Nanoscience provides insights into the world's smallest ecosystems

Microbiomes have been slow to yield their secrets. Two researchers explain how nanoscience might help speed up the process.

Scientists get first glimpse of a chemical bond being born

Scientists have used an X-ray laser to get the first glimpse of the transition state where two atoms begin to form a weak bond on the way to becoming a molecule.

Exotic states materialize with supercomputers

Scientists used supercomputers to find a new class of materials that possess an exotic state of matter known as the quantum spin Hall effect. The researchers propose a new type of transistor made from these materials.

Data-storage for eternity

How can we preserve our knowledge today for the next millennia? Researchers have found a way to store information in the form of DNA, preserving it for nearly an eternity.

Studying tooth enamel nanostructure may lead to less time with the dentist's drill

Atom probe tomography, a powerful atomic-scale microscopy and micro-analysis technique, allowed researchers to make out the enamel's nanoscale composition and structure. This research identified never-before-seen amorphous biominerals and how they contribute to both mechanical hardness and the resistance of enamel to acid dissolution.

Half-meter long carbon nanotube fibers for flexible electronics

Researchers demonstrate a convenient and efficient 'writing' approach to fabricate and assemble ultralong functional fibers as fundamental building blocks for flexible electronic devices.

Getting in shape - how to create non-spherical particles

New research looks at how to create various non-spherical particles by releasing droplets of molten wax into a cool liquid bath. The physics behind this research shows how a range of non-spherical shapes can be produced and replicated with many possible industrial applications.

Inkjet-printed OLED displays

Inkjet-printing system could enable mass-production of large-screen and flexible OLED displays.