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Researchers developed new design techniques for creating complex two-dimensional patterns using triangular units that fit together based on specific chemical interactions. By leveraging symmetry, they designed crystal structures with many different subunit types, which could help advance technologies in light manipulation. Experiments with DNA origami confirmed the effectiveness of these designs, producing patterns with sizes comparable to visible light. The study also identified cost-effective design principles to streamline future work in this area.

This year, we collaborated with Penn’s Center for Technology Transfer (CTT) on a discussion panel "How to Start a Materials-based Company." CTT is in charge of transferring inventions and innovative knowledge to outside organizations for the benefit of society. The panel, geared mainly towards graduate students, focused on starting a materials science based company. Three CEOs from the Delaware Valley discussed their startup experience, and two experts, who assist new companies, provided information on available resources for entrepreneurs.

Researchers have reported the discovery of superconductivity in a twisted bilayer of WSe2, a type of transition metal dichalcogenide. This phenomenon, previously observed in twisted graphene, raises questions about whether superconductivity in flat-band systems is specific to graphene or a more universal trait. The study suggests that unique properties of WSe2, such as its band gap and magnetism, could lead to new opportunities for exploring superconductivity in different materials beyond graphene.

Northwestern University IRG-1 has identified novel protein building blocks that form high-aspect ratio structures with genetic-level programmability and tunability.

A recent paper published in *Science* highlights the advancements made by the IRG2 team in energy transport using superatomic materials. They developed new materials like Re₆Se₈Cl₂ that allow for faster transport than traditional silicon. Their research includes creating rod-shaped photodetectors that can effectively move "acoustic polarons" over long distances without losing energy. These findings pave the way for new, faster types of transistors that could significantly improve charge transport in electronic devices.

Researchers in the Irvine and Talapin groups at the University of Chicago MRSEC used nanoparticle membranes discovered by the Jaeger and Lin groups to develop a platform for studies of homo= and heteroepitaxy in nanocrystal assemblies.

Researchers have successfully intercalated a stable monolayer of lead (Pb) into an experimental setup involving EG/SiC using a method that allows for detailed study of extremely thin heavy metal films. This technique enables higher coverage and better results than traditional methods. Notably, the lead layers show unique structural features and improved spin properties, indicating potential for new applications in spin transport phenomena. This finding highlights the promising use of Pb in creating innovative materials for future technologies.

Researchers have developed a new method to create single crystals of a unique one-dimensional helical crystal called GaSI. This crystal has a distinctive "squircle" shape, combining square and circular features, which affects its properties. It also has a band gap of 3.7 eV and introduces a non-centrosymmetric unit cell, which leads to notable second harmonic generation. This work is significant for advancing our understanding of chiral materials and their optical and electronic behaviors.

The shape-dependent optical properties of metal nanostructures have motivated efforts to correlate nanoparticle structure with plasmonic behavior. In particular, gold bipyramids (BPs) are of interest due to their sharp tips that lead to strong localized field enhancement and high sensitivity to the surrounding environment. However, despite their potential, relatively few reports have studied the optical properties of sub-100 nm BPs due to their relatively low synthetic yields. To overcome this issue, density