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News from WPI Research Centers

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 3-Mar-2025 22:08 ET (4-Mar-2025 03:08 GMT/UTC)

Double network hydrogel polymers with rapid self-strengthening abilities

Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New double network hydrogel technology features automated self-strengthening that rapidly activates upon deformation of its polymer network.

Journal: Nature Materials
Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency, U.S. National Science Foundation

Researchers uncover key insights into CO₂ reduction using SnO-based electrocatalysts

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The less carbon dioxide polluting our air, the better. Researchers are investigating non-toxic, low-cost electrocatalysts to turn our sustainability goals into reality.

Journal: ACS Catalysis

Decoding doubly periodic weaves: A new era in topological classification

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

Researchers developed crossing matrices to classify doubly periodic weaves, addressing challenges in mathematical modeling of woven structures. This breakthrough enables systematic analysis of periodic entanglements, with applications in materials science, fabric design, and nanostructure development.

Journal: Journal of Knot Theory and Its Ramifications

Mechanochemistry strikes again – A facile means for generating organolithium molecules

Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Mechanochemistry using a ball mill demonstrates versatility for generating academically and industrially significant organolithium compounds.

Journal: Nature Synthesis
Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technolog

A breakthrough in hydrogen catalysis: Electronic fine-tuning unlocks superior performance

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a breakthrough for hydrogen technology, researchers have introduced an innovative electronic fine-tuning approach that enhances the interaction between zinc and ruthenium.

Journal: Advanced Functional Materials

Relationship between sleep and nutrition with app data: A large-scale study

International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from University of Tsukuba conducted a large-scale study utilizing 4,825 data recorded in smartphone applications related to diet management and sleep. They found that individuals with higher protein intake had longer total sleep time than those with lower protein intake. Moreover, individuals who consumed more dietary fibers had longer total sleep time but shorter sleep latency (time taken to fall asleep) and wakefulness after sleep onset, among other observations.

Journal: Journal of Medical Internet Research

Using a data-driven approach to synthesize single-atom catalysts that can purify water

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at Tohoku University tested a strategy for developing single-atom catalysts that may help us develop more efficient methods for water purification.

Journal: Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Why weak-binding M-N-C catalysts defy expectations in oxygen reduction reactions

Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study has challenged conventional wisdom on oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts by uncovering a novel reaction pathway in weak-binding metal–nitrogen–carbon (M–N–C) single-atom catalysts (SACs), potentially revolutionizing the design of next-generation electrocatalysts for clean energy applications.

Journal: Journal of the American Chemical Society

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