Rare-earth innovation to improve nylon manufacturing with nanoparticles

Scientists have created a new chemical process that makes use of the widely available rare-earth metal cerium to improve the manufacture of nylon.

Researchers use nanoparticles to selectively target tumor cells in two cancer models

Nanoscientists study xenograft models of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Desalination with nanoporous graphene membrane

Researchers have demonstrated an energy-efficient desalination technology that uses a porous membrane made of strong, slim graphene.

Snowflakes become square with a little help from graphene

The breakthrough findings allow better understanding of the counterintuitive behaviour of water at the molecular scale and are important for development of more efficient technologies including filtration, desalination and distillation.

Thousands of atoms entangled with a single photon

Result could make atomic clocks more accurate.

Using viruses to help water blow off steam (w/video)

Researchers are using viral-biotemplating to make nanostructure coatings for studying their ability to enhance water boiling efficiency.

Fuel cells in the spotlight

In-situ, dynamic X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to demystify the behavior of catalysts in fuel cells.

Carbon nanotube fibers make superior links to brain

Carbon nanotube fibers may provide the best way to communicate directly with the brain. The fibers have proven superior to metal electrodes for deep brain stimulation and to read signals from a neuronal network. Because they provide a two-way connection, they show promise for treating patients with neurological disorders while monitoring the real-time response of neural circuits in areas that control movement, mood and bodily functions.

EPA proposes reporting and record keeping requirements on nanomaterials

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing one-time reporting and recordkeeping requirements on nanoscale chemical substances in the marketplace.

Nanorobotic agents open the blood-brain barrier, offering hope for new brain treatments

Magnetic nanoparticles can open the blood-brain barrier and deliver molecules directly to the brain, say researchers.