Fundamental Research Archives

Elementary particle core of rotating sub atomic quantum matter with orbiting neutrinos. Creative concept 3D illustration for light protons, time and gravity, or ideas of energy cells and cold fusion.

Neutrinos, light, matter, and the unification of gravitational and nuclear forces

July 2, 2024

The discovery of neutrinos and the measurement of their masses are significant events in the history of science. The Rotating Lepton Model provides a useful basis for understanding particles and nuclear reactions, highlighting the importance of Special Relativity, Gravity, and Quantum Mechanics in our universe. Professor Constantinos G. Vayenas explains.

DNA double helix structure made of green leaves on a soft green background. Bioinformatics and green technology concept, eco-scientific design, environmental awareness

Research collaboration: Cross-disciplinary training in sustainable chemistry and chemical processes

July 2, 2024

Greg M. Swain, Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University, is researching cross-disciplinary training in sustainable chemistry and chemical processes. Here, he emphasizes the importance of teamwork for effective research collaborations.

Fluorescent sensors for detecting anions

June 26, 2024

Nicola Edwards, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of St. Joseph, is conducting research on the development of fluorescent sensors for anion detection.

Figure 1: An optical image of a photonic circuit. (Inset) A Silicon Nitride waveguide monolithically coupled to the Silicon SPAD detector.

A portable quantum simulator on a silicon chip

June 14, 2024

Mher Ghulinyan, Senior researcher at the Fondazione Bruno Kessler’s Centre for Sensors and Devices, tells us about the EPIQUS project and the creation of a cost-effective, user-friendly, and high-performance quantum simulator based on full integration of silicon nitride photonics with silicon electronics.

Figure 1. a) schematic of natural tooth and artificial DI; b) schematic of Ti-alloy DI; c) picture showing green plasma and array of vertical Ti-alloy DIs being coated (also shown is a schematic of industrial large array of DIs projected for low-cost fabrication of UNCDTM-coated DIs); d) cross-section SEM image of UNCDTM-coated Ti-alloy DI; e) X-ray and optical images of UNCD-coated DI in patient’s mouth; f) picture of patient with implanted UNCDTM -coated DI, including test demonstrating excellent osseointegration.

A new generation of transformational long implanted life dental implants

June 4, 2024

Unique low-cost/best biocompatible Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCD™) coating enables a new generation of transformational long implanted life dental implants.

Figure 1. Chemical evolution of type I and type II tRNAs. 3 31 nucleotide minihelices of known sequence were linked to form the 93 nucleotide tRNA precursor, which was processed to type I and type II tRNAs by internal 9 nucleotide deletion(s). The colors are consistent with the model. Molecular graphics were done using ChimeraX

Transfer RNA as a written molecular history of the life transition on earth

April 22, 2024

Zachary Burton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, reports on tRNA (transfer RNA) as a written molecular history of the pre-life to life transition on Earth ~4 billion years ago.

A very long oil train passing through a railyard in Havre, Montana, transporting fossil fuel from the oil fields of Williston, North Dakota. High resolution color photograph with copy space for your message. Horizontal composition.

Train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio: The toxic risks of transporting hazardous chemicals

April 15, 2024

The toxic risks of vinyl chloride have been debated for years, but a recent train derailment in the US brought this debate into the public eye, say Jessie R Badley, Caleb Ryce and Pamela J Lein.

Thermodynamics of hadronization: The rotating lepton model explains key CERN experiments

March 25, 2024

Constantinos G. Vayenas, Professor at the University of Patras, Academy of Athens, explores the thermodynamics of hadronization, using the Rotating Lepton Model and two key CERN experiments.

Directly above of test tube backgrounds.

The future of sustainable electrified catalyst recycling

March 21, 2024

Xochitl Dominguez Benetton, Senior Scientist & Project Coordinator at the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) and the FIREFLY consortium, explore competitiveness and sovereignty through sustainable electrified catalyst recycling.

Science Background with Molecules. 3D Render

Independent research experiences in sustainable chemistry

March 20, 2024

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programme in the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University was created to inform students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering about key societal sustainability challenges and to provide graduate-level independent research experiences that address aspects of these challenges.

Scentist people working inside laboratory with microscope and laptop while wearing hazmat suit and face masks - Focus on the young woman with microscope

Enhance expertise in European research infrastructures

March 19, 2024

Marialuisa Lavitrano, Full Professor at University Milano Bicocca, explores the need for a European School for the Management of Research Infrastructure to enhance expertise in European research infrastructure management.

Figure 1. The reflexivity of AARS genes and the challenges of understanding its origin. The figure illustrates three main challenges. (I) We must construct a bidirectional gene (salmon background) that uses a minimal amino acid alphabet to encode ancestral AARS from Classes I and II on opposite strands. Polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences have directions indicated by (N,C) and (5’,3’). The genes are sequences of codons (colored ellipses) and use only two types of amino acids, A and B. (II) We must show that both coded proteins (I and II) fold into active assignment catalysts that recognize both amino acid and tRNA (colored letters, ellipses in cavities), producing (mostly) aminoacyl-tRNAs with correct amino acids and anticodons. (III) We have to show that the aminoacylated RNAs can assemble onto messenger RNAs (I) and (II), transcribed from the bidirectional gene (reversed dashed arrows).

Structural biology research and the origins of genetic coding

March 18, 2024

Charles W. Carter, Jr, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, reviews the ways that recent research in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Phylogenetics have opened the origins of genetic coding to experimental study and their important implications.