Natural clay reveals a new way to control ion transport at the angstrom scale
Researchers at the National Graphene Institute have shown that naturally occurring channels within a common clay mineral can respond to pressure, voltage and pH, offering possibilities for controlling the movement of ions through extremely small, confined spaces. The study, published in Advanced Materials, focuses on vermiculite, a naturally abundant layered clay whose structure contains channels only a few angstroms high, providing naturally confined pathways through which ions can move.
The science section covers breakthroughs in medicine, physics, biology, and technology. We surface discoveries that expand what humanity can do, from new treatments reaching clinical trials to engineering feats that seemed impossible a decade ago. Every link goes to the original publisher so you can read the full study or press release yourself.
If today's breakthrough story sparked something, a live 1-on-1 tutor can take you from curious to competent. First lesson guaranteed or your money back.
Try Preply free →BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Scientists at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia developed light-activat…
THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When you’re decluttering, the thrift store is the obvious first move. Drop it off, and…
Credit: NASA A NASA Launch Services (NLS) II contract has been awarded by the agency to Relativity Space Inc., and its T…
X-ray: NASA/CXC/Univ. of Alabama/M. Muhibullah et al.; Optical: NASA/ESA/STScI; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk U…
Most news feeds won't give you another one. Our morning letter will: one email at sunrise with the day's best good news.
Start tomorrow morning →