#Microstructures

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Cu 70, Zn 30 (wt%), partial recrystallisation - annealing twins

Processing Annealed, cold rolled 50% and annealed again for 30 minutes at 600 °C [...] Technique Reflected light microscopy Length bar 400 μm / 40 µm Further information This sample was annealed and 50% cold rolled, with subsequent annealing for 30 minutes at 600 °C. This has caused partial recrystallisation to occur creating new dislocation-free grains with some annealing twins. The temperature is too low for significant grain growth preventing complete recrystallisation. Contributor Prof T W Clyne Organisation Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

Sources: ( 1 ) ( 2 )

[psalmsofpsychosis]

@maderilien you... broke me.....

[sukimas]

admittedly i could have a confluence of other mental weirdness that explains the developmental weirdness, social weirdness, sensory weirdness, and odd interests, but i'm a proponent of the duck theory of neurodivergence. if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck.

[wayti-blog]

"A flower-shaped structure only a few micrometers in size made of a nickel-iron alloy can concentrate and locally enhance magnetic fields. The size of the effect can be controlled by varying the geometry and number of "petals.""

"Such a device can be used to increase the sensitivity of magnetic sensors, to reduce the energy required for creating local magnetic fields, but also, at the PEEM experimental station, to study samples under much higher magnetic fields than currently possible."

"The microflowers can be produced in various geometries, not only with different inner and outer radii, but also with variable numbers and widths of petals. This flower-shaped geometry causes the field lines of an external magnetic field to concentrate in the center of the device, resulting in a greatly intensified magnetic field.

The study is published in the journal ACS Nano."

continue reading article

[shuckle24]

Microscopy: Foam, Red and White

We all love foam. It’s soft, fun to play with, and keeps our delicate belongings safe. Turns out, the structure of foam is miraculous once viewed under a microscope. This makes sense: foam is a fibrous matrix of interconnected tissues that is bound to be intricate and captivating at the microscopic level (and isn’t something I discovered completely by accident because I was out of crystals and was trying everything I could get my hands on).

So, ladies and gentlemen, foam, red and white.

So fragile-looking, so thin, so delicate. As if they’d crumple under the slightest touch. Which is true, they do. But together, with each of the fibers holding the other up, they are surprisingly resilient and possess a (relatively) high tensile strength.

A greater magnification. Hazy, as if the background is sheathed in fog. The microscopic ends stick out like the sharp blades of snowflakes. And the white, unfocused void, well, that is something I’m not ready to tackle yet.

A little closer up. See how some fibers reach out and interconnect into pentagons or hexagons. Notice how others only reach into minuscule oblivion, their ends sticking out. Yearning, perhaps, for a connection, or for an old junction long ripped apart.

I love repeating structures. The walls are almost hexagonal. The fibers light, thin, and interconnected. Almost representing bubbles or froth. Maybe a hive, or a zoomed-out, black-and-white image of a brain, the neural circuits and synapses a chaotic jumble, yet at the same time possessing a natural symmetry. Notice also the blurred structures in the background. This same image repeated layer after layer throughout the entirety of the foam, but the microscope could only focus on one layer at a time.

This is from a piece of red, packaging foam, pretty tough to the touch. My first thought was red onion cells, but it feels more akin to human tissue. Red-tinted. Thin and flimsy to the point of transparency. Delicate, yet possessing a sort of wafery complexity.

Wonderful, vivid, elegant, and red. Look at the tiny, fluttering lines, the fibers, the curvatures, and the overlapping layers. Look at the delicacy, the vibrancy of the color, and how the light filters through the bottom. Zoom in to see the tiny inconsistencies between the cells, bits of dust, probably, but who knows what exactly is trapped between those folds?

A bit more mauve–if I’m using the word correctly. Richer, darker, and more elegant, but with the same flutter and flimsy as the last. Notice the minute imperfections between the cells, the dirt, and the debris. Notice also the blurred out portions at the top. They were part of a layer above that I focused out of view.

[horizontitanium]

Microstructure Insights: Ti6Al4V ELI – Why Continuous Alpha Networks Matter

In industries like medical and aerospace, material performance is critical. The microstructure of Ti6Al4V ELI plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and durability. But have you ever wondered why continuous alpha networks can pose a significant issue? Here's why:

➡️ They create brittle points, increasing the risk of failure. ➡️ They reduce toughness and fatigue resistance. ➡️ They provide pathways for fatigue cracking, compromising durability.

Why is it important to examine the microstructure at higher resolutions?

Ti6Al4V ELI has a very fine microstructure in the annealed condition, making it difficult to assess the alpha network and phase distribution at lower magnifications (100x-500x). To accurately determine if a continuous alpha network has formed and to analyze the distribution of alpha and beta phases, it's essential to use magnifications of at least 1000x or higher.

Want to learn more about how detailed analysis can prevent material failures? Drop a comment or contact us at info@horizontitanium.com. Let’s discuss your challenges!

[metnmat]

Metal Manufacturing as the Smart Specialization of the Regions

Metal manufacturing has emerged as a shining beacon of innovation and economic progress, transforming from a conventional heavy industry into a smart specialization that drives regional development. This article aims to shed light on the intricate world of metal manufacturing, encompassing its evolution, significance, technological advancements, and its pivotal role as a smart specialization strategy across diverse regions.

METNMAT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

1. Introduction: From Tradition to Transformation

At the heart of industrial evolution lies the remarkable journey of metal manufacturing. Once associated with the imagery of smoke-filled factories and manual labor, this sector has undergone a revolutionary metamorphosis. Today, it stands tall as a vanguard of innovation, steering the course of regional development toward new horizons. The transition from tradition to transformation is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of metal manufacturing in the face of changing times.

2. The Significance of Metal Manufacturing

Metal manufacturing occupies a pivotal position in the tapestry of industries that shape the modern world. From the towering structures of urban landscapes to the intricate components within electronic devices, its significance is omnipresent. The products of metal manufacturing serve as the backbone of diverse sectors, breathing life into everything from automobiles to advanced medical equipment. This significance underscores its role not only as an economic driver but also as an enabler of technological progress and societal advancement.

"From forges of tradition to the frontier of technology, metal manufacturing stands as a beacon of progress." - [METNMAT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION]

3. Evolution of Metal Manufacturing Techniques

The annals of metal manufacturing are adorned with a story of relentless innovation and technological prowess. The evolution of techniques from labor-intensive processes to precision-driven methodologies is a captivating journey that mirrors humanity's quest for perfection. Gone are the days of hammer and anvil as digital fabrication technologies have taken center stage. The marriage of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) has birthed a new era of digital craftsmanship, where intricate designs come to life with unparalleled accuracy and speed.

4. Technological Advancements Driving Smart Metal Manufacturing

The dawn of the fourth industrial revolution has cast a transformative spell on the realm of manufacturing. Metal manufacturing, in particular, has been a willing participant in this digital renaissance. The infusion of sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and data analytics has given rise to a new era of smart metal manufacturing. This paradigm shift empowers manufacturers with real-time insights, predictive maintenance capabilities, and the ability to fine-tune processes for optimal efficiency. The convergence of technology and metallurgy has bestowed upon us a realm where precision meets intelligence, and where waste is minimized through data-driven decision-making.

5. The Role of Skilled Workforce in Metal Manufacturing

While technology orchestrates the symphony of modern metal manufacturing, it is the skilled workforce that wields the baton. Behind the curtain of automation and innovation, there exists a cohort of talented individuals whose expertise ensures the seamless orchestration of complex processes. Engineers, technicians, and designers collaborate harmoniously to breathe life into raw materials, sculpting them into works of art that power our modern world. The symphony of metal manufacturing requires not only the instruments of technology but also the virtuosity of skilled human hands.

6. Sustainable Practices in Metal Manufacturing

Amidst the backdrop of escalating environmental concerns, the concept of sustainability has permeated virtually every facet of human endeavor. Metal manufacturing, with its historical reputation for resource-intensive processes, has not been impervious to this shift. However, the sector has responded with remarkable ingenuity, embracing sustainable practices that echo a commitment to both innovation and environmental stewardship.

The adoption of sustainable practices in metal manufacturing spans various dimensions. One notable avenue is the recycling of scrap metal. In an era where responsible resource utilization is paramount, the recycling of scrap metal not only conserves precious resources but also curtails the environmental impact of mining and extraction. The metamorphosis of discarded metal into raw material breathes new life into the production cycle, reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste.

Moreover, energy efficiency has become a cornerstone of sustainable metal manufacturing. From the optimization of heating and cooling systems to the deployment of energy-efficient technologies, manufacturers are meticulously recalibrating their processes to minimize energy consumption. This not only translates into cost savings but also contributes to a greener and more environmentally conscious industry.

7. Regional Smart Specialization: Boosting Economic Growth

In an era characterized by unprecedented globalization and interconnectedness, regions seek strategies that can catapult them onto the global stage. Enter the concept of smart specialization. This strategic approach involves concentrating resources and efforts on areas of expertise, thereby fostering economic growth and innovation. Metal manufacturing emerges as an alluring candidate for smart specialization, harnessing its multifaceted applications and demanding technological landscape.

The synergy between regional strengths and metal manufacturing is a symbiotic relationship that begets economic prosperity. By aligning a region's existing industrial prowess with the demands of metal manufacturing, a unique competitive advantage is forged. This advantage, coupled with strategic investments in research, development, and education, positions regions as formidable players in the global market. The allure of specialized metal products, coupled with a technologically adept workforce, becomes a potent recipe for attracting investment, generating employment, and fueling economic expansion.

8. Case Studies: Successful Implementation of Metal Manufacturing Specialization

The theoretical underpinnings of smart specialization find tangible expression in real-world case studies. Several regions have harnessed the potential of metal manufacturing specialization, leading to transformative outcomes. One such compelling example is the resurrection of a declining industrial town through the establishment of a cutting-edge metal research and production hub.

This case study highlights the transformative power of deliberate specialization. By identifying and capitalizing on latent potential, this region was able to transition from the throes of economic decline to becoming a thriving center of innovation. The infusion of research institutions, collaboration between academia and industry, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce converged to breathe new life into the region. The success story underscores the significance of strategic metal manufacturing specialization in rejuvenating stagnant economies and fostering resilience.

In the upcoming segments of this article, we will delve into the challenges that underlie the path to metal manufacturing specialization, gaze into the crystal ball to discern future prospects, and ultimately, draw our conclusions from the symphony of insights presented.

9. Challenges and Future Prospects

While the journey of metal manufacturing as a smart specialization is marked by resounding successes, it is not without its share of challenges. These challenges, however, are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones that beckon the industry toward an even brighter future.

Challenge 1: Global Competition and Innovation In a world characterized by seamless connectivity, metal manufacturing faces the challenge of global competition. As regions vie to establish themselves as hubs of specialization, the competition intensifies. To remain at the vanguard, continuous innovation becomes imperative. The industry must relentlessly push the boundaries of technology, embracing novel processes, materials, and design paradigms. Innovation not only sustains competitiveness but also kindles the spark of differentiation that sets pioneers apart.

Challenge 2: Skilled Workforce Development The symbiotic relationship between technology and skilled human capital is pivotal in the realm of metal manufacturing. However, nurturing and maintaining a skilled workforce is a multifaceted challenge. The industry must bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that educational curricula align with the demands of modern metal manufacturing. Furthermore, the allure of other sectors and the aging workforce pose recruitment challenges. A concerted effort toward attracting and retaining talent is imperative to keep the wheels of specialization turning.

Challenge 3: Sustainability Imperatives While sustainable practices have found a home in metal manufacturing, the journey toward comprehensive environmental stewardship is ongoing. Striking a balance between resource utilization, energy efficiency, and waste reduction remains a complex endeavor. Technological innovations will play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges, enabling the industry to ascend to new heights of sustainable production.

Challenge 4: Regulatory Landscape The metal manufacturing sector operates within a regulatory framework that demands compliance with environmental standards, safety protocols, and labor regulations. Navigating this intricate landscape can be arduous, particularly for smaller enterprises. Adaptation to evolving regulations and the proactive embrace of compliance becomes paramount to ensure the industry's sustained growth.

Future Prospects: A Vision of Promise The path ahead for metal manufacturing as a smart specialization is imbued with promise and potential. As technology continues to advance, the industry stands on the precipice of transformative breakthroughs. Additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and advanced materials hold the keys to unlocking new frontiers of possibility. The fusion of these innovations with sustainable practices not only bolsters the industry's competitive edge but also paves the way for a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, metal manufacturing has evolved into a smart specialization strategy that propels regions toward economic prosperity. Its fusion of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology exemplifies human ingenuity at its finest.

"In the crucible of smart specialization, metal manufacturing reshapes regions into hubs of innovation." - [METNMAT RESEARCH AND INNOVATION]

FAQs

What is smart specialization in the context of metal manufacturing? Smart specialization in metal manufacturing refers to the strategic focus on this sector to drive regional economic growth and innovation.

How does technology contribute to sustainable metal manufacturing? Technology enables energy-efficient processes, waste reduction, and the use of eco-friendly materials in metal manufacturing.

What role does a skilled workforce play in metal manufacturing? A skilled workforce is essential for operating advanced machinery, designing innovative products, and driving continuous improvement.

Can regions with limited metal resources benefit from metal manufacturing specialization? Yes, regions can leverage technology, innovation, and collaboration to overcome resource limitations and create a successful metal manufacturing specialization.

What does the future hold for metal manufacturing as a smart specialization? The future looks promising as technology advances, enabling more efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive metal manufacturing practices.

SIGNUP NOW

[civilchhapola]

The Structure of a Tree: Understanding the Macrostructure and Microstructure of Timber

Trees have been an important resource for human civilizations for thousands of years, providing building materials, fuel, and other essential products. In civil engineering, timber is one of the most commonly used materials, thanks to its strength, durability, and versatility. Understanding the structure of trees is therefore crucial for civil engineers who work with timber. Structure of a…

[covid-safer-hotties]

You're becoming oddly ableist.

Talking about medical reality isn't ableism

One of the most striking findings was that post-COVID deficits in hospitalized patients look similar to 20 years of normal aging. The team also found that people who had been hospitalized with COVID had reduced brain volume in key areas and abnormally high levels of brain injury proteins in their blood.

Our findings indicate that COVID-19 is associated with molecular signatures of brain aging and emphasize the value of neurological follow-up in recovered individuals.

The pandemic has highlighted the complex interplay between viral infection, immune aging, and brain health, that can potentially accelerate neuroimmune aging and contribute to the persistence of long COVID conditions. By inducing chronic inflammation, immunosenescence, and neuroinflammation, COVID-19 may exacerbate the processes of neuroimmune aging, leading to increased risks of cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and impaired immune function. Key factors include chronic immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and the disruption of cellular processes. These overlapping mechanisms between aging and COVID-19 illustrate how the virus can induce and accelerate aging-related processes, leading to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases and other age-related conditions.

"COVID-19-induced microhemorrhagic lesions may exacerbate DNA damage in affected brain cells, resulting in neuronal senescence and activation of cell death mechanisms, which ultimately impact brain microstructure-vasculature," says Dr. Muralidhar L. Hegde, Ph.D., a professor of neurosurgery at Houston Methodist and a corresponding author of the review. "These pathological phenomena resemble hallmarks of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and are likely to aggravate advanced-stage dementia, as well as cognitive and motor deficits."

Covid results in brain damage. Brain damage results in shifts in behavior and/or personality. This is something that must be discussed.

Signed,

Someone who experienced life-altering brain damage three times as a teenager

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Manganese cathodes could boost lithium-ion batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are growing in adoption, used in devices like smartphones and laptops, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. But supplies of nickel and cobalt commonly used in the cathodes of these batteries are limited. New research led by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) opens up a potential low-cost, safe alternative in manganese, the fifth most abundant metal in the Earth's crust. Researchers showed that manganese can be effectively used in emerging cathode materials called disordered rock salts, or DRX. Previous research suggested that to perform well, DRX materials had to be ground down to nanosized particles in an energy-intensive process. But the new study found that manganese-based cathodes can actually excel with particles that are about 1,000 times larger than expected.

Read more.

[mindblowingscience]

The constant ebb and flow of hormones that guide the menstrual cycle don't just affect reproductive anatomy. They also reshape the brain, and a new study has given us insight into how this happens. Led by neuroscientists Elizabeth Rizor and Viktoriya Babenko of the University of California Santa Barbara, a team of researchers tracked 30 women who menstruate over their cycles, documenting in detail the structural changes that take place in the brain as hormonal profiles fluctuate. The results, which are yet to be peer-reviewed but can be found on preprint server bioRxiv, suggest that structural changes in the brain during menstruation may not be limited to those regions associated with the menstrual cycle. "These results are the first to report simultaneous brain-wide changes in human white matter microstructure and cortical thickness coinciding with menstrual cycle-driven hormone rhythms," the researchers write.

Continue Reading.

[hoofpeet]

Hello!! Kind of random LMAO but im a zooarchaeologist (archaeologist who studies animals in the archaeological record) who wants to study sheep and goats!! Also cows and deer, but I know you're big on the former; do you have any resources (books, articles, blogs, websites, etc) youd recommend reading to get more informed? Sorry this is such a bizzare ask, but figure id ask you! Also as an artist, i adore your art sm <3.

Ouuhhh I mean honestly. Despite being autistic about bovines I am definitely still kinda dumb about them (-also adding that my specific area of interest is closer to like. Animal husbandry/history) So ngl doing ANY reading at an academic level means you probably already know more than I do but uhm. If it's an interesting read anyway here's misc stuff I've had bookmarked in the ruminant folder for a while in no particular order:

"Microstructure and mechanical properties of different keratinous horns"

Judas goats

Good list of different types of sheep

Different good list

List of goat breeds from the same site

Video about the history of sheep domestication (from a podcast series on sheep!)

"Churro Wool: How the Spanish Brought Sheep to the Americas"

Livestockconservancy.org - Good resource for endangered + heritage breeds

"Sheep and wheat domestication in Southwest Asia"

On ruminant evolution in general

"Evolution of ruminant headgear"

Hoof anatomy/maintenance

[artechoceneexplorer]

ODDYSEUS_MISSION_AE#1744

Sample obtained from the Odysseus mission, sent to gather information about the planet Kepler-138d, a super-earth water world characteristic for its dense, water saturated atmosphere, and whose clouds occasionally appear green.

The mystery of these green clouds has finally been resolved with this analysis of samples that were collected from one of these green clouds as the rover descended into the atmosphere, 15km up in the clouds.

A diverse community of cyanobacteria-like phototrophic microbes (described as Ambrosiasphaera sp.) seems to be responsible for the unusual color of the clouds. These microbes, alongside the many others in the floating ecosystem they help support, seem to have developed hydrogen filled membranous organelles to float over the dense atmosphere. They also seem to have developed a cell wall with an unusual microstructure, extremely water absorbing to take advantage of floating droplets of water.

Some species seem to have developed predatory lifestyles, feeding on the plentiful Ambrosiasphaera chains, here seen one of these lifestyles, here seen one with one of the most unusual ways observed to catch and consume prey (described as Flagellovenator sp.). It floats passively with its flagellum extended, until it comes into contact with something. The appendix is covered in hairs not unlike those on the feet of Gekkonids, able to stick without any sticky substance needed. Once captured, it's bivalves cell wall opens and an amoeboid body penetrates the cell wall and starts digesting it's prey.

[arminreindl]

Croc Paleontology Recap Febuary 2025

January passed so fast probably cause its the shortest month but we still got a handfull of papers out of it. So lets get right into it.

The function of the armor of Stagonolepis

Getting us started in the Triassic is a paper on the osteoderms of the aetosaur Stagonolepis: "The histology and function of the dermal armour of the aetosaur Stagonolepis olenkae Sulej, 2010 (Archosauria, Pseudosuchia) from Krasiejów (SW Poland)". Now as you probably figured from the handfull of times I've talked about aetosaurs on here, their osteoderm armor is very characteristic, very important in telling them apart and VERY extensive.

The results of this study are interesting. For starters, although osteoderms frequently serve a function in thermoregulation in modern crocs and even temnospondyls, this does not appear to have been the case for Stagonolepis. Now superficially, aetosaur osteoderms do show the same pitted surface as modern croc armor, which is caused by the elements absorbing bone and depositing it elsewhere throughout growth, something that reduces mass while maintaining stability and also increases surface area. However, Stagonolepis osteoderms are not vascularized like those of modern crocs, lacking the densely packed blood vessels that help absorb heat. The external surface of the osteoderms also doesn't show signs of thick sharpeys fibres, which are generally used to anchor the osteoderm in the soft tissue. What this means is that the osteoderms were not deeply embedded in skin (as has been suggested for some notosuchians) but rather were covered in keratin like those of modern crocs. But if not for thermoregulation, then what are the osteoderms for. Well on the one hand, obviously they work as armor. Their structure makes them robust yet leight weight and they are firmly embedded through sharpeys fibres present on the lower cortex of the osteoderms (tho its highlighted that they aren't as densely packed as in ankylosaurs). The keels that mark the osteoderms further prove to be quite usefull when it comes to reducing stress from a vertical attack. If you really want an additional reason for the armor, the authors offer the suggestion of being an adaptation to prevent water loss. Finally, histology shows that the osteoderms do not feature lines of arrested growth (basically signs for poor growth throughout the animals life), which suggests that the environment inhabited by Stagonolepis was quite moderate and did not have strong seasons that might influence the animals growth throughout its life.

Bottom: A diagram of Stagonolepis is sideview, showing the various types of osteoderms covering its body. Reconstruction by S. Górnicki

Growth strategy in Trialestes and its implications

Up next something not too different from a study we had in January. Last time we had a study on the growth of a peirosaurid notosuchian, this time "A fast start: Evidence of rapid growth in Trialestes romeri, an early Crocodylomorpha from the Upper Triassic continental beds of Argentina based on osteohistological analyses" brings us something similar except for the "sphenosuchian" Trialestes (more on that group later).

So what did we learn? Well for starters, neither of the examined specimens (which included the holotype) were mature, both in terms of sexual maturity and skeletal growth. What is weird is that morphology (specifically bone fusion in the vertebra) indicates the opposite to what has been concluded based on bone microstructure, which may suggest that in Trialestes either reached sexual maturity at a delayed rate of that histology and sexual maturity do not correlate all that much. Anyhow, based on crosssections of the bones, they are estimated at a minimum of two years and one year of age at the time of their deaths. Histology also shows that Trialestes appears to have grown quite rapidly. Curiously a previous study estimated a third specimen to have been one year old, eventhough this new study recovered the same age for a specimen only half that size. This seems to suggest that age and growth do not really correlate for some unknown reason, with possible explanations including differences between sexes or simply differing environmental conditions. Looking at the results at a grander scale, similar growth rates have previously been calculated for other nimble crocodylomorphs such as Terrestrisuchus and Saltoposchus, with the latter growing even faster than Trialestes. Of course when you get into more derived members of Crocodylomorpha strategies start to change, for example the slightly more derived Hesperosuchus was growing at a slower speed than Trialestes and if you recall January we know that Notosuchians can differ even within a genus (see Araripesuchus). Modern crocs appear to generally grow slower overall in their ontogeny, tho in some like the broad-snouted caiman environmental conditions seem to play quite the rolle. Nevertheless, the paper concludes that faster growth rates appear to be more widespread in early crocodylomorphs and may have been the ancestral condition.

Below: Reconstruction of the head of Trialestes by Joschua Knüppe (there is really not much art of this guy out there)

Now for two papers that are very relevant to my efforts on Wikipedia, namely two studies on the European alligatoroid Diplocynodon.

Growth strategy of Diplocynodon hantoniensis

First of all, sorta the same thing we just had for Trialestes but applied to Diplocynodon hantoniensis, a species from the Eocene of southern Britain (and actually one of the first Diplocynodon species discovered). The greater goal of "Evolution of growth strategy in alligators and caimans informed by osteohistology of the late Eocene early-diverging alligatoroid crocodylian Diplocynodon hantoniensis", as you might guess from the title, is actually to use Diplocynodon in order to figure out how growth strategies evolved in the two modern groups of alligatoroids, gators and caimans, who share similar strategies despite having been separated from another since before the extinction of the dinosaurs.

With 9 studied upper leg bones, the sample used in the study ranged from immature specimens to adults, which in the case of D. hantoniensis might reach lenghts of 1.2–3.4 meters. The growth strategy of Diplocynodon is recovered as both being determinate (meaning that they stop growing at a certain point) and seasonally controlled (which feels self-explanatory), both also seen in modern alligatoroids. Now assuming that the growth marks accurately reflect yearly intervals (which may not necessarily be the case), then the studied individuals ranged between 5 and 26 years old at the least. Skeletal maturity seems to have been reached in a similar range as modern alligatoroids (gators reaching maximum size between 30 and 40 and caimans between 12 and 18). As with Trialestes earlier, there are some individuals that show signs of being fully grown, yet are less than half the size of other individuals, possibly indicating sexual dimorphism (female gators stop growing earlier and at a lower size than males) or environmental conditions that affected growth (though there is doubt cast over this latter interpretation). The study concludes that, based on Diplocynodon hantoniensis, alligatoroids are simply relatively conservative in their growth strategy and what we see in gators and caimans is likely their ancestral strategy, rather than having been developed independently.

Below: A photo of the skull of Diplocynodon hantoniensis (taken by John Cummings), not actually relevant to the study but I mean it shows what this thing looked like.

The sense of smell and EQ of Diplocynodon tormis

Moving away from the Eocene of the UK and to the Eocene of Spain, we got a different species of Diplocynodon as the main subject of "New data on the inner skull cavities of  Diplocynodon tormis  (Crocodylia, Diplocynodontinae) from the Duero Basin (Iberian Peninsula, Spain)". Specifically, the study deals with the description of and what we can learn from a CT-scan that gives us insights into the forebrain, olfactory bulbs, nasal cavity, air sinuses, etc..

Overall the shape of the brain matches the idea that Diplocynodon is an early alligatoroid, including some distinctive features of this clade and some traits that are basal to crocodilians. Like modern alligators, Diplocynodon tormis seems to have had a good sense of smell, though not as keen as that of crocodyloids. The holotype specimen falls within the upper values in terms of olfactory acuity among alligatoroids, but still clearly outside of the range exhibited by crocodyloids, while another studied specimen performed a lot poorer (though its also not as well preserved). As for cognitive abilities, the study also calcuated the Reptilian EQ of D. tormis. The authors note that the EQ of Diplocynodon tormis appears below the average of other medium-sized crocodilians and instead comes closer to the EQ of large forms. Tho it is also noted that damage to the specimen might have affected the results.

Left: A 3D model of the holotype skull of Diplocynodon tormis Right: A 3D model of that same skull but highlighting the various internal structures such as the brain, nasal cavity, nerves, etc..

A history, redescription and the biology of the teleosaur Macrospondylus

Ah Macrospondylus bollensis, once known under the name Steneosaurus (like every other teleosauroid lets be honest), perhaps one of the most well known members of this group given its extensive fossil record from the Posidonia Shale in Germany. Despite this, and also like many other teleosauroids, its history is confusing, long and just a whole can of worms. One dealt with in "A re-description of the teleosauroid Macrospondylus bollensis (Jaeger, 1828) from the Posidonienschiefer Formation of Germany".

To give you the abridged version, the holotype of Macrospondylus bollensis was found all the way back in 1755 (meaning it was discovered so long ago even Napoleon wasn't born yet) and quickly recognized as some sort of crocodile relative. It was named Crocodilus Bollensis in 1828, described in the 1830s and given the genus name Macrospondylus in 1831 (and then again by a different author in 1837, seemingly independent of the previous study).

Being this old, of course the fate of Macrospondylus would be shaped by historical events, specifically the German revolutions of 1848–1849, when a fire set by revolutionaries in Dresden grew out of control and spread to the collection, damaging but thankfully not destroying the fossil. Chaos ensued unrelated to that as various researchers proceeded to lump Macrospondylus into either Teleosaurus, Mystriosaurus or even Geosaurus before circling back to Crocodilus, eventually settling on Steneosaurus in the 1960s. Scientists did eventually grow wise to Steneosaurus being an overlumped wastebasket of a taxon, but this was not fixed until 2020 when this gordian knot was hacked to pieces once more, resulting in the revival of Macrospondylus.

Keeping all this confusion in mind, recent work including this paper still finds that Macrospondylus is actually the most abundant Toarcian teleosaur and especially common in Germany (no doubt thanks to the Posidonia Shale, this doesn't necessarily reflect how things were at the time). In terms of ecology, Macrospondylus may have been a long-snouted generalist, being able to consume a much wider selection of and overall bigger prey than some of its rarer relatives. Size might also have been a factor, since large Macrospondylus reach up to 5 meters in length and would therefore have access to more robust and larger prey. Its wide distribution might also suggest that it was less picky than other teleosauroids about where it lived and though previously suggested to have been more marine, this new study seems to favor the idea that it was still fairly amphibious throughout its life. This is interesting given that the Posidonia Shale, where so many specimen are known from, is a pelagic off-shore open ocean environment, with the potentially more terrestrial Platysuchus and the shallow water Plagiophthalmosuchus being much rarer. Of course, there is always the possibility that this idea of Macrospondylus being super common is skewed simply by the preservation and the excavation at Holzmaden, which as said before might not reflect the state of the entire species population.

Left: A fossil of Macrospondylus next to Dr. Michela Johnson, photo by Meike Rech Right: Thalattosuchians from Tübingen by Pascal Abel, the two skeletons on the left wall and the bottom slab on the right all represent Macrospondylus Bottom: Macrospondylus photographed by Sven Sachs

The metabolism of Notosuchians

Back to something less constrained to any specific taxon, we got "Revisiting the aerobic capacity of Notosuchia (Crocodyliformes, Mesoeucrocodylia)",a paper on notosuchian metabolism, which is one of those things that might surprise people unfamiliar with them.

Of course Notosuchia is the great post-Triassic terrestrial radiation of the crocodile-lineage, bringing forth a great diversity of land-dwelling froms from small omniv, ores, bulky herbivores and even lanky carnivores. Despite this, it might come as a surprise that they were in fact not "warm blooded". This is again reinforced by this months paper by Sena and colleagues, who recover that their mass-independent maximal metabolic rates lie somewhere between modern crocs and monitor lizards (which again fits with previous studies on the matter). This means that fitting with their anatomy and lifestyle, they were more active than modern crocs and able to sustain more vigorous activity. Being ecto-thermic, they were still dependent on outside temperatures to heat them up before they were able to really take things to their fullest. Consequently it has also been hypothesized quite a bit that to cool down, they might have entered burrows later in the day.

Left: Two Baurusuchus are shown hunting a small Caipirasuchus, with all individuals shown as being fast, agile and terrestrial. Artwork by Deverson da Silva Right: Armadillosuchus emerging from its burrow under a tree stump with a herd of sauropods in the back. Artwork by Julia d'Oliviera

Now, for what I'm guessing all five of you that made it this far have been waiting for. The newly named crocs....which I didn't have time to make dedicated posts for. Look shit sucks alright, weekends have been really brief this month and I feel very tired.

Pattisaura: A new sphenosuchian from Texas

Getting us started on Pattisaura, a new genus of "sphenosuchian" (I told you I'd come back to them) from the Late Triassic Cooper Canyon Formation of Texas. Described in "A new crocodylomorph (Pseudosuchia, Crocodylomorpha) from the Upper Triassic of Texas and its phylogenetic relationships", this little guy generally represents what one might see as a quintessential sphenosuchian. A somewhat body pointed skull with large eyes, terrestrial habits, long and slender legs, a far cry from what we tend to associate with crocodylomorpha today.

The name Pattisaura was coined in honor of Mrs. Patricia Kirkpatrick, who's family has let paleontologist look for fossils on their farm (gee I wonder why that name sounds familiar) and the species name gracilis derives from....I mean do I even need to say it?

Unsurprisingly, the phylogenetic analysis of this study shows that Sphenosuchia is paraphyletic and doesn't actually form a single clade, instead simply representing a series of consecutively branching early crocodylomorphs. What can be said is that Pattisaura seems to clade with Redondavenator.

While perhaps unassuming in size or ferocity, little Pattisaura is nonetheless an interesting addition to the pseudosuchian fauna of the Cooper Canyon Formation, which has previously yielded the remains of the phytosaur Machaeroprosopus, various aetosaurs including Desmatosuchus, Aetosaurus, Typothorax and Paratypothorax, poposauroids like Shuvosaurus and the iconic Postosuchus alongside many other Triassic classics such as drepanosaurs, silesaurids, lagerpetids, coelophysoids and more.

Left: The skull of Pattisaura photographed by Aaron dp Right: The skull in top, bottom and sideview, reconstructed to account for taphonomic distortion and damage to the material

Thilastikosuchus: Brazil's oldest notosuchian

And the final one for this month is Thilastikosuchus scutorectangularis (mammal crocodile with rectangular scutes) described in "Anatomical description and systematics of a new notosuchian (Mesoeucrocodylia; Crocodyliformes) from the Quiricó Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Sanfranciscana Basin, Brazil". This little guy, and I mean little as it is based on a juvenile specimen, was recovered from the Early Cretaceous Quiricó Formation of Brazil and represents a new member of the obscure family Candidodontidae.

To give a brief description, Thilastikosuchus was a small, slender-limbed animal, although admittedly we only have a juvenile to go off from. Its teeth are prominently heterodont, meaning that rather than having jaws filled with relatively similar conical teeth its dentition was a lot more diverse, specifically consisting of subconical incisiforms and molariforms with multiple cusps. The armor of the body, as the name suggests, is rectangular with a smooth outer and back edge, eventually transitioning into the square osteoderms of the tail that possess a prominent keel down their middle. As with most notosuchians, there were only two rows that run down along the spine, rather than the more complex armor seen in modern crocodiles.

Perhaps most interesting are the phylogenetic and evolutionary implications of this animal. Thilastikosuchus is the oldest known notosuchian from Brazil and perhaps even the oldest notosuchian of all of South America, which might have big implications for the groups evolution. It is placed as a member of the Candidodontidae, a family coined to include Candidodon and Malawisuchus but not always regarded as a distinct group throughout publications. This new paper specifically places them at the very base of Notosuchia, branching off even before Uruguaysuchidae and Peirosauria. Given the very mammal-like teeth of candidodontids, this raises the question whether or not such dentition was simply convergently evolved by them and sphagesaurids (assuming their position amongst notosuchians holds true) or if its the ancestral condition that was later lost by groups such as uruguaysuchids and baurusuchids. It also adds an interesting aspect to the diversification of the group. As things stand, the oldest known notosuchian is Razanandrongobe from the Jurassic of Madagascar, but this taxon and its significance are poorly understood. With this new paper, we definitely see a clear diversification of notosuchians in the earliest Cretaceous through candidodontids, another radiation later in the Albian with uruguaysuchids and peirosaurs and a final burst in diversity towards the end of the Cretaceous with the numerous forms known from the Bauru group.

Left: Skeletal reconstruction of Thilastikosuchus with special focus on the osteoderms by Felipe Alves Elias Right: Live reconstruction by the same artist with an adult individual looming in the background

[odinsblog]

The iridescence of an Anna's hummingbird's feathers is caused by the way light reflects off the feather's microstructure, which changes depending on the viewing angle.

[horizontitanium]

The properties of metals are determined by their metallurgy, and for applications such as medical use, these properties must be optimized. To achieve this, international standards specify the required microstructure. Two key standards for medical titanium materials are ASTM F136 and ISO 5832-3.

ISO 5832-3 defines microstructure classes with specific alpha and beta morphologies and phase distributions, detailed through micrographs. In contrast, ASTM F136 outlines microstructure requirements without specifying exact classes or providing micrographs, thus omitting precise details on alpha and beta phase distributions.

To illustrate this, consider the example of the color blue. ASTM F136 broadly accepts any shade of blue for medical applications. However, ISO 5832-3 specifies exact color codes, categorizing shades from Class Sr. No. A1 to A9, and thus sets rigorous microstructure requirements for medical grades. ASTM F136 lacks this level of detail and does not categorize shades of blue, merely stating that any blue is acceptable for medical use.

Therefore, adhering to the ISO 5832-3 standard is crucial for ensuring the precise microstructure requirements in Titanium materials needed for medical device manufacturing.

To know more about the importance of microstructure in titanium materials for medical applications, write us at info@horizontitanium.com