Near zero friction from nanoscale lubricants

Researchers have attained superlubricity, the near absence of friction, at a carbon-silica interface using nanodiamonds wrapped in graphene flakes.

Evaporation-powered motor and light

Bacterial spore-polymer composites harness energy from evaporation to power locomotion and generate electricity.

Plant-inspired power plants

A team of chemical engineers recently identified the two main factors for determining the optimal catalyst for turning atmospheric CO2 into liquid fuel. The results of the study will streamline the search for an inexpensive yet highly effective new catalyst.

New probe advances understanding of photoelectrodes

Scientists have developed a new probe that could lead to a better photoelectrochemical cell.

Researchers develop nanoscale probes for ssDNA sustainability under UV radiation

Innovative approach integrating multi-color fluorescence experiments with quantum mechanical theory has great potential for monitoring DNA radiation damage live.

Scientists report a high performance nanoparticle electrocatalyst

Scientists have reported highly durable and active intermetallic platinum-iron (PtFe) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with nitrogen (N) doped carbon shell.

Local-strain techniques in FD-SOI fabrication improve Next-generation performance, energy use

Engineers have developed two techniques to induce local strain in FD-SOI processes for next-generation FD-SOI circuits that will produce more speed at the same, or lower, power consumption, and improve performance.

An elegant method for fitting various functional coatings to silicon microwires

The method makes it possible to create relatively easily a wire that is coated on its lower side with platinum, for example, and with silver on top. The wires can be used potentially for generating renewable energy or for purifying water.

Minuscule pillars double the efficiency of solar cells

Solar cells are generally flat. However, by adding minuscule silicon pillars to the surface, it is possible to more than double the amount of energy produced for each surface.

A new way to deliver microRNAs for cancer treatment

Scientists exploit gene therapy to shrink tumors in mice with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Using atoms to turn optical nanofiber guided light on and off

Researchers have created a light-mediated on/off switch in optical nanofibers that could be used for transferring quantum information in the future.