Boron nitride nanosheets as super-absorbent material to soak up oil spills

Researchers have manufactured and tested a new material, called a boron nitride nanosheet, that can absorb up to 33 times its weight in oils and organic solvents - a trait that could make it an important technology for quickly mitigating these costly accidents.

Researcher to build internal nanotechnology device to simplify blood sugar testing

What if a diabetic never had to prick a finger to monitor his or her blood-glucose levels, and instead could rely on an internal, nanoscale device to analyze blood continuously and transmit readings to a hand-held scanner?

Doping powers new thermoelectric material

Adding sodium produces material that is most efficient at converting heat to electricity.

Nanostructures behind a tarantula's blue hue could improve displays

Scientists recently discovered that tiny, multilayer nanostructures inside a tarantula's hair are responsible for its vibrant color. The science behind how these hair-raising spiders developed their blue hue may lead to new ways to improve computer or TV screens using biomimicry.

Liquid foam: Plastic, elastic and fluid

Physicists have gained new insights into predicting how complex fluids react under stretching conditions due to the interplay between elasticity, plasticity and flow.

Nanomembrane technology improves the removal of salt from seawater

The membrane is partly made from silicon and overcomes several challenges of existing designs by tolerating the harsh conditions inside desalination plant equipment.

Researchers find new phase of carbon, make diamond at room temperature

Researchers have discovered a new phase of solid carbon, called Q-carbon, which is distinct from the known phases of graphite and diamond. They have also developed a technique for using Q-carbon to make diamond-related structures at room temperature and at ambient atmospheric pressure in air.

Physicists show skyrmions can exist in ferroelectrics

New theoretical physics research shows that swirling particles known as skyrmions, which have been found in magnetic systems, can also exist in ferroelectrics.

Tapping particles of light

Researchers have managed to 'pluck' a single photon - one particle of light - out of a pulse of light.

The switch molecule

A new kind of switch which operates at the nanometre scale has been presented by an international research team. The switch's state can be altered in a targeted manner using a single electron.

Researchers introduce new route to thermal measurements with nanometer resolution

Scientists reported on a versatile platform for nanoscale thermal measurements based on a combination of magnetic resonance, and optical and atomic force microscopy.

Highly tunable hybrid metamaterials fabricated using graphene

Researchers have demonstrated how the extraordinary properties of graphene can be exploited to create artificial structures that can be used to control and manipulate electromagnetic radiation over a wide range of wavelengths.

Tiny octopods catalyze bright nanotechnology ideas

New study shows plasmonic sensors and catalysts need not be mutually exclusive.

Researchers create electronic plants

Researchers have shown that, using semi-conductive polymers, both analog and digital electronic circuits can be created inside living flowers, bushes and trees.

Totally repellent - Quick and easy coating process makes surfaces omniphobic

Scientists have introduced a new method for making transparent, dirt-repellant coatings that can be applied very quickly and easily. The coatings repel both water and oily liquids and are stable at higher pressures and temperatures.

What effect do plastic nanoparticles have on the marine environment?

New research will look at the effect which even the most microscopic plastic particles can have on the marine environment.

A sensitive approach to atom counting

Measurements of scattered photons can be used to detect the number of atoms trapped in the troughs of an optical lattice.

Graphene microphone outperforms traditional nickel and offers ultrasonic reach

Scientists have developed a graphene based microphone nearly 32 times more sensitive than microphones of standard nickel-based construction.

Doping powers new thermoelectric material

Researchers report that doping tin selenide with sodium boosts its performance as a thermoelectric material, pushing it toward usefulness. The doped material produces a significantly greater amount of electricity than the undoped material, given the same amount of heat input.

Coming to a monitor near you: a defect-free, molecule-thick film

An emerging class of atomically thin materials known as monolayer semiconductors has generated a great deal of buzz in the world of materials science. Monolayers hold promise in the development of transparent LED displays, ultra-high efficiency solar cells, photo detectors and nanoscale transistors.

Physicists develop new technique to fathom 'smart' materials with graphene

Physicists have found a way to better understand the properties of manmade 'smart' materials. Their method reveals how stacked layers in such a material work together to bring the material to a higher level.

Whisper gallery modes in silicon nanocones intensify luminescence

Silicon nanocones generate 200 times as much infrared luminescence as comparably sized nanocolumns when excited by visible light. Modelling and experimental results show that due to their geometry, cones are able to sustain what is referred to as whispering gallery modes at infrared wavelengths which can intensify the silicon luminescence. New applications are conceivable, including silicon-based nanolasers.

Peering into cell structures where neurodiseases emerge

A latticework of tiny tubes called microtubules gives your cells their shape and also acts like a railroad track that essential proteins travel on. But if there is a glitch in the connection between train and track, diseases can occur. Researchers reveal for the first time - atom by atom - the structure of one of these proteins bound to a microtubule.

Nanotechnology makes metal wires on solar cells nearly invisible to light

Scientists have discovered how to hide the reflective upper contact and funnel light directly to the semiconductor below. Their findings could lead to a new paradigm in the design and fabrication of solar cells.

Dimensionality transition in a newly created material

Iron oxides occur in nature in many forms, often significantly different from each other in terms of structure and physical properties. However, a new variety of iron oxide surprised both physicists and engineers, as it revealed features previously unobserved in any other material.

Nano-antennas assist in improving spatial resolution of terahertz microscopy

Researchers have demonstrated a detector for terahertz waves with integrated optical nano-antennas. The detector enables enhanced spatial resolution in terahertz microscopy.

Quantum insulation

Two physical phenomena, localization and ergodicity-breaking, are conjoined in new experimental and theoretical work.

A new form of real gold, almost as light as air

Scientists have produced a new kind of foam out of gold, a three-dimensional mesh of gold that consists mostly of pores. It is the lightest gold nugget ever created.

Developing a fundamental understanding of pyroelectric effect at the nanoscale

Researchers are seeking ways to harness heat energy lost from automobiles, buildings and other devices.

New 'self-healing' gel makes electronics more flexible

Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind self-healing gel that repairs and connects electronic circuits, creating opportunities to advance the development of flexible electronics, biosensors and batteries as energy storage devices.

Nanoparticles simplify DNA identification and quantification

Researchers successfully applied a new qualitative and quantitative method for the detection of a DNA sequence characteristic of Leishmania infantum kinetoplast, a frequent parasite in veterinary that affects humans too.

Turning metals into insulators and back again

Researchers have examined the effect of ultrafast laser pulses on a low temperature superconducting material. Studying the way that light interacts with the superconductor at room temperature - and the effects of laser pulses on the material - gives insight into the change between metals and insulators.

Stretch the new flex for programmable rubber keyboard

Scientists have developed a soft, flexible, stretchable keyboard using a type of rubber known as a dielectric elastomer.

Mathematicians identify limits to heat flow at the nanoscale

New formula identifies limits to nanoscale heat transfer, may help optimize devices that convert heat to electricity.

A sticky breakthrough

In an important step toward creating a practical underwater glue, researchers have designed a synthetic material that combines the key functionalities of interfacial mussel foot proteins, creating a single, low-molecular-weight, one-component adhesive.

Enroute to a quantum computer

Physicists detect mechanisms in semiconductor nanostructures which can cause stored quantum information to be lost and inhibit this by applying magnetic fields.

Versatile single-chip sensor for ion detection in fluids

Researchers have demonstrated a prototype of a single-chip electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of multiple ions in fluids. The demonstrator paves the way to small-sized and low-cost detection systems for agriculture, healthcare and lifestyle applications, food quality monitoring and water management.

Nanotechnology sensor sends electronic signal when it detects estrogen

Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect low levels of E2, one of the primary estrogen hormones, in liquids.

Inkjet hologram printing with nanocrystalline ink

Vivid holographic images and text can now be produced by means of an ordinary inkjet printer. This new method is expected to significantly reduce the cost and time needed to create the so-called rainbow holograms, commonly used for security purposes - to protect valuable items, such as credit cards and paper currency, from piracy and falsification.

Sensor sees nerve action as it happens

Technique provides first real-time, eagle-eye view of neural activity in mammal brains.

A new way to make X-rays with graphene

Researchers have found a phenomenon that might lead to more compact, tunable X-ray devices made of graphene.

European Nanoelectronics Infrastructure now open for access

This EU programm enables researchers to gain fast and easy access to Europe?s leading nanoelectronics institutes.

New, inexpensive way to clean water from oil sands production with nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a process to remove contaminants from oil sands wastewater using only sunlight and nanoparticles that is more effective and inexpensive than conventional treatment methods.

Using light-force to study single molecules

Scientists show how a light-induced force can amplify the sensitivity and resolution of a technique used to study single molecules.

Biomedical imaging at one-thousandth the cost

Mathematical modeling enables $100 depth sensor to approximate the measurements of a $100,000 piece of lab equipment.

Nanomagnets: Creating order out of chaos

Miniaturization is the magic word when it comes to nanomagnetic devices intended for use in new types of electronic components. Scientists now have proposed the use of ion beams for their fabrication. An ultra-fine beam consisting of around 10 neon ions suffices to bring several hundred atoms of an iron-aluminum alloy into disarray and thereby generate a nanomagnet embedded directly in the material.

International Graphene Centre launches in Beijing

The China-UK collaborative effort to support the development an international graphene standards and testing centre was officially launched at Zhongguancun Fengtai Science Park, Beijing, China. As the demand for international standards for testing graphene increases, the Centre in Beijing will lay the foundation for the development of graphene industry and high-end applications in China.

Detecting single cancer cells before they form metastases

Researchers develop a new method to detect cancer cells in the blood before they settle in the tissue and form a new tumor.

Manipulating transistors at terahertz frequencies

An interdisciplinary research team has found a way of accessing the interior of transistors. The researchers have manipulated the electron gas contained within by applying resonators to generate rhythmic oscillation in the terahertz range inside.

A new method of constructing nanowires for use as semiconductors

Physicists have discovered novel behaviours of materials that could enhance telecommunications technology.

Higher solar cell efficiency thanks to perovskite magic crystal

Researchers have come up with a procedure that makes it possible to produce thin film tandem solar cells in which a thin perovskite layer is used. The processing of peroveskite takes place at just 50 degrees Celsius and such a process is potentially applicable for low cost roll-to-roll production in future.

Electric fields remove nanoparticles from blood with ease

Engineers have developed a new technology that uses an oscillating electric field to easily and quickly isolate drug-delivery nanoparticles from blood. The technology could serve as a general tool to separate and recover nanoparticles from other complex fluids for medical, environmental, and industrial applications.

Smart sensor detects single molecule in chemical compounds

Researchers have developed a smart sensor that can detect single molecules in chemical and biological compounds - a highly valued function in medicine, security and defence.

Tiny robots inspired by pine cones and powered by humidity (w/video)

Here come futuristic, plant-inspired microrobots that are powered simply through changes in environmental humidity - no batteries or electrical components at all.

A new strategy to fabricate self-assembled catalytic materials

Researchers designed a novel bottom-up scalable process, using low cost chemical ingredients, to create three dimensional porous architectures from silica - with a complexity rivalling that found in nature.

Quantum simulation: A better understanding of magnetism

Physicists use ultracold atoms to imitate the behaviour of electrons in a solid.

Breakthrough allows tracking of single molecules in 3-D with nanoscale accuracy

New method builds on Nobel Prize-winning technique, with exciting implications for understanding the inner workings of cells and neurons.

Melting of frozen frustrations

Computations reveal how quantum interactions can break a deadlock in magnetic spin ice oxides.

Producing large-area graphene around 100 times cheaper than ever before

Affordable graphene production could lead to a wide range of new technologies reaching the market, including synthetic skin capable of providing sensory feedback to people with limb prostheses.

Superhero boom inspires science contest for nanotechnology-inspired gear

A brand-new competition, awarding finalists the opportunity to present their entries at the 2016 USA Science and Engineering Festival and compete for cash prizes, opens today for high school students interested in science, engineering and superpowers.

Atomic-level imaging captures real-time view of evolving fuel cell catalysts

Atomic-level imaging of catalysts could help manufacturers lower the cost and improve the performance of emission-free fuel cell technologies.

Nanocarriers may carry new hope for brain cancer therapy

Researchers have developed a new family of nanocarriers, called 3HM, that meets all the size and stability requirements for effectively delivering therapeutic drugs to the brain for the treatment of a deadly form of cancer known as glioblastoma multiforme.