Articles tagged with "materials"
A timeline of the US semiconductor market in 2025
The U.S. semiconductor market in the first half of 2025 has experienced significant turbulence amid the ongoing AI technology race. Intel underwent major leadership changes with Lip-Bu Tan appointed CEO, who quickly initiated organizational restructuring including planned layoffs of 15-20% in certain units and efforts to spin off non-core businesses such as its telecom chip division. Meanwhile, AMD aggressively expanded its AI hardware capabilities through acquisitions, including the teams behind Untether AI and Enosemi, a silicon photonics startup, positioning itself to challenge Nvidia’s dominance in AI chip technology. Nvidia faced considerable challenges due to U.S. government-imposed AI chip export restrictions, particularly on its H20 AI chips, which led to a projected $8 billion revenue loss in Q2 and a decision to exclude China-related revenue forecasts going forward. The U.S. government’s AI chip export policies have been contentious, with the Biden administration’s proposed AI Diffusion Rule ultimately abandoned in May, and the Trump administration signaling a different regulatory
materialssemiconductor-industryAI-chipsIntelNvidiaAMDchip-export-restrictionsFattah: Iran's Mach 15 speeding solid-fueled missiles hit Israel
Iran has launched a new hypersonic ballistic missile named Fattah, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 15, which successfully penetrated Israel’s air defense systems during the eleventh phase of Operation True Promise III on June 18, 2025. The Fattah is a two-stage, solid-fueled missile equipped with a movable nozzle and an advanced guidance system, enabling high-precision maneuvers both inside and beyond the atmosphere. With a range of approximately 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), the missile’s speed and maneuverability make it difficult for existing anti-missile defenses to intercept. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described this deployment as a “turning point” that effectively ends Israel’s air defense capabilities, causing fires and structural damage across central Israel. In response to the missile attack, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian military facilities, including helicopter bases, missile production sites, and centrifuge manufacturing locations, aiming to disrupt Iran’s
materialssolid-fueled-missileshypersonic-technologyaerospace-innovationsmissile-guidance-systemsdefense-technologypropulsion-systemsColor-changing skins created for robots to react without wires, screens
Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed stretchable, synthetic skins that mimic the color-changing abilities of cephalopods like squids and octopuses. These skins replicate chromatophores—pigment-filled sacs in cephalopod skin that change appearance when muscles spread the pigment—allowing the materials to dynamically alter color in response to environmental stimuli such as heat, light, pH, and humidity. Unlike traditional electronic displays, these autonomous materials operate without wires, rigid electronics, or user input, enabling soft, flexible devices that sense and react to their surroundings in real time. The technology holds significant promise for applications in soft robotics and wearable devices, where flexibility, adaptability, and water resistance are critical. By tuning the chemical composition, the skins can be programmed to respond to specific environmental triggers, potentially allowing a single wearable to monitor multiple parameters simultaneously. This innovation could replace conventional LED screens or fixed components in certain contexts, offering a new class of human-machine interfaces that display information through
robotmaterialssoft-roboticssynthetic-skinscolor-changing-materialswearable-technologystimuli-responsive-materialsUS labs build low-cost gallium nitride chips for next-gen radars
Researchers at MIT and partner institutions have developed a novel, low-cost fabrication process that integrates high-performance gallium nitride (GaN) transistors onto standard silicon CMOS chips. This breakthrough addresses previous challenges related to GaN’s high cost and specialized integration needs by using a scalable method compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing. The process involves creating many tiny GaN transistor "dielets," which are bonded onto silicon chips using a low-temperature copper-to-copper bonding technique. This approach maintains material functionality, reduces system temperature, and significantly enhances performance while keeping costs low. The team demonstrated the effectiveness of this hybrid chip technology by building a power amplifier that outperformed traditional silicon-based devices in signal strength and efficiency, indicating potential improvements in wireless communication such as better call quality, increased bandwidth, and longer battery life. The integration method avoids expensive materials and high temperatures, making it compatible with standard semiconductor foundries and promising broad applicability in commercial electronics. Additionally, the researchers suggest that this technology could support quantum computing applications due to
materialsgallium-nitridesemiconductorCMOSchip-fabricationpower-electronicsradar-systemsA New Wave Of Algae Is Perking Up The Vertical Farming Industry - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the emerging role of microalgae, particularly Spirulina, in revolutionizing vertical farming and addressing critical global challenges related to land use, biodiversity loss, and food scarcity. Spirulina, a nutrient-rich blue-green algae, can be cultivated indoors in bioreactors, making it suitable for vertical farming and reuse of existing infrastructure. Researchers at the University of Arizona are enhancing Spirulina’s nutritional profile and developing affordable DIY bioreactors to enable local production, aiming to reduce costs and deploy Spirulina as a sustainable food source in regions facing famine and food insecurity. Despite its nutritional benefits—including providing all nine essential amino acids and vital fatty acids—Spirulina’s widespread adoption has been hindered by its strong, often unpleasant taste when consumed as powder. This taste barrier has limited its commercial use mainly to dietary supplements rather than mainstream food markets. However, Icelandic company VAXA Technologies is tackling this challenge by producing fresh Spirulina with a neutral taste directly from bioreactors, as demonstrated
materialsvertical-farmingalgaeSpirulinabioreactorssustainable-agriculturefood-technologyBreakthrough tech makes bone and dental implants from human urine
Scientists from the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with U.S. and Japanese researchers, have developed a synthetic yeast system that converts human urine into hydroxyapatite (HAp), a biocompatible calcium phosphate mineral widely used in bone and dental implants. This innovative process addresses two significant challenges simultaneously: it helps mitigate environmental pollution caused by excess nutrients in wastewater and produces a valuable medical material projected to reach a $3.5 billion market by 2030. The engineered yeast, dubbed “osteoyeast,” mimics natural bone-forming cells by breaking down urea to increase pH, facilitating the crystallization and secretion of HAp outside the cell, yielding up to 1 gram per liter of urine. The process is scalable, cost-effective, and accessible globally, as it uses yeast fermentation techniques similar to those in beer production, requiring relatively low temperatures and minimal infrastructure. This makes it particularly suitable for deployment in developing regions lacking advanced manufacturing capabilities, potentially broadening access to advanced
materialsbiotechnologysynthetic-yeasthydroxyapatitebone-implantsdental-implantssustainable-materialsIntel to lay off up to 20% of Intel Foundry workers
Intel plans to lay off 15% to 20% of its Intel Foundry division workforce starting in July 2025, according to an internal memo reported by The Oregonian. The Intel Foundry division, which designs, manufactures, and packages semiconductors for external clients, will see significant job cuts, although the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed. With Intel's total workforce at approximately 108,900 as of December 2024, this reduction represents a substantial downsizing within the division. These layoffs align with strategic changes initiated by Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who took over in March 2025 and has focused on streamlining the company’s core business units, flattening organizational structure, and reinforcing an engineering-first approach. The move follows previous layoffs of around 15,000 employees in August 2024 and was foreshadowed by Tan’s statements at the Intel Vision conference earlier in the year. Intel has not provided further details beyond the internal memo
materialssemiconductorsIntel-Foundrysemiconductor-manufacturingchip-productionworkforce-reductiontech-industrySweden turns oat and wheat waste into clothes for green fashion
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have developed a sustainable method to produce textile pulp from agricultural waste such as oat husks and wheat straw, offering an eco-friendly alternative to cotton and wood-based cellulose. Their process uses soda pulping, which involves boiling raw materials in lye—a non-toxic substance—to extract cellulose. This technique is simpler and requires fewer chemicals than traditional wood-based methods, as it avoids steps like chipping and debarking. The approach not only reduces environmental impact but also adds economic value to agricultural byproducts that would otherwise be discarded. The study highlights that oat husks and wheat straw are particularly effective for creating dissolving pulp used in textile manufacturing. Ongoing research has also shown promise with other agricultural residues, such as grass press-cake, moving closer to real-world fiber production. The researchers suggest that existing pulp-and-paper industry infrastructure could be adapted to process these materials, potentially accelerating the adoption of sustainable textiles without the need for entirely new facilities. This innovation represents a
materialssustainable-fashioncelluloseagricultural-wastetextile-innovationeco-friendly-textilessoda-pulpingNew diaper transforms poop and plastic into soil in less than a year
Hiro Technologies, a Texas-based startup, has developed MycoDigestible Diapers, an innovative sustainable diaper that uses fungi to transform baby poop and plastic components into nutrient-rich soil within nine months. Disposable diapers, which typically take around 500 years to decompose, contribute significantly to landfill waste and environmental pollution. The company’s approach leverages fungi’s natural ability to break down complex carbon materials, including plastics, by releasing enzymes that degrade the strong carbon bonds in petroleum-based diaper plastics. Each diaper includes a packet of fungi that activates upon exposure to moisture from the diaper’s contents and environment, initiating the biodegradation process. The diapers are made from unbleached cotton and softwood fluff pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests, ensuring they are gentle on babies’ skin and environmentally friendly. Lab tests demonstrated that within nine months, the treated diapers fully decomposed into black soil. Hiro Technologies currently sells diaper bundles online and plans to expand the fungi technology to other plastic-containing products such as adult incontinence and
materialssustainabilitybiodegradable-plasticsfungi-technologywaste-managementenvironmental-innovationdecompositionThe Moment to Make Automotive Steel More Circular Is Now - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the urgent need for the European Union to enhance circularity in automotive steel production. Despite the automotive sector being the EU’s second-largest steel consumer, only 6% of the steel used in cars comes from recycled scrap, far below the 56% average across all sectors. This low recycling rate is primarily due to contamination—especially copper from parts like wire harnesses—that occurs when old vehicles are shredded, rendering the steel unsuitable for reuse in new cars. The upcoming revision of the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation presents a critical opportunity to address this issue by introducing mandatory recycled steel content targets and quality standards. To unlock a market for higher-quality recycled steel, the article argues that EU policymakers should set a target of 30% recycled steel content in new cars by 2030, coupled with local content requirements to support European recyclers and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. Additionally, quality standards must be established to limit copper contamination in shredded scrap
energymaterialsautomotive-steelrecyclingcircular-economyEU-policysustainable-manufacturingTank-grade 30,000-pound off-road bus crushes volcano climbs with ease
The Torsus Praetorian is a formidable 30,000-pound off-road bus engineered in Slovakia on a MAN TGM 4×4 chassis, designed to tackle extreme terrains such as volcano climbs with ease. Measuring nearly 29 feet long and powered by a 6.9L six-cylinder diesel engine producing 285 horsepower and 848 lb-ft of torque, it features advanced off-road capabilities including front and rear differential locks and 15.74 inches of ground clearance. Its rugged yet refined Line-X-coated fiberglass composite body balances durability with drivability, making it almost as easy to handle as a large van. Building on this robust platform, Torsus and camper specialist Dämmler developed the Praetorian Liberra, a luxury off-road motorhome tailored for four occupants. The Liberra offers a compact 28-foot profile with a refined interior featuring solid wood finishes, modular furniture, a kitchen, wet bath, and sleeping arrangements including a double or king-size bed. Designed for
materialsoff-road-vehiclesdiesel-enginefiberglass-compositeautomotive-engineeringrugged-designmotorhomeChina's new heat shield can beat thermal limit for hypersonic flights
Chinese scientists have developed a new carbide ceramic heat shield material capable of withstanding temperatures up to 3,600 degrees Celsius (6,512 degrees Fahrenheit) in oxidizing environments, surpassing the previous thermal limits for hypersonic flight materials. This breakthrough, detailed in the journal Advanced Materials, marks the first time a base material has reached such a high service temperature, breaking the longstanding 3,000-degree Celsius barrier. The ceramic is composed of elements including hafnium, tantalum, zirconium, and tungsten, and features a unique oxide layer structure that protects the tungsten skeleton from oxidation, enhancing its thermal resistance. The new material’s exceptional heat tolerance is critical for hypersonic aircraft and weapons, which require components that maintain structural integrity under extreme thermal stress. Unlike traditional metal alloys and heat shield tiles—such as those used on SpaceX’s Starship, which withstand around 1,371 degrees Celsius—this carbide ceramic can endure much higher temperatures, making it suitable for aerospace, weapons protection
materialscarbide-ceramichypersonic-flightheat-shieldhigh-temperature-resistanceaerospace-materialsthermal-protectionWorld-first aerospace-grade recycled aluminum procured from jet junk
Constellium, a French-based aluminum manufacturer, has achieved a world-first by producing aerospace-grade aluminum ingots made entirely from recycled end-of-life aircraft. Unveiled at the 55th Paris Air Show in June 2025, this breakthrough was developed in collaboration with TARMAC Aerosave and Airbus, demonstrating that high-performance aluminum alloys can be fully recycled without compromising structural integrity or performance. The recycled aluminum meets the stringent mechanical and metallurgical standards required for next-generation aircraft manufacturing, validating the feasibility of a circular economy model in aviation metals. TARMAC Aerosave, specializing in eco-friendly aircraft dismantling and recycling, supplies the raw material and boasts a recycling rate exceeding 92 percent. The partnership with Constellium and Airbus aligns with global decarbonization goals, as recycling aluminum consumes only 5 percent of the energy needed for primary production and cuts carbon emissions by 95 percent. Alongside the recycled ingot, Constellium showcased its Airware aluminum-lithium alloy
materialsrecycled-aluminumaerospace-grade-alloyssustainable-aviationcircular-economyaluminum-lithium-alloysaircraft-recyclingTaiwan places export controls on Huawei and SMIC
Taiwan has imposed export controls on Chinese technology companies Huawei and SMIC, restricting their access to critical resources needed for AI chip production. The Taiwanese International Trade Administration has classified certain high-tech commodities as strategic, requiring government approval for any shipments to these companies. This move effectively limits Huawei and SMIC’s ability to obtain Taiwanese plant construction technologies, materials, and equipment. The export controls are part of a broader effort by Taiwan to address national security concerns and combat arms proliferation. On June 10, the administration added over 600 entities from countries including Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar, and mainland China—among them Huawei and SMIC—to its restricted entity list. This development could significantly hinder China’s progress in developing advanced AI semiconductors.
materialssemiconductorsexport-controlsAI-chipshigh-tech-commoditiesTaiwan-tradesupply-chain-securityChina advances next-gen lighting with more stable perovskite LEDs
Chinese researchers led by Professor Xiao Zhengguo at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an innovative all-inorganic perovskite film that significantly enhances LED performance. By introducing specially selected compounds and applying a high-temperature annealing process, the team engineered perovskite films with larger crystal grains and fewer defects. This structural improvement facilitates better charge transport, resulting in LEDs with unprecedented brightness of 1.16 million nits and an extended operational lifespan exceeding 180,000 hours. These advancements overcome previous limitations where perovskite LEDs had short lifespans and low brightness, making them unsuitable for practical applications. The new perovskite LEDs also demonstrate a luminous efficiency surpassing 22%, comparable to current commercial display technologies, and brightness levels far exceeding typical OLED and LED screens, which usually peak at a few thousand nits. Such high brightness and durability make these LEDs promising for outdoor displays and specialized lighting requiring strong visibility. When operated at a standard brightness of 100
materialsperovskiteLED-technologyadvanced-materialsenergy-efficient-lightingnanomaterialsdisplay-technologyNot frozen accidents, quasicrystals change how we define atomic order
The article discusses a significant advancement in understanding quasicrystals—materials whose atomic arrangements are ordered but non-repeating, defying traditional definitions of crystal structures. Discovered in the 1980s, quasicrystals initially faced skepticism, with many scientists believing they were merely accidental, unstable formations resulting from rapid cooling of molten materials. The key unresolved question was whether quasicrystals are thermodynamically stable or just frozen irregularities. Traditional computational methods like density functional theory (DFT), which rely on repeating units, could not effectively model quasicrystals due to their aperiodic nature. Researchers at the University of Michigan addressed this challenge by simulating small nanoparticles of quasicrystals and extrapolating their energies to estimate the stability of the bulk material. They applied this approach to two known quasicrystals—scandium-zinc and ytterbium-cadmium alloys—and demonstrated that these structures have the lowest possible energy configurations, proving their intrinsic stability rather than
materialsquasicrystalsatomic-ordercrystal-structurestabilityphysicsnanomaterialsAluminum alloys with 40% higher strength can lead to safer components
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed novel aluminum alloys that exhibit a 40% increase in strength alongside a fivefold improvement in resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, without sacrificing ductility. By adding scandium to aluminum-magnesium alloys and employing a complex size-sieved precipitation strategy with two-step heat treatment, they engineered dual nanoprecipitates: fine Al3Sc particles that enhance strength, and core-shell Al3(Mg,Sc)2/Al3Sc nanophases that trap hydrogen and prevent embrittlement. This innovative alloy design overcomes the traditional trade-off between strength and hydrogen resistance. The method was validated across various aluminum alloy systems and demonstrated scalability using industrially relevant casting and thermomechanical processing techniques. Advanced characterization methods, including atom probe tomography and electron microscopy, confirmed the atomic-level hydrogen trapping mechanism. Published in Nature, this research addresses a critical limitation in aluminum alloys for the hydrogen economy by enabling safer, stronger, and more durable components suitable for large-scale industrial production
materialsaluminum-alloyshydrogen-embrittlementscandiumnanoprecipitateshydrogen-economyhigh-strength-materialsIn a 1st, China pulls 99.9% ultra-pure rubidium from salt lake brine
Chinese scientists at the Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes (ISL), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a novel method to extract ultra-pure rubidium chloride (99.9% purity) from brine containing extremely low rubidium concentrations (0.001%). This breakthrough enables China to tap into its abundant but previously commercially unviable rubidium resources found primarily in salt lake brines of Qinghai province and Tibet. The new process involves a comprehensive approach including ore washing, leaching, enrichment, solvent extraction, and purification, and was successfully tested on potassium chloride from the Qarhan Salt Lake. This advancement significantly reduces China’s reliance on foreign rubidium imports, which currently stand at over 66%, mainly from Canada and Zimbabwe. Rubidium is a strategically important alkali metal used in atomic clocks, aerospace systems, perovskite solar cells, specialized glass, and medical imaging. China’s previous challenge was that over 97% of its rubidium reserves are locked in
materialsrubidium-extractioncritical-mineralsultra-pure-metalsChina-technologystrategic-metalsresource-securityWorld’s first art-painted rocket launched into outer space by China
In a groundbreaking collaboration, contemporary artist Jacky Tsai and Chinese aerospace company LandSpace launched the world’s first fully art-painted orbital rocket, the Zhuque-2 Enhanced (ZQ-2E Y2). Standing nearly 50 meters tall, the rocket was entirely covered with vibrant aerospace-grade paints depicting the ancient Chinese legend of Chang’e flying to the moon. The artwork, which flows continuously from nose to base, integrates traditional Eastern storytelling with bold, modern visual techniques, transforming the rocket into a unified visual narrative rather than mere surface decoration. This project required innovative materials and close cooperation between artists and engineers to ensure the paint could withstand extreme launch conditions without compromising the rocket’s performance. The successful launch and orbit insertion of the ZQ-2E Y2 validated this pioneering fusion of art and aerospace engineering, proving that complex visual art can be integrated into space vehicles without affecting functionality. Painted segments recovered after stage separation serve as tangible artifacts symbolizing the intersection of science and storytelling. This initiative redefines
energyaerospacematerialsrocket-technologyaerospace-engineeringaerospace-paintsspace-launchHow Minor Metals Could Cause Major Electrification Bottlenecks - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a critical but often overlooked challenge in the global electrification transition: the supply constraints of minor or by-product metals such as indium, gallium, germanium, tellurium, selenium, and certain rare earth elements. Unlike primary metals like lithium and cobalt, whose production can be scaled more directly in response to demand, these by-product metals are produced only incidentally during the mining and refining of major metals like copper, zinc, nickel, and aluminum. This dependency means their supply is inherently tied to the extraction rates and market dynamics of unrelated primary metals, leading to unpredictable availability and price volatility that complicates strategic planning for industries reliant on these materials. Economically, the recovery of by-product metals is marginal and highly sensitive to market prices. For example, zinc refiners will only recover indium if its market price justifies the cost; otherwise, it remains in waste streams, causing intermittent shortages. This contrasts with primary metals, where steady demand typically supports sustained
energyelectrificationminor-metalssupply-chainrare-earth-elementsminingmaterialsDreamliner’s first fatal crash renews doubts over Boeing safety
The recent fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad marks the first deadly incident involving this widely used aircraft model and has reignited global concerns about Boeing’s manufacturing practices and overall safety. Flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff, prompting an official investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the formation of a high-level committee to review aviation safety protocols. While no mechanical failure has been officially confirmed, attention has turned to prior whistleblower warnings from former Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who in 2024 alleged that Boeing took manufacturing shortcuts on the 787 and 777 models. Salehpour claimed that improperly filled gaps in the fuselage assembly and misaligned parts—sometimes temporarily forced into place by workers physically jumping on components—could compromise structural integrity and increase the risk of catastrophic failure over time. Boeing has denied these allegations, maintaining the Dreamliner’s safety, but the FAA investigated Salehp
materialsaerospace-engineeringstructural-integrityBoeing-787aircraft-manufacturingaviation-safetywhistleblowerVolvo Cars to Use Recycled Steel in Next EV - CleanTechnica
Volvo Cars is advancing its sustainability efforts by committing to use high-quality, recycled, and near zero-emissions steel supplied by SSAB starting in 2025. This makes Volvo the first automaker to secure such a deal for mass-produced vehicles. The recycled steel will initially be incorporated into the upcoming fully electric Volvo EX60 SUV and future SPA3 architecture models. Volvo emphasizes that this recycled steel meets the same stringent safety and durability standards as traditional steel, aligning with its reputation for safety and environmental responsibility. The move is part of Volvo’s broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, as steel production accounts for about 25% of material-related emissions in its cars. The company aims to cut average CO2 emissions of its vehicles by 65–75% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Volvo also plans for an average of 30% recycled content across its fleet by 2030, with new models from that year containing
energymaterialsrecycled-steelelectric-vehiclessustainabilitycircular-economyVolvo-CarsMIT scientists make hydrogel to pull water from air with zero power
MIT scientists have developed an innovative, origami-inspired hydrogel device that passively harvests clean drinking water from atmospheric moisture without requiring any external power source. The black, window-sized panel, made from a water-absorbent hydrogel enclosed in a glass chamber with a cooling polymer coating, exploits natural temperature fluctuations between night and day to absorb and then release water vapor. Tested in California’s Death Valley, one of the driest places on Earth, the prototype successfully extracted up to 160 milliliters of water daily even at low humidity levels (around 21%), demonstrating its effectiveness in arid environments. The hydrogel’s unique composition, stabilized with glycerol to prevent salt leakage, ensures the collected water remains safe to drink without the need for additional filtration. Its dome-shaped, bubble wrap–like surface design increases absorption efficiency by maximizing surface area. Unlike previous technologies that depend on electricity, batteries, or solar panels, this device operates autonomously, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited
materialshydrogelwater-harvestingclean-water-technologyenergy-free-devicesustainable-materialsMIT-innovationNew dual-layer coating achieves 99.6% iron corrosion protection
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a new dual-layer coating that provides 99.6% protection against iron corrosion, addressing a longstanding challenge in preserving iron’s structural integrity. The innovative coating combines an ultra-thin molecular primer made of N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC), which chemically bonds tightly to the iron surface, with a durable polymer layer that adheres strongly to the primer. This combination forms a robust, long-lasting barrier that remains effective even under harsh conditions such as prolonged exposure to corrosive saltwater, outperforming existing protective solutions that often degrade or flake off over time. This advancement promises significant benefits for industries relying on iron-based materials, including construction, transportation, and manufacturing, by extending the lifespan of infrastructure like bridges, pipelines, and ships while reducing maintenance costs. The researchers emphasize that widespread adoption of this coating could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective use of iron, mitigating the global economic impact of corrosion, which currently costs an estimated $2.5
materialscorrosion-protectioniron-coatingdual-layer-coatingpolymer-primerrust-preventioninfrastructure-durabilityWorld's first metal-free motor could supercharge EVs and spacecraft
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have developed the world’s first fully functional electric motor made entirely without metal components, using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) instead of traditional copper coils. This metal-free motor demonstrates a 133% increase in electrical conductivity and is 80% lighter than conventional copper-based motors. The innovation addresses a critical challenge in transportation—lightweighting—which can significantly improve energy efficiency, battery performance, and range in electric vehicles, drones, and spacecraft. The motor was successfully tested by powering a scale model car on asphalt roads, achieving speeds over half a meter per second and continuous operation for 60 minutes under varying loads. A key breakthrough enabling this development was a novel purification technique called the LAST (Lyotropic Liquid Crystal-Assisted Surface Texturing) process. This method removes metal catalyst impurities embedded in CNTs during production, reducing contamination from 12.7% to less than 0.8%, while preserving the nanotubes’ electrical properties. The process involves dissolving CNTs in chlorosulfonic acid to form a liquid crystal state that self-aligns the tubes; exposure to water then generates hydrochloric acid that eliminates iron impurities. The purified CNT cables achieved an electrical conductivity of 7.7 megasiemens per meter, comparable to copper but at a fraction of the weight (1.7 g/cm³ vs. copper’s 8.9 g/cm³). This advancement holds promise for significantly reducing motor weight across various applications without compromising performance.
materialscarbon-nanotubeselectric-motorlightweight-technologyelectric-vehiclesspacecraftenergy-efficiencyReassessing Steel: How Falling Cement Use Alters Future Projections - CleanTechnica
The article "Reassessing Steel: How Falling Cement Use Alters Future Projections" explores a revised outlook on global steel demand, prompted by insights from Scott Norris, a structural steel expert. Initially, the author anticipated steady steel demand growth driven by ongoing infrastructure expansion in developing countries. However, after examining cement industry trends and their close link to steel consumption—since about half of steel demand is tied to construction—the author now believes previous steel growth projections were overly optimistic. The World Cement Association’s forecast that global cement demand will peak and then decline by mid-century, due to completed urbanization in developed economies and changing building methods, significantly impacts steel demand expectations. China’s massive past infrastructure build-out, which accounted for half of global steel and cement demand, is winding down, and other regions like India and Southeast Asia are unlikely to replicate China’s scale of growth. Despite this, Norris highlights that developing regions, particularly India and parts of Southeast Asia, will see near-term steel demand increases due to ongoing infrastructure projects and new blast furnace steel plants, which have long operational lifespans extending into the late 21st century. India aims to double steel production by 2030, with potential further growth by mid-century, while Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia also anticipate rising demand. Nonetheless, the author remains skeptical that these regional increases will offset the broader global decline driven by cement displacement and decarbonization trends, suggesting a more cautious long-term outlook for steel demand than previously assumed.
materialssteel-industrycement-demandconstruction-materialsinfrastructure-developmentdecarbonizationglobal-steel-demandQualcomm to acquire semiconductor firm Alphawave Semi for $2.4B
Qualcomm has announced its agreement to acquire Alphawave Semi, a U.K.-based semiconductor firm specializing in high-speed data center connectivity, for approximately $2.4 billion. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon highlighted that this acquisition aims to expand Qualcomm’s presence in the data center market by combining advanced technology solutions to enhance connected computing performance across various high-growth sectors, particularly data center infrastructure. Alphawave Semi develops a range of wired connectivity and compute technologies, complementing Qualcomm’s existing portfolio. This acquisition follows a recent larger deal by Qualcomm in the semiconductor space, signaling the company’s strategic focus on strengthening its data center capabilities. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
materialssemiconductorsdata-centerconnectivityQualcommtechnology-acquisitionhigh-speed-data-transferBiodegradable microplastics could pose diabetes threat, harm gut
A recent study highlights potential health risks posed by biodegradable microplastics, specifically polylactic acid (PLA), widely used in eco-friendly food packaging and disposable tableware. Unlike conventional plastics, PLA is derived from renewable resources like corn starch and sugar cane and has been considered a sustainable alternative. However, the study reveals that PLA microplastics do not merely pass through the digestive system but enter the metabolic cycle of gut bacteria and intestinal cells. Using mouse models, researchers found that certain gut bacteria secrete enzymes that break down PLA microplastics, turning them into carbon sources that may contribute to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hyperuricemia, which can lead to gout and kidney stones. Additionally, PLA microplastic fragments in gut epithelial cells reduce the production of linear short-chain fatty acids, essential energy sources for these cells, resulting in decreased appetite and weight loss in mice. The study also suggests that PLA microplastics may promote harmful bacteria like Helicobacter muridarum, potentially disrupting the gut microbiome balance by displacing beneficial microbes. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the researchers propose that frequent plastic consumption may have conditioned gut microbiota to recognize and metabolize these particles. Importantly, the study notes that the adverse effects might be reversible if exposure to PLA microplastics ceases for six to twelve months. This research raises concerns about the hidden health impacts of biodegradable plastics previously regarded as safe alternatives to conventional plastics.
materialsbiodegradable-plasticsmicroplasticspolylactic-acideco-friendly-materialshealth-impactgut-bacteriaChina's scientists use rare mineral tellurium to restore vision in mice
Chinese scientists at Fudan University in Shanghai have developed an innovative artificial retina implant using tellurium nanowires that can restore vision in blind mice and improve vision in monkeys. Tellurium, a rare element with excellent photoelectric properties, mimics the function of photoreceptor cells by converting light—including infrared radiation—into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as images. The researchers created a mesh-like network of tellurium nanowires, called tellurium nanowire networks (TeNWNs), which when implanted into the retinas of blind animals, restored pupillary responses and activated the visual cortex. Blind mice implanted with the device performed nearly as well as sighted mice in pattern recognition tasks, and monkeys showed improved vision, including the ability to see infrared light, which is normally invisible to mammals. This breakthrough represents a potential first step toward bionic eyes with enhanced capabilities such as infrared “super sight.” While human trials are not imminent due to regulatory hurdles, the tellurium-based technology may lead to a new generation of artificial retinas that restore and augment vision. The research intersects nanotechnology, neuroscience, and materials science, with implications for medicine, military applications, and human enhancement. The study was published in the journal Science, highlighting tellurium’s strategic importance as China controls most of its production and its expanding use in solar panels, semiconductors, thermoelectric devices, and now neural vision implants.
materialsnanotechnologytelluriumartificial-retinaphotoreceptor-cellsinfrared-visionbionic-eyesWorld Environment Day Calls On You To #BeatPlasticPollution - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the urgent call by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for global action to #BeatPlasticPollution, the theme of World Environment Day 2025. It emphasizes the critical importance of addressing the full lifecycle of plastics—from production to disposal—rather than relying solely on recycling. With over 460 million tons of plastic produced annually, plastics and microplastics have become pervasive pollutants, infiltrating terrestrial and marine ecosystems, soils, the atmosphere, and even human bodies, including lungs, blood, and fetuses. This widespread contamination poses serious threats to human health, planetary ecosystems, and economic stability. The article also notes that plastics contribute significantly to carbon emissions and are filling oceans, harming marine life and coastal communities. South Korea, the 2025 World Environment Day host, is identified as the fourth largest producer of plastic polymers globally, underscoring the challenge of plastic pollution even among environmentally engaged nations. The article draws attention to the prevalence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, which constitute about 50% of microplastics in wastewater and 12% of global solid waste, highlighting ongoing research into biodegradation methods. Looking ahead, plastic production is projected to triple by 2060 unless decisive global measures are taken. A key upcoming event is the August 2025 vote in Geneva on a global plastics treaty aimed at banning certain plastics, though progress faces resistance from petrochemical-producing countries. Advocates stress the need to “turn off the plastics tap” and implement systemic changes to reduce plastic pollution worldwide.
materialsplastic-pollutionmicroplasticscircular-economysustainable-materialsenvironmental-impactpolymer-productionQuantum tunneling observed in heavy fluorine atoms for first time
A recent study has, for the first time, observed quantum tunneling in heavy fluorine atoms, breaking the long-held "fluoro wall" belief that such heavy atoms cannot tunnel. Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon where particles pass through energy barriers they classically shouldn’t overcome. Previously, tunneling had been mostly seen in very light atoms like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Researchers discovered this effect by trapping fluorine atoms in a frozen neon matrix at –270°C and using infrared spectroscopy to analyze unusual signals from a negatively charged ion composed of five fluorine atoms (F₅⁻). The central fluorine atom in this ion was found to tunnel between two equivalent positions, a behavior confirmed by quantum mechanical simulations. This breakthrough challenges existing views in quantum chemistry, suggesting that tunneling may occur more widely, even in heavier atoms under certain conditions. The finding has significant implications for understanding fluorinated compounds, which are important in pharmaceuticals, battery technology, and environmental science. For instance, fluorinated groups enhance drug absorption and battery efficiency, while fluorine-rich pollutants like PFAS are notoriously persistent in the environment. Understanding and potentially controlling fluorine tunneling could lead to new methods for breaking down such pollutants or designing advanced materials and medicines.
materialsquantum-tunnelingfluorinechemical-reactionsspectroscopyquantum-mechanicsatomic-physicsQuantum tunneling time cracked: Electrons barely pause before escaping
A recent study has resolved the long-standing question of how long quantum tunneling takes by introducing a novel phase-resolved attoclock technique. Quantum tunneling, where electrons pass through energy barriers they normally couldn't cross, occurs on attosecond timescales, making direct measurement extremely challenging. Traditional attoclock methods, which use rotating elliptical laser fields to infer tunneling times from electron emission angles, have produced inconsistent results due to complex interpretations and distortions. The new approach employs perfectly circularly polarized laser light combined with precise control of the carrier-envelope phase (CEP), allowing researchers to track the exact peak of the electric field that triggers electron escape, thereby eliminating non-time-dependent distortions and improving measurement reliability. Using this refined method, the researchers found that electrons do not experience any measurable delay during tunneling; they essentially "barely pause" before escaping the atom. Instead, the key factor influencing electron emission is the strength of the atom’s hold on the electron prior to tunneling, not the tunneling duration itself. This finding challenges previous assumptions about tunneling dynamics and has significant implications for modeling ultrafast atomic and molecular processes. Additionally, the study suggests that the phase-resolved attoclock technique is stable and precise enough to be adapted for real-time chemical analysis, potentially advancing applications in ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum technologies.
materialsquantum-tunnelingattoclock-techniqueelectron-dynamicslaser-physicsquantum-physicsultrafast-measurementInsects help scientists create powerful new materials from nanocarbons
Researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute and Center for Sustainable Resource Science have developed an innovative technique called “in-insect synthesis,” which uses insects as living chemical reactors to create and modify complex nanocarbon molecules. Led by Kenichiro Itami, the team focused on tobacco cutworm caterpillars, leveraging their powerful digestive enzymes to perform precise chemical modifications that are difficult or inefficient in traditional laboratory settings. By feeding the caterpillars a nanocarbon molecule known as [6]MCPP, the insects converted it into a fluorescent derivative, [6]MCPP-oxylene, through an oxidation reaction catalyzed by two specific enzymes, CYP X2 and CYP X3. This enzymatic process was confirmed through advanced analytical techniques and genetic analysis, demonstrating a level of chemical precision not achievable by current lab methods. This breakthrough highlights the potential of using biological systems, such as insects, enzymes, and microbes, to manufacture advanced materials with high efficiency and specificity. The discovery that caterpillar enzymes can insert oxygen atoms into carbon–carbon bonds in nanocarbons opens new avenues for producing functional molecules for applications in aerospace, electronics, and battery technology. The research team envisions further optimization of this approach through genetic tools like CRISPR and directed evolution, enabling the programming of insects to synthesize a wide range of valuable compounds, from glowing sensors to pharmaceuticals. This novel strategy represents a paradigm shift in materials science, moving away from traditional chemical synthesis toward bioengineered production platforms.
materialsnanocarbonsinsect-enzymeschemical-synthesisadvanced-materialsnanotechnologybiotechnologySilicon-free transistors with high electron mobility built in Japan
materialstransistorsgallium-doped-indium-oxideelectron-mobilitysemiconductor-technologyminiaturizationfield-effect-transistorScientists build €8 underwater data hubs from old smartphones
robotIoTenergymaterialsdata-centerssustainabilitymarine-technologyBreakthrough: Scientists spot hidden quantum states after 60-year hunt
materialsquantum-statessuperconductorssemiconductorenergy-scalesnanowiresvortex-statesUS turns recycled scrap into 3D-printed rocket parts with AI boost
robotmaterials3D-printingAIadditive-manufacturingrecycled-materialssustainable-manufacturingCheapest carbon fix? Common clay may help capture CO₂ from the air
materialsCO2-captureclimate-technologyclay-mineralsenvironmental-solutionscarbon-dioxidenanomaterialsUS Army creates 3D-printed skin to heal combat wounds, fight bugs
materialsbioprintingbiomaterialsbiomedical-technologies3D-printingmilitary-technologytissue-engineeringNew form of magnetism discovered promises faster, denser memory tech
materialsmagnetismenergy-efficientmemory-devicesspintronicselectronic-spinsultrafast-technologyLow-grade clay turned into powerful cement for green construction
materialscementsustainable-constructionenvironmental-impactclayconcreteengineeringAtom-level imaging breakthrough paves the way for smarter gas sensors
materialsgas-sensorsatomic-precisiondefect-engineeringcatalysisplatinum-atomsultrathin-materialsPhysicists create world’s smallest violin that’s thinner than hair
materialsnanotechnologynanolithographyelectronicsenergy-harvestingprecision-engineeringmicrofabricationNREL & Crysalis Biosciences Collaborate To Scale Up Domestic Biomanufacturing Technologies - CleanTechnica
energybiomanufacturingbiofuelsbiomassrenewable-energychemicalsmaterialsScalable lithium sulfide tech sets stage for solid-state battery boom
energymaterialssolid-state-batterieslithium-sulfidebattery-technologyproduction-processenergy-efficiencyAI sorts 1 million rock samples to find cement substitutes in waste
materialsAIcement-substituteseco-friendly-materialsconcrete-sustainabilitymachine-learningalternative-materialsNovel self-healing circuit board could solve world's e-waste crisis
materialse-wasterecyclingself-healingcircuit-boardsustainable-technologyliquid-metalHidden layer in solid-state batteries could unlock faster, safer power storage
energymaterialssolid-state-batteriesbattery-technologyion-transportsafer-batterieselectrochemistrySwiss scientists makes make infrared light visible with tiny lens
materialslithium-niobatenanotechnologyoptical-componentsinfrared-technologyphotonicsnanoscale-patternsNew laser crystals boost quantum tech and cut rare earth reliance
materialslaser-technologyquantum-computingrare-earth-elementsoptical-materialsfiber-opticsenvironmental-monitoringBattery-free magic: US team creates jumping shells for seed dispersal
robotenergymaterialsseed-dispersalautonomous-structuresmetashellspolyethylene-terephthalateBreakneck data center growth challenges Microsoft’s sustainability goals
energysustainabilitycarbon-emissionsdata-centersmaterialsMicrosoftclean-energySpace Forge raises $30M Series A to make chip materials in space
materialsenergysemiconductorsspace-technologycrystal-growthmanufacturingaerospaceMagnetic fields supercharge catalysts for cleaner water and cheaper ammonia
energymaterialscatalystsammonia-productionwastewater-treatmentmagnetic-fieldselectrochemistryNew 2D material could be used in electrochemical energy storage
materialsenergyelectrochemical2D-materialsboroncopper-boridenanomaterialsChina’s capacitor-free coil gun can fire 3,000 projectiles a minute, outpacing rivals
energymaterialsroboticslithium-ion-batterieselectromagnetic-coilscoil-gundirected-energy-weaponUK fusion device gets heating components to withstand extreme temperature
fusionenergyplasma-heatingtokamakmaterialselectromagnetic-wavesnuclear-fusionFirst-ever liquid carbon created with lasers to boost fusion research
materialsnuclear-fusionliquid-carbonhigh-performance-laserscooling-agentsneutron-moderationextreme-conditionsRare graphite flakes behave as both superconductor and magnet at 300 K
materialssuperconductivitygraphenemagnetismenergyquantum-computingresearchUS scientists make rubber 10x tougher, more resistant to cracking
materialsrubberdurabilitysustainabilitypolymerengineeringresearchPhotos: Saudi Arabia's new museum is made from mud, adapting to desert
materialssustainable-constructionenergy-efficiencycultural-heritagemud-brick-architecturedesert-climatetraditional-building-techniquesNew silicone glows in vibrant colors while conducting electricity
materialssemiconductorelectrical-conductivityflexible-electronicssiliconecopolymerinnovative-materialsLondon-New York in 45 mins: New hypersonic jet could fly 7x speed of sound
materialsenergyhypersonicaviationhydrogenaerospacetechnologyScientists simulate how tens of thousands of electrons move in real time
materialsenergyquantum-mechanicselectron-dynamicsphotovoltaic-cellssimulationnanostructuresScientists accidentally create material that harvests water from air
materialsnanomaterialswater-harvestingcapillary-condensationenvironmental-technologysustainable-materialsenergy-efficient-solutionsEV makers can cut rare earth use by 15% with new design tool: Study
energymaterialselectric-vehiclescircular-economyrare-earth-elementsremanufacturingsustainabilityUS accelerator slashes power use by 80%, boosts beam brightness by 100x
energymaterialsaccelerator-technologybeam-brightnesspower-consumptionpermanent-magnetsresearch-innovationLiving tattoos for buildings might turn urban walls into air purifiers
materialsenergypollutioncarbon-capturesustainable-architecturebioactive-surfacesurban-innovation3x boost: US scientists increase bridge lifespan with corrosion-resistant steel
materialscorrosion-resistantinfrastructurestainless-steelrebarconstructionengineeringGrain-sized cooling tech cuts energy use by 70%, doubles efficiency
energymaterialsthermoelectric-coolingrefrigeration-technologynanoengineeringefficiencysustainable-technologyWorld-first: Gene-edited spider produces glowing red silk threads
materialsgene-editingspider-silkCRISPR-Cas9biotechnologyadvanced-textilessustainable-materialsDrones could fly 30% farther with golf ball-style shape-shifting skin
robotIoTenergymaterialsdronesdrag-reductionmaneuverabilityScientists turn simple clay into base for quantum computer in Norway
materialsquantum-computingclaysemiconductor-propertiesenvironmental-sustainabilitysuperconductorsresearch-collaborationWorld’s fastest quantum switch built by US team for ultra-fast AI
materialsquantum-computinggrapheneultrafast-computingAI-hardwaretransistorslaser-technologySouth America find 13 million tons in copper, gold, silver deposits
materialscoppergoldsilverminingresourcesgeologyCanada firm's eVTOL becomes first to achieve full wing transition
robotIoTenergymaterialseVTOLhybrid-electricaviationNew DirectDrive plasma etching tech to help build ultra-precise chips
materialssemiconductorplasma-etchingchip-manufacturingprecision-technologyelectronicsRF-energyChina's new fibre-optic gyroscope can withstand temperatures changes
materialsnavigationgyroscopeoptical-fiberstechnologyaerospacedeep-sea-explorationPower of pyrazinacene: This crystal turns violet to expose a pollutant
materialscrystal-technologychemical-sensorscharge-transferenvironmental-monitoringpollution-detectionpyrazinaceneGM’s new ‘manganese rich’ battery promises cheaper EVs in 2028
energymaterialselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyGeneral-Motorslithium-manganese-richcost-reductionPhòng thí nghiệm Anh tạo ra chất làm lạnh mới trong điều hòa
energymaterialscooling-technologybarocaloric-materialsgreenhouse-gas-reductionenergy-efficiencysustainable-coolingInventWood is about to mass produce wood that’s stronger than steel
materialsSuperwoodcelluloseligninconstructioncarbon-impacttensile-strengthThe Future of Manufacturing Might Be in Space
materialsmanufacturingspace-technologycrystal-growthsemiconductorin-space-manufacturingaerospaceUS Defense Department Launches Bioeconomy Plan Against Fossil Fuels
energybioeconomymaterialsindustrial-competitivenessadvanced-materialsbio-based-productsDefense-DepartmentPhân tử mới có thể cách mạng hóa ngành sản xuất chip
materialssemiconductororganic-moleculeselectrical-conductivitychip-productionnanotechnologyenergy-efficiencyMáy bay Anh lập kỷ lục bay liên tục lâu nhất thế giới
robotIoTenergymaterialsdronesolar-powercommunicationInterview with Amina Mević: Machine learning applied to semiconductor manufacturing
robotIoTenergymaterialsmachine-learningsemiconductor-manufacturingvirtual-metrologyPure Lithium Announces Engagement with Kingston Process Metallurgy to Scale Lithium Metal Anode Production
lithiumbattery-technologyenergymaterialselectroplatingproductionmetallurgy