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.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kanazawa-university-research-hydration-matters-the-interaction-patterns-of-water-and-oxide-crystals-revealed-301896621.html
Blockchain Press Releases
Bitrue expands Bitcoin Runes Offerings with GPTV Listing and Staking Options
VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Leading digital asset exchange Bitrue continues its community-driven approach with the listing of a new Bitcoin Runes token, GPTV•AI•PEPE•KING (GPTV). This follows the recent addition of several other Bitcoin Runes tokens to the platform, including SATOSHI•NAKAMOTO (SATOSHI), LOBO•THE•WOLF•PUP (LOBO), RSIC•GENESIS•RUNE (RSIC), and DOG•GO•TO•THE•MOON (DOG). Trading for the GPTV/USDT pair commenced on April 30th, 2024.
What is GPTV?
GPTV is the native token of AI PEPE KING, a project claiming to be the “largest AI Meme Community” with a presence on both the Polygon (AIPEPE) and Bitcoin Runes (GPTV) blockchains. Notably, AI PEPE KING secured a $10 million investment to develop AI-powered customer service tools leveraging the ChatGPT technology. Additionally, they are building a “Dream Lottery” system. Revenue generated from these products is earmarked for buybacks and burns of both AIPEPE and GPTV tokens, potentially influencing their long-term value.
Staking Opportunities with Attractive Yields
Bitrue is also offering users staking opportunities for those holding BTR, AIPEPE, RSIC, or DOG tokens. By staking their holdings, users can earn rewards in GPTV, with estimated annual percentage yield (APY) varying on the staked token, with BTR offering 22.15%, AIPEPE at 23.18%, RSIC boasting a higher 31.37%, and DOG coming in at 23.62%. These yields present a potentially lucrative opportunity for users to grow their cryptocurrency holdings, but also come with financial risk and the potential for investment to return much lower yields.
Bitrue’s Focus on Community Engagement
The listing of these Bitcoin Runes tokens is a testament to Bitrue’s commitment to its user base. The decision to add these tokens stemmed from a community poll conducted through an X poll on Bitrue’s X account. This highlights the exchange’s dedication to incorporating community feedback into its decision-making process, fostering a sense of collaboration and shared interest.
With the addition of GPTV and the introduction of staking opportunities, Bitrue continues to expand its offerings for users interested in the burgeoning world of Bitcoin Runes tokens. The exchange’s focus on community engagement further strengthens its position as a platform that prioritizes user input and satisfaction.
About Bitrue
Launched in July 2018, Bitrue is a diversified digital asset exchange that supports trading, loans and investments. Bitrue aims to utilize blockchain technology to bring financial opportunities to everybody regardless of their location or financial position. With offices in Asia and Europe, the business continues to develop new features at a rapid speed to fully service the new wave of the digital economy. More information is available at Bitrue’s website.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2385358/Bitrue_BitrueOfficial_Bitrue_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bitrue-expands-bitcoin-runes-offerings-with-gptv-listing-and-staking-options-302135402.html
ZettaBlock, a leading provider of blockchain solutions, has recently announced a significant enhancement to its offerings with the addition of blockchain data services. This development marks a strategic move aimed at bolstering ZettaBlock’s capabilities and further solidifying its position in the blockchain industry.
By integrating blockchain data services into its portfolio, ZettaBlock seeks to address the growing demand for comprehensive and reliable data solutions within the blockchain ecosystem. The new offering will enable clients to access a wealth of blockchain data, empowering them to make informed decisions and derive valuable insights from the vast amount of information available on various blockchain networks.
ZettaBlock’s decision to expand its services comes at a time when the importance of blockchain data analytics is increasingly recognized across industries. With blockchain technology continuing to gain traction and adoption worldwide, the ability to effectively harness and analyze blockchain data has become crucial for businesses and organizations seeking to unlock new opportunities and drive innovation.
Through its blockchain data services, ZettaBlock aims to cater to the diverse needs of its clients, providing them with access to real-time and historical data from a wide range of blockchain networks. This includes transaction data, smart contract metrics, network activity, and more, allowing users to gain deeper insights into blockchain transactions and activities.
The addition of blockchain data services represents a significant milestone for ZettaBlock, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the blockchain industry. As businesses increasingly recognize the value of blockchain data in driving decision-making and enhancing operations, ZettaBlock’s comprehensive data services are poised to play a key role in shaping the future of blockchain analytics.
Source: cryptonewsz.com
The post ZettaBlock announces the addition of blockchain data appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
Hong Kong has entered the cryptocurrency ETF market with the debut of its first spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on Tuesday, signaling the city’s ambition to compete with the US in the rapidly growing sector.
The launch, led by the Hong Kong units of three mainland Chinese asset managers — Bosera Asset Management, Harvest Global Investments, and China Asset Management — saw the introduction of two ETFs each tracking bitcoin and ether prices. Bosera’s funds were launched in collaboration with HashKey Capital.
On their debut, the three bitcoin ETFs closed between 1.5% and 1.8% higher, while the ether ETFs experienced slight losses of between 0.5% and 0.8%. Despite this, total trading turnover for all six ETFs, which included trading in US dollars, Hong Kong dollars, and renminbi, reached approximately HK$99.5 million (US$12.7 million). In comparison, US-based funds saw turnover exceeding $4 billion on their first trading day.
The move marks Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the cryptocurrency space, following its announcement in 2022 amid pandemic restrictions and increased Chinese oversight. Joseph Chan, Hong Kong’s under-secretary for financial services and the treasury, emphasized the city’s leading position in Asia’s crypto asset development during the ETF listing ceremony.
Prior to this, CSOP Asset Management had launched Hong Kong’s first bitcoin and ether futures ETFs in late 2022, following the publication of rules for spot ETFs by the Securities and Futures Commission in December.
In January, the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved the country’s first spot bitcoin ETFs, which have since attracted significant assets under management and net inflows. Robert Zhan, director of risk consulting at KPMG China, remains optimistic about the potential of the Hong Kong funds, despite current market sentiments and relatively flat prices of bitcoin and ether leading up to the launch.
The launch of crypto-linked funds by major Chinese asset managers has generated excitement within the industry, despite China’s strict cryptocurrency regulations. Donald Day, COO of Hong Kong-based digital asset exchange VDX, believes the new funds will cater to active investors unable or unwilling to trade during US hours.
Source: ft.com
The post Hong Kong joins global crypto ETF race appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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