Better memory with faster lasers

Using ultrafast laser pulses that speed up the data recording process, researchers adopted a novel technique, ultrafast electron crystallography (UEC), to visualize directly in four dimensions the changing atomic configurations of the materials undergoing the phase changes.

Discovery of nanotubes offers new clues about cell-to-cell communication

Certain types of stem cells use microscopic, threadlike nanotubes to communicate with neighboring cells, like a landline phone connection, rather than sending a broadcast signal, researchers have discovered.

Emergence of a 'devil's staircase' in a spin-valve system

Researchers observed how spins form unusual magnetic structures in a complex cobalt oxide single crystal. Such a material offers new perspectives for spintronic applications.

Ultra-stable microscopy technique tracks tiny objects for hours

Researchers have designed a microscope instrument so stable that it can accurately measure the 3D movement of individual molecules over many hours - hundreds of times longer than the current limit measured in seconds.

Interface engineering leads to advances in organic spintronics

Designing, understanding, and controlling the interface formation between molecular semiconductors and ferromagnets are important to the development of organic spintronics because the interface plays a critical role in determining the efficiency of spin injection and detection.

'How-to? website documents procedures for nanotechnology EHS research and testing

To help nano-EHS (Environment, Health and Safety) researchers navigate the often complex measurement issues, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched a new website devoted to NIST-developed (or co-developed) and validated laboratory protocols for nano-EHS studies.

Clues to inner atomic life from subtle light-emission shifts

Hyperfine structure of light absorption by short-lived cadmium atom isotopes reveals characteristics of the nucleus that matter for high precision detection methods.

Launch of the European Nano-Characterisation Laboratory

Project combines expertise of 9 partners in 8 countries to foster nanomedicine innovation and facilitate regulatory approval.

Switchable cages - Self-assembly of molecular Archimedean polyhedra

Chemists truly went back to the drawing board to develop new X-shaped organic building blocks that can be linked together by metal ions to form an Archimedean cuboctahedron. They report that by changing the concentration or using different counterions, the cuboctahedron can be reversibly split into two octahedra - an interesting new type of fusion?fission switching process.

Implantable microfluidic system regulates internal ocular pressure

Elevated or diminished eye pressure impairs our ability to see, and in the worst cases, can even lead to blindness. Until now, there has been no effective long-term treatment. In response, researchers are developing an implantable microfluid system that can efficiently and durably stabilize intraocular pressure.

Producing spin-entangled electrons

Researchers have successfully produced pairs of spin-entangled electrons and demonstrated, for the first time, that these electrons remain entangled even when they are separated from one another on a chip.

Self-assembled 2D materials for cheaper solar energy storage

Building on a unique idea, scientists have developed a cost-effective new method for converting and storing solar energy into hydrogen.

Bio-inspired catalyst paves the way to gas-to-liquid technologies

A new bio-inspired zeolite catalyst might pave the way to small scale gas-to-liquid technologies converting natural gas to fuels and starting materials for the chemical industry. Investigating the mechanism of the selective oxidation of methane to methanol they identified a copper-oxo-cluster as the active center inside the zeolite micropores.

New graphene supercapacitor structure inspired by the intricate design of leaves

A team of scientists in Korea has devised a new method for making a graphene film for supercapacitors.

Zooming in on the right molecule

The world is built up of molecules that join together and form different building blocks; new software makes it easier to zoom right in to the individual molecule.