Sony, for example, uses a blend of tin and other materials for some of its lithium-ion batteries.

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These include Yuri Suzuki, a materials scientist at the University of California, Berkeley, who is building stacks of metal oxides in the hopes that, when combined with carbon-based materials, they'll blend into a new kind of semiconductor that can control spin at normal temperatures.

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"The M-Series family utilizes a blend of thoughtful design detailing, minimalist construction and premium materials to create a line of HDTVs consumers will be proud to showcase in their homes, " said Scott McManigal, VIZIO VP of Design.

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They look bulky but weigh little, because he constructs them from lightweight materials such as titanium, carbon nanofiber and alusic (a blend of aluminum and silicon carbide).

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