
They Unlocked the Future of Energy: High-Temperature Superconductors Take a Giant Leap Forward With This Stunning Advancement
operating at record-high temperatures. 🌡️ The new material, based on nickel oxide, functions at around 40 Kelvin (-387°F) under ambient pressure.
under ambient pressure. 🚀 This discovery challenges the belief that copper is indispensable for high-temperature superconductivity.
for high-temperature superconductivity. 💡 The breakthrough could significantly impact electronic and energy technologies, making them more efficient and sustainable.
In recent years, the quest for efficient energy solutions has driven scientists to explore new frontiers in superconductivity. A breakthrough discovery by a team of researchers at the National University of Singapore has resulted in the creation of a copper-free superconducting material operating at record-high temperatures. This development has the potential to revolutionize how we approach electronic and energy technologies, marking a significant milestone in the field of superconductivity. As we delve deeper into this fascinating discovery, it is crucial to understand its implications and the future possibilities it holds. The Birth of a New Superconductor
A team of scientists has successfully synthesized a novel superconducting material devoid of copper, operating at approximately 40 Kelvin (-387°F) under ambient pressure. This innovation is based on a nickel oxide compound, specifically (Sm-Eu-Ca)NiO₂, which has opened new avenues for understanding high-temperature superconductivity. Published in the prestigious journal Nature , this breakthrough represents a pivotal moment since the discovery of copper oxide superconductors in 1987. The newfound material challenges the long-held perception that copper is indispensable for achieving high-temperature superconductivity.
The researchers utilized a predictive model to design this revolutionary material, which exhibits superconductivity above 30 Kelvin without requiring external compression. This stability at ambient pressure is a significant advantage for future technological applications. By expanding the potential for non-copper-based superconductors, this discovery suggests a broader range of possibilities for more efficient electronic applications, potentially transforming the landscape of modern technology.
Banned Research Resurfaces: The True Limit of Room Temp Superconductors Was Crossed—And What Happens Next Is Absolutely Terrifying Understanding Superconductivity
Superconductivity, the phenomenon where a material loses all electrical resistance, has been known for over a century. Traditionally, most superconductors require temperatures near absolute zero to function. However, the discovery of copper oxides in the 1980s pushed these limits, demonstrating superconductivity at temperatures above 30 Kelvin (-405°F). Despite this advancement, the practical use of copper posed significant challenges.
The new nickel-based superconductor presents an intriguing alternative. Its ability to function at higher temperatures without the extreme cooling previously necessary redefines the boundaries of superconductivity. This raises the possibility of more accessible and practical superconducting materials, which could be integral to the development of future technologies. Notably, the Meissner effect, which causes levitation in superconductors, exemplifies the potential applications of these materials in various fields, from energy to medical imaging.
2.6 Million Golden Eggs: Secret Volcano Nursery Uncovered as Alien-Like Marine Species Breeds in Ice-Cold Death Zone Implications for Technology
The implications of this discovery are vast, suggesting that high-temperature superconductivity is not confined to copper-based compounds. This broadens the spectrum of potential materials for developing more efficient electronics. The stability of the new material at room pressure indicates its suitability for a range of applications, including power grids and medical imaging technologies, where superconductors could significantly enhance performance and efficiency.
By exploring how to modify the electronic properties of the nickel-based superconductor, researchers aim to increase its critical temperature even further. This could lead to a new generation of superconductors better suited for everyday technologies. Such advancements hold the promise of transforming current systems into more efficient and sustainable models, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in this field.
'An Entire Ocean Lies Beneath Us': Scientists Reveal Massive Hidden Sea Deep Below Earth's Crust That Changes Everything Future Prospects
The discovery of a copper-free superconductor functioning at high temperatures under ambient pressure is a major leap forward. It challenges the notion that copper is essential for high-temperature superconductivity, expanding our understanding of potential superconductive materials. This broader comprehension could hasten the development of more practical superconductors, applicable in areas like power networks and medical imaging.
As research continues, the focus remains on enhancing the material's properties to support higher operational temperatures and broader applications. The pursuit of these goals not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also holds immense potential for technological innovation. As we stand on the brink of these exciting advancements, the question remains: how will these new superconducting materials reshape the future of technology and energy solutions?
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Sustainability Times
23-06-2025
- Sustainability Times
They Unlocked the Future of Energy: High-Temperature Superconductors Take a Giant Leap Forward With This Stunning Advancement
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 A team from the National University of Singapore developed a copper-free superconducting material operating at record-high temperatures. operating at record-high temperatures. 🌡️ The new material, based on nickel oxide, functions at around 40 Kelvin (-387°F) under ambient pressure. under ambient pressure. 🚀 This discovery challenges the belief that copper is indispensable for high-temperature superconductivity. for high-temperature superconductivity. 💡 The breakthrough could significantly impact electronic and energy technologies, making them more efficient and sustainable. In recent years, the quest for efficient energy solutions has driven scientists to explore new frontiers in superconductivity. A breakthrough discovery by a team of researchers at the National University of Singapore has resulted in the creation of a copper-free superconducting material operating at record-high temperatures. This development has the potential to revolutionize how we approach electronic and energy technologies, marking a significant milestone in the field of superconductivity. As we delve deeper into this fascinating discovery, it is crucial to understand its implications and the future possibilities it holds. The Birth of a New Superconductor A team of scientists has successfully synthesized a novel superconducting material devoid of copper, operating at approximately 40 Kelvin (-387°F) under ambient pressure. This innovation is based on a nickel oxide compound, specifically (Sm-Eu-Ca)NiO₂, which has opened new avenues for understanding high-temperature superconductivity. Published in the prestigious journal Nature , this breakthrough represents a pivotal moment since the discovery of copper oxide superconductors in 1987. The newfound material challenges the long-held perception that copper is indispensable for achieving high-temperature superconductivity. The researchers utilized a predictive model to design this revolutionary material, which exhibits superconductivity above 30 Kelvin without requiring external compression. This stability at ambient pressure is a significant advantage for future technological applications. By expanding the potential for non-copper-based superconductors, this discovery suggests a broader range of possibilities for more efficient electronic applications, potentially transforming the landscape of modern technology. Banned Research Resurfaces: The True Limit of Room Temp Superconductors Was Crossed—And What Happens Next Is Absolutely Terrifying Understanding Superconductivity Superconductivity, the phenomenon where a material loses all electrical resistance, has been known for over a century. Traditionally, most superconductors require temperatures near absolute zero to function. However, the discovery of copper oxides in the 1980s pushed these limits, demonstrating superconductivity at temperatures above 30 Kelvin (-405°F). Despite this advancement, the practical use of copper posed significant challenges. The new nickel-based superconductor presents an intriguing alternative. Its ability to function at higher temperatures without the extreme cooling previously necessary redefines the boundaries of superconductivity. This raises the possibility of more accessible and practical superconducting materials, which could be integral to the development of future technologies. Notably, the Meissner effect, which causes levitation in superconductors, exemplifies the potential applications of these materials in various fields, from energy to medical imaging. 2.6 Million Golden Eggs: Secret Volcano Nursery Uncovered as Alien-Like Marine Species Breeds in Ice-Cold Death Zone Implications for Technology The implications of this discovery are vast, suggesting that high-temperature superconductivity is not confined to copper-based compounds. This broadens the spectrum of potential materials for developing more efficient electronics. The stability of the new material at room pressure indicates its suitability for a range of applications, including power grids and medical imaging technologies, where superconductors could significantly enhance performance and efficiency. By exploring how to modify the electronic properties of the nickel-based superconductor, researchers aim to increase its critical temperature even further. This could lead to a new generation of superconductors better suited for everyday technologies. Such advancements hold the promise of transforming current systems into more efficient and sustainable models, underscoring the importance of ongoing research in this field. 'An Entire Ocean Lies Beneath Us': Scientists Reveal Massive Hidden Sea Deep Below Earth's Crust That Changes Everything Future Prospects The discovery of a copper-free superconductor functioning at high temperatures under ambient pressure is a major leap forward. It challenges the notion that copper is essential for high-temperature superconductivity, expanding our understanding of potential superconductive materials. This broader comprehension could hasten the development of more practical superconductors, applicable in areas like power networks and medical imaging. As research continues, the focus remains on enhancing the material's properties to support higher operational temperatures and broader applications. The pursuit of these goals not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also holds immense potential for technological innovation. As we stand on the brink of these exciting advancements, the question remains: how will these new superconducting materials reshape the future of technology and energy solutions? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (25)


Euronews
22-06-2025
- Euronews
This moth uses the stars to navigate on its epic 1,000 km migration
An Australian moth follows the stars during its yearly migration, using the night sky as a guiding compass, according to a new study. When temperatures heat up, nocturnal Bogong moths fly about 1,000 kilometres to cool down in caves by the Australian Alps. They later return home to breed and die. Birds routinely navigate by starlight, but the moths are the first known invertebrates, or creatures without a backbone, to find their way across such long distances using the stars. 'The moths really are using a view of the night sky' Scientists have long wondered how the moths travel to a place they've never been. A previous study hinted that Earth's magnetic field might help steer them in the right direction, along with some kind of visual landmark as a guide. Since stars appear in predictable patterns each night, scientists suspected they might help lead the way. They placed moths in a flight simulator that mimicked the night sky above them and blocked out the Earth's magnetic field, noting where they flew. Then they scrambled the stars and saw how the moths reacted. When the stars were as they should be, the moths flapped in the right direction. But when the stars were in random places, the moths were disoriented. Their brain cells also got excited in response to specific orientations of the night sky. The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Nature. It 'was a very clean, impressive demonstration that the moths really are using a view of the night sky to guide their movements,' said Kenneth Lohmann, who studies animal navigation at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was not involved with the new research. Do other animals use the night sky to navigate? Researchers don't know what features of the night sky the moths use to find their way. It could be a stripe of light from the Milky Way, a colourful nebula or something else entirely. Whatever it is, the insects seem to rely on that, along with Earth's magnetic field, to make their journey. Other animals harness the stars as a guide. Birds take celestial cues as they soar through the skies, and dung beetles roll their remains short distances while using the Milky Way to stay on course. It's an impressive feat for Bogong moths, whose brains are smaller than a grain of rice, to rely on the night sky for their odyssey, said study author David Dreyer with Lund University in Sweden. 'It's remarkable that an animal with such a tiny brain can actually do this,' Dreyer said.


France 24
19-06-2025
- France 24
Moth uses stars to navigate long distances, scientists discover
When temperatures start rising every year, Bogong moths embark on the long night-time flight from their home on the country's eastern coast to the cool inland shelter of caves in the Australian Alps. It has recently been discovered that they can use Earth's magnetic field like a compass to stay on track during their trip of up to 1,000 kilometres (620 miles). Now, a study published in the journal Nature has found that the moths can also use the light from the stars and the Milky Way to find their way through the dark. "This is the first invertebrate that's known to be able to use the stars for that purpose," study co-author Eric Warrant of Sweden's Lund University told AFP. The only other invertebrate known to use stars for orientation are dung beetles -- but that is over very short distances, Warrant said. Out of all the animal kingdom, only some birds, possibly seals and of course humans can use starlight to navigate long distance. Bogong moths, which are around three centimetres long and are named after the Indigenous Australian word for brown, now join that list. 'Flight simulator' To study this phenomenon, the international team of researchers put some Bogong moths in a small enclosure and projected different maps of the night sky onto its ceiling. The moth was tethered to a rod connected to the top of the enclosure, which precisely recorded which directions it tried to fly in. This "flight simulator" first confirmed that Bogong moths can in fact navigate using their internal magnetic compass, lead study author David Dreyer, also of Lund University, told AFP. Then the researchers removed the effect of Earth's magnetic field in the enclosure. "To our surprise," the moths were still able to find the right direction, Dreyer said. When they rotated the sky 180 degrees, the moths changed their flight to follow along. And when the researchers projected weird, incorrect maps of the night sky, the moths became erratic and lost. This reinforced that the insects can not only navigate by the sky, but can follow along during the night when the relative positions of the stars shift along with Earth's rotation. Mysteries abound No one knows exactly how the Bogong moth manages this feat. One theory is that they sometimes "cross-check" their direction with their magnetic compass, Dreyer said. Another question is exactly which stars the moths are using to navigate. In the lab, the researchers monitored 30 neurons involved in the moth's vision, coordination and navigation. Developing the system of non-magnetic electrodes "cost me a fortune but it was worth the investment," Warrant said. The neurons became particularly active at the sight of the long, bright stripe of the Milky Way, as well as the Carina Nebula. The Milky Way is brighter in the Southern Hemisphere than in the north, Warrant pointed out. "The intensity of that stripe grows as you go from the northern part of the sky to the southern part," which could offer a clue as to how the moths use it to navigate south, Warrant said. Another mystery is how the moths know when to head south when summer arrives. Warrant, who is supervising further research on this subject, said one option is that this knowledge was simply "something that the parents hand to their children". The researchers believe that near the end of the moth's long migration, they start noticing clues they are getting close to their mountain refuge. Warrant said he has identified a specific "odour compound" which emanates from the caves. This smell "seems to act as a navigational beacon right at the very end of the journey," he added. After the moths have seen out the sweltering summer, they return to their coastal birthplace to reproduce before dying. © 2025 AFP