Graphene lid revitalizes imaging technique

By capping liquids with graphene, an ultrathin sheet of pure carbon, researchers have revitalized and extended a powerful technique to image surfaces.

Stretching the boundaries of neural implants

Rubbery, multifunctional nanowire-coated fibers could be used to study spinal cord neurons and potentially restore function.

Next generation perovskite solar cells with new world-record performance

A recent study has presented a new cost-efficient way to produce inorganic-organic hybrid perovskite solar cells which sets a new world-record efficiency performance, in particular photostability.

Bio-inspired graphene-based energy storage

Graphene-based electrode prototype, inspired by fern leaves, could be the answer to solar energy storage challenge.

Rampant use of antibacterial nanosilver is a resistance risk

Scientists warn that the broad-spectrum antimicrobial effectiveness of silver is being put at risk by the widespread and inappropriate expansion of nanosilver use in medical and consumer goods.

Twisted semiconductors for future moving holograms

Researchers have discovered a way to mass produce spiral semiconductors that can take that important, light-coiling step.

Open-source software unlocks 3-D view of nanomaterials

Now it's possible for anyone to see and share 3-D nanoscale imagery with a new open-source software platform.

New technique for the controlled introduction of substances through the cell membrane

Scientists describe a new molecular strategy to cross the outer barrier of cells.

New ultrafast flexible and transparent memory devices could herald new era of electronics

An innovative new technique to produce the quickest, smallest, highest-capacity memories for flexible and transparent applications could pave the way for a future golden age of electronics.

Researchers reveal atomic-level activity of green catalyst used in PVC production

An international group of scientists has unlocked the secret of a gold-based catalyst that is responsible for a new, environmentally friendly method of producing the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) that is used to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the world's third-most widely used plastic.

What happens in the living cell?

'Molecular activity painting' to control and monitor switch-like, light-controlled perturbations inside cells.

Rotating molecules create a brighter future

Scientists have discovered a group of materials which could pave the way for a new generation of high-efficiency lighting, solving a quandary which has inhibited the performance of display technology for decades.

New electron microscope sees more than an image

A novel electron microscope pixel array detector (EMPAD) yields not just an image, but a wealth of information about the electrons that create the image and, from that, more about the structure of the sample.

Triple-threat cancer-fighting polymer capsules for guided drug delivery

These microcarriers may offer an entirely different approach to treating solid human tumors of numerous pathologic subtypes by delivering their encapsulated drug cargo to a tumor and protecting against collateral tissue damage.

Sculpting optical microstructures with slight changes in chemistry

Theory helps better understand and control microfabrication.

'Fuzzy' fibers can take rockets' heat

Researchers create tough material for next generation of powerful engines.

Built from the bottom up, nanoribbons pave the way to 'on-off' states for graphene

A new way to grow narrow ribbons of graphene, a lightweight and strong structure of single-atom-thick carbon atoms linked into hexagons, may address a shortcoming that has prevented the material from achieving its full potential in electronic applications.

Engineer patents waterlike polymer to create high-temperature ceramics

Ceramic textiles, improved jet engine blades, 3-D printed ceramics and better batteries may soon become a reality, thanks to a recently patented polymer.

Next-generation software supports explorations beyond the nanoworld into the intramolecular picoworld

A recent upgrade to data acquisition and visualization software more than 20 years in the making enhances scientists' ability to observe and control individual atoms and molecular interactions.

The beginning of the end of order

Classical physics states that a crystal consists of perfectly ordered particles from a continuous symmetrical atomic structure. The Mermin-Wagner theorem from 1966 broke with this view: it states that in one-dimensional and two-dimensional atomic structures (for example in an atomic chain or membrane) there cannot be perfect ordering of particles over long ranges.

Beyond graphene: Advances make reduced graphene oxide electronics feasible

Researchers have developed a technique for converting positively charged (p-type) reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into negatively charged (n-type) rGO, creating a layered material that can be used to develop rGO-based transistors for use in electronic devices.

Surface roughness accelerates liquid-liquid transition

Opening a new route for controlling transformation between two liquid states.

Nanomagnets for future data storage

An international team of researchers has developed a method for depositing single magnetisable atoms onto a surface. This is especially interesting for the development of new miniature data storage devices.

Watching atoms race

Scientists have been able to observe the movement of a one-dimensional material in real-time. Their research confirms that the acceleration of the atoms could leave even a Porsche standing.

Team highlights work on tuning block polymers for nanostructured systems

Block polymers, which are two or more polymer chains with different properties linked together, show great promise for many of these applications, and a research group has made significant strides in their development over the past several years.

Atomic 're-packing' behind metallic glass mystery

A new method uncovers a four-decade mystery about metallic glass that could allow researchers to fine-tune its properties to develop new materials.

Plasmonic Goldfinger - integrating nanoparticles into transparent nailpolish

Researchers have developed a new way to add silver and gold to nail polish with minimal additives, resulting in durable, tinted - and potentially antibacterial - nail coloring.

Stretchy silver for flexible phones

Working with silver nanowires just a few hundred atoms thick, researchers discovered that they could make wires that were both super-strong and stretchy like gum.

Legos and origami inspire next-generation materials

Inspired by the fun of playing with Legos, an international team of researchers have used the idea of assembling building-blocks to make the promise of next-generation materials a practical reality.

Reusable carbon nanotubes could be the water filter of the future

A new class of carbon nanotubes could be the next-generation clean-up crew for toxic sludge and contaminated water, according to a new study.

Programmable RNA nanoparticles could protect against Zika virus

Using a new strategy that can rapidly generate customized RNA vaccines, researchers have devised a new vaccine candidate for the Zika virus.

Organic-inorganic heterostructures with programmable electronic properties

A novel supramolecular strategy introduces tunable 1D periodic potentials upon self-assembly of ad hoc organic building blocks on graphene, opening the way to the realization of hybrid organic?inorganic multilayer materials with unique electronic and optical properties.

Decorating single layer and bilayer graphene with useful chemical groups

Researchers have disclosed a new method to add chemical groups on single layer and bilayer graphene lying on silica/silicon. This study also suggests how decorated graphene serves as a platform to produce 2D materials with new characteristics.

Nanomaterial makes laser light more applicable

International research team creates hybrid material with a fascinating structure.

Ink-jet printable and biocompatible layered electronics

Researchers have developed biocompatible, water-based inks containing graphene and related layered materials as building blocks for ink-jet printable electronic devices.

Reliable molecular toggle switch developed

Researchers have succeeded in developing a molecular toggle switch that does not only remain in the position selected, but can also be flipped as often as desired.

Information storage with a nanoscale twist

Discovery of a novel rotational force inside magnetic vortices makes it easier to design ultrahigh capacity disk drives.

Information storage with a nanoscale twist

Discovery of a novel rotational force inside magnetic vortices makes it easier to design ultrahigh capacity disk drives.

Clarifying how lithium ions ferry around in rechargeable batteries

Scientists observe the real-time ultrafast bonding of lithium ions with the solvents, in the same process that happens during charging and discharging of lithium batteries, and conclude that a new theory is needed.

It is easier for a DNA knot...

Scientists have studied the passage of knotted DNA through nanopores, shedding light on an intriguing and underexplored phenomenon.

Gold standards for nanoparticles

Understanding how small organic ions stabilize gold nanoparticles may allow for better control.

Researchers uncover secret of nanomaterial that makes harvesting sunlight easier

Using sunlight to drive chemical reactions, such as artificial photosynthesis, could soon become much more efficient thanks to nanomaterials.

A new test to rapidly identify worldwide TB infections

A group of scientists from several universities has teamed up to develop the first rapid blood test to diagnose and quantitate the severity of active TB cases.

A big leap toward tinier lines

Self-assembly technique could lead to long-awaited, simple method for making smaller microchip patterns.

Graphene-based neural probes probe brain activity in high resolution

Researchers have developed a new device for recording brain activity in high resolution while maintaining excellent signal to noise ratio. Based on graphene field-effect transistors, the flexible devices open up new possibilities for the development of functional implants and interfaces.

Researchers create artificial materials atom-by-atom

Possibility to arrange the atoms precisely bring designer quantum materials closer to reality.

How graphene could cool smartphone, computer and other electronics chips

With graphene, researchers have discovered a powerful way to cool tiny chips - key components of electronic devices with billions of transistors apiece.

New study explores nanocoatings to reduce dental implant failure

Scientists have developed and evaluated the effectiveness of a new nanocoating for dental implants to reduce the risk of peri-implantitis.

Surprising twist in confined liquid crystals: A simple route to developing new sensors

Researchers have found a material used for decades to color food items ranging from corn chips to ice creams could potentially have uses far beyond food dyes.

Multi-parameter microscopy aids design of improved optoelectronic devices

Researchers have developed a novel measurement method, providing simultaneous topographical, electrical, chemical and optical microscopy (STEOM) at the nanoscale for the first time.