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X-ray study offers first look at a quantum version of the liquid-crystal phase

Ever since superconductivity was discovered in the early 1900s, it has both captivated and mystified scientists. Superconductors conduct electricity with virtually zero resistance, allowing for highly efficient transmission of electrical currents. Among other uses, they create the strong magnetic fields we depend on for medical imaging with MRI machines.

The first known superconductor, mercury, only works when the temperature dips just below-450 F. Copper-containing materials called cuprates were found in the ’80s to become superconductors at warmer temperatures, though still inconveniently cold — closer to-200 F. Understanding how these so-called high-temperature superconductors work could eventually lead to ones that can operate in less frigid conditions.

One potential hallmark of high-temperature superconductors has remained purely theoretical, until now. A team of scientists, including several from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, has observed an elusive state of matter called quantum spin nematic. The study, which was published in the journal Nature (“Quantum spin nematic phase in a square-lattice iridate”), used the Advanced Photon Source (APS), a DOE Office of Science user facility at Argonne that also happens to use superconductors. The results lend insight on both high-temperature superconductivity and some of the physics involved in quantum computing.

Scientists decode why memories come back to dementia patients before death

Dementia has become rampant among human beings who are pushed into a deep mental abyss, devoid of memories and remembrance.

It has been termed as “the long goodbye”. Even though the person remains alive, memories fade away slowly and irreversibly due to dementia.

Dementia eventually snatches away the ability of a person to communicate, eat and drink on their own, recognise family members and understand where they are.

Cheaper and Better: Japanese Scientists Unveil Ultra-Efficient Electrical Converter

A new electrical power converter design developed by Kobe University offers significantly improved efficiency at a reduced cost and lower maintenance. This direct current voltage boost converter is set to make a substantial impact on the development of electric and electronic components in various sectors, including power generation, healthcare, mobility, and information technology.

Devices that harvest energy from sunlight or vibrations, or power medical devices or hydrogen-fueled cars have one key component in common. This so-called “boost converter” converts low-voltage direct current input into high-voltage direct current output. Because it is such a ubiquitous and key component, it is desirable that it uses as few parts as possible for reduced maintenance and cost and at the same time that it operates at the highest possible efficiency without generating electromagnetic noise or heat. The main working principle of boost converters is to quickly change between two states in a circuit, one that stores energy and another that releases it. The faster the switching is, the smaller the components can be and therefore the whole device can be downsized. However, this also increases the electromagnetic noise and heat production, which deteriorates the performance of the power converter.

The team of Kobe University power electronics researcher Mishima Tomokazu made significant progress in developing a new direct current power conversion circuit. They managed to combine high-frequency switching (about 10 times higher than before) with a technique that reduces electromagnetic noise and power losses due to heat dissipation, called “soft switching,” while also reducing the number of components and, therefore, keeping cost and complexity low.

‘Whole room was in tears’: NZ scientists see major breakthrough for motor neurone disease | Newshub

Now that’s Wonderful. It’s touching by how they were brought to tears in making progress in fighting neurogenitive disease.


Auckland scientists are celebrating an important breakthrough after zeroing in on a rare genetic mutation causing motor neuron disease. Their work is now being published in the journal Brain, and national correspondent Amanda Gillies spoke to the lead researcher. ➡️ SUBSCRIBE: https://bit.ly/NewshubYouTube.

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