Blockchain Press Releases
Kanazawa University research: Hydration matters: The interaction patterns of water and oxide crystals revealed
KANAZAWA, Japan, Aug. 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In a study recently published in the journal Nanoscale, researchers from Kanazawa University and AGC Inc. use three-dimensional atomic force microscopy to study the hydrated form and structure of commonly occurring oxide crystals.
While sapphire and quartz are oxide crystals used in a wide range of industrial applications, the atomic-scale structures of these materials are not well understood. The major chemical components of sapphire and quartz are aluminum oxide and silicon dioxide, respectively. These components have a high affinity for water, which affects the chemical reactivity of the crystals. Thus, a thorough knowledge of the water-binding properties of these oxides is important for further innovative applications.
To date, traditional microscopic methods have only provided insights into the two-dimensional topography of their surfaces. Now, a research team led by Keisuke Miyazawa from the NanoLSI at Kanazawa University has developed three-dimensional (3D) microscopy technique for a detailed study of the interaction of the surfaces of these materials with water.
The team started by looking at the surface structures and its hydration structures of sapphire and α-quartz in water. For this, they used an advanced form of microscopy known as 3D atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM). Oxide crystals usually have hydroxyl (OH) groups, which are the main “water-binding” molecules, closely linked with the oxides. Hence, the team studied the OH groups and its hydration structures on both crystals when immersed in water They found that the hydration layer on sapphire was not uniform because of the nonuniform local distributions of the surface OH groups. On the other hand, the hydration layer on α-quartz was uniform because of the atomically flat distributions of the surface OH groups.
When the interaction force of these oxides for water was subsequently measured, it was found that a greater force was required to break the water-crystal bonds in sapphire than in α-quartz. Lastly, it was also discovered that this affinity was much higher in regions where the oxides were in close proximity to the OH groups.
This study showed that the hydration structures of oxides are dependent on the location and density of OH groups, in addition to the hydrogen bonding (the chemical bond used to bind to water) strength of the OH groups. What’s more, it was successfully shown here that 3D-AFM can be used in unraveling the interaction of water with several surfaces, a potential avenue for understanding solid-liquid interactions better. “[T]his study contributes to the application of 3D-AFM in exploring atomic scale hydration structures on various surfaces, and hence, to a wide range of solid–liquid interfacial research fields,” conclude the researchers.
Background
3D atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM): AFM is an advanced form of microscopy wherein a sharp tip is mounted on a cantilever and follows the surface of a molecule. As it does so, the tip emits signals based on its movement, which helps identify the topography of the molecule. However, understanding the deeper structures of molecules requires a three-dimensional overview of their surfaces. Thus, researchers used a more advanced version of AFM in this study, which captured the structure of hydrated crystals in 3D.
Reference
Sho Nagai, Shingo Urata, Kent Suga, Takeshi Fukuma, Yasuo Hayashi and Keisuke Miyazawa. Three-dimensional ordering of water molecules reflecting hydroxyl groups on sapphire (001) and α-quartz (100) surfaces. Nanoscale, 2023.
DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02498a
URL: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR02498A
Figure
Link to figure https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/Figure-1-6.png
Figure caption. Top. Atomic-scale structures of the (a) sapphire and (b) α-quartz surfaces in water. (green = OH groups and red and blue = oxide groups).
Middle. Vertical cross-sections of hydration structures on the (c) sapphire and (d) α-quartz surfaces.
Bottom. 1st hydration layers on the (e) sapphire and (f) α-quartz surfaces. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2023
Contact
Hiroe Yoneda
Senior Specialist in Project Planning and Outreach
NanoLSI Administrative Office
WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)
Kanazawa University
Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550
About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)
https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/
Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish ‘nano-endoscopic techniques’ to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.
About Kanazawa University
http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/
As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.
The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa – a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.
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PANAMA CITY, March 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BingX, a global leading cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce its participation as a Gold Sponsor at the 5th edition of Next Block Expo (NBX), scheduled for March 19-20, 2025, at Multikino Złote Tarasy in Warsaw, Poland. As one of Europe’s premier Web3 events, NBX 2025 is expected to attract over 2,000 attendees, making it a key platform for blockchain innovation and collaboration.
NBX serves as a dynamic hub for industry leaders, startups, investors, and developers, fostering knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities to drive the future of blockchain. As a firm advocate for Web3 advancements, BingX will showcase its ongoing commitment to innovation through an interactive booth, featuring engaging activities, expert insights, and exclusive giveaways. Attendees will gain firsthand knowledge of how BingX supports high-potential blockchain projects with financial backing, technical expertise, and strategic growth consultations.
In addition to its sponsorship, Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer of BingX, will be a key speaker at NBX 2025, contributing to discussions on strategic trading approaches, risk management, and the evolving landscape of blockchain investments. She will also deliver a keynote speech exploring BingX’s vision for blockchain innovation and how the company translates emerging technologies into real-world applications.
“At BingX, we believe that true innovation comes from bold ideas and strategic execution,” said Lin. “Sponsoring NBX 2025 is more than just a presence for us — it’s a commitment to fostering a thriving blockchain ecosystem. We are here to connect with visionaries, provide the resources they need, and help shape the future of decentralized technology. By empowering builders and innovators, we’re not just supporting projects — we are accelerating the evolution of Web3 itself.”
BingX’s participation at NBX 2025 underscores its long-term vision of driving blockchain innovation and supporting the next generation of industry leaders. As BingX continues to expand its global footprint, initiatives like this sponsorship reinforce its role as a catalyst for growth in crypto space. By engaging with emerging projects, thought leaders, and investors, BingX remains at the forefront of Web3 advancements, bridging the gap between groundbreaking ideas and real-world impact.
About BingX
Founded in 2018, BingX is a leading crypto exchange, serving over 20 million users worldwide. BingX offers diversified products and services, including spot, derivatives, copy trading, and asset management – all designed for the evolving needs of users, from beginners to professionals. BingX is committed to providing a trustworthy platform that empowers users with innovative tools and features to elevate their trading proficiency. In 2024, BingX proudly became the official crypto exchange partner of Chelsea Football Club, marking an exciting debut in the world of sports.
For more information please visit: https://bingx.com/
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Blockchain Press Releases
Opportunities in Volatility: Navigate Crypto Market Trends with KuCoin Trading Bots
VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a global leading cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce the release of its latest market trend and trading bot strategies report for March 2025. This detailed production is designed to empower traders by enhancing their understanding of the crypto market and refining their trading techniques.
This new report is set to support both novice and experienced traders by providing them with a detailed historical analysis of Bitcoin’s performance over the past 13 years, diving into the long-term trends and cyclicality of the market, enabling traders to enhance their understanding of the market landscape.
To help everyone to better keep up with the dynamics of the market, the report features a calendar of key events in March that are expected to impact the crypto markets. This report serves as learning materials with the purpose of information sharing, users are welcome to leverage the detailed information provided in the report to personalize their own analysis and develop trading strategies that align with their individual trading habits and risk appetite.
This is a testament to KuCoin’s ongoing commitment to education and excellence in the crypto trading space. New users are also welcomed to join the latest Trading Bot Carnival to stand a chance of getting various types of rewards. Users are encouraged to read through risk warnings before proceeding to investing.
For a full report and access to the educational resources provided by KuCoin, please visit KuCoin Official Website.
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is one of the pioneering and most globally recognized technology platforms supporting digital economies, built on a robust foundation of cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure, liquidity solutions, and an exceptional user experience. With a connected user base exceeding 40 million worldwide, KuCoin offers comprehensive digital asset solutions across wallets, trading, wealth management, payments, research, ventures, and AI-powered bots.
KuCoin has garnered accolades such as “Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges” by Forbes and has been recognized among the “Top 50 Global Unicorns” by Hurun in 2024. This recognition reflects its commitment to user-centric principles and core values, which include integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Learn more: https://www.kucoin.com/.
Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes only, without any representation or warranty of any kind, nor shall it be construed as financial or investment advice. KuCoin shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Investments in digital assets can be risky. Please carefully evaluate the risks of a product and your risk tolerance based on your own financial circumstances.
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DUBAI, UAE, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced a new perk for MT5 users on Bybit in a zero-fee trading event, Indices Unleashed.
From today until April 12, 2025, Bybit traders can execute transactions on 18 prominent indice pairs without incurring trading fees. The offer applies automatically to derivatives linked to indices including the Dow Jones Index Cash CFD (DJ30), NAS100 Cash (NAS100), Hang Seng Index Cash CFD (HK50), S&P Index Cash CFD (SP500), GER40 Cash (GER40), US SMALL CAP 2000 – CASH (US2000), France 40 Index (FRA40), Nikkei Index Cash CFD (Nikkei225), UK 100 Cash (UK100), EUSTX50 Cash (EU50), ES35 Index Cash (ES35), Hang Seng Tech Index Case CFD (HKTECH), Bovespa Cash CFD (BVSPX), South Africa 40 – CASH (SA40), S&P/ASX 200 Index Cash CFD (SPI200), Singapore 20 Index Cash CFD (SGP20), and the Taiwan RIC Index Cash CFD (TWINDEX), all available on the Bybit Gold & Forex Trading platform.
Bybit Gold & FX Trading marks a significant milestone for Bybit as the first cryptocurrency exchange to achieve seamless MT5 integration. This groundbreaking advancement provides users with access to a diverse range of financial instruments, including forex, gold, and other commodities, alongside traditional crypto offerings. With MT5’s sophisticated charting tools, automated trading capabilities, and intuitive interface, Bybit Gold & FX Trading enhances the trading experience for both seasoned professionals and those new to the markets, setting a new benchmark within the digital asset trading landscape.
“Whatever the market conditions, broader access and powerful, intelligent tools are a trader’s best friend. We’re offering free access to indices trading via MT5 on Bybit for a limited time to allow users to experience the platform and find their trading rhythm in a dynamic market,” said Joan Han, Sales and Marketing Director of Bybit.
To find out more about the event and its terms and conditions, users may visit: Bybit Indices Unleashed – Trade for Free
#Bybit #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
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