Researchers use nanotechnology to engineer ligament replacements

Researchers created a tri-component, synthetic graft for reconstructing torn anterior cruciate ligaments.

A repulsive material

In a world-first achievement, scientists have developed a new hydrogel whose properties are dominated by electrostatic repulsion, rather than attractive interactions.

Review of studies on exotic superfluids in spin-orbit coupled Fermi gases

Scientists have reviewed the recent theoretical studies on various novel pairing superfluid phases in spin-orbit coupled ultracold Fermi gases. They showed that spin-orbit coupling modifies the single-particle spectra, which gives rise to exotic few-body correlations and interesting pairing states.

Introducing Graphene Study 2015

As part of its extensive education and outreach activities, Europe's Graphene Flagship will soon stage a second Graphene Study week. This will take place from 23-28 March 2015 in Kaprun, Austria.

Detecting extraterrestrial life through nanoscale vibrations

Scientists have developed an extremely sensitive yet simple motion detector that can be built easily by adapting already-existent technology. The system has proven accurate with detecting bacteria, yeast, and even cancer cells, and is considered for the rapid testing of drugs and even the detection of extraterrestrial life.

Microscopy reveals how atom-high steps impede oxidation of metal surfaces

A new study reveals that certain features of metal surfaces can stop the process of oxidation in its tracks. The findings could be relevant to understanding and perhaps controlling oxidation in a wide range of materials.

A qubit candidate shines brighter

Precisely placing imperfections called 'nitrogen vacancy centers' within nano-sized diamond structures can boost their fluorescence, a key step toward using the defects in future quantum computers.

Study unveils new half-light half-matter quantum particles

In a pioneering study, researchers were able to discover half-light, half-matter particles in atomically thin semiconductors consisting of two-dimensional layer of molybdenum and sulfur atoms arranged similar to graphene.

Gummy bears under antiparticle fire

Gelatin is used in the pharmaceutical industry to encapsulate active agents. It protects against oxidation and overly quick release. Nanopores in the material have a significant influence on this, yet they are difficult to investigate. In experiments on gummy bears, researchers have now transferred a methodology to determine the free volume of gelatin preparations.

Magnetic vortices: Controlling core switching in Pac-man disks

Magnetic vortices in thin films can encode information in the perpendicular magnetization pointing up or down relative to the vortex core. These binary states could be useful for non-volatile data storage devices such as RAM memories, but the switching between them must be fast and energy-efficient.

Innovative nanophotonics: Integrating quantum light sources with nanofibers for quantum internet applications

Integrating quantum light sources e.g. single quantum dot / single atom, into specially designed nanofibers holds the potential to revolutionize distributed quantum networks for secure, ultra-high speed communication.

Getting into your head: Gelatin nanoparticles could deliver drugs to the brain

Stroke victims could have more time to seek treatment that could reduce harmful effects on the brain, thanks to tiny blobs of gelatin that could deliver the medication to the brain noninvasively.

Nanocellulose filter cleans dirty industry

Researchers have developed prototypes of nano-cellulose based filters with high purification capacity towards environmentally hazardous contaminants from industrial effluents eg. process industries.

How electrons split: New evidence of exotic behaviors

In certain materials where the electrons are constrained in a quasi one-dimensional world, they appear to split into a magnet and an electrical charge, which can move freely and independently of each other. A longstanding question has been whether or not similar phenomenon can happen in more than one dimension. Researchers have uncovered new evidence showing that this can happen in quasi two-dimensional magnetic materials.

'Mind the gap' between atomically thin materials

When it comes to engineering single-layer atomic structures, 'minding the gap' will help researchers create artificial electronic materials one atomic layer at a time, according to a team of materials scientists.

Non-invasive nanoscale method can detect Alzheimer's disease early

MRI probe technology shows brain toxins in living animals for first time.

Crown ethers flatten in graphene for strong, specific binding

Discovery holds potential for separations, sensors, batteries, biotech and more.

Trapping light with a twister

New understanding of how to halt photons could lead to miniature particle accelerators, improved data transmission.

Graphene offers X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy a window of opportunity

Researchers have found that graphene could make using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to study materials in these environments much less expensive and complicated than the conventional approach.

Crafting ultrathin color coatings

New research suggests that an ultra-thin layer of a metal and a semiconductor could be applied to essentially any rough or flexible material to produce a vividly colored coating. The technique, which exploits optical interference effects, could potentially be used on wearable fabrics or stretchable electronics.

Ultrasounds dance the 'moonwalk' in new metamaterial

Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional metamaterials by combining physico-chemical formulation and microfluidics technology. This is a new generation of soft metamaterials that are easier to shape.

Piezoelectricity in a 2-D semiconductor

Researchers jhave opened the door to low-power off/on switches in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectronic devices, as well as ultrasensitive bio-sensors, with the first observation of piezoelectricity in a free standing two-dimensional semiconductor.

Rätsel des platinarmen Nanokatalysators geklärt

Neuartige Nanopartikel-Katalysatoren könnten die Kosten für Brennstoffzellen dramatisch reduzieren. Ein von Berliner und Jülicher Forschern entwickelter Katalysator kommt mit einem Zehntel der üblichen Platinmenge aus.

Van der Waals epitaxy and photoresponse of hexagonal tellurium nanoplates on flexible mica sheets

This work extends the research area of 2D materials from layered materials to nonlayered materials which will bring out intriguing electronic properties.

Iridium nanoparticles resist deactivation in biofuel production

Scientists characterized catalysts to determine ability to convert methane to more valuable fuels.

Atomically thin CCD could capture images

A synthetic two-dimensional material known as CIS could be the basis for ultimately thin imaging devices and optical sensors.

Researchers open a possible avenue to better electrolyte for lithium ion batteries

The lithium-ion batteries that mobilize our electronic devices need to be improved if they are to power electric vehicles or store electrical energy for the grid. Researchers looking for a better understanding of liquid electrolyte may have found a pathway forward. They found surprising results in the first X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of a model lithium electrolyte.

New cell culture technique paves the way for tailor-made cancer treatments

In a development that could lead to a deeper understanding of cancer and better early-stage treatment of the disease, researchers have devised a reliable way to grow a certain type of cancer cells from patients outside the body for study. The new technique is more than three times as effective as previous methods.

Building a new nanowire for solar cells (w/video)

Scientists have been able to make the first-ever nanowires from perovskite that could greatly improve the efficiency of solar cells.

Quantum physics just got less complicated

Here's a nice surprise: quantum physics is less complicated than we thought. An international team of researchers has proved that two peculiar features of the quantum world previously considered distinct are different manifestations of the same thing.

Innovative manufacturing to take IT beyond the electronic age

A GBP 5.2 million project led by the University of Leeds is aiming to transform data communications with a new generation of photonic microchips.

Nanosensoren für Herz und Hirn

16 Arbeitsgruppen der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU), des Universitätsklinikums Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) und des Fraunhofer Instituts für Siliziumtechnik (ISIT) erforschen zukünftig gemeinsam neuartige Sensoren für die medizinische Diagnostik. Damit sollen über winzigste Magnetfelder Gehirn- und Herzfunktionen aufgezeichnet werden.

Quantum world without queues could lead to better solar cells

In a recent study, researchers have used new technology to study extremely fast processes in solar cells. The research results form a concrete step towards more efficient solar cells.

Skyrmions like it hot

Pinpoint laser heating creates a maelstrom of magnetic nanotextures.

Instant-start computers possible with new breakthrough

If data could instead be encoded without current it would require much less energy, and make things like low-power, instant-on computing a ubiquitous reality. Researchers have made a breakthrough in that direction with a room-temperature magnetoelectric memory device. Equivalent to one computer bit, it exhibits the holy grail of next-generation nonvolatile memory: magnetic switchability, in two steps, with nothing but an electric field.

Bringing oxides into the visible realm

New method to reduce the optical band gap of strontium titantate thin films.

Researchers glimpse pathway of sunlight to electricity

Four pulses of laser light on nanoparticle photocells in a spectroscopy experiment has opened a window on how captured sunlight can be converted into electricity.

Creation of 'Rocker' protein opens way for new smart molecules in medicine

Human cells are protected by a largely impenetrable molecular membrane, but researchers have built the first artificial transporter protein that carries individual atoms across membranes, opening the possibility of engineering a new class of smart molecules with applications in fields as wide ranging as nanotechnology and medicine.

Revealing the quantum geometry of the graphene lattice

Team realizes an Aharonov-Bohm type interferometer to measure the band topology in graphene type lattices.

Scientists identify metal organic framework candidates for methane storage

Cars that run on natural gas are touted as efficient and environmentally friendly, but getting enough gas onboard to make them practical is a hurdle. A new study led by researchers at Rice University promises to help.

Multiferroic heroics put instant-on computing in sight

Reseaerchers have made a breakthrough in that direction with a room-temperature magnetoelectric memory device. Equivalent to one computer bit, it exhibits the holy grail of next-generation nonvolatile memory: magnetic switchability, in two steps, with nothing but an electric field.

Research aims to improve rechargeable batteries by focusing on graphene oxide paper

An engineering team has discovered some of graphene oxide's important properties that can improve sodium- and lithium-ion flexible batteries.

New sensor could improve one of nanotechnology's most useful microscopes

Spotting molecule-sized features may become both easier and more accurate with a sensor developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). With their new design, NIST scientists may have found a way to sidestep some of the problems in calibrating atomic force microscopes (AFMs).

Gold nanorods target cancer cells

Using tiny gold nanorods, researchers have demonstrated a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy.

New technique moves researchers closer to new range of GaN biosensors

Researchers have found a way of binding peptides to the surface of gallium nitride (GaN) in a way that keeps the peptides stable even when exposed to water and radiation. The discovery moves researchers one step closer to developing a new range of biosensors for use in medical and biological research applications.

Electron spin could be the key to high-temperature superconductivity

Scientists take a significant step in our understanding of superconductivity by studying the strange quantum events in a unique superconducting material.

EU publishes nanomaterial guidance for employers and workers

This Guidance document offers an overview of the issues surrounding the safe use of manufactured nanomaterials in the workplace, sets out the broad outlines of preventive action and provides a practical tool for complying with specific aspects of ensuring workers' safety, such as risk assessment and risk management.

Spider's web weaves way to advanced networks and displays

Searching for new ways to develop efficient, flexible networks, physicists discovered the designs of spider webs and leaf venation, refined across thousands of years of evolution, are worthy models for the next generation of optoelectronic applications.

Switching to spintronics

Researchers report on electric field switching of ferromagnetism at room temperature.

Ultrafast imaging of complex systems in 3-D at near atomic resolution nears

It is becoming possible to image complex systems in 3-D with near-atomic resolution on ultrafast timescales using extremely intense X-ray free-electron laser pulses. One important step toward ultrafast imaging of samples with a single X-ray shot is understanding the interaction of extremely brilliant and intense X-ray pulses with the sample, including ionization rates.

Microscopy pencils patterns in polymers at the nanoscale

Scientists have used advanced microscopy to carve out nanoscale designs on the surface of a new class of ionic polymer materials for the first time. The study provides new evidence that atomic force microscopy, or AFM, could be used to precisely fabricate materials needed for increasingly smaller devices.

Lens-free microscope can detect cancer at the cellular level

Researchers have developed a lens-free microscope that can be used to detect the presence of cancer or other cell-level abnormalities with the same accuracy as larger and more expensive optical microscopes.

Choreography of an electron pair

The motion of the two electrons in the helium atom can be imaged and controlled with attosecond-timed laser flashes.

Discovery opens door for radical reduction in energy consumed by digital devices

A new paper describes the first direct observation of a long-hypothesized but elusive phenomenon called 'negative capacitance'. The work describes a unique reaction of electrical charge to applied voltage in a ferroelectric material that could open the door to a radical reduction in the power consumed by transistors and the devices containing them.

Nanoscale devices for enhanced detection and treatment of brain injuries

Scientists have been studying possibilities of using nanoscale devices for enhanced detection and treatment of brain injuries ranging from mild to severe.

A gold nanocatalyst for clear water

Mixed nanoparticle systems may help purify water and generate hydrogen.

Pyramid nanoscale antennas beam light up and down

The new antennas look like pyramids, rather than the more commonly used straight pillars. The pyramid shape enhances the interference between the magnetic and electric fields of light. This makes the pyramid-shaped antenna capable of enhancing light emission and beaming different colours of light towards opposite directions.

Moving from science fiction to reality: chemically driven micro- and nanomotors

In this review article, scientists present the current state of research in the area of catalytic micro- and nanomotors.

Silver particles improve performance of battery material

Researchers are working on a new battery architecture that uses lithium-oxygen bonds as it stores and releases energy and silver as the metal catalyst that makes this possible.

New law for superconductors

Mathematical description of relationship between thickness, temperature, and resistivity could spur advances.

Scientist and inventor advances the study of nanomedicine

For distinguished contributions to the fields of chemistry, radiopharmaceutical sciences, green nanotechnology and nanomedicine, Kattesh Katti has been chosen for induction as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

Turning hydrogen into graphene

New work delves into the chemistry underlying some surprising recent observations about hydrogen and reveals remarkable parallels between hydrogen and graphene under extreme pressures.

Scientists trace nanoparticles from plants to caterpillars

A new study examines how nanoparticles behave in food chain.

Future batteries: lithium-sulfur with a graphene wrapper

Scientists have designed a novel cathode for rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries featuring a thin 'wrap sandwich' sheet of graphene.

Imaging a single DNA molecule with a smartphone

Lightweight, compact device converts an ordinary smartphone into an advanced fluorescence microscope.

Line dancing bacteria on a chip (w/video)

By changing the direction of a magnetic field, so-called magneto-tactic bacteria are able to make a full U-turn. They can be taught line dancing in this way, inside the tiny micro channels of a lab on a chip.