Scientists make quantum leap with simple water molecule

Chinese scientists have become the first to directly observe the atomic structure of a hydrated sodium ion - the basic chemical makeup of seawater.

The technology can be used to study other water-based liquids, opening new avenues for molecular and materials sciences, experts said on Monday in the science journal Nature.

It is the first time scientists have been able to visualize the atomic structure of hydrated ions in their natural environment since the notion was proposed more than a hundred years ago.