The rising popularity of electric vehicles is leading to an increase in demand for rare earth magnets. Those interested in purchasing an electric vehicle have likely heard of the dreaded supply chain issues impacting their availability. Thanks to a recent agreement, however, the road ahead may be smoothed out. Continue reading →
If you own a piece of diamond jewelry, you may be curious to know if it is a naturally occurring or lab-created diamond. Rather than pay for a jeweler to tell you the answer, why not pick up a magnet to uncover the truth?
Naturally occurring diamonds are formed when carbon deposits found deep in the earth are subjected to extreme temperatures and pressure, while lab diamonds are created using similar concepts and a little help from scientists. The majority of all lab diamonds in the world are created using two methods: the HPHT (High-Pressure High Temperature) method or the CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method. Continue reading →
If you have ever looked up during the spring and fall months, odds are you have probably noticed that familiar v-shaped flock of feathered friends soaring through the sky to their summer or winter destinations. And while it is quite common to see flocks of birds painting the sky, you may begin seeing fewer and fewer due to a recent discovery about birds and the earth’s magnetic field. Continue reading →
Magnet fishing is becoming a popular hobby amongst people throughout the country. From the short list of supplies needed, to the rush of pulling your magnet out of the water, it is easy to understand why so many people are taking the opportunity to see what they can find in nearby streams, ponds, etc. While fishers may partake in this fun activity for a number of reasons, one Maryland man has recently made national headlines for magnet fishing for a cause. Continue reading →
Magnetically-powered micro robots are being used more and more in the biomedical field, as well as in microfluidics — the science that studies the behavior of fluids in micro-channels, and the technology of manufacturing micro-devices through which fluids flow or are confined. Many robots use electromagnets, which provide a significant degree of freedom control (DOF) or capabilities of movement. Another option, however, involves an array of rotating permanent magnets to sustain the same level of control over “untethered” (i.e., wireless) micro-robotic systems. Continue reading →
Researchers from the Science and Technology Facilities Council have designed a zero-power tuneable optics magnet (ZEPTO) that requires no electrical power. The magnet is now being put to the test in a particle accelerator, and if everything works as planned, the future of energy research could be changed in a number of ways. Continue reading →
Music is an integral part of a lot of people's lives. From listening to your favorite songs during your commute to and from work to enjoying an album while sitting on your back porch, there is never a bad time to have music filling the air. The next time you hook up your speaker, consider what is inside of it. Today, we are taking a deeper look at how magnets allow the device to create sound. Continue reading →
In a recent breakthrough at the National University of Singapore (NUS), scientists have discovered a new way to grow cell-based meat by treating animal cells with magnetic pulses. Intended to reduce the world’s dependence on animal products, this revolutionary technique offers a cleaner, greener, and safer alternative to methods currently being utilized. A few advantages of cultured meat include reducing our carbon footprint, decreasing the risk of animal-transmitted diseases, and eliminating our reliance on antibiotics often used in industrial farming practices. Continue reading →
Researchers at the Chalker Research Lab at Flinders University in Australia have created a new material that could be used on a number of products at home, in the classroom, and beyond. Thanks to the makeup of the material, magnets also play a pivotal role in terms of how the substance can be morphed over time. Continue reading →
Researchers from Sea Wave Energy Ltd. (SWEL) say they have developed the technology to create clean energy using sea waves. The team also claims their device will be the cheapest form of renewable energy due to the low maintenance requirements of the magnetic spine used to produce the electricity. Continue reading →