Topic description and stories

The demand continues for materials that are stronger, cheaper, lighter, more conductive – simply better.

A block of silica aerogel being held in a person's hand

Sensors made from ‘frozen smoke’ can detect toxic formaldehyde in homes and offices

09 Feb 2024

Researchers have developed a sensor made from ‘frozen smoke’ that uses artificial intelligence techniques to detect formaldehyde in real time at...

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Magnetic monopoles in hematite

Diamonds and rust help unveil ‘impossible’ quasi-particles

05 Dec 2023

Researchers have discovered magnetic monopoles – isolated magnetic charges – in a material closely related to rust, a result that could be used to...

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Abstract colourful background

Lights could be the future of the internet and data transmission

25 Jul 2023

Fast data transmission could be delivered in homes and offices through light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, complementing existing communication...

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Artificial intelligence brain

New type of computer memory could greatly reduce energy use and improve performance

23 Jun 2023

Researchers have developed a new design for computer memory that could both greatly improve performance and reduce the energy demands of internet and...

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Bismuth oxyiodide crystals

Sustainable solar cell material shown to be highly promising for medical imaging

10 May 2023

Using X-rays to see inside the human body has revolutionised non-invasive medical diagnostics. However, the dose of X-rays required for imaging is...

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Fabric with electronics woven into it

Cheaper method for making woven displays and smart fabrics – of any size or shape

21 Apr 2023

Researchers have developed next-generation smart textiles – incorporating LEDs, sensors, energy harvesting, and storage – that can be produced...

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Silvia Vignolini (left), Rachel Oliver (right)

Two Cambridge researchers awarded Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies

01 Dec 2022

Professor Rachel Oliver and Professor Silvia Vignolini from the University of Cambridge have been awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in...

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Tetrataenite found in Nuevo Mercurio, Zacatecas, Mexico

New approach to ‘cosmic magnet’ manufacturing could reduce reliance on rare earths in low-carbon technologies

25 Oct 2022

Researchers have discovered a potential new method for making the high-performance magnets used in wind turbines and electric cars without the need...

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On-chip spectrometer on a fingertip

Artificial intelligence powers record-breaking all-in-one miniature spectrometers

20 Oct 2022

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace optical and mechanical components, researchers have designed a tiny spectrometer that breaks all...

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Electric car charging

Watching lithium in real time could improve performance of EV battery materials

14 Oct 2022

Researchers have found that the irregular movement of lithium ions in next-generation battery materials could be reducing their capacity and...

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Abstract image of water

New phases of water detected

14 Sep 2022

Water can be liquid, gas or ice, right? Think again.

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Geometric abstract background with connected line and dots

AI tackles the challenge of materials structure prediction

27 Jul 2022

Researchers have designed a machine learning method that can predict the structure of new materials with five times the efficiency of the current...

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