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-Alex Kirillov & Research Team @ University of Lisbon-IST

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Cold Plasma: The Art of Motion. Can Plasma be Touchable?

Apart from solid, liquid and gas, there is also plasma as the fourth state of matter. It is characterized by the presence of charged particles (electrons, ions) that are affected by electrical and magnetic fields, and this behavior represents the main difference between plasma and gas states.

Cold plasma (or nonthermal, non-equilibrium plasma) is the plasma where temperatures of its individual constituents are different. In this plasma, electrons feature high temperatures (>10,000 K) while neutral atoms or ions stay at room temperature. The amount of “overheated” electrons in the plasma is very low and thus this type of plasma can be touchable. Fluorescent lamp is a simple example of a cold plasma object.

Cold plasma can generate high-temperature electrons under normal conditions of temperature and pressure. Upon contact with an open environment, these “overheated” electrons can form a multitude of reactive species with a diversity of applications.

Examples include food industry (antimicrobial treatment & packaging), cosmetic and biomedical uses (wound healing, sterilization, skin & dental treatment), materials science (surface treatment & modification), and environmental applications (air & water purification, waste management). Video of cold plasma by @ScienceArtHub

#coldplasma #plasma #instascience #scienceandtechnology #scicomm #luminescent #phosphorescent #luminesce #luminescence #phosphor #fluorescence #fluorescencefriday #lightartwork #sciartist #scienceandart #sciencefact #sciencearthub #chemistryart #scienceeducation #scienceart #sciart #artscience #instachemistry #scienceartist #artofscience #sciencemeetsart #scicomm by @sciencearthub

335

a year ago

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Reflection describes the phenomenon of light, sound, or any other wave that is bounced off a surface and redirected. When wave hits a surface, it can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected depending on the properties of the surface and the wave’s wavelength.

According to the law of reflection, light is reflected at the same angle as that of the incident light. Reflection plays a crucial role in optics, acoustics, and other fields. It is also common in many everyday phenomena, such as seeing reflection in a mirror or of an electronic screen, hearing an echo, or observing reflection of water waves.

Various methods to manipulate and measure the reflection are known. These include the use of mirrors to redirect light in telescopes and microscopes, or the application of sound-absorbing materials to reduce echoes in concert halls and studios. The reflection of sound waves is used in various devices, including sonar systems, medical equipment (ultrasonography), megaphones, and musical instruments. Some animals rely on the sound reflection (echolocation) to navigate and determine the location of objects.

In art, reflection can be depicted in painting or photography by showing an image mirrored in water, glass, or other reflective surface. This can create a sense of depth, symmetry, and complexity in the artwork. An abstract representation of light reflection from a metal surface is shown herein. Image by ©Alex Kirillov. @sciencearthub taken in Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

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4 years ago

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About ScienceArtHub: Where Science Meets Art. My name is Alex Kirillov and I'm a professor of chemistry at the University of Lisbon-IST, Portugal. This Science Art Project is devoted to outreach, education and science communication by combining visuals with science facts, and occasionally showcasing our research. The main focus is on chemistry, materials science, and related areas.

I thank you for all the support, comments, and suggestions!

All images are original unless otherwise stated. Reposts and collaborations are welcome (contact through DM). For additional info about our research work, check links in bio and also follow us on Twitter @ScienceArtHub

A decoratively etched metallic pattern is shown herein as a background. Image by #ScienceArtHub taken in Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

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3 years ago

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Spherical Art: Mathematical Sculptures.
Aubin Arroyo: Trefoil Knots: Spheres and their Reflections.
Look closer at spheres on your Xmas tree: Happy Holidays! taken in Future World: Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

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10 months ago

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$Xmas Spectra: Shining Like Diffraction Lights! The lights from Lisbon’s Xmas Tree (2025) resemble a diffraction pattern. Happy Holidays! taken in Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub$

187

10 months ago

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Pumpkin’s Power Time: Happy Halloween!

What gives pumpkins their bright orange color and makes them so healthy? The orange and yellow colors of pumpkins are associated with the presence of naturally occurring pigments called carotenes. These are polyunsaturated hydrocarbons that contain 40 carbon atoms and act as photosynthetic pigments. These absorb light in the blue and violet regions and reflect light in the orange and yellow parts of the spectrum, thus defining the respective colors.

Certain carotenes, such as beta-carotene (provitamin A), are converted in the body into vitamin A (retinol). This is an essential nutrient we require for vision, skin health, immune function & growth. Carotenes are also powerful antioxidants.

Carotenes are abundant in pumpkins and their color intensity often reflects a carotene content. Carotenes are also used as natural food additives and coloring agents. Consumption of carotenes with a source of fat improves their absorption, as they are fat-soluble and insoluble in water.

Pumpkins are also low in calories and high in nutrients, minerals & fiber. The carotenoids in pumpkins, especially beta-cryptoxanthin, can be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, lower inflammation, and improved overall heart health.

Image by @ScienceArtHub. Can you guess how many pumpkins are in this image? taken in Future World: Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

137

a year ago

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Potassium: A Vital Element.
What is Your Body’s Potassium Content?

Potassium (K) is an alkali metal and essential element for life, often overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, sodium (Na). On average, the potassium content (total body potassium) of an adult is ~140 g, which is higher than that of total body sodium (~90 g).

Along with sodium ions (Na+), potassium ions (K+) are essential nutrients that are responsible for cellular function, regulation of blood pressure, and maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. Potassium ions also aid in nerve transmission, muscle function, and hydration. It is important to maintain a balanced died with the ingestion of Na+ and K+ in a ~1:1.5 weight ratio (daily amount of 2.3 and 3.4 g, respectively). While sodium can be easily ingested in sufficient and often excessive quantities in a form of table salt (NaCl), potassium uptake can be boosted by consuming potassium-rich foods like spinach, potatoes, and bananas.

Beyond the role in human physiology, potassium and its compounds have many important applications (nutrient for soil, liquid soap & detergents). Potassium salts and minerals have a paramount importance in agriculture as fertilizers, contributing to the growth of plants and their overall health. Potassium also facilitates photosynthesis and nutrient uptake.

Potassium is the seventh most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Its radioactive isotope K-40 is naturally present in small amounts in our bodies and contributes to the background radiation we are exposed to every day.

In its elemental form, potassium is a soft and silvery-colored metal at room temperature. It is highly reactive with water and air and thus should be stored under mineral oil. Potassium blocks typically feature oxidized surfaces of colors varying from gray to pale purple. A pattern of glowing potassium blocks is illustrated herein. Image by @ScienceArtHub taken in Future World: Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

135

a year ago

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Desertification: From the Fertile Soil to Sand.

Desertification is a complex phenomenon characterized by the degradation of fertile drylands into deserts, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, inappropriate agriculture, or global warming. This process is thus driven by a combination of natural and human-induced factors.

In particular, arid and semi-arid regions have low and irregular rainfalls, high evaporation rates, and extreme temperature variations, which can cause desertification. It is also enhanced by climate change because of altered precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures.

Desertification often begins with soil degradation, including erosion, compaction, and salinization. These changes reduce soil fertility and its ability to support vegetation. Overgrazing, agricultural expansion, deforestation, and improper land management contribute to the loss of vegetation. In contrast, healthy vegetation can help binding the soil, preventing erosion, and maintaining soil structure.

Uncontrolled land use and intensive agriculture can accelerate desertification. Poor land management practices, such as excessive irrigation and inadequate soil conservation, lead to soil degradation. Limited and irregular water availability is a significant factor in desertification. Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and inadequate water management also contribute to desertification.

Addressing desertification requires sustainable land management practices, reforestation, soil restoration, desert reclamation, improved water management, and efforts to combat climate change. Implementation of sustainable development goals is also crucial for mitigating desertification. An abstract desertification pattern is shown herein. Image by @ScienceArtHub

“Erosion, desertification, and pollution have become our lot. It is a weird form of suicide, for we are bleeding our planet to death.” - Gerald Durrell taken in Future World: Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

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a year ago

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Nerve Jewelry: From Nerves to Necklaces.
What is the Difference between Nerves and Neurons?

Both nerves and neurons are the fundamental components of the nervous system. While neurons refer to individual cells, nerves are considered as a group of neurons interlinked by cord-like nerve fibers (axons) that transmit electric and chemical signals between the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body.

Nerves can be categorized as cranial (connected to the brain) or spinal (connected to the spinal cord). In terms of signal transmission, nerves serve as the communication channels for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain (sensory nerves) and carrying motor signals from the brain to muscles and glands (motor nerves).

The human nervous system is composed of billions of interconnected neurons forming a sort of “body’s electrical wiring”. It is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The latter plays a crucial role in connecting CNS to various body parts. The signals can be transmitted by the nervous system at a speed of up to 100 meters per second.

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve that runs from the spinal cord to the toes on each side of the human body. As neurons do not divide or replace themselves, the damage of nervous system can be permanent.

Nerve Jewelry: Where Nerves Meet Art. Neurons and nerves are often represented in various art objects including jewelry. An arrangement of nerves into necklaces is shown herein. Image by @ScienceArtHub taken in Future World: Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

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a year ago

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Terpene Tales: Pathways to Value-Added Products.
This post showcases our recent research featured on a Cover of Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers.

Terpenes are abundant & renewable biomass-derived hydrocarbons that can be used for generating added-value products with relevance in pharmaceutical and fragrance industries. In this work, we developed new copper-based catalysts and reaction protocols for the mild oxidation of terpenes with molecular oxygen into various value-added products.

Inorganic Chemistry Frontiers (rsc.li/frontiers-inorganic) is an interdisciplinary journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (@RoySocChem) that is dedicated to inorganic chemistry and related fields.

Research by the MINDlab: Molecular Design & Innovation Laboratory at CQE-IST, University of Lisbon (@mindlabpt, @cqelisboa). Funded by the EU ITN project CHAIR: C-H Activation for Industrial Renewal.

For further details, see:
Gilvan Correia, Chris Franco, Marina Kirillova, and Alexander Kirillov, Inorg. Chem. Front. 2025, 12, 5003, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5QI01178G (Research Paper)
Inorg. Chem. Front. 2025, 12, 4922, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5QI90071A (Cover) taken in Royal Society of Chemistry by @sciencearthub

105

a year ago

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Bacterial Communication: The Microbial Conversation. What is the Secret Language of Bacteria?

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” - Charles Darwin

Bacterial communication, also known as quorum sensing, is an important communication mechanism used by bacteria to coordinate group behavior. Bacteria release into their environment the signaling molecules called autoinducers.

As the bacterial population grows, the concentration of these signaling molecules increases. When a threshold concentration is reached, bacteria detect the signal and initiate synchronized actions. These can include the formation of biofilms, production of toxins, or regulation of gene expression. Quorum sensing helps bacteria to adapt to changing conditions and enhances their survival and pathogenicity.

In particular, quorum sensing is essential for the formation of biofilms – the communities of bacteria embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. This matrix helps bacteria to adhere to surfaces and provides protection from the immune system and antibiotics. Bacterial communication can also contribute to antibiotic resistance. The research on bacterial communication is thus important for understanding the bacterial ecosystems and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Bacteria can communicate not only within their own species but also with other species. Besides, quorum sensing has evolutionary significance as it allows bacteria to constantly adapt to changing environments.
An abstract representation of two communicating rod-shaped bacteria is shown herein. Image by @ScienceArtHub

For our resent research on sustainable antibacterial materials, see:
T. A. Fernandes et al. RSC Appl. Interfaces 2024, 1, 98. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LF00123G
S. W. Jaros et al. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2024, 16, 13411. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c15606 taken in Future World: Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

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a year ago

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Black Rubies: The Science & Art Behind these Timeless Gems.
Why do Rubies have Various Colors? What’s the Difference between Rubies and Sapphires?

Rubies are fascinating gemstones that have captivated humans for centuries. Rubies are a variety of the mineral corundum. This is an aluminum oxide (Al2O3) that is colorless or white in its pure form.

The most prized color for rubies is a vivid, deep red with a hint of blue. However, rubies can range in color from pinkish-red to purplish-red, and their intensity and hue can vary. The red color of rubies is caused by trace amounts of chromium ions (up to 1%) that replace aluminum ions in the crystal lattice of corundum. And the amount of chromium in rubies is directly associated with the intensity of red color.

Rubies are closely related to sapphires, which are a different variety of corundum that contains a mix of metal ions (e.g., iron, titanium, chromium, vanadium, magnesium) in trace amounts. These metal ion inclusions are responsible for distinct blue, yellow, purple, or green colors of sapphires. In other words, all non-red varieties of corundum are classified as sapphires.

Due to popularity and rarity, rubies are often synthesized in laboratories. Synthetic rubies have the same physical and chemical properties as natural rubies and are indistinguishable without special analytical equipment. However, natural rubies are generally more valuable than synthetic ones.

Rubies are also the hardest gemstones after diamonds. Apart from the use in jewelry, rubies have various industrial applications, including in lasers, medical instruments, and cutting tools. An X-pattern of “black rubies” is shown herein. Image by @ScienceArtHub taken in Future World: Where Art Meets Science by @sciencearthub

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a year ago

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