Friday, December 27, 2024

Scientists Unveil World’s Smallest Molecular Machine

Researchers have successfully stabilized ferrocene molecules on a flat substrate for the first time, enabling the creation of an electronically controllable sliding molecular machine.

Artificial molecular machines, composed of only a few molecules, hold transformative potential across diverse fields, including catalysis, molecular electronics, medicine, and quantum materials. These nanoscale devices function by converting external stimuli, such as electrical signals, into controlled mechanical motion at the molecular level.

Ferrocene—a unique drum-shaped molecule featuring an iron (Fe) atom sandwiched between two five-membered carbon rings—is a standout candidate for molecular machinery. Its discovery, which earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1973, has positioned it as a foundational molecule in this area of study.

The appeal of ferrocene lies in its remarkable property: a change in the electronic state of the Fe ion, from Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺, induces a 36° rotation of the carbon rings around the molecule’s central axis. This rotation can potentially be controlled with external electrical signals, enabling precise manipulation at the molecular level.

Despite its promise, a significant challenge has hindered ferrocene’s practical application. When adsorbed onto surfaces, particularly flat noble metal substrates, ferrocene decomposes near room temperature, even under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Until recently, no reliable method had been found to anchor isolated ferrocene molecules onto a surface without triggering decomposition.

Breakthrough in Ferrocene Stabilization

In a groundbreaking study, a research team led by Associate Professor Toyo Kazu Yamada from the Graduate School of Engineering at Chiba University, Japan, including Professor Peter Krüger from the Faculty of Engineering at Chiba University, Professor Satoshi Kera of the Institute for Molecular Science, Japan, and Professor Masaki Horie of National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan, has finally overcome this challenge. They have successfully created the world’s smallest electrically controlled molecular machine.

“In this study, we successfully stabilized and adsorbed ferrocene molecules onto a noble metal surface by pre-coating it with a two-dimensional crown ether molecular film. This is the first direct experimental evidence of ferrocene-based molecular motion at the atomic scale,” remarks Prof. Yamada. Their findings were published in the journal Small on November 30, 2024.

To stabilize the ferrocene molecules, the team first modified them by adding ammonium salts, forming ferrocene ammonium salts (Fc-amm). This improved durability and ensured that the molecules could be securely fixed to the surface of the substrate. These new molecules were then anchored onto a monolayer film made up of crown ether cyclic molecules, which were placed on a flat copper substrate. Crown ether cyclic molecules have a unique structure with a central ring that can hold a variety of atoms, molecules, and ions.

Mechanism of Stabilization and Molecular Motion

Prof. Yamada explains, “Previously, we found that crown ether cyclic molecules can form a monolayer film on flat metal substrates. This monolayer traps the ammonium ions of Fc-amm molecules in the central ring of crown ether molecules, preventing the decomposition of ferrocene by acting as a shield against the metal substrate.”

Next, the team placed a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) probe on top of the Fc-amm molecule and applied an electrical voltage, which caused a lateral sliding motion of the molecules. Specifically, when a voltage of −1.3 volts is applied, a hole (vacant space left by an electron) enters the electronic structure of the Fe ion, switching it from Fe2+ to Fe3+ state. This triggered the rotation of the carbon rings accompanied by a lateral sliding motion of the molecule. Density functional theory calculations showed that this lateral sliding motion occurs due to the Coulomb repulsion between the positively charged Fc-amm ions. Importantly, when the voltage is removed, the molecule returns to its original position, demonstrating that the motion is reversible and can be precisely controlled using electrical signals.

“This study opens exciting possibilities for ferrocene-based molecular machinery. Their ability to perform specialized tasks at the molecular level can lead to revolutionary innovations across many scientific and industrial fields, including precision medicine, smart materials, and advanced manufacturing,” says Prof. Yamada, highlighting the potential applications of their technology.

In summary, this study presents a crucial breakthrough in the design and control of molecular machines that can lead to significant advancements in numerous fields.

Molecular Machine, Nanotechnology, Molecular Engineering, Smallest Machine, Molecular Mechanics, Advanced Materials, Nanoscience, Scientific Innovation, Cutting-edge Research, Miniaturization, Nanotechnology Applications

#ScienceFather#InventionAwards#MolecularMachine #Nanotechnology #ScientificBreakthrough #Innovation #AdvancedMaterials #Nanoscience #Miniaturization #MolecularEngineering #ScienceNews #Technology

Event Title : International Invention Awards

Event Website : Visit: inventionawards.org

Award Nomination Link - https://inventionawards.org/award-nomination/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee
Award Registration Link - https://inventionawards.org/award-registration/
Member Nomination Link - https://inventionawards.org/member-submission/?ecategory=Membership&rcategory=Member
Member Registration Link - https://inventionawards.org/member-registration/
Award Winners Link - https://inventionawards.org/award-winners/

For Enquiries: contact@inventionawards.org

Get Connected Here
---------------------------------
---------------------------------

Social Media Links:

YouTube link : youtube.com/channel/UCEiGMaNVAzN2gdfeRad-NjA
Twitter link : x.com/Scitentist55046
Pinterest link : pinterest.com/scitentist/

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Climate change could trigger more earthquakes, study suggests

A recent Colorado State University study published in the journal Geology demonstrates that climate change can affect the frequency of earthquakes, adding to a small but growing body of evidence showing that climate can alter the seismic cycle.

CSU geoscientists analyzed the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in southern Colorado, a range with an active fault along its western edge. Their results indicate that the fault had been held in place under the weight of glaciers during the last ice age, and as the ice melted, slip along the fault increased. This suggests that earthquake activity along a fault could increase as glaciers recede.

"Climate change is happening at a rate that is orders of magnitude faster than we see in the geologic record," said first author Cece Hurtado, who led the study as her master's thesis.

"We see this in the rapid mountain glacial retreats in Alaska, the Himalayas and the Alps. In many of these regions, there are also active tectonics, and this work demonstrates that as climate change alters ice and water loads, tectonically active areas might see more frequent fault movements and earthquakes due to rapidly changing stress conditions."

It is well known that climate adjusts to seismic changes in the Earth's surface. The tectonic uplift of mountain ranges alters atmospheric circulation and rainfall, for example. However, few studies have investigated climate's influence on tectonics, and this study is among only a handful linking seismic activity to climate.

"We've been able to model these processes for a while, but it's hard to find examples in nature," said Sean Gallen, Geosciences associate professor and senior author of the study. "This is compelling evidence. It suggests that the atmosphere and the solid earth have tight connections that we can measure in the field."

The Sangre de Cristo Mountains were covered with glaciers during the last ice age. Using remote-sensing and field data, the researchers reconstructed where the ice was, calculated the load that would have been pushing on the fault, and then measured displacement of the fault, or how much it had shifted.

The study found that fault slip rates have been five times faster since the last ice age than during the time the range was covered in glaciers. This research may preview how other glacier-adjacent faults will respond to a warming climate.

Gallen said that the research adds to our understanding of what drives earthquakes, which is important for hazard assessment. Faults in areas with rapidly retreating glaciers or evaporating large bodies of water may need to be monitored for increasing earthquake activity.

The findings are also important to seismologists trying to reconstruct prehistoric seismic records and determine the recurrence intervals of active faults. These hydrologic processes over geologic time should be factored into those calculations, Gallen said.

"This work implies that the repeat time isn't necessarily going to be periodic," he added. "You can have periods of time where you have a bunch of earthquakes in quick succession and a lot of time where you don't have any earthquakes."

The researchers said that the Sangre de Cristo Mountains were ideal for demonstrating tectonic rebound from melting ice. The range lies along the Rio Grande rift, which has an overall background slip rate they could use as a baseline. Their research uncovered intermittent faster fault slip rates along the range that corresponded with past glaciers. As the glaciers that had been suppressing the fault melted, the slip rate accelerated to catch up to the background rate.

"It's basically like a small lever that's tweaking the rate at which the fault moves, but that long-term rate is set by the background rate of the tectonic processes," Gallen said.

A public database of high-resolution elevation data of the Earth's surface served as the study's foundation. Hurtado and Gallen surveyed the fault with high-precision GPS instruments to augment the elevation data and measure fault displacement. Displacement timing was determined based on the age of surrounding sediment deposits.

Climate Change, Earthquakes, Seismic Activity, Natural Disasters, Tectonic Plates, Global Warming, Environmental Impact, Geoscience, Climate Research, Disaster Preparedness

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#ClimateChange #Earthquakes #SeismicActivity #GlobalWarming #NaturalDisasters #EnvironmentalImpact #Geoscience #ClimateCrisis #Sustainability #DisasterPreparedness

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Dual Layers, Infinite Potential: Scientists Investigate Novel Quantum Materials

German quantum physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant

Physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a prestigious Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for his groundbreaking research into two-dimensional materials and their optical properties. Schneider, a professor at the University of Oldenburg in Germany, will receive approximately two million euros in funding over the next five years to support his “Dual Twist” project.

This research focuses on a novel class of atomically thin materials and their remarkable properties, which hold significant promise for advancing optical technologies.

Together with his team, Schneider will develop experimental set-ups specially designed to study the unique properties of the materials under investigation using light, and pave the way for their application in novel quantum technologies. ERC Consolidator Grants aim to support excellent scientists conducting innovative research in Europe and help them to consolidate their scientific independence. Out of a total of 2313 applications, the ERC has now selected 328 projects for funding, 67 of which are based in Germany.

Commenting on the grant, Prof. Dr Ralph Bruder, President of the University of Oldenburg said: “Christian Schneider is an outstanding researcher who has already been awarded a Starting Grant by the European Research Council. The fact that he is once again receiving top-level European funding is a major recognition of his achievements, and at the same time proof that with its possibilities for investigating complex quantum phenomena, the Oldenburg Institute of Physics is excellently equipped for the future.”

The new project focuses on two-dimensional materials (2D materials). These solids are often less than a billionth of a meter (one nanometer) thick and consist of just a few atomic layers. “In these materials, fundamental physical properties such as electrical conductivity change compared to solid bodies, and at the same time interesting quantum phenomena can be observed,” explains Schneider, who heads the Quantum Materials research group at the University of Oldenburg.

In 2021, his team succeeded in inducing 2D materials to emit coherent laser light at both extremely low temperatures and at room temperature – a breakthrough that could serve as the basis for the development of highly versatile next-generation nano-lasers. In the Dual Twist project, Schneider and his team now plan to investigate double layers (bilayers) of these 2D materials, which offer far more possibilities than single-layer crystals.

By twisting two layers, materials can be transformed profoundly

In recent years scientists have discovered that the optical, mechanical and electronic properties of the bilayer structures can be fundamentally altered by twisting their crystal lattices against each other. A well-studied example of this is graphene, a special form of carbon. Graphene consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.

When two of these honeycomb-patterned lattices are placed on top of each other and slightly rotated, or twisted, interesting patterns known as Moiré structures are formed. These patterns, in turn, have a profound impact on the behavior of the electrons in graphene: by twisting the layers, this material, which is normally conductive, can be transformed into an electrical insulator in which electrons are immobilized, or into a superconductor in which electrons flow freely without resistance. This emerging field of research is known as “twistronics”.

Schneider is particularly interested in the optical properties of the twisted bilayers. For the experiments in the new project, he and his team will prepare special semiconductor materials which they have already worked with in previous studies. These samples will then be placed between two layers of materials that reflect light particles like a mirror. “This structure is basically like a cage for light,” Schneider explains. Experts refer to it as a “microcavity”. In this setup, the team will then excite the 2D materials to create novel quantum states that can potentially be used in new applications in quantum technologies.

A quantum simulator consisting of light trapped in cavities

In a dual approach, the team also plans to analyze the properties of the materials using an innovative quantum simulation technique. “In solid-state physics, one can often only find indirect evidence of how the electrons in a material behave under certain conditions,” Schneider explains.

Furthermore, the 2D materials under investigation are too complex to be able to determine their properties using modern modeling methods, he adds. Instead, the researchers plan to construct a quantum simulator in which light particles (photons) trapped in microcavities are used to simulate the materials under investigation. “Because the physical equations that describe the behavior of atoms are similar to those that describe the behavior of light, it is possible to create analogous structures,” reports Schneider.

The appeal is that in these photonic simulated systems, the scientists can observe under the microscope which quantum states emerge and how the different particles interact with each other. In this way, they hope to identify the most interesting constellations in the real materials – and thus be able to control quantum states that were previously difficult to control and ultimately pave the way for their application in quantum technologies.

Christian Schneider has been a Professor of Quantum Materials at the University of Oldenburg’s Institute of Physics since 2020. He previously headed a research group at the University of Würzburg, where he received a Starting Grant of 1.5 million euros from the ERC in 2016 for his “unlimit2D” project.

Quantum Materials, Dual Layers, Infinite Potential, Quantum Physics, Materials Science, Quantum Technology, Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, Scientific Innovation, 2D Materials

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#QuantumMaterials #DualLayers #InfinitePotential #QuantumPhysics #MaterialsScience #2DMaterials #QuantumTech #Nanotechnology #AdvancedMaterials #ScientificDiscovery

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Breakthrough in EV battery technology pushes the limits of fast charging

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have introduced a groundbreaking battery technology that significantly improves the charging time for electric vehicles (EVs). Their innovation allows EV batteries to charge from 0% to 80% in just 15 minutes, a drastic improvement over the current industry standard, which typically takes around an hour.

This breakthrough not only addresses charging time but also enhances the longevity of batteries. The new battery architecture can handle up to 800 fast-charging cycles at room temperature, a feat not achievable with current lithium-ion batteries. Traditional EV batteries often require heating to charge quickly, which limits their cycle life. The new technology eliminates this limitation, offering a more sustainable solution for frequent users.

One of the key challenges for EV adoption is the charging speed, which often causes anxiety among drivers. With this new technology, the concern of “range anxiety” could become a thing of the past, allowing drivers to charge their vehicles quickly even on the go. This development also benefits the second-hand EV market, as the improved battery longevity means better resale value and more reliable used vehicles.

Professor Yverick Rangom, lead researcher, highlights that this breakthrough could significantly lower the cost of EVs by reducing the need for larger, more expensive batteries. The ability to charge faster while extending battery life means that consumers, even those without home charging stations, will have access to affordable EVs.

The technology focuses on improving the battery’s anode design. Unlike traditional batteries, which use graphite, the researchers have developed a new technique to fuse graphite particles, improving the battery’s physical integrity and conductivity. This method allows the battery to withstand rapid charging without compromising performance, thus addressing one of the key issues with current battery designs.

Moreover, this technology can easily be integrated into existing manufacturing processes. By refining the arrangement of traditional materials, the research team has created a scalable and cost-effective solution for battery manufacturers. Professor Michael Pope, co-lead of the research, explains that this approach ensures the technology can be widely adopted without requiring a complete overhaul of existing systems.

The team has already filed a patent for this innovative technology, and the next step is to refine the manufacturing process. The goal is to make this ultra-fast charging technology available for large-scale production, ensuring it can be implemented within current industry infrastructures.

This breakthrough promises to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs by addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the sector: charging speed, battery longevity, and cost. If implemented successfully, this innovation could help make electric vehicles a practical choice for more consumers, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable transportation future.

This research, published in the journal Adv anced Science, represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation batteries. It holds the potential to revolutionise the EV market and accelerate the global shift towards electric mobility.

EV battery innovation, Fast charging technology, Electric vehicle batteries, Sustainable mobility solutions, Advanced energy storage, Rapid recharge systems, Clean energy transition, Next-gen EVs, High-performance batteries, Electric mobility breakthroughs

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#EVBatteryTech#FastCharging#ElectricVehicles#BatteryInnovation#SustainableMobility#CleanEnergy#RapidCharging#FutureOfEVs#EnergyEfficiency#GreenTechnology

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

A CIO’s framework for measuring engineering productivity

Despite having multiple ways to measure developer productivity, tech leaders still struggle to tell a compelling story in the boardroom - but a new comprehensive framework aims to change that.

In boardrooms across the tech industry, CTOs and CIOs face a common challenge: effectively communicating and demonstrating IT productivity to leadership. Especially as organizations aim to deploy generative AI and other transformative technologies at a rapid pace, it’s critical to employ a reliable framework to measure engineering productivity.

Established frameworks including DORA, SPACE, and DevEx exist for this purpose, but each takes a different approach to defining and measuring productivity, and none of them alone provide a truly comprehensive analysis.

“In every board meeting, there’s the inevitable slide where the CTO is talking about productivity, and it always feels unsatisfying,” said Abi Noda, co-founder and CEO of DX, the company that created DX Core 4 . “We heard from CEOs and CIOs asking how to consolidate these different perspectives on productivity, so our goal was to create a single, benchmarkable approach that encapsulates all three major frameworks.”

The researchers behind DORA, SPACE, and DevEx — which include Abi Noda, Nicole Forsgren, and Margaret-Anne Storey — collaborated to develop the DX Core 4 framework. This new framework provides a multi-dimensional approach that combines the three established methodologies into a single framework. DX Core 4 measures four key dimensions of engineering productivity: speed, effectiveness, quality, and impact (see Figure 1).

The framework takes a balanced approach to measurement, combining both quantitative and qualitative metrics. Qualitative metrics are captured by surveying IT team members, which is important due to the limitations of quantitative data alone. Survey responses reveal the “why” behind the metrics and provide context.

“Let’s say you were feeling sick and went to the doctor,” Noda said. “The nurse takes your temperature, and says, ‘Your temperature is normal, so it looks like you’re fine.’ You would protest, saying, ‘But I still feel sick!’” The issue is quantitative data may not detect a problem that people in the midst of the process can clearly see. Survey responses can also add critical explanatory context to the quantitative data, enabling leadership to clearly see the root cause of an issue, he said.

The framework also addresses a common pitfall in productivity measurement: the tendency to optimize for a single metric at the expense of others. “Everyone in tech knows that if you just index on lines of code or a measure of speed, you’ll get more of that at the expense of other things,” Noda cautions. “The multi-dimensional approach of DX Core 4 helps organizations maintain a balanced perspective on productivity.”

Perhaps most importantly, the framework is designed to be useful across all organizational levels, from business managers to C-suite executives. This alignment helps ensure productivity goals remain relevant and consistent throughout the organization, preventing the common disconnect between executive objectives and team-level metrics.

Engineering Productivity, Performance Metrics, Productivity Framework, Developer Efficiency, Software Engineering Metrics, Agile Practices, Continuous Improvement, Engineering Excellence, Resource Optimization, Team Collaboration, DevOps Metrics, Cycle Time, Code Quality, Deployment Frequency, Business Impact

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#EngineeringProductivity#TechLeadership#CIOFramework#DeveloperEfficiency#SoftwareMetrics#AgileEngineering#DevOps#CodeQuality#TeamPerformance#TechInnovation#ContinuousImprovement#BusinessImpact#TechOptimization#EngineeringExcellence#ProductivityTools

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

Monday, December 9, 2024

Researchers use a novel approach to track neural signals in brain

Researchers at the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a new method to monitor inhibitory neural signals in brain tissue dynamically. This approach is called Liquid/Liquid Interfacial Ultramicro Iontronics (L/L UIs).

Dynamically monitoring cerebral chloride (Cl–) in the brain is considered a challenging task. To overcome this limitation, researchers eyed tracking Cerebral Chloride, a key substance in neural inhibition.

However, under physiological conditions, Cl– is a non-electrochemically active substance and cannot easily undergo redox reactions based on electron transfer. Therefore, researchers deemed it as a non-suitable substance for monitoring inhibitory neural signals.

Unlike conventional methods that use electrons, L/L UIs use ions as signal carriers. This method uses an ultra-micropipette with an organogel-filled tip, which forms a liquid-liquid interface with brain tissues. Researchers modified this liquid-liquid surface with a series of bis-thiourea ionophores to craft ultramicro iontronics that can track Cl– under physiological conditions.

After implanting, it detects electrical signals when Cl– undergoes an ion transfer reaction at the interface.

Unlike conventional electronics that use electrons as signal carriers, iontronics use ions as signal carriers, which represents a novel human-machine interface,” says Professor BAI Shuo.

This study, published in Science Advances, used L/L UIs in the brains of an Alzheimer’s mouse and epilepsy rat model. It was implanted in specific regions of the brain to monitor Cl– concentration differences in different parts of the brain.

The L/L UIs on the rodent’s brain demonstrated high sensitivity, excellent anti-interference, and almost real-time dynamic tracking of cerebral chloride. This dynamic tracking also showed the crucial role of potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) in the neuroinhibitory process.

“This work is highly relevant to the field of neuroscience and has potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy,” says the peer reviewer at Science Advances.

“It provides new ideas for tracking non-electrochemically active ions and monitoring inhibitory neural signaling in brain tissue.“

Neural signals, Brain tracking, Novel approach, Neuroscience innovation, Brain activity, Signal monitoring, Neural pathways, Brain research, Scientific breakthrough, Neurotechnology

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#Neuroscience #BrainSignals #NeuralTracking #ScienceInnovation #BrainResearch #NeuroTech #ScientificBreakthrough #InnovationInScience #NeuralMonitoring #ResearchRevolution

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Scientists discover revolutionary method that makes fuel from water and sunlight — but it's not finished yet

Scientists in Japan have demonstrated a new method to create hydrogen fuel without emitting greenhouse gases. But key steps to improve its efficiency remain for it to be commercially viable.

he hydrogen fuel tank of a Toyota vehicle on display.

Scientists in Japan have demonstrated a new proof-of-concept reactor that can harvest renewable hydrogen fuel from sunlight and water.

The new 1,076-square-foot (100 square meters) reactor uses photocatalytic sheets to split apart the oxygen and hydrogen atoms found in water molecules, thus siphoning the hydrogen away to be used as fuel.

While the technology remains in its infancy, the scientists behind the research say that, if more efficient photocatalysts can be developed, their breakthrough could enable the production of cheap, sustainable hydrogen fuel to meet various energy needs. They published their findings Dec. 2 in the journal Frontiers in Science.

"Sunlight-driven water splitting using photocatalysts is an ideal technology for solar-to-chemical energy conversion and storage, and recent developments in photocatalytic materials and systems raise hopes for its realization," senior author Kazunari Domen, a chemistry professor at Shinshu University in Japan, said in a statement. "However, many challenges remain."

Upon being exposed to light, photocatalysts boost chemical reactions that break water molecules down into their constituent parts. However, most existing "one-step" catalysts — which decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen in one go — are extremely inefficient, leaving most of the hydrogen fuel to be refined using natural gas, a fossil fuel.

Revolutionary fuel production, Water and sunlight conversion, Sustainable energy, Green energy technology, Solar fuel generation, Water splitting technology, Solar-powered fuel, Renewable energy innovation, Clean fuel breakthrough

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#SustainableEnergy #SolarFuel #WaterSplitting #CleanEnergy #GreenTech #RenewableEnergy #Innovation #FutureOfEnergy #SolarPower #EnergyRevolution #EcoFriendly #RenewableSolutions

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Horizon Microtechnologies receives ESA funding

To advance micro 3D printing and metallization technology to meet the rigorous demands of space applications

Stay up to date with everything that is happening in the wonderful world of AM via our LinkedIn community.

Horizon Microtechnologies, a micro 3D printing company, has secured funding from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) SPARK program administered by the Center for Satellite Navigation Hesse GmbH, CESAH – fuelling the development of its advanced 3D printing and metallization technology to meet the rigorous demands of space applications. By developing components that can withstand the harsh, unserviceable conditions of space, Horizon is proving that its technology is mature enough to address these engineering challenges.

“Receiving ESA Spark funding is a powerful step forward for Horizon,” said Andreas Frölich, CEO of Horizon Microtechnologies. “Space applications demand the highest standards of performance, longevity, and reliability, and this support from ESA through CESAH is a testament to the potential we have to drive innovation in space technology.”

Horizon’s unique approach integrates the precision and design flexibility of 3D printing with advanced metallization processes. For space applications, this means lighter, more compact components that maintain structural integrity and functionality, even in extreme conditions. Weight reduction, or SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power), is a crucial factor in space missions, as every gram counts toward efficiency. With Horizon’s technology, components can be made lighter without sacrificing durability.

Additionally, Horizon’s technology supports the creation of monolithic components with complex geometries that would be difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques.

“This project does more than just position Horizon’s technology within the space sector, it also paves the way for broader industry adoption. Success in space – the most demanding of environments – provides a compelling proof-of-concept for sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace, and defense, where reliability and endurance are paramount. If Horizon’s components can thrive in space, they can certainly meet the high standards of terrestrial applications,” said Frölich. “Horizon Microtechnologies is thrilled to embark on this next phase of growth, backed by ESA Spark funding and inspired by the possibilities of space innovation. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D printed, metalized components, we invite our partners, customers, and the wider technology community to join us on this exciting journey.”

Horizon Microtechnologies, ESA funding, European Space Agency, microtechnology innovation, advanced materials, space tech funding, ESA partnership, cutting-edge technology, microfabrication, research and development

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#HorizonMicrotechnologies #ESAFunding #SpaceInnovation #Microtechnology #SpaceTech #EuropeanSpaceAgency #R&D #TechFunding #InnovationInSpace #AdvancedMaterials

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Learn Quantum Physics More Easily With This Breakthrough Approach

Researchers focus on two-state systems as a promising approach for classroom teaching.

A team of physics educators from Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, and Germany is pioneering a new approach to teaching quantum physics in schools. Traditional classroom methods have typically emphasized the history and origins of quantum physics, which can often create challenges for learners.

The researchers, including physics education specialist Professor Philipp Bitzenbauer from Leipzig University, focus on qubits—two-state systems that are both the simplest and most crucial quantum systems, capable of describing many situations. Mastering the control and manipulation of these qubits is fundamental to advancing modern quantum technologies.

According to Bitzenbauer, until now there have been no empirical studies of the effectiveness of these approaches using two-state systems in developing conceptual understanding in learners. There is also a lack of scientific research on the specific advantages and disadvantages for learning of different teaching approaches based on two-state systems.

“Using the example of the quantum measurement process, one of the central problems of quantum physics, we show how to develop a survey method that can then be used in the field as part of intervention studies. Overall, teaching concepts that focus on two-state systems do indeed appear to be more conducive to learning than the traditional approach,” says the Leipzig-based physics education specialist, who is the first author of the paper.

The Case for Two-State Systems in Teaching Quantum Physics

Making two-state systems the starting point for understanding quantum physics has been the subject of much discussion in recent years. According to Bitzenbauer, this approach opens the door to modern quantum technologies, be it quantum cryptography or quantum computing. One of the aims of quantum cryptography is to make communication secure against eavesdropping. Quantum computers can be used to solve problems that even supercomputers can only solve after a very long time or not at all, such as breaking down large integers into prime factors.

“My team and I are working to make the ground-breaking potential of quantum technologies accessible to schoolchildren,” says Bitzenbauer. The American Physical Society (APS) has invited him to present the results of the project at the APS Global Physics Summit in Los Angeles in March 2025.

Bitzenbauer points out that 2025 will be the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology: the scientific community can look back on 100 years of quantum mechanics making world history. And it continues to do so today, albeit at a more advanced level. Scientists are talking about a second quantum revolution that will shape the new century in the same way that the first quantum revolution shaped the 20th century. “Today, the focus is on the transition from many-body systems to the control and manipulation of single electrons, single photons or, more generally, single degrees of freedom in a quantum system. The simplest and most important quantum system has only two degrees of freedom – the two-state system. And this is the starting point for teaching quantum physics in schools,” says the researcher.

Quantum Physics, Easy Learning, Breakthrough Methods, Quantum Mechanics Simplified, Learning Strategies, Physics Education, Science Breakthrough, Quantum Theory Explained, Educational Tools, Innovative Learning

#ScienceFather#InventionsAwards#QuantumPhysics#PhysicsMadeEasy#LearnQuantum#ScienceBreakthrough#InnovativeLearning#PhysicsEducation#QuantumMechanics#EasyLearning#STEMEducation#QuantumTheory

Event Title : International Inventions Awards

Invention Awards

Friday, December 27, 2024

Scientists Unveil World’s Smallest Molecular Machine

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Climate change could trigger more earthquakes, study suggests

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Dual Layers, Infinite Potential: Scientists Investigate Novel Quantum Materials

German quantum physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Breakthrough in EV battery technology pushes the limits of fast charging

A CIO’s framework for measuring engineering productivity

Monday, December 9, 2024

Researchers use a novel approach to track neural signals in brain

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Scientists discover revolutionary method that makes fuel from water and sunlight — but it's not finished yet

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Horizon Microtechnologies receives ESA funding

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Learn Quantum Physics More Easily With This Breakthrough Approach

AI Digital Well being #digital #ai #science #medical #psychologie #soc...

Report Abuse