Efficiency record for black silicon solar cells jumps to 22.1%

An almost 4% absolute increase to the previous record is achieved by applying a thin passivating film on the nanostructures by Atomic Layer Deposition, and by integrating all metal contacts on the back side of the cell.

Microchip captures clusters of circulating tumor cells

Researchers have developed a microfluidic chip that can capture rare clusters of circulating tumor cells, which could yield important new insights into how cancer spreads.

Liquid-crystal-based compound lenses that work like insect eyes

Engineers have shown how liquid crystals can be employed to create compound lenses similar to those found in nature. Taking advantage of the geometry in which these liquid crystals like to arrange themselves, the researchers are able to grow compound lenses with controllable sizes.

Brain learning simulated via electronic replica memory

New way of controlling electronic systems endowed with a memory can provide insights into the way associative memories are formed by mimicking synapses.

Organic nanoparticles, more lethal to tumours

Carbon-based nanoparticles could be used to sensitize cancerous tumours to proton radiotherapy and induce more focused destruction of cancer cells, a new study shows.

New options for spintronic devices: Switching magnetism between 1 and 0 with low voltage near room temperature

Scientists have been able to switch ferromagnetic domains on and off with low voltage in a structure made of two different ferroic materials. The switching works slightly above room temperature. Their results might inspire future applications in low-power spintronics, for instance for fast and efficient data storage.

Studying dynamics of ion channels

Scientists have developed a method using infrared spectroscopy and atomistic modeling that would allow to better understand the mechanism behind the extreme ion selectivity and transport properties in ion channels.

Wearable electronics may get boost from boron-infused graphene

A microsupercapacitor that may find its way into personal and even wearable electronics is getting an upgrade. The laser-induced graphene device benefits greatly when boron becomes part of the mix.

Electricity generating nano-wizards

Quantum dots are an ideal nanolab to study the means to turning heat into electricity.

Gel filled with nanosponges cleans up MRSA infections

Nanoengineers developed a gel filled with toxin-absorbing nanosponges that could lead to an effective treatment for skin and wound infections caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), an antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This nanosponge-hydrogel minimized the growth of skin lesions on mice infected with MRSA - without the use of antibiotics.