Physics

Researchers at Tohoku University have applied explainable machine learning to identify key factors for nickel-based catalysts that improve CO₂ methanation. The findings show how data-driven methods can guide catalyst design and support progress toward carbon recycling and sustainable energy.

Scientists at The University of Osaka and Tohoku University have developed a groundbreaking technique for creating nanoscale magnetic thin films with embedded functionality. By leveraging the stretchability of flexible substrates, they can precisely control the atomic spacing within these nanofilms, effectively “programming” desired magnetic properties directly into the material. This innovative approach, published in Applied Physics Letters, overcomes limitations of conventional deposition methods and paves the way for advancements in various fields, from electronics to fundamental materials science.

Counterintuitively, hot days are more likely to produce hail.

Researchers from Tohoku University, NIMS, and JAEA have demonstrated for the first time the technological advantages of antiferromagnets. Their study, published in Science, shows that antiferromagnets enable faster, more efficient memory operations than conventional ferromagnets.

This new crystal growth technology uses tungsten to create single crystals that can stand extreme temperatures - a new achievement in the field.

Researchers at Tohoku University have unified experimental and computational data into one valuable resource: a map that instantly guides scientists to suitable materials out of countless candidates.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a novel technique to enhance the performance and reliability of silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices, a key component in power electronics. This breakthrough utilizes a unique two-step annealing process involving diluted hydrogen, to eliminate unnecessary impurities and significantly improve device reliability.

Researchers at The University of Osaka and collaborating institutions have developed a cryo-optical microscopy technique that rapidly freezes live cells with millisecond precision during optical imaging. This enables detailed quantitative imaging of fast cellular events via optical microscopy techniques, including super-resolution fluorescence and Raman microscopy. With near-instant immobilization, a single time point in the cells can then be visualized with multiple imaging techniques, providing new insights across cell biology, biophysics, and medical research.

Recent research on fullerene’s role as a metal-free catalyst may redefine our understanding of how carbon nanomaterials can be used in clean energy technologies.

Most currently used fuel cells can only operate efficiently above 500°C, but researchers found a way to essentially cut that number in half.

Researchers report a Cu-based catalyst on graphitic carbon nitride with tunable atomic configurations, revealing that intercalated Cu dual-atom selectively drives CO2 reduction to methane with 88% efficiency while single-atom and nanoparticle catalysts favor hydrogen evolution.

Whispers in the gut, "Memory foam" for space 🚀, Potassium power 🔋& Intelligent multitasking. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice

First direct observation of quantum Kelvin–Helmholtz instability reveals eccentric fractional skyrmions

Altermagnets are a newly discovered class of magnets that exhibit unique magnetic behavior. They lack net magnetization but still influence the polarization of reflected light. This makes them difficult to study using conventional optical techniques. A research group has overcome this stumbling block using a new formula, enabling them to clarify the magnetic properties and origins of an organic crystal altermagnet.

A joint research team from Japan has observed "heavy fermions," electrons with dramatically enhanced mass, exhibiting quantum entanglement governed by the Planckian time – the fundamental unit of time in quantum mechanics. This discovery opens up exciting possibilities for harnessing this phenomenon in solid-state materials to develop a new type of quantum computer.

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method that uses an abundant, renewable biomass to ultimately create environmentally-friendly fuels.

Tsunami are rare yet one of the most devasting disasters. Researchers at Tohoku University worked together with Swiss RE International SE (Japan Branch) to develop science-based, cost-effective parametric insurance.

Researchers at Tohoku University unveil a cool new technique that can visualize both the structure and elemental distribution of nanomaterials in frozen solvents.

A collaborative research team from Kanazawa University, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, and the University of Strathclyde has developed a novel method for forming high-performance high-entropy alloy (HEA) films on various surfaces—without the need for costly alloy targets. By using a proprietary rotating target composed of multiple pure metal segments and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technology, the team successfully demonstrated a cost-effective and versatile approach to HEA film fabrication.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a new program, “postw90-spin,” that enables high-precision calculations of a novel performance indicator for the spin Hall effect, a phenomenon crucial for developing energy-efficient and high-speed next-generation magnetic memory devices. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in spintronics research by providing a definitive measure of the spin Hall effect, overcoming ambiguities associated with traditional metrics.

Rabi-like splitting is one of the key concepts in modern quantum technology. Fully understanding it can help us advance our knowledge in quantum information processing.

Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a mathematical model for Volterra defects using differential geometry to analyze the relationships between different types of defects. Their work provides insight into the connections between edge dislocations and wedge disclinations and extends traditional theories in material science. Their results may help to explain the unusual mechanical properties of crystals so they can be used to design new materials.

A groundbreaking new method developed at The University of Osaka calculates the entropy of liquids using a non-empirical approach, requiring only the atomic species as input. This revolutionary technique eliminates the need for extensive experimental data, paving the way for enhanced predictions of chemical reactions and optimization of industrial applications involving liquids.

Researchers at The University of Osaka have developed a novel method for generating ultrahigh magnetic fields via laser-driven implosions of blade-structured microtubes. This method achieves field strengths approaching one megatesla—a breakthrough in compact, high-field plasma science.

Tropical cyclones hundreds of kilometers away from the Philippines are often more responsible for heavy rainfall than those that hit the country directly during the annual “Habagat” or southwest monsoon season from July to September.

In a significant step towards a carbon-neutral future, researchers developed an atomically precise copper nanocluster that demonstrates high stability and exceptional selectivity in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions.

Nonlinear quantum dynamics are complicated, but they don’t have to be. A new, real-time simulation may help demystify these unusual dynamics, serving as a guide to develop next-gen quantum devices.

Hyperconjugation between aromatic rings and their side chains to stabilize unpaired electrons

New study explains why too much ultrasound slows chemical reactions

Machine learning potential can create accurate, large-scale models of catalytic activity for a reaction that turns carbon dioxide into a sustainable energy source.