Superconductor claims are 'baseless' say South Korean experts
The Hindu
A South Korean academic group said on Wednesday that claims by some researchers in the country that a practical superconductor had been discovered were “baseless”, citing the group’s inability to replicate the results.
A South Korean academic group said on Wednesday that claims by some researchers in the country that a practical superconductor had been discovered were "baseless", citing the group's inability to replicate the results.
Superconductors are materials that allow electrical current to flow with no resistance, a property that would revolutionize power grids as well as advance fields such as computing chips, where electrical resistance acts as a speed limit.
In July, two papers by South Korean scientists appeared on a website used by scientists to share research before formal peer review and publication claiming to have found a superconductor dubbed LK-99.
They said it worked at room temperature, which has long been considered a holy grail for scientists. The papers sparked a social media frenzy and stock moves over their superconductor claims.
(For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today’s Cache)
However, a white paper from the Korean Society of Superconductivity and Cryogenics, published with the help of eight local laboratories, said it found no cases showing zero resistance or instances of the so-called Meissner effect, when superconducting material repels a magnetic field.
"For the claim that LK-99 is a room-temperature, normal-pressure superconductor to be not just a claim but to be proven scientifically universal, there must be cross-measurement and replication by a third party," the society said.
Explore the necessity, types, challenges, and potential of bioremediation in India for environmental restoration and public health.
Researchers in India uncover genetic factors linked to early oral cancer onset in tobacco chewers, enhancing cancer prediction and prevention.
Mahindra’s XEV 9S is a modern, family-focused electric SUV with premium design, a spacious tech-rich cabin, refined performance and advanced safety features. Discover variants, pricing and real-world impressions in our detailed review.
Samantha interview: On pickleball, her battles with a rare autoimmune condition and learnings
Experience the thrilling Akkulam Glass Bridge in Thiruvananthapuram, offering stunning views and adventure activities for all ages.
Climate scientists and advocates long held an optimistic belief that once impacts became undeniable, people and governments would act. This overestimated our collective response capacity while underestimating our psychological tendency to normalise, says Rachit Dubey, assistant professor at the department of communication, University of California.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla predicts a transformative decade for India’s space exploration and international collaboration.