optical levitation nanospheres quantum classical crossover

Optical Levitation Captures Nanospheres, Unveiling the Quantum-Classical Crossover

Introduction to the Quantum-Classical Boundary

A recent publication in the journal Optica introduces an experimental device designed to probe the boundary between classical and quantum physics, enabling simultaneous observation and study of phenomena from both realms.

Collaborative Development of the Experimental Device

The development of this instrument in Florence was made possible through a collaborative initiative within the National Quantum Science and Technology Institute (NQSTI), involving key research entities such as:

• The University of Florence's Department of Physics and Astronomy
• CNR-INO
• LENS
• The Florence Division of INFN

The Need for Quantum Physics at the Infinitesimal Scale

The study of matter at increasingly smaller scales reveals behaviors that starkly contrast those observed at the macroscopic level, introducing the need for quantum physics to explain the properties of matter in the realm of the infinitesimal. Although these phenomena have been studied independently, the new instrument created by CNR-INO researchers facilitates the experimental exploration of matter's behavior from both scales.

The Principle of Optical Levitation and Its Impact

The device leverages the phenomenon of levitating nano-objects within a highly focused laser beam—an unexpected ability of light to 'trap' microscopic particles. This phenomenon was first observed in the 1980's and later refined, notably by American physicist Arthur Ashkin, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2018.

Application of Optical Levitation to Nanospheres

Under the leadership of Francesco Marin from the University of Florence and CNR-INO, the Italian team has applied this technique to trap two glass nanospheres simultaneously using beams of light with different colors. The spheres oscillate around their equilibrium at very specific frequencies, enabling the observation of both classical and quantum behaviors, the latter frequently exhibiting counter intuitive characteristics.

The Significance of Nano-Oscillators

According to Marin, "These nano-oscillators are one of the few systems in which we can study the behavior of macroscopic objects under highly controlled conditions."

Interactions Between the Nanospheres

The spheres are electrically charged and exert an influence on one another, meaning the path of one sphere is significantly impacted by the other. This dynamic paves the way for studying collectively interacting nanosystems across both classical and quantum domains, facilitating the experimental investigation of the delicate boundary between these two realms.

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nanobubble stability applications research

Groundbreaking Study Explores Nanobubble Stability and Its Practical Benefits

The Role of Nanobubbles in Chemical Reactions

Gases in Chemical Reactions and the Importance of Bubbles

Gases play a crucial role in various chemical reactions, and bubbles serve as a medium to keep these gases dissolved. Nanobubbles, in contrast to larger bubbles, exhibit enhanced stability, allowing them to remain in solution for extended periods without bursting. This stability leads to an increased concentration of gases in the solution, offering more time for chemical reactions to proceed.

Texas A&M University's Breakthrough on Nanobubble Stability

Key Researchers and Their Discoveries

Researchers at Texas A&M University, led by Dr. Hamidreza Samouei, are delving into the factors that contribute to the remarkable stability of nanobubbles—tiny bubbles with diameters smaller than a human hair. Their recent discoveries have been published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry.

The Industrial Significance of Nanobubble Stability

Maximizing Gas Utilization in Chemical Reactions

"At the industrial scale, we aim to minimize gas waste and maximize its utilization in chemical reactions," said Dr. Samouei, research assistant professor in the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering. "Our goal to maintain the gas in solution for as long as possible—ideally, indefinitely—without allowing it to escape or burst."

Understanding the Factors Behind Nanobubble Stability

The Role of Electric Charger and Additives

Researchers have determined that the stability of nanobubbles primarily depends on their electric charges and the interactions between these charges and the solvent. Additives in the solution can also influence their stability.

Real-World Applications of Nanobubbles

Benefits in Wastewater Treatment, Hydroponics, and Disinfection

Nanobubbles' ability to retain gas in solution has significant real-world applications, including wastewater treatment, hydroponics, and disinfection. In hydroponic farming, nanobubbles promote larger plant growth by increasing oxygen availability in water, creating optimal conditions for crops.

Nanobubbles in Brine Mining and Mineral Extraction

Carbon Dioxide Injections and Resource Extraction

While understanding nanobubbles stability is a small part of a larger scientific effort, researchers are utilizing carbon dioxide injections in saltwater solutions to extract valuable minerals. This technique, known as brine mining, yields resources for lithium batteries and magnesium fertilizers.

Future Applications in Brine Mining

"In this project, our goal was to enhance carbon dioxide concentrations, which led us to use nanobubbles," explained Samouei. "With our improved understanding of extending nanobubble lifetimes, they will play a pivotal role in brine mining applications."

Collaborators in Nanobubble Research

Contributions from Dr. Mohammad Javad Karimi and Dr. Gholam Abbas Parsafar

This research also includes contributions from Dr. Mohammad Javad Karimi and Gholam Abbas Parsafar.

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revolutionary-vortex-electric-field-quantum-computing

Revolutionary Vortex Electric Field Discovery Set to Transform Quantum Computing

Introduction

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) and local collaborators have identified a new vortex electric field that could revolutionize future electronic, magnetic, and optical technologies.

The study, "Polar and Quasicrystal Vortex Observed in Twisted-Bilayer Molybdenum Disulfide," published in Science, holds significant value for enhancing device performance, particularly in improving memory stability and computing speed.

Further exploration of the vortex electric field discovery could significantly influence advancements in quantum computing, spintronics, and nanotechnology.

Background and Key Discovery

"In the past, creating a vortex electric field relied on costly thin-film deposition methods and intricate processes. Our findings reveal that a simple twist in bilayer 2D materials can effortlessly generates this field," explained Professor Ly Thuc Hue from CityUHK's Department of Chemistry and the Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films.

Innovative Technique and Research Approach

Challenges in Twisted Bilayers

Researchers commonly synthesize bilayers directly to achieve a clean interface, but maintaining flexibility in twisting angles, especially at low angles, remains difficult. Professor Ly's team developed an innovative ice-assisted transfer technique, enabling the creation of clean bilayer interfaces and allowing free manipulation of twisted bilayers.

Expanding the Scope to Twist Angles

Previous studies primarily targeted twist angles under 3 degrees, but the team's approach expanded the scope to include angles from 0 to 60 degrees by integrating synthesis and ice-assisted transfer stacking techniques.

Multifaceted Applications of the Discovery

Impact on Electronics, Magnetics, and Optics

This discovery of a vortex electric field within twisted bilayers has generated a 2D quasicrystal, with promising implications for future advancements in electronics, magnetics, and optics. Valued for their irregular order and low conductivity, quasticrystals are widely utilized in high-strength coatings, such as those found on frying pans.

Potential Applications of the Vortex Electric Field

Professor Ly explained that these structures offer versatile applications, as the vortex electric field produced varies with the twist angle. Quasicrystals may enable:

• Enhanced memory stability in electronics
• Ultrafast computing speeds
• Dissipationless polarization switching
• Innovative polarizable optical effects
• Progress in spintronics

Advancement in Novel Techniques

Ice-Assisted Transfer Technique

Overcoming significant obstacles, the team devised a novel approach to achieve a clean interface between bilayers, culminating in the discovery of an ice-based transfer technique—unprecedented in the field.

The team achieved clean, manipulable interfaces by synthesizing and transferring 2D materials using a thin ice sheet. This innovative ice-assisted transfer technique outperforms others in efficiency, speed, and cost.

Four-Dimensional Transmission Electron Microscopy (4D-TEM)

The team tackled the challenge of material analysis by employing four-dimensional transmission electron microscopy (4D-TEM) and collaborating with other researchers, leading to the creation of the twisted bilayer 2D structure and the observation of the new vortex electric field.

Gazing Ahead: Future Research Directions

Expanding the Scope of Research

Given the wide range of ap plications for twist angles, the team is eager to advance their research based on this new discovery and unlock its full  potential.

The team's upcoming research will center on further manipulating the material, including:

• Exploring the feasibility of stacking additional layers
• Assessing whether similar effects can be achieved with other materials

Global Impact and Patented Innovation

With their ice-assisted transfer technique now patented, the team is eager to see if this method can enable other discoveries worldwide, given its ability to produce clean bilayer interfaces without the need for complex and costly procedures.

Conclusion: A Path Forward for Quantum and Nanotechnology

Professor Ly concluded that this study could pave the way for a new field centered on twisting vortex fields in nanotechnology and quantum technology. She stressed that while the discovery is still in its early application stages, it has the potential to revolutionize device applications, including memory, quantum computing, spintronics, and sensing devices.

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Affordable Solution for Removing Micro- and Nanoplastics from Water

A research team from the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil has introduced an innovative nanotechnology approach designed to eliminate micro-and nanoplastics from water. The findings appear in Micron.

The Growing Environmental Concern of Microplastics

Ubiquitous tiny plastic particles have emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues today, second only to the climate and the rapid extinction of species and ecosystems.

Microplastics and Their Ubiquity

Microplastics are present in soil, water, air, and in the bodies of humans and animals. Originating from everyday consumer items and the degradation of larger materials, these particles are found across all environments. A significant source is wastewater from washing synthetic-fiber clothing, which is not yet filtered to remove microplastics, allowing them to enter the soil, groundwater rivers, oceans, and atmosphere.

The Insidious Nature of Nanoplastics

Microplastics, identifiable as fragments up to 1 millimeter, present a visible environmental concern. However, nanoplastics, which are a thousand times smaller, represent a more insidious risk, able to breach biological barriers and enter essential organs. Notably, a recent study detected these particles in the human brain.

Innovative Solution: Magnetic Nanoparticles to Capture Plastics

"Nanoparticles are too small to be seen with the naked eye or conventional microscopes, making them exceptionally challenging to detect and eliminate from water treatment systems," explained Henrique Eisi Toma, professor at the Institute of Chemistry (IQ-USP) and senior author of the Micron article.

Polydopamine-Coated Nanoparticles for Plastic Capture

The USP team developed a process utilizing magnetic ananoparticles coated with polydopamine—a polymer derived from dopamine, a neurotransmitter found in the human body. These nanoparticles attach to micro- and nanoplastic contaminants, which can then be extracted from water by applying a magnetic field.

"Polydopamine mimics the adhesive ability of mussels, which cling strongly to various surfaces," explained Toma. "It adheres tightly to plastic fragments in water, allowing the magnetic nanoparticles to capture them so they can then be extracted with a magnet."

Effectiveness in Water Treatment Facilities

The process has demonstrated effectiveness in removing micro- and nanoplastics from water, particularly in treatment facilities. The research team also aims to degrade these plastics using enzymes like lipase, capable of breaking down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its fundamental components. This enzymatic action decomposes PET and other common plastics into smaller molecules, which can then be recycled to create new plastic products.

"We're not only focused on removing plastic from water but also on facilitating its recycling in an environmentally responsible way," Toma explained.

The Challenge of Degrading PET

PET serves as the primary material for plastic bottles and various other products. It is a significant environmental pollutant, primarily due to the toxic byproducts, terephthalic acid (C₆H₄(COOH)₂) and ethylene glycol (C₂H₄(OH)₂), produced during its degradation.

"Lipase decomposes PET into basic monomeric components, which can then be repurposed to synthesize new PET. While our study concentrated on PET, other researchers could apply different enzymes to process various plastics, including polyamide and nylon," he explained.

The Process: Synthesizing Magnetic Nanoparticles

The study, led by Toma, involved synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles of iron (II, III) oxide (Fe₃O₄), also known as black iron oxide, through co-precipitation. These nanoparticles were then coated with polydopamine (PDA) by partially oxidizing dopamine in a mildly alkaline solution to form Fe₃O₄@PDA. Lipase was immobilized on this composite, and hyperspectral Raman microscopy was employed to monitor the sequestration and degradation of the plastic in real-time.

Addressing the Broader Issue of Plastic Pollution

Plastics and Their Environmental Impact

The term 'plastics' encompasses a broad range of synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers, predominantly sourced from fossil fuels. Their malleability, flexibility, lightness, durability, and cost-effectiveness have made them integral to a variety of everyday products. However, the growing concern over the environmental impact of plastics waste has prompted the search for alternatives, including bioplastics. Unlike conventional plastics made from nonrenewable petrochemicals, bioplastics are derived from renewable, biodegradable sources.

The Dangers of Bioplastics

"While bioplastics are a step forward, they too break down into micro- or nanoplastics before fully degrading. Their biocompatibility, however, makes them even more dangerous, as they can interact with biological systems and trigger harmful reactions," Toma explained.

Bioplastic Contamination in Bottled Water

An additional alarming insight shared by Toma is that bottled mineral water could have higher levels of bioplastic contamination compared to the treated drinking water available in households.

"Treated drinking water undergoes processes like filtration, coagulation, and flotation to remove most contaminants, while mineral water—preferred for its lighter texture, higher salt content, and better taste—remains unprocessed to preserve its natural qualities. However, if the source of the mineral water is contaminated by bioplastics, these particles will inevitably reach consumers," he explained.

Conclusion: A Promising but Challenging Path Forward

In conclusion, the challenge is formidable, and clear solutions remain elusive. The nanotechnology introduced by Toma and his team presents a promising approach to a problem whose full scope is still emerging. He encourages fellow researchers to continue their efforts and calls on policymakers to recognize the seriousness of the issue.

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Fixing Genes Before Birth: Innovative mRNA Delivery for Prenatal Therapy

Overview of the Breakthrough

Recent research demonstrates a biomedical tool capable of delivering genetic material to edit faulty genes within developing fetal brain cells. Tested in mice, this technology may prevent the onset of neurodevelopmental conditions, including Angelman and Rett syndromes, before birth.

Quote: "This technology has far-reaching implications for neurodevelopmental therapy," said Aijun Wang, UC Davis professor of surgery and biomedical engineering. "We may be able to correct genetic issues fundamentally during vital brain development windows."

Collaborative Research Efforts

This study, a collaboration between the Wang Lab and UC berkeley's Murthy Lab, was published in ACS Nano. The researchers hope to refine this technology to treat genetic conditions diagnosed prenatally, enabling early intervention within the womb to reduce developmental cell harm.

Advanced mRNA Delivery Mechanism: A New Approach to Gene Editing

Role of Proteins and mRNA

Proteins play a vital role in body's functions, assembled in cells following instructions from messenger RNA (mRNA). In some genetic disorders, genes may overproduce or underproduce proteins, leading to imbalances that may require gene silencing or protein supplementation.

Insight: "Due to their large and intricate structures, proteins are difficult to deliver," Wang noted. "Effective delivery is a major challenge, and overcoming it is key to advancing disease treatment."

Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Technology for mRNA Delivery

Scientists identified a method to deliver mRNA to cells, enabling them to produce functional proteins directly. This involves a unique lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation that carries mRNA, transfecting the cells with the instructions needed for protein synthesis.

Delivering mRNA through LNP technology is advancing disease treatments, playing crucial roles in vaccine development, gene editing, and protein therapies. The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have highlighted its potential and increased its use.

Enhancing mRNA Delivery with Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs)

Increasing Efficiency with Acid-Degradable Linkers

In a recent paper published in Nature Nanotechnology, researchers Wang and Murthy outlined an innovative lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation that ensures safe and efficient mRNA delivery. To achieve this, LNPs must successfully reach the cells, where they undergo endocytosis. This process enables the cell to dismantle the LNP, thereby liberating the mRNA payload.

An individual mRNA molecule measure approximately 100 nanometers in diameter, whereas a typical sheet of paper has a thickness of about 100,000 nanometers.

According to Niren Murthy, a bioengineering professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and co-investigator on this project, the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) created in this study incorporate a novel acid-degradable linker that facilitates rapid degradation within cells. This innovative linker also allows for the engineering of LNPs with reduced toxicity.

Wang explained that when cells internalize the lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the particles undergo degradation in the acidic environment of the endosome. This process facilitates a more efficient and timely release of mRNA into the cytosol—the liquid matrix within the cell where mRNA is translated into proteins. This localization is crucial for the mRNA to exert its intended effect.

The relationship between efficiency and toxicity is critical. Thus, understanding the quantity of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carries required for a cell to uptake sufficient amounts of proteins is essential. If the uptake efficiency is inadequate, researchers may have to administer a higher number of nanoparticles, which could result in multiple doses or elevated doses that risk eliciting a toxic immune response.

Wang stated that the primary challenge in delivering mRNA to the central nervous system has been the toxicity that induces inflammation.

The study demonstrated that the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) approach enhances the efficiency of mRNA translation, thereby decreasing the requirement for potentially toxic dosages.

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Issuing the documentation necessary to develop the CAS9 enzyme for gene editing techniques

Utilizing LNPs to Deliver CAS9 Enzyme for Genetic Editing

Targeting Genetic Disorders with CAS9 mRNA

In the study, the authors descirbe how LNP technology can be leveraged for delivering CAS9 mRNA to treat genetic conditions affecting the central nervous system during fetal development. The researchers focused their tests on the gene responsible for Angelman syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental condition.

In genetic conditions, damage can accumulate during gestation and shortly after birth. Research indicates that delivering therapies to brain cells is more effective before the blood-brain barrier is fully developed in infants. Therefore, the sooner the intervention occurs, the more beneficial it is. The goal is to halt disease progression in utero.

The research team administered the LNP containing mRNA directly into the ventricles of the fetal brain in a mouse model. The mRNA is translated into CAS9, a protein that functions as molecular scissors for gene editing. The resulting CAS9 protein will target and edit the gene associated with Angelman syndrome.

Wang described mRNA as akin to a Lego assembly guide, detailing the instructions for forming functional proteins. The cell is equipped with the components to construct CAS9; our contribution is to deliver the mRNA sequence, allowing the cell to translate it into proteins.

The research demonstrated that the LNP tool exhibited exceptional efficiency in delivering mRNA, which translated into CAS9.

Visualization and Efficacy in Neural Cells

The researchers utilized tracers to visualize all neurons that had been edited within the brain. Their findings showed that the nanoparticles were incorporated by the developing neural stem and progenitor cells, leading to genetic modifications in 30% of the brain stem cells in the mouse model.

Key Findings and Future Potential

Transfection Efficiency in Brain Cells

• "Transfecting 30% of the entire brain, particularly the stem cells, is significant. As the fetus continues to develop, these cells migrate and distribute throughout various regions of the brain," stated Wang.
• As fetal development progressed, the study demonstrated that stem cells proliferated and migrated to establish the central nervous system. Notably, more than 60% of the neurons in the hippocampus and 40% in the cortex were successfully transfected.

Future Outlook: Wang noted that this approach is highly promising for genetic disorders affecting the central nervous system. If successful, many neurons may be corrected by the time the baby is born, possibly leading to a symptom-free outcome.

Wang expects to find a significantly increased rate of transfection in cells from a mouse model affected by disease.

"Neurons affected by mutations my be eliminated due to the buildup of disease symptoms, while healthy neurons may survive and proliferate, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy. By understanding cellular mechanisms, we can harness this knowledge to align with the cell's natural pathways," he explained.

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