New international prize recognizes advances in nanotechnology for medicine and biology

Northwestern University's International Institute for Nanotechnology has announced the establishment of the $250,000 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine and the $10,000 Kabiller Young Investigator Award in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine.

How to cut a vortex into slices

A group of physicists came up with a way to stir up a liquid in the microchannel. Physicists managed to find a sophisticated solution to the problem based on the use of superhydrophobic surfaces.

Ultra-tough fiber imitates the structure of spider silk (w/video)

A technology that heralds new high-performance composites.

Nano-spirals could guard against identity theft

Take gold spirals about the size of a dime and shrink them down about six million times. The result is the world's smallest continuous spirals: 'nano-spirals' with unique optical properties that would be almost impossible to counterfeit if they were added to identity cards, currency and other important objects.

How natural channel proteins move in artificial membranes

Natural channel proteins are integrated into artificial membranes to facilitate the transport of ions and molecules. Researchers have now been able to measure the movement of these channel proteins for the first time.

Visualizing the 'matrix' with an app

App provides insight into the quantum world of coupled nuclear spins.

Novel electronic phase of graphite in high magnetic fields

Researchers have shown that if you apply a strong magnetic field to the honeycomb lattice of carbon atoms in graphite, positive and negative charges form pairs, which may give rise to a superconducting-like state.

Nanocomposite coating reduces intensity of laser attacks on aircraft

Researchers have created a nanocoating for aircraft that reduces pilot distraction from laser attacks.

Surface-modified nanoparticles endow coatings with combined properties

Depending on which property is desired, the nanoparticles used can be surface modified with organic moieties. Small Molecule Surface Modification (SMSM) bestows specific combinations of desired properties, for example hydrophilic, hydrophobic, adhesive, anti-adhesive, acidic, basic, inert or polymerizable.

New composite protects from corrosion at high mechanical stress

Material researchers will be presenting a composite material which prevents metal corrosion in an environmentally friendly way, even under extreme conditions. It can be used wherever metals are exposed to severe weather conditions, aggressive gases, media containing salt, heavy wear or high pressures.

Transient melting of a nanocrystal: seeing is believing

Scientists have discovered a spectacular transient melting phenomenon in nanocrystals. Coherent X-ray diffraction experiments have allowed snapshot imaging of a single 300 nm gold nanocrystal in the picosecond time interval after the particle was excited with a laser. The crystal was found to expand uniformly following the excitation and to reach the melting point about 50 ps later.