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Science Briefs

Testing the Limits of Superhard Rhenium/Tungsten Diboride

Superhard materials such as metal borides are in demand as structural and engineering compounds and for next-generation cutting tools. Researchers have now synthesized a “solid solution” of two different metal borides, demonstrating the accuracy of theoretical predictions and opening the door to more targeted tuning of desirable characteristics. Read more »

Self-Assembly of a Programmable DNA Lattice

The use of DNA for nanotechnology has gained interest because it is a highly “programmable” polymer with “sticky ends,” allowing the self-assembly of molecular scaffolds for other proteins and molecules. Their high-resolution structures will help map new routes toward the rational design of self-assembling 3D DNA crystals. Read more »

Magnetism Emerges at Wonky Interfaces

Researchers have found a new way to control magnetism at the atomic level that will serve as a model for studying emergent phenomena in other systems. The ability to engineer and tune properties on such small length scales can (eventually) enable us to design exciting new magnetic devices. Read more »

The Smectic Phase of DNA “Nano-Nunchaku”

Researchers designed DNA sequences that self-assemble into a nanoparticle about 50 nm long, composed of two double-stranded DNA duplexes linked together by a single-stranded DNA filament. The nanoparticle resembles nunchaku—a traditional weapon of several martial arts—but 30 million times smaller. Read more »

X-Rays Help Evaluate Quality of 3D-Printed Repairs

Laser 3D printing is a promising way to repair machine parts (such as jet-engine turbine blades) made of single-crystal superalloys. But microstructural inhomogeneities created by the high-power laser are a major reliability concern, so researchers employed x-ray Laue microdiffraction to probe the microstructure. Read more »

3D Visualization of the Behavior of Grease Additives

Lubricants help keep civilization running smoothly, but is there room for improvement? With the goal of increasing the life span and lowering the costs of all kinds of mechanical and biological systems, researchers used x-ray microtomography to visualize the behavior of grease additives under working conditions. Read more »

A Molecular View of Sperm–Egg Fusion

Researchers have uncovered the first interactions between the human sperm and egg—the initial steps in the creation of human life. The discovery lays a foundation to better understand fertilization and could lead to the development of non-hormonal contraceptives. Read more »

Designed Protein Nanocages Inspired by Nature

Inspired by protein molecules observed in nature, researchers have now engineered ten large, 120-subunit, two-component protein complexes. These designed nanomaterials are attractive starting points for new approaches to targeted drug delivery, vaccine design, and bioenergy. Read more »

Formation of Toxic Furans during Combustion

Researchers predicted and observed for the first time the formation and growth of furans and other oxygenated hydrocarbons produced during combustion. These compounds can have a wide range of detrimental effects on human health, air quality, and regional and global climate. Read more »