Japanese scientists have discovered a new type of transparent magnet with the same properties as a permanent magnet that could increase the versatility of information technology, according to the U.S. journal Science.
A draft of the findings, posted on the magazine's Web site Friday, showed that the newly discovered material is a type of permanent magnet called ferromagnet, a substance with magnetic properties resembling those of iron.
The study also showed that the ferromagnet has similar properties to a semiconductor, so it can be used in designing electronic circuits and storage cells. It also has potential for creating electronic components and next-generation displays.