Stamp-Sized Drive Will Hold More TikTok Videos Than You Can Watch in a Year
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The creation of a new magnetic molecule could pave the way to build new, stamp-sized hard drives capable of holding the equivalent of 500,000 TikTok videos.
This 100-fold improvement in data storage is the tantalizing promise of a study by chemists from the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Manchester, England.
The magnetic storage technology used in current hard disk drives record information by magnetizing tiny regions, each made up of many atoms, all working in concert to preserve "bits" (binary digits) of data—either a "0" or a "1."
In contrast, single-molecule magnets can store information all on their own, without the help of their neighbors.
"If perfected, these molecules could pack large amounts of information into tiny spaces," said paper author and chemist Professor Nicholas Chilton of ANU in a statement.
"This new molecule could lead to new technologies that could store about three terabytes of data per square centimeter.
"That's equivalent to around 40,000 CD copies of [Pink Floyd's] The Dark Side of the Moon album squeezed into a hard drive the size of a postage stamp—or around half a million TikTok videos."
According to the researchers, the magnetic molecules' storage ability stems from their unique structure, which features an atom of the rare earth element dysprosium sandwiched between two nitrogen atoms, all in a line.
This configuration, the researchers say, has long been predicted to enhance magnetic performance, but this is the first time that such has been made a reality, as dysprosium normally forms angular bonds with nitrogen.
To get around this, the chemists added a "molecular pin" to the dysprosium that helps hold the molecule in the right structure.
A model of the new single-magnet molecule, which features an atom of the rare earth element dysprosium sandwiched between two nitrogen molecules.
A model of the new single-magnet molecule, which features an atom of the rare earth element dysprosium sandwiched between two nitrogen molecules.
Jamie Kidston / ANU
There is a small catch to the whole new data storage concept, however—the magnetic molecule needs to be chilled to -279 degrees Fahrenheit (-173 degrees Celsius) to retain its memory, which is about as cold as an evening on the dark side of the moon.
"We won't be seeing this type of data storage in our mobile phones for a while," cautions paper author and University of Manchester chemist Professor David Mills in a statement.
However, this is still a significant improvement on the previous record for a single-molecule magnet, which worked only up to -315 degrees Fahrenheit (-193 degrees Celsius).
"While still a long way from working in a standard freezer, or at room temperature, data storage at 100 Kelvin, or about -173 degrees Celsius, could be feasible in huge data centers, such as those used by Google," Mills added.
He said: "Although the new magnet still needs cooling far below room temperature, it is now well above the temperature of liquid nitrogen—a readily available coolant—which is 77 Kelvin, or around -196 degrees Celsius."
Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about data storage tech? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
Reference
Emerson-King, J., Gransbury, G. K., Atkinson, B. E., Blackmore, W. J. A., Whitehead, G. F. S., Chilton, N. F., & Mills, D. P. (2025). Soft magnetic hysteresis in a dysprosium amide—alkene complex up to 100 kelvin. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09138-0
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Electroluminescent Paint, Headlight Speakers May Be the Future of Cars
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Last year, Mercedes-Benz previewed a host of technological innovations, including artificial intelligence-enhanced augmented reality car shopping possibilities, bio-identical textiles, solar paint and on-motor brakes. Today, some of that technology is closer to reality. As part of the company's Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX debut, the real-life use cases for several featured innovations were revealed. Glow in the Dark Cars MBUX Fluid Light Paint coats the exterior of the Concept AMG GT XX. It uses electroluminescence technology to allow special color pigments to emit light in response to being touched by an alternating current. The response is a glow that emanates from the car, particularly noticeable at nighttime. To achieve the look, several electrically conductive and insulating layers are meshed. Aero wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Aero wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Mercedes-Benz The paint first appeared on the Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. However, on the Concept, it has a larger purpose: to alert an owner as to the charging status of the car. Different portions of the vehicle illuminate then deactivate while the car is charging to give a visual countdown as to when the car is full of electrons and ready for the journey that awaits. Speakers in the Headlights Concept AMG GT XX features exterior speakers housed in the car's headlights, using the headlight housing as the speaker enclosure. This saves space and weight while allowing new sound variants including low frequency and more powerful bass reproduction. The speakers serve as signals for pedestrian protection, emitting a noise to allow them to hear the otherwise silently moving vehicle. 700 Programmable LEDs on Display The MBUX Fluid Light Panel at the rear of the car features over 700 programmable RGB LEDs. The illumination allows for active communication of a vehicle's status with the outside world. Hyundai and Audi have showed off similar technology and already employed it in vehicles globally. Leather Alternative Textiles Derived From Racing Tires U.S. bio-design startup Modern Meadow worked with Mercedes-Benz to create next-generation materials that mimic leather and silk in a effort to create a circular ecosystem that does not rely on animals. Instead, the material is made of recycled rubber, vegetable proteins and biopolymers. The Concept debuts that material, Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative, in a vehicle for the first time. It mimics the collagens found in leather and can be finished in a number of surfaces including nubuck, full-grain leather or suede, as well as textures and colors. It is made using a chemical recycling process that combines the old tires with biomethane to create pyrolysis oil. That oil is then turned into plastic fibers, which are then added to vegetable proteins and bio-based polymers. Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative door handle on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative door handle on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Mercedes-Benz Unlike other artificial leathers, Labfiber can be re-tanned, which helps it achieve the same look and feel, including how it ages, as traditional leather. It is lighter than the natural version and is waterproof and breathable. The Concept features Leather Alternative that is made from tires from a Mercedes-AMG customer's GT3 car. After processing, the tires were used to create 43 square feet of Leather Alternative. AMG has also installed a synthetic silk in the Concept. Labfiber Biotech Silk Alternative starts with silk proteins produced by genetically modified bacteria that are refined to create a shiny, silky yarn with the same functional properties as animal-based silk. The new model has door handles made of the material. 3D-Printed Seats Mercedes-AMG has 3D printed the front seat pads in the Concept. They sit in carbon fiber racing shells that have built-in ventilation openings and integrated headrests. The nature of the seating pad allows for easy change in/out to allow for a more custom seat design and fit. Electronically Controlled, Moving Wheels Mercedes-AMG has built the GT XX with the world's first intelligent, electronically controlled aerodynamically enhanced wheels. Each 21-inch, five-spoke forged aluminum wheel is equipped with five movable elements that are intelligently adjusted to reduce drag, thus improving the car's efficiency. Close-up of a wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Close-up of a wheel on the Mercedes-AMG Concept AMG GT XX. Mercedes-Benz A control unit in each wheel regulates the changes to the wheel, detecting the stress on the car's braking system and whether or not cooling is needed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
How Extreme Heat Silently Accelerates Aging
What if extreme heat not only leaves you feeling exhausted but actually makes you age faster? Scientists already know that extreme heat increases the risk of heat stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney dysfunction, and even death. I see these effects often in my work as a researcher studying how environmental stressors influence the aging process. But until now, little research has explored how heat affects biological aging — the gradual deterioration of cells and tissues that increases the risk of age-related diseases. Research published by my team and me in the journal Science Advances in March 2025 suggests that long-term exposure to extreme heat may accelerate biological aging at the molecular level, raising concerns about the long-term health risks posed by a warming climate. My colleagues and I examined blood samples from over 3,600 older adults across the United States. We measured their biological age using epigenetic clocks, which capture DNA modification patterns — methylation — that change with age. DNA methylation refers to chemical modifications to DNA that act like switches to turn genes on and off. Environmental factors can influence these switches and change how genes function, affecting aging and disease risk over time. Measuring these changes through epigenetic clocks can provide a strong predictor of age-related disease risk and lifespan. Research in animal models has shown that extreme heat can trigger a phenomenon known as maladaptive epigenetic memory, characterized by lasting changes in DNA methylation patterns. Studies indicate that a single episode of extreme heat stress can cause long-term shifts in DNA methylation across different tissue types in mice. To test the effects of heat stress on people, we linked epigenetic clock data to climate records to assess whether people living in hotter environments exhibited faster biological aging. We found that older adults residing in areas with frequent very hot days showed significantly faster epigenetic aging compared with those living in cooler regions. For example, participants living in locations with at least 140 extreme heat days per year — classified as days when the heat index exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.33 degrees Celsius) — experienced up to 14 months of additional biological aging compared with those in areas with fewer than 10 such days annually. This link between biological age and extreme heat persisted even after accounting for a wide range of individual and community factors, including physical activity levels and socioeconomic status. This means that even among people with similar lifestyles, those living in hotter environments may still be aging faster at the biological level. Even more surprising was the magnitude of the effect – extreme heat has a comparable impact on speeding up aging as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. This suggests that heat exposure may be silently accelerating aging at a level comparable to other major known environmental and lifestyle stressors. While our study sheds light on the connection between heat and biological aging, many questions remain unanswered. It's essential to clarify that our findings don't imply that every additional year in extreme heat directly translates to 14 extra months of biological aging. Instead, our research reflects population-level differences between groups based on their local heat exposure. In other words, we took a snapshot of whole populations at a moment in time; it wasn't designed to look at effects on individual people. Our study also doesn't fully capture all the ways people might protect themselves from extreme heat. Factors such as access to air conditioning, time spent outdoors, and occupational exposure all play a role in shaping personal heat exposure and its effects. Some individuals may be more resilient, while others may face greater risks due to preexisting health conditions or socioeconomic barriers. This is an area where more research is needed. What is clear, however, is that extreme heat is more than just an immediate health hazard — it may be silently accelerating the aging process, with long-term consequences for public health. Older adults are especially vulnerable because aging reduces the body's ability to regulate temperature effectively. Many older individuals also take medications such as beta-blockers and diuretics that can impair their heat tolerance, making it even harder for their bodies to cope with high temperatures. So even moderately hot days, such as those reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.67 degrees Celsius), can pose health risks for older adults. As the U.S. population rapidly ages and climate change intensifies heat waves worldwide, I believe simply telling people to move to cooler regions isn't realistic. Developing age-appropriate solutions that allow older adults to safely remain in their communities and protect the most vulnerable populations could help address the hidden yet significant effects of extreme heat. Eunyoung Choi, Postdoctoral Associate in Gerontology, University of Southern California This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The post How Extreme Heat Silently Accelerates Aging appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Time Business News
2 hours ago
- Time Business News
How to Design Custom Printed Boxes That Photograph Well for Social Media?
In today's digital-first world, where every unboxing is a potential social media moment, your packaging is no longer just a way to deliver a product — it's a visual ambassador of your brand. The rise of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest has placed greater emphasis on presentation. That's why custom printed boxes designed to photograph well can dramatically boost brand awareness, customer loyalty, and online engagement. If you want your product to be shared, tagged, and remembered, your packaging design must look stunning on camera. In this blog post, we'll explore how to create packaging that not only protects your products but also makes a bold visual impact across social media platforms. Today's consumers don't just purchase products — they buy experiences. And a large part of that experience is visual. Whether someone is filming an unboxing video or snapping a quick story for Instagram, photogenic custom printed boxes can transform a simple delivery into shareable content. Visually attractive packaging: Encourages user-generated content Boosts organic marketing Enhances brand credibility Promotes brand storytelling That's why designing packaging with social media in mind is no longer optional — it's essential. Effective packaging starts with a clear understanding of your brand. Ask yourself: What are your brand colors? What emotions do you want to evoke? What values does your brand stand for? When your brand identity is strong, it's easier to create custom boxes and packaging that align with your values and connect with your audience. Use typography, icons, logos, and illustrations consistently. This creates recognition and trust, and it makes every customer-generated post reinforce your brand identity. Certain colors pop on screen more than others. Pastel tones often photograph well in natural light, while bold hues can create eye-catching contrast. Understanding how color behaves under different lighting conditions is key when designing custom printed boxes for visual platforms. Use color psychology to evoke the right emotion: Blue: Trust and calm Red: Passion and urgency Green: Nature and health Gold or metallics: Luxury and exclusivity Also consider finishes — matte, gloss, or soft-touch laminations — which can affect how light reflects off your packaging. On social media, most people glance at your bio for just a second — so it needs to hit fast. Use clean, readable typography that fits your style. Stick to one or two fonts max. Bold sans-serifs work well if your brand feels modern, while serifs add a touch of tradition or luxury. Make Buy Packaging Boxes stand out in the bio — whether it's your brand name or a short tagline, that's your hook to stop the scroll. Not all box shapes and sizes photograph well. Some of the best-performing designs on social media include: Magnetic closure boxes Drawer-style packaging Pillow boxes Foldable mailers Well-structured boxes add visual interest. They also photograph better when opened, showcasing not just the product but the interior design of the box — a key element in bespoke packaging UK strategies. Social media users love a surprise, and interior design can be just as powerful as the exterior. Consider custom prints inside the box, motivational messages, or even patterned tissue paper. These small details can turn a regular unboxing into a delightful and shareable experience. This level of detail is what separates good packaging from great custom packaging solutions that people remember and talk about. Here are a few elements that can make your boxes more social-media friendly: QR codes linking to your brand's Instagram or YouTube Branded hashtags for campaigns Die-cut windows for product previews Stickers or inserts with discount codes These features increase engagement while adding functionality and interactivity to your custom printed boxes. Today's customers love products that feel made just for them. Personalised packaging — whether it includes the customer's name, a special message, or tailored imagery — helps build emotional connections and boosts shareability. Even small additions like name tags, handwritten notes, or location-based themes can transform your packaging into a personal experience worth sharing. Consistency Across All Packaging Your packaging should look cohesive across different product lines. Whether you're using custom box printing UK for cosmetics, fashion, or food, keeping consistent design standards ensures that your brand looks professional. A unified design also helps when customers post photos of multiple products together. It reinforces your brand identity and creates a stronger impact on followers. Many consumers prefer to support eco-friendly brands. Sustainable materials not only reduce your environmental footprint but also photograph beautifully, especially when paired with earthy color tones and minimalist designs. Highlight your commitment to the planet on your packaging — recycled symbols, compostable logos, or 'no plastic' messages can become part of the visual story that gets shared online. The size of your packaging should fit your product snugly. Oversized boxes not only waste material but also make the product look small or insignificant. Right-sized custom printed boxes help showcase your items properly and allow for creative placement during photoshoots or unboxing videos. Using inserts to hold products in place also ensures they look neat when opened — a key factor in appealing unboxing shots. When designing your packaging, think about how it will be photographed. Here are a few tips: Use color combinations that stand out in various lighting Avoid overly reflective surfaces Keep logos and key messages centered and visible Make sure print quality is high-resolution Test your designs in real-life settings to see how they look on different devices and platforms. Design your packaging with influencers in mind. Many will only agree to feature your product if it photographs well. Collaborate with them to understand what works best and include their feedback in your design process. This strategy ensures your custom packaging solutions perform well both visually and functionally. Your packaging is the first thing people see when your product arrives — and in the age of social media, it's also what their friends and followers see. Custom printed boxes that photograph well can transform your brand from just another option to a memorable favorite. From typography to structure, personalization to sustainability, every design choice you make contributes to how your brand is perceived online. Use personalised packaging, structural creativity, and thoughtful details to create a visual signature your audience won't forget. Whether you're a new business or a growing brand, investing in visually compelling custom boxes and packaging is one of the smartest moves you can make. With help from trusted providers of custom box printing UK and bespoke packaging UK, you can create packaging that protects, performs, and captures attention — one unboxing video at a time. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
