Superconductor. Molecular model of the crystal structure of magnesium diboride (MgB2), a new super-conductor. Red spheres represent magnesium atoms and purple represent boron atoms. Coloured rods represent bonds between the atoms. This metallic compound is capable of carrying large electrical currents without resistance and operates at high temperatures (-234 degrees Celsius) relative to other superconductors. Its superconducting properties were discovered by a team of Japanese physicists in 2001. The use of superconducting materials in electrical wires could potentially dramatically reduce energy losses in power transmission.