Science is extraordinary. It enables us to discover something new day after day. One unlikely thing that we wouldn't expect to discover though, is a new pigment, which has been described as near-perfect blue. Take a look: |
The accidental discovery was happened upon in a laboratory at Oregon State University. Consequently, it solved a quest that has been sought after for thousands of years by the ancient Egyptians, the Han dynasty in China, the Mayan cultures and many more. In fact, much of recorded human history shows that people around the world have sought inorganic compounds that could be used to paint things blue. However, they seem to have had little success as most had environmental or durability issues. For instance, the cobalt blue color that was developed in France in the early 1800s can be carcinogenic, while Prussian blue can release cyanide. In addition, other blue pigments are not stable when exposed to heat or acidic conditions. But at the OSU, they discovered new compounds based on manganese that should address all these health and environmental concerns. A former blue pigment that doesn't quite match up: Cobalt blue Therefore, not only are they safer to produce, they are more durable and should lead to more environmentally benign blue pigments than any that have been used in the past. They can also survive at extraordinarily high temperatures and don't fade after a week in an acid bath. "Basically, this was an accidental discovery," said Mas Subramanian, the Milton Harris Professor of Materials Science in the OSU Department of Chemistry. " We were exploring manganese oxides for some interesting electronic properties they have. Our work had nothing to do with looking for a pigment. Then one day a graduate student who was working on the project was taking samples out of a very hot furnace while I was walking by, and it was blue, a very beautiful blue,” he said. “I realized immediately that something amazing had happened.” According to the researchers, what had happened was that at about 1,200°C (about 2000°F) the manganese oxide turned into a vivid blue compound that can be used to make a pigment that is able to resist both heat and acid, as well as be environmentally benign and cheap to produce from a readily available mineral. It has even been hailed as the newest and best blue pigment in world history. Another previous pigment: Cerulean blue But, what's next for this stunning shade of blue? The pigment will likely find uses in everything from inkjet printers to automobiles, fine art and also house paint. To conclude, Subramanian said that “a lot of the most interesting discoveries are not really planned. There is luck involved, but I also teach my students that you have to stay alert to recognize something when it happens, even if it isn’t what you were looking for. Luck favors the alert mind.” |
How to Make Cleansing Hydrogen Water from an Old Battery
Let's embark on this scientific journey to unlock the potential of water and discover the practical uses of hydrogen and oxygen in everyday life.
These Discoveries Truly Baffled the People That Made Them
Certain discoveries defy all convention and shock everybody, and these five are no exception. Take a look.
Could This Research Consign Kidney Stones To History?
Researchers have discovered that a compound found in fruit can be used effectively for preventing and treating kidney stones. Read on to find out more.
New Robots: This Robot Uses Both Wheels AND Legs
This robot can get just about anywhere in little time because it uses both wheels and legs to get over most hurdles.
Learn All About the Mysterious Antikythera Mechanism
The Antikythera Mechanism, often called the world's first computer, has baffled historians for decades. Learn all there is to know about this fascinating device
QUIZ: Do You Know About the Great Science Discoveries?
Take our quiz and see if you can recall the great inventions that made our lives better.
Do You Know What Alzheimer's Really Is?
This video will shed light on the different stages of this complex and incredibly destructive disease.
Doctors Make History With First Whole Eye Transplant
Surgeons in New York have performed the world’s first transplant of an entire human eye!
Your Voice is as Unique As Your Fingerprints
This fascinating video explains how this unique characteristic of humans works, and what makes our voices unique.
Chocolate Exposed! Here's What It Does to Your Brain!
Just what is it that makes chocolate so irresistible to so many people around the world? Find all of the answers in the article.
Discover How Anesthesia Affects Your Body and Mind
If you were ever curious about how exactly anesthesia works, then this video has all the answers!
Incredible: First-Ever Complete Map of an Insect's Brain
This incredible project is the first to completely map the brain of an insect, a monumental undertaking even for such a small creature.
TRIVIA: 25 Shocking Differences Between the Sexes
Did you know that there are some vast differences between the sexes? These 25 scientific facts will probably come as a big surprise to you, they did to me.
A Tunnel Built by a Swarm of Robots - Jaw-Dropping!
Imagine a swarm of robots attacking a mountain and smashing it to pieces...
What Does Medicine ACTUALLY Do In the Body? Fascinating.
What really happens in our bodies when we take medicine, have you ever wondered? This video will answer your question.
25 Pics Showing How People in the Past Imagined the Future
Let’s see how the people of the past imagined the future and find out if their fun predictions came true with these 25 vintage pictures
These Wacky Inventions of the Past Appear Odd to Us Today!
These vintage tech inventions may look very interesting or even incredible, but their practicality today is questionable...
7 Weird Facts About the Human Voice That Will Surprise You
We bet you didn’t know these peculiar facts about the human voice.
NASA's Plan to Colonize the Moon by 2026
NASA has a Moon colonization plan that involves utilizing 3D printers to construct an entire space station by 2026. Here's what it will look like.
You Wouldn't Believe How Far Technology Has Come
Take a look at the advancements of technology in this video. Impressive.
These 20 Tech Inventions Will Define the Next Decade
The future is here. Check out some emerging technologies that are all set to chane our world forever.
Six Inventions Da-Vinci Made Ahead of Their Time
He created and envisioned many inventions that were sometimes even centuries ahead of their time. Was there ever a genius as great as Da-Vinci?
10 Classic Paradoxes fom Philosophy, Math, and Physics
in every sphere of human knowledge, we’re bound to run into inconsistencies. That’s how fascinating paradoxes like these are born.
This Giant Tank Will Unlock the Universe’s Big Mysteries
Japan is building a huge underground tank inside a mountain to help unlock the many mysteries of the universe.
Breathalyzers May Be More Important Than You Thought
This video does a great job in breaking down how in the future, breath analysis can be used to detect disease and prevent more invasive procedures.
STUDY: The Effect of Personality on Our Level of Happiness
Researchers finally know which types of people will always be happier than others.
6 Remarkable Yet Overlooked Minds That Shaped Our World
These underappreciated geniuses deserve more recognition.
2023 in Science: Biggest Discoveries You Missed!
Let’s take a look at the most amazing scientific discoveries that made news this year.
These Photos Show How Dependent We are On Smartphones
Technology has taken over and these funny (but true) photos help to drive this fact home.
25 Feats of Engineering that Leave Everyone Amazed
The amount of planning and sheer brain power it took to design and execute these structures, proving once again that there are true geniuses out there.
Science Breakthrough: An Immunization Against Skin Cancer?
This scientific breakthrough offers hope for those who are struggling with skin cancer. You are now invited to discover more about this revolutionary vaccine.
6 Weird and Creepy Medical Tools of the Past
After seeing these weird and creepy medical devices of the past, you’ll be thankful you live in the 21st century. Take a look for yourself.
Are You a Late Sleeper? This Super Video Explains Why
Why is it that some people are late risers, and some are morning people? It's all down to our genetics. Have a look here to find out more.
You Won't Believe That These Things Exist in Japan...
If there's one place on this planet that well and truly at the forefront of modern technology, it has got to be Japan, as these inventions prove...
This Incredible Documentary Takes You Into the Human Body
A beautiful and graphically advanced animation sheds light on the mysteries of the human body.
14 of the Most Fascinating Specialized Tools You'll See
We bet you haven’t seen these unique tools before!
20 Amazingly Simple Inventions That Make Life Easier
Some wonderful inventions can fix some of the most annoying little problems that bug us every single day. Here are 20 of the most inventive ideas I've ever seen that I can't believe no one has invented before.
This Secret Invention Changed the Course of WW2
Let’s take a closer look at the proximity fuze, also called Vt Fuze, an invention that changed the course of the second World War.
These Fire Tricks Will Wow You, But Don't Try Them!
These fire tricks are incredible to look at, but please don't try this at home...
Ever Wonder What Life Is Like if We Zoom In All the Way?
A selection of some of the winning photographs from Nikon's yearly macro photography contest.
Scientists Develop 'Flying Dragon' Robot to Fight Fires
Scientists in Japan have created a water-spitting 'flying dragon' robot to fight fires.
The BIGGEST Indoor Ocean in the World - Jaw-Dropping!
Did you know that the US Navy has a football field-sized indoor ocean that can create any wave?
When Under a Microscope, Even Ordinary Things Seem Alien
Have you ever given any thought to what every day things look like under a microscope? Some of these images are truly beautiful - see for yourself in the images below.
Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid? This Will Surprise You!
If you use a smartphone you need to see this!
Introducing the Astronauts That Were Just Launched Into Space
The two astronauts — veteran NASA fliers Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley are honored to have been on this flight. Let's get to know them!
24 Smart Storage Inventions You Didn't Know You Needed
These super useful inventions are designed to make you help space!
10 New Things We've Learned About The Brain
We have learned some astonishing new things about the human brain in recent times.