Newly discovered property could help beat the heat problem in computer chips

X-ray studies have for the first time observed an exotic property that could warp the electronic structure of a material in a way that reduces heat buildup and improves performance in ever-smaller computer components.

Nanoparticles target and kill cancer stem cells that drive tumor growth

Researchers have designed nanoparticles that specifically target these hardy cells to deliver a drug. The nanoparticle treatment worked far better than the drug alone in mice.

Toward 'green' paper-thin, flexible electronics

Scientists are reporting a new step toward bendable electronics. They have developed the first light-emitting, transparent and flexible paper out of environmentally friendly materials via a simple, suction-filtration method.

Researchers make ultrasensitive conductivity measurements

Photonic platform could provide 'optical signatures' for molecular electronics.

Engineers create origami paper-based bacteria-powered battery

Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, can be used to create beautiful birds, frogs and other small sculptures. Engineers say the technique can be applied to building batteries, too.

Buckling on demand: selective buckling in a novel metamaterial (w/video)

Researchers designed a novel metamaterial that buckles on demand. Small structural variations in the material single out regions that buckle selectively under external stress, whereas other regions remain unchanged.

ASCENT project offers unparalleled access to European nanoelectronics infrastructure

Tyndall National Institute in Ireland, CEA-Leti in France and imec in Belgium, leading European nanoelectronics institutes, have entered into a collaborative open-access project called ASCENT (Access to European Nanoelectronics Network), to mobilise European research capabilities like never before.

New boron compounds for organic light-emitting diodes

Chemists have developed a new class of organic luminescent materials through the targeted introduction of boron atoms into the molecular structures. The compounds feature an intensive blue fluorescence and are therefore of interest for use in organic light-emitting diodes.

Nanostructures under stress make teeth crack resistant

Engineers use internal stresses to strengthen materials for specific technical purposes. Now it seems that evolution has long 'known' about this trick, and has put it to use in our natural teeth.

Near absolute zero, molecules may start to exhibit exotic states of matter

Experimental physicists have successfully cooled molecules in a gas of sodium potassium to a temperature of 500 nanokelvins - just a hair above absolute zero. They found that the ultracold molecules were relatively long-lived and stable, resisting reactive collisions with other molecules. The molecules also exhibited very strong dipole moments.

How structural flaws dictate failure strength and deformation in nanosized alloys

A new reveals that designers of metallic-glass-based nanodevices must account for tiny flaws in alloy frameworks to avoid unpredictable catastrophic failure. Understanding how nanoscale metallic glass fractures and fails when subjected to external stress is critical to improving its reliability in devices and composites.

Stretchy sensors can detect deadly gases and UV radiation

Researchers have created wearable sensor patches that detect harmful UV radiation and dangerous, toxic gases such as hydrogen and nitrogen dioxide.