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Scientists Unveil New Ice Form That Could Transform Understanding of Water

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) discovered Ice XXI under ultrahigh pressure above 2 gigapascals at room temperature.
The work used a dynamic diamond anvil cell and the European XFEL to reveal microsecond crystallization pathways.
Ice XXI has a flattened rectangular structure that differs from earlier ice forms.
The findings advance understanding of water phase transitions and may impact life in extreme environments.

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Story summary

Scientists at the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) discovered Ice XXI under ultrahigh pressure above 2 gigapascals at room temperature.
The work used a dynamic diamond anvil cell and the European XFEL to reveal microsecond crystallization pathways.
Ice XXI has a flattened rectangular structure that differs from earlier ice forms.
The findings advance understanding of water phase transitions and may impact life in extreme environments.