Core Insights - Precious metals have been a symbol of wealth and power throughout history, and they play a crucial role in various modern industries, including technology, healthcare, and electronics [1] Group 1: Characteristics of Precious Metals - Precious metals are defined as rare, high-density metals with significant economic value, including Ruthenium (Ru), Rhodium (Rh), Palladium (Pd), Osmium (Os), Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Silver (Ag), and Gold (Au) [1] - The abundance of these metals in the Earth's crust is extremely low, with concentrations measured in grams per ton: Silver 0.1, Palladium 0.01, Gold and Platinum 0.005, and Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Osmium 0.001 [1] - Silver excels in electrical and thermal conductivity, while Gold ranks third, and Platinum group metals are known for their thermal stability in electronic applications [3] - Gold and Silver possess exceptional malleability, with 1 gram of Gold capable of being drawn into a wire measuring 3420 meters [3] Group 2: Applications of Precious Metals - Precious metals are ideal for jewelry due to their aesthetic qualities, with Silver reflecting white light most effectively and Gold reflecting infrared light strongly [4] - The ability of precious metals to absorb gases like oxygen and hydrogen makes them valuable in catalytic reactions and gas purification processes [6] - Precious metals exhibit high corrosion resistance, with Iridium being the most resistant, making them suitable for use in harsh chemical environments [7] - Palladium catalysts can enhance organic reaction rates by up to 1 million times, playing a vital role in automotive emissions control and petroleum refining [9] Group 3: Industry Impact - In the electronics industry, Gold, Silver, and Platinum are used for their excellent conductivity and stability, with Gold ensuring stable electronic signal transmission [13] - Platinum and Palladium are increasingly in demand for automotive catalytic converters due to stricter environmental regulations [14] - In aerospace, precious metals are used in high-temperature alloys for critical engine components, capable of withstanding extreme conditions [15] - Precious metals are essential in the chemical industry for processes like nitric acid production and petroleum reforming, improving reaction efficiency and reducing costs [18] Group 4: Financial and Economic Role - Historically, Gold and Silver served as currency and continue to influence monetary value, with central banks holding significant Gold reserves to enhance currency credibility [19] - The precious metals market is vast, with Gold being the largest segment, and prices are influenced by various factors, including economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions [21] - Platinum and Palladium prices are closely tied to the automotive industry, with demand driven by vehicle sales and environmental regulations [21] Group 5: Future Outlook - Precious metals are positioned as key players in future technological advancements and sustainable development, serving as catalysts in energy and life sciences [22]

在上个月发表的一项新研究中，美国布朗大学的研究团队发现，把超级小的"金子"注射到小鼠的眼睛里之后，这些患有视网膜疾病的小鼠恢复了一部分视 力。 往眼球里注入"小金条"，图源：Brown University 往眼球注射药物，并不是一件新鲜事，但往眼球里注射"金子"，确实新鲜。 这意味着这种方法可以刺激视觉系统，将来经过进一步的研究，或许能应用在人的眼睛上，治疗某些视网膜疾病，帮助患者恢复视力。 如何获得"黄金眼" 这些"金子"其实是金纳米颗粒（gold nanoparticles）。它们很小很小，比人的头发丝直径的千分之一还细。 在实验中，研究团队先把液态纳米粒子溶液注射到小鼠的眼睛中，确切地说是视网膜和晶状体之间充满凝胶的玻璃体腔中。 因此，如果能开发一种把纳米粒子与激光技术相结合的可穿戴系统，其中摄像头负责收集现实世界的图像，并将其转换成激光脉冲，射向视网膜，那这些 脉冲就会激活纳米粒子，帮助大脑感知视觉信息。 图源：参考资料[1] 图源：参考资料[1] 除了纳米颗粒，该实验还需要红外光配合。研究人员使用了图案化的近红外激光，把形状投射到视网膜上。通过使用钙信号追踪细胞活动，研究发现纳米 粒子以与激光投射 ...