electrical potentials. This has potential applications in temperature sensing and blue power generation.
References: “Peltier Cooling for Thermal Management in Nanofluidic Devices” by Mayu Tsutsui, Kazumichi Yokota, Wei Lung Su, Dennis Garoli, Hirofumi Oguji, and Yuji Kawai, December 5, 2023. device. DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2023.100188
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