Technology

Researchers have developed a new method to extract fluorine from fluorspar using oxalic acid and a fluorophilic Lewis acid in water under mild reaction conditions. This technology enables direct access to fluorochemicals, including commonly used fluorinating agents, from both fluorspar and lower-grade metspar, eliminating reliance on the supply chain of hazardous hydrogen fluoride (HF). Currently

'Cool' white lights -- such as those in modern car headlights -- endanger moths by causing them to fly erratically, new research shows. "Cool" white lights -- such as those in modern car headlights -- endanger moths by causing them to fly erratically, new research shows. University of Exeter scientists exposed moths to shorts bursts

Researchers have developed an innovative electrochemical reactor to extract lithium from natural brine solutions, offering a promising approach to address the growing demand for lithium used in rechargeable batteries. A team of Rice University researchers led by Lisa Biswal and Haotian Wang has developed an innovative electrochemical reactor to extract lithium from natural brine solutions

Mobile phones could be the key to a cheaper and more reliable way of tracking animals for ecology and conservation research, according to a new study. Mobile phones could be the key to a cheaper and more reliable way of tracking animals for ecology and conservation research, according to a new study from The Australian

Researchers look to deep learning techniques in order to streamline the time-consuming process of identifying 2D materials. Researchers have developed a deep learning-based approach that significantly streamlines the accurate identification and classification of two-dimensional (2D) materials through Raman spectroscopy. In comparison, traditional Raman analysis methods are slow and require manual subjective interpretation. This new method

Researchers have found that under certain conditions, a laser beam can act like an opaque object and cast a shadow, opening new possibilities for technologies that could use a laser beam to control another laser beam. Can light itself cast a shadow? It may sound like a philosophical riddle, but researchers have found that under

Researchers have developed robotic trousers that enable people to walk more easily while expending measurably less energy. The aim is to keep frail individuals and in particular the elderly mobile and healthy for longer. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed robotic trousers that enable people to walk more easily while expending

How long did it take our Sun to form in its stellar nursery? Scientists are now closer to an answer. They succeeded in the measurement of the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionized thallium ions at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) of GSI/FAIR. This measurement has profound effects on the production of radioactive lead in asymptotic

Researchers have implemented polyphenylene-based anion exchange membranes poised to make hydrogen production more efficient and durable. The robust hydrophobic design enables effective ion transport while resisting chemical degradation. A group of researchers has implemented polyphenylene-based anion exchange membranes (AEMs) poised to make hydrogen production more efficient and durable. Its robust hydrophobic design enables effective ion

A new electrode design developed at MIT boosts the efficiency of electrochemical reactions that turn carbon dioxide into ethylene and other products. As the world struggles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are seeking practical, economical ways to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into useful products, such as transportation fuels, chemical feedstocks, or even

Most people don't enjoy getting shots for treatments or vaccines. So, researchers are working to create more medicines, such as those made from messenger RNA (mRNA), that can be sprayed and inhaled. A study reports steps toward making inhalable mRNA medicines a possibility. Researchers outline their improved lipid-polymer nanoparticle for holding mRNA that is stable

X-rays are a common component of diagnostic testing and industrial monitoring, used for everything from monitoring your teeth to scanning your suitcase at the airport. But the high-energy rays also produce ionizing radiation, which can be dangerous after prolonged or excessive exposures. Now, researchers have taken a step toward safer X-rays by creating a highly