Atomic movies may help explain why perovskite solar cells are more efficient

Experiments with a powerful 'electron camera' have discovered that light whirls atoms around in perovskites, potentially explaining the high efficiency of these next-generation solar cell materials and providing clues for making better ones.

Programming cells with computer-like logic

Novel RNA nano-devices in living cells can sense and analyze multiple complex signals for future synthetic diagnostics and therapeutics.

Atomic discovery opens door to greener, faster, smaller electronic circuitry

Scientists find way to correct communication pathways in silicon chips, making them perfect.

Triple-layer catalyst does double duty

Scientists produce robust nanocatalyst to split water into hydrogen, oxygen.

Physicists gain new insights into nanosystems with spherical confinement

Theoretical physicists have used computer simulations to study the arrangement of stiff polymers in spherical cavities. These confined systems play an important role for a wide range of applications, such as the fabrication of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and for tailored nanomaterials.

Compact Brillouin devices through hybrid integration on silicon

Researchers demonstrate a range of unique capabilities in optical and microwave signal processing and generation have been demonstrated using stimulated Brillouin scattering.

Liquid electrolyte contacts for advanced characterization of resistive switching memories

A new methodology to study resistive switching memories, based on the combination of ionic liquid gating experiments plus conductive atomic force microscopy.

A hybrid nanoporous material to spot organic contaminants in the atmosphere

Chemists have obtained a type of hybrid material made up of organic and inorganic components and which is highly porous, a feature of interest for industrial sectors such as the pharmaceutical, automotive and electronic sectors.

Graphene touch sensor for wearable electronics

Researchers have developed a wearable and stretchable mutual capacitance touch sensor based on graphene electrodes that is capable of multitouch sensing as well as 3D sensing in a highly deformed state.

Color-shifting electronic skin could have wearable tech and prosthetic uses

Researchers have developed a new type of user-interactive electronic skin, with a colour change perceptible to the human eye, and achieved with a much-reduced level of strain.

Getting closer to porous, light-responsive materials

A new flexible material changes its porous nature when exposed to light.

Solar scientists rough up silicon panels to boost light capture

A research team modifies the surface texture of both the front and back of silicon solar cells to cheaply enhance light harvesting and boost power conversion efficiency.

On-chip optics find their groove

Clever design of rail-like waveguides makes it simpler to miniaturize photonic components on to silicon wafers.

Hybrid zinc battery beats its rivals

A new low-cost battery offers a hefty voltage and sustained energy capacity.

Hard drive boost comes in layers of iron and cobalt

Thin layers of iron and cobalt show promise as material for fast, low-energy hard drives.

Microscale lens realizes nanoscale imaging

A microscope with a specially engineered lens overcomes a fundamental limitation.