Thursday, December 18, 2014

Instant-start computers possible with new breakthrough

If data could instead be encoded without current it would require much less energy, and make things like low-power, instant-on computing a ubiquitous reality. Researchers have made a breakthrough in that direction with a room-temperature magnetoelectric memory device. Equivalent to one computer bit, it exhibits the holy grail of next-generation nonvolatile memory: magnetic switchability, in two steps, with nothing but an electric field.

Bringing oxides into the visible realm

New method to reduce the optical band gap of strontium titantate thin films.


Researchers glimpse pathway of sunlight to electricity

Four pulses of laser light on nanoparticle photocells in a spectroscopy experiment has opened a window on how captured sunlight can be converted into electricity.


Creation of 'Rocker' protein opens way for new smart molecules in medicine

Human cells are protected by a largely impenetrable molecular membrane, but researchers have built the first artificial transporter protein that carries individual atoms across membranes, opening the possibility of engineering a new class of smart molecules with applications in fields as wide ranging as nanotechnology and medicine.


Revealing the quantum geometry of the graphene lattice

Team realizes an Aharonov-Bohm type interferometer to measure the band topology in graphene type lattices.


Scientists identify metal organic framework candidates for methane storage

Cars that run on natural gas are touted as efficient and environmentally friendly, but getting enough gas onboard to make them practical is a hurdle. A new study led by researchers at Rice University promises to help.


Multiferroic heroics put instant-on computing in sight

Reseaerchers have made a breakthrough in that direction with a room-temperature magnetoelectric memory device. Equivalent to one computer bit, it exhibits the holy grail of next-generation nonvolatile memory: magnetic switchability, in two steps, with nothing but an electric field.

Research aims to improve rechargeable batteries by focusing on graphene oxide paper

An engineering team has discovered some of graphene oxide's important properties that can improve sodium- and lithium-ion flexible batteries.

New sensor could improve one of nanotechnology's most useful microscopes

Spotting molecule-sized features may become both easier and more accurate with a sensor developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With their new design, NIST scientists may have found a way to sidestep some of the problems in calibrating atomic force microscopes (AFMs).


Gold nanorods target cancer cells

Using tiny gold nanorods, researchers have demonstrated a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy.


New technique moves researchers closer to new range of GaN biosensors

Researchers have found a way of binding peptides to the surface of gallium nitride (GaN) in a way that keeps the peptides stable even when exposed to water and radiation. The discovery moves researchers one step closer to developing a new range of biosensors for use in medical and biological research applications.

Electron spin could be the key to high-temperature superconductivity

Scientists take a significant step in our understanding of superconductivity by studying the strange quantum events in a unique superconducting material.


EU publishes nanomaterial guidance for employers and workers

This Guidance document offers an overview of the issues surrounding the safe use of manufactured nanomaterials in the workplace, sets out the broad outlines of preventive action and provides a practical tool for complying with specific aspects of ensuring workers' safety, such as risk assessment and risk management.