Good vibrations: Low-energy lasers induce atomic excitation in semiconductor materials
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-May-2024 10:09 ET (2-May-2024 14:09 GMT/UTC)
Scientists employed intense and broad-band ultrafast terahertz pulses to induce atomic excitation in a two-dimensional semiconductor material. Their findings demonstrate a novel sum-frequency excitation process for coherent phonons, offering insights into material properties control and potential advancements in valleytronics and electronics.
Osaka University researchers discovered a concerning association between bacteremia and probiotic use, particularly with Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) MIYAIRI 588. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that all C. butyricum bacteremia strains were probiotic derivatives. Out of 6,576 cases of positive blood cultures, C. butyricum was detected in only five cases, all derived from probiotics. The study underscores rare but serious adverse events linked to probiotics, advocating cautious prescribing practices, especially for hospitalized patients.
Charge-recharge cycling of lithium-superrich iron oxide, a cost-effective and high-capacity cathode for new-generation lithium-ion batteries, can be greatly improved by doping with readily available mineral elements.
Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have developed a unique shape-tunable mirror that can change shape to optimally channel X-rays. It is composed of a single crystal of lithium niobate. This new technology offers the ability to correct aberration in the X-ray region, leading to improved spatial resolution.
Kumamoto University researchers have identified a novel Heat Shock Factor (HSF), designated as HSF5, which plays a crucial role in the completion of meiosis and the activation of genes essential for sperm formation. This discovery provides valuable insights into underlying causes of spermatogenic failure, the major contributor to male infertility. Furthermore, unlike other typical Heat Shock Factors, which primarily regulate gene expression in response to stress, such as heat shock, HSF5 plays a specific role in male germ production during meiosis under non-stress conditions.
For the first time since 1914, a new species of the Japanese lily known as sukashiyuri has been identified. An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team analyzed the morphology and DNA of these lilies and has revised the conventional classification from four taxonomic groups to eight.