Cheaper, more durable nanocarbon catalyst for fuel cell used in cars, at data centers

Scientists have shown that an inexpensive metal-free catalyst performs as well as costly metal catalysts at speeding the oxygen reduction reaction in an acidic fuel cell.

Untangling DNA with a droplet of water, a pipet and a polymer

With the 'rolling droplet technique', a DNA-injected water droplet rolls like a ball over a platelet, sticking the DNA to the plate surface.

Critical raw materials: the search for nanotechnology substitutes in catalysis, electronics and photonics

Four EU-funded projects are exploring how we can substitute critical raw materials in catalysis, electronics and photonics.

European Food Safety Authority publishes risk assessment of nanotechnologies in food and feed

The overall goals of EFSA's Nano Network are to provide a forum for dialogue among participants; build mutual understanding of risk assessment principles; enhance knowledge on and confidence in the scientific assessments carried out in EU; and to provide increased transparency in the current process among Member States and EFSA on nanotechnology. All this with the aim to raise the level of harmonisation of the risk assessments developed in the EU on nanotechnology.

Electrochemical 'fingers' unlock battery's inner potential

Scientists track real-time reaction pathways in 3D to uncover new nanoscale clues to increasing lithium-ion battery capacity and optimizing performance.

Ordered nanostructures from benzene could pave the way for novel nanotechnology applications

A way to link benzene rings together in a highly ordered three-dimensional helical structure using a straightforward polymerization procedure has been discovered, potentially opening up new areas of nanocarbon and materials science.

New research signals big future for quantum radar

A prototype quantum radar that has the potential to detect objects which are invisible to conventional systems has been developed by an international research team.

A new X-ray microscope for nanoscale imaging

Delivering the capability to image nanostructures and chemical reactions down to nanometer resolution requires a new class of x-ray microscope that can perform precision microscopy experiments using ultra-bright x-rays from the National Synchrotron Light Source II at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

New research predicts when, how materials will act

A material might melt or snap in half. And for engineers, knowing when and why that might happen is crucial information. Now, a researcher has laid out an overarching theory that explains why certain materials act the way they do.

The building blocks of the future defy logic

A new logic-defying mathematical model could lead to materials for better skin grafts and new smart materials.

Precision gas sensor could fit on a chip

Using their expertise in silicon optics, Cornell engineers have miniaturized a light source in the elusive mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectrum, effectively squeezing the capabilities of a large, tabletop laser onto a 1-millimeter silicon chip.

Precision gas sensor could fit on a chip

Using their expertise in silicon optics, Cornell engineers have miniaturized a light source in the elusive mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectrum, effectively squeezing the capabilities of a large, tabletop laser onto a 1-millimeter silicon chip.

Bioactive nanoengineered hydrogels for bone tissue engineering

Researchers have developed an injectable osteoinductive collagen-based nanosilicate matrix for growth-factor-free bone tissue engineering.

Optical features embedded in marine shells may help develop responsive, transparent displays (w/video)

New findings represent the first evidence of an organism using mineralized structural components to produce optical displays. While birds, butterflies, and beetles can display brilliant blues, among other colors, they do so with organic structures, such as feathers, scales, and plates. The limpet, by contrast, produces its blue stripes through an interplay of inorganic, mineral structures, arranged in such a way as to reflect only blue light.

Young Nanoscientist India Award 2015 announces winner

The Nanotechnology Forum for Indian Scientists (NT Forum) announces that Dr Arindam Ghosh from IISC, Bangalore is the first winner of the 'Oxford Instruments Young Nanoscientist Award 2015'.

2D-NANOLATTICES nanoelectronics project makes important step with silicene

A European research project has made an important step towards the further miniaturisation of nanoelectronics, using a highly-promising new material called silicene. Its goal: to make devices of the future vastly more powerful and energy efficient.

Moving molecules write letters

Caging of molecules allows investigation of equilibrium thermodynamics.

Nanomanufactured Block 'M' illustrates big ideas in drug delivery

By making what might be the world's smallest three-dimensional unofficial Block 'M', University of Michigan researchers have demonstrated a nanoparticle manufacturing process capable of producing multilayered, precise shapes.

Warming up the world of superconductors

A superconductor that works at room temperature was long thought impossible, but scientists may have discovered a family of materials that could make it reality.

Silicon micro-funnels increase the efficiency of solar cells

A biological structure in mammalian eyes has inspired scientists to design an inorganic counterpart for use in solar cells: micron-sized vertical funnels were etched shoulder-to-shoulder in a silicon substrate. Using mathematical models and experiments, they tested how these kind of funnel arrays collect incident light and conduct it to the active layer of a silicon solar cell. Their result: this arrangement of funnels increases photo absorption by about 65 percent in a thin-film solar cell.

In quest for better lithium-air batteries, nanoparticle coatings improve carbon's stability

Researchers unveiled a new method of stabilizing carbon - a central structural component of any battery - that could pave the way to new performance standards in the hunt for a lithium-ion components.

Magnetic nanoparticles enhance performance of solar cells

Magnetic nanoparticles can increase the performance of solar cells made from polymers - provided the mix is right.

Flexible nanosensors for wearable devices

A new method will enable the fabrication of optical nanosensors capable of sticking on uneven surfaces and biological surfaces like human skin. This result can boost the use of wearable devices to monitor parameters such as temperature, breath and heart pressure.

Graphene shows potential as novel anti-cancer therapeutic strategy

Scientists have used graphene to target and neutralise cancer stem cells while not harming other cells.

nANO meets water VI: Nanotechnik für die Wasser-Praxis

Am 19. Februar 2015 hieß es wieder 'nANO meets water' bei Fraunhofer UMSICHT. Gut 100 Fachleute aus Industrie und Wirtschaft kamen nach Oberhausen, um sich beim Thema Innovationen und Risiken von Nanomaterialien für die Wassertechnik auf den neuesten Stand zu bringen.

New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently

Dual-type nanowire arrays can be used in applications such as LEDs and solar cells.

Cutting-edge technology optimizes cancer therapy with nanomedicine drug combinations

Bioengineers develop platform that offers personalized approach to treatment.

Optical nanoantennas set the stage for a NEMS lab-on-a-chip revolution

Newly developed tiny antennas, likened to spotlights on the nanoscale, offer the potential to measure food safety, identify pollutants in the air and even quickly diagnose and treat cancer, according to the scientists who created them.

Together, nanotechnology and genetic interference may tackle 'untreatable' brain tumors

Researchers' groundbreaking strategy stops brain tumor cell proliferation with targeted nanoparticles.

Nanoboxes provide breakthrough in rechargeable batteries

Researchers have synthesized silicate-based nanoboxes that could more than double the energy capacity of lithium-ion batteries as compared to conventional phosphate-based cathodes.

Ultra-thin nanowires can trap electron 'twisters' that disrupt superconductors

To keep supercurrents flowing at top speed, scientists have figured out how to constrain troublesome vortices by trapping them within extremely short, ultra-thin nanowires.

The European nanotechnology roadmap for graphene

In an open-access paper, more than 60 academics and industrialists lay out a science and technology roadmap for graphene, related two-dimensional crystals, other 2D materials, and hybrid systems based on a combination of different 2D crystals and other nanomaterials.

Detecting defects at the nanoscale will profit solar panel production

The goal of the European NanoMend project is to develop new technologies for the detection, cleaning and repair of micro and nanoscale defects in thin films that are vital in products such as printed electronics and solar panels.

New 'knobs' can dial in control of materials

Designing or exploring new materials is all about controlling their properties. In a new study, scientists offer insight on how different 'knobs' can change material properties in ways that were previously unexplored or misunderstood.

Fakir-like graphene

Researchers have created a variety of nanostructures that can modify the electronic properties of graphene, either by periodic modulation of the electrostatic potential, or by periodic mechanical stress that can generate an effective magnetic structure.

New projects support research in 'valleytronics'

Two new three-year research projects are supporting the role of the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Sciences (SIMES) as a leading center for studying exotic new materials that could enable future innovative electronic and photonic applications.

Nanotechnology quick test for Ebola

Simple paper strip with nanoparticles can diagnose Ebola and other fevers within 10 minutes.

Motor proteins prefer slow, steady movement

Researchers find motors collaborate to regulate cell-transport systems.

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step

Researchers develop accurate measure of aggregating particles that block oil production lines.

Building tailor-made DNA nanotubes step by step

New, block-by-block assembly method could pave way for applications in opto-electronics, drug delivery.

Magnetic nanoparticles could stop blood clot-caused strokes

By loading magnetic nanoparticles with drugs and dressing them in biochemical camouflage, researchers say they can destroy blood clots 100 to 1,000 times faster than a commonly used clot-busting technique.

Stretch and relax - Losing 1 electron switches magnetism on in dichromium

Scientists have provided the first direct experimental proof of an unexpected high spin ground state of Cr2+, the cationic cousin of Cr2.

Fever alarm armband: A wearable, printable, temperature sensor

Researchers have developed a 'fever alarm armband', a flexible, self-powered wearable device that sounds an alarm in case of high body temperature. The flexible organic components developed for this device are well-suited to wearable devices that continuously monitor vital signs including temperature and heart rate for applications in healthcare settings.

Uncovering the personality of wonder ultrathin materials

Imperfections make people interesting; the same goes for crystals.

Unlikely pairs

Researchers recently experimented with a phenomenon known as the quantum Hall effect, looking for an effect that 'should be there' and ended up with an unexplained phenomenon.

Chromium-centered cycloparaphenylene rings as new tools for making functionalized nanocarbons

Researchers have synthesized novel cycloparaphenylene (CPP) chromium complexes and demonstrated their utility in obtaining monofunctionalized CPPs, which could become useful precursors for making carbon nanotubes with unprecedented structures.

Fibers made by transforming materials

New approach could enable low-cost silicon devices in fibers that could be made into fabrics.

Electronic skin tattoos with advanced near-field communication capabilities

Researchers demonstrate materials, mechanics designs and integration strategies for near field communication (NFC) enabled electronics with ultrathin construction, ultralow modulus, and ability to accommodate large strain deformation.

Semiconductor works better when hitched to graphene

Experiments looked at the properties of materials that combine graphene with a common type of semiconducting polymer. They found that a thin film of the polymer transported electric charge even better when grown on a single layer of graphene than it does when placed on a thin layer of silicon.

EPSRC unveils world-leading SuperSTEM microscope that sees single atoms

A new super powerful electron microscope that can pinpoint the position of single atoms, and will help scientists push boundaries even further, in fields such as advanced materials, healthcare and power generation, has been unveiled by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Free-standing monolayers made from protein-bound gold nanoparticles

Scientists have introduced very flexible and stable monolayers of gold nanoparticles made by a self-assembly process based on protein aggregation. The films were used to coat wafers up to 10 cm in diameter.

Acquiring nanotechnology advancements to march ahead of the race

OMICS Group invites researchers, academicians, scientists, Institutions, corporate entities, associations and students from across the world to attend the Nanotechnology Congress and Expo from 11-13 August 2015, at Frankfurt, Germany with a theme 'Exploring and Acquiring the Advances in Nanotechnology'.

Physicists use nanotechnology to capture perfect colors with one ultra-thin lens

An ultra-thin, completely flat optical component made of a glass substrate and tiny, light-concentrating silicon antennas band light that shines on it instantaneously, rather than gradually.

Direct observation of bond formations (w/video)

Scientists report a real time visualization of the birth of a molecular that occurs via photoinduced formation of a chemical bonds.

New SCENIHR Guidance addresses the health aspects of nanomaterials in medical devices

This Guidance addresses the use of nanomaterials in medical devices and provides information for risk assessors regarding specific aspects that need to be considered in the safety evaluation of nanomaterials.

Potential toxicity of cellulose nanocrystals examined

The latest evidence and insights on cellulose nanocrystal toxicity are presented in a new review article.

Graphene's potential for energy conversion and storage

Scientists working with Europe's Graphene Flagship and the Cambridge Graphene Centre have provided a detailed and wide-ranging review of the potential of graphene and related materials in energy conversion and storage.

Near-perfect antibacterial nanomaterials

Ruthless with bacteria, harmless to human cells. New, durable antibacterial coatings of nanocomposites will in future help to improve the hygiene of sportswear, and used in medicine, will reduce the rate of infections and shorten the times of in-patient hospital admissions.

Atomically thin gas and chemical sensors

Sensors made of molybdenum disulfide are small, thin and have a high level of selectivity when detecting gases and chemicals.

Microfluidic diamond sensor

Greater magnetic sensitivity is also useful in many scientific areas, such as the identification of biomolecules such as DNA or viruses. This research must often take place in a warm, wet environment, where clean conditions or low temperatures are not possible. Scientists address this concern by developing a diamond sensor that operates in a fluid environment.

Shape-shifting groups of nanorods release heat differently

Researchers have revealed previously unobserved behaviors that show how details of the transfer of heat at the nanoscale cause nanoparticles to change shape in ensembles.

New nanogel for drug delivery

Self-healing gel can be injected into the body and act as a long-term drug depot.

Cheap nanostructured solar cells made with carbon quantum dots from shrimp shells

Researchers have successfully created electricity-generating solar-cells with chemicals found the shells of shrimps and other crustaceans for the first time.