How nanotechnology can help us grow more food using less energy and water

This idea is part of the evolving science of precision agriculture, in which farmers use technology to target their use of water, fertilizer and other inputs. Precision farming makes agriculture more sustainable because it reduces waste.

Cement inspired by nature

Researchers look to bones and shells as blueprints for stronger, more durable concrete.

Making some of the world's most durable materials corrosion-resistant

Materials scientists fabricate first highly oxidation-resistant boride.

Upconversion nanocrystals to improve imaging and chemical sensing of disease biomarkers

Researchers aim to improve upconversion nanocrystals' composition and atomic structure to expand the library of bright and multicolor upconverters, while also generating fundamental understanding of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.

Resolving metal-molecule interfaces at single-molecule junctions

Scientists have developed a statistical method that obtains detailed descriptions of metal-molecule interfaces in single molecule junctions and verifies how molecular conformation can influence their performance. Their insights could help fine-tune the capabilities of nanoscale circuits.

Molecular filter is promising purifier for polyethylene production

A new rersearch report reveals a way to reduce the energy demand in one key step of the process for the polymerization of ethylene. It describes how a class of so-called Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFS) can effectively and selectively adsorb acetylene from the ethylene feedstock.

The next generation of carbon monoxide nanosensors

As a tool for CO detection, scientists use extremely small wires: copper oxide nanowires.