Heat radiates 10,000 times faster at the nanoscale

In a unique ultra-low vibration lab, engineers have measured how heat radiates from one surface to another in a vacuum at distances down to 2 nanometers.

Viable single-molecule diodes

Researchers have designed a new technique to create single-molecule diodes that perform 50 times better than all prior designs.

Study reveals essential ingredients for nanowire growth

As semiconductor nanowires emerge as indispensable building blocks for next-generation electronic, energy conversion, and photonic devices (i.e. solar panels, lasers), better understanding how to direct nanowire growth is vital.

Diamondoid monolayer increases electron gun emission 13,000-fold

Scientists have figured out how to increase electron flows in electron guns 13,000-fold by applying a single layer of diamondoids ? tiny, perfect diamond cages ? to an electron gun?s sharp gold tip.

Characterization of soft magnetic nanocomposites

Optimizing the performance of soft magnetic materials requires an understanding of the nanostructure and consideration of the local composition of each phase.

Physics of wrapping miniature droplets takes cue from street foods (w/video)

Research on soft condensed matter physics focuses on substances that can be easily bent or deformed, such as liquids, foams, and gels. In this case, scientists investigated the way very thin elastic sheets wrap droplets of water.

Nanocatalsysts key to developing diesel that emits far less CO2

Researchers have discovered a new approach to the production of fuels. Their new method can be used to produce much cleaner diesel. It can quickly be scaled up for industrial use. In 5 to 10 years, we may see the first cars driven by this new clean diesel.

Quantum physics problem proved unsolvable

A mathematical problem underlying fundamental questions in particle and quantum physics is provably unsolvable, according to a new report. The findings are important because they show that even a perfect and complete description of the microscopic properties of a material is not enough to predict its macroscopic behavior.

Hierarchical self-assembly of supramolecular muscle-like fibers

Scientists have introduced a method for making an artificial muscle that is based on the hierarchical self-assembly of supramolecular muscle-like fibers. Using this technique, they were able to amplify a molecular motion up to the microscopic scale.