Novel electron microscopy offers nanoscale, damage-free tracking of isotopes in amino acids

A new electron microscopy technique that detects the subtle changes in the weight of proteins at the nanoscale - while keeping the sample intact - could open a new pathway for deeper, more comprehensive studies of the basic building blocks of life.

Dynamic aspirin - molecular vibrations drive electrons over large distances

Aspirin is not only an important drug but also an interesting physics model system in which molecular vibrations and electrons are coupled in a particular way. For the first time, x-ray experiments in the ultrashort time domain make electron motions visible in real time.

Graphene crinkles can be used as 'molecular zippers'

New research shows that electrically charged crinkles in layered graphene can be useful in the directed self- assembly of molecules.

What keeps spiders on the ceiling?

A research team deciphers the details of adhesive structures of spider legs.

Nano-encapsulation technology enhances DHA absorption for early brain development

This research aims to address the delivery and absorption issues of DHA that affect its potency and efficacy.

To observe photoswitches, stick on a platinum atom

Adding a platinum atom to a kind of photoswitch makes them easier to observe, report researchers.

A new topological approach to the next generation of electronic, photonic and phononic devices

A new European project proposes radically new technologies taking advantage of the unique properties of topological matter that can prove crucial for information processing, quantum communication and metrology.

A first: Researchers quantify photocurrent loss in nanoparticle interface

No one has been able to determine just how much power is lost as the current goes from one nanoparticle to another - until now.

Maximizing the potential of MXenes

Controlling what goes on 'between the sheets' of layered 2D materials is key to optimization.

Stretchable multi-functional fiber for energy harvesting and strain sensing

Researchers have developed a stretchable multi-functional fiber (SMF) that can harvest energy and detect strain, which can be applied to future wearable electronics.

Catching atoms in action: watching next-gen materials crystallize

Researchers melted, super-cooled and then reheated a model alloy of aluminum and samarium, and monitored the reheating process in real time with a combination of high-energy x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.

A sustainable and recyclable carbon nanotubes thermoelectric paper

The device, produced by bacteria, takes advantage of the residual heat and transforms it into electricity for innovative sensing applications.

Structural colors, without the shimmer

Researchers have developed a new method to produce structural colors that don't change with the angle of viewing.

Scientists use Nobel-prize winning chemistry for clean energy breakthrough

Scientists have used a Nobel-prize winning chemistry technique on a mixture of metals to potentially reduce the cost of fuel cells used in electric cars and reduce harmful emissions from conventional vehicles.

Layered cocktails inspire new form of male birth control

Inspired by colorful layered cocktails, researchers have developed a medium-term, reversible male contraceptive.

Harnessing light for a solar-powered chemical industry

Nanotechnology for solar power paves way for more sustainable chemical manufacturing industry, one of the globe's biggest energy users.

Ingestible, expanding pill monitors the stomach for up to a month

Soft, squishy device could potentially track ulcers, cancers, and other GI conditions over the long term.

Artificial intelligence instantly captures materials' properties

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) to seriously accelerate the development of new technologies from wearable electronics to flexible solar panels.

Antireflection coating makes plastic invisible

Researchers have developed an antireflection coating that improves on existing coatings to the extent that it can make transparent plastics, such as Plexiglas, virtually invisible.

Waterproof graphene electronic circuits

Water molecules distort the electrical resistance of graphene, but a team of researchers has discovered that when this two-dimensional material is integrated with the metal of a circuit, contact resistance is not impaired by humidity.

Synthesizing single-crystalline hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) film that uniformly self-assembles

Researchers have found a method for synthesizing hexagonal boron nitride films with a nearly perfect single-crystalline structure. This structure consistently self-assembles on top of liquid gold and can be used as a platform for synthesizing other crystalline thin-film materials.

Laser-fabricated crystals in glass are ferroelectric

For the first time, a team of researchers has demonstrated that laser-generated crystals confined in glass retain controllable ferroelectric properties, key to creating faster, more efficient optical communication systems.

Researchers decipher electrical conductivity in doped organic semiconductors

Scientists have identified the key parameters that influence electrical conductivity in doped organic conductors.

Thin-film semiconductor fabrication process uses copper(I) iodide at room temperature

Researchers have found a way to create printed p-channel thin-film transistors by using the abundantly available and environmentally-friendly copper(I) iodide semiconductor at room temperature. Their energy-efficient and cost-effective fabrication method for these transistors may pave the way for developing low-cost and novel optoelectronic devices.

Dietary nanoparticulates impact gut microbiome

Scientists gain new insights into the effects of food nanoparticles on the intestinal flora.

Photovoltaics - versatile in shape and color

The goal of a new project is to develop digitally printed, highly efficient and stable perovskite solar modules that can be integrated into roofs, facades, and windows.

Graphene researchers are wild about zigzags

Breakthrough in graphene research: large, stable pieces of graphene produced with unique edge pattern.

The energy implications of organic radical polymers

New technology could change the way we charge everything from phones to electric vehicles.

New quantum system could help design better spintronics

Researchers have created a new testing ground for quantum systems in which they can literally turn certain particle interactions on and off, potentially paving the way for advances in spintronics.

Fluid-inspired material self-heals before your eyes (w/video)

Coating for metals rapidly heals over scratches and scrapes to prevent corrosion.

Researchers investigate coated Prussian blue nanoparticles for cancer immunotherapies

The researchers will work with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) coated with immunological signals, used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.

Engineer's nanostructured 'metallic wood' has the strength of titanium and the density of water

Researchers have built a sheet of nickel with nanoscale pores that make it as strong as titanium but four to five times lighter.

Researchers uncover quantum structure of buckyballs

Researchers have measured hundreds of individual quantum energy levels in the buckyball, a spherical cage of 60 carbon atoms.

Plasmonic pioneers fire away in fight over light

Researchers make a case that photoluminescence, rather than Raman scattering, gives gold nanoparticles their remarkable light-emitting properties.

Scientists investigate graphene's effect on light-wave interaction

Scientists investigated the character of Stimulated Brillouin scattering of low-concentration graphene nanoparticle suspensions in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and water.

Aerosol-assisted biosynthesis strategy enables functional bulk nanocomposites

Researchers developed a general and scalable biosynthesis strategy, which involves simultaneous growth of cellulose nanofibrils through microbial fermentation and co-deposition of various kinds of nanoscale building blocks through aerosol feeding on solid culture substrates.

Converting Wi-Fi signals to electricity with new 2-D materials

Device made from flexible, inexpensive materials could power large-area electronics, wearables, medical devices, and more.

Turning natural gas into carbon nanotubes cuts energy use, carbon dioxide emissions

Researchers have won a federal grant to develop a method to convert natural gas into carbon nanotubes for materials that can replace metals.

Insulated molecular wires: the smallest electric power cord

A new supramolecular self-encapsulation strategy provides an effective route to construct stable light-emitting polymers for optoelectronic applications.

Putting that free energy around you to good use with minuscule energy harvesters

Scientists have developed a micro-electromechanical energy harvester that allows for more flexibility in design, which is crucial for future Internet-of-Things applications.

Using an atomic force microscope as a nanoscopic shovel

More than just a surface tool, atomic force microscopes (AFM) can also map material's depths.

Artificial skin could give superhuman perception

A new type of sensor could lead to artificial skin that someday helps burn victims 'feel' and safeguards the rest of us.

'GO dough' makes graphene easy to shape and mold

New form of graphene oxide is fun to play with -- and solves manufacturing challenges.

Materials that open in the heat of the moment

Temperature control of pore sizes in nanomaterials could lead to improved gas separation and storage applications.

How the use of different forms of titanium oxide influences perovskite solar cell performance

Scientists report a systematic study on the effects that using different forms of titanium oxide in planar perovskite solar cells has on the performance of the devices.

Platinum forms nano-bubbles

Technologically important noble metal oxidises more readily than expected.

Self-assembling nanomaterial gives pathway to extra environment friendly, reasonably priced harnessing of solar energy

New nanomaterials may present a pathway to extra environment friendly and probably reasonably priced harvesting of photo voltaic vitality.

Engineers develop novel strategy for designing semiconductor nanoparticles for wide-ranging applications

MoS2 quantum dots synthesised with the new approach can potentially generate cancer-killing properties.

'Green' electronics made from nanocellulose

Nanocellulose offers renewable, biodegradable, strong and lightweight components for electronic products.

Engineers eye static electricity to power our electronics

New research suggests that the cause for static electricity is tiny structural changes that occur at the surface of materials when they come into contact with each other. The finding could ultimately help technology companies create more sustainable and longer-lasting power sources for small electronic devices.