Chemists characterize 3-D macroporous hydrogels

Chemists have developed two novel methods to characterize 3-dimensional macroporous hydrogels - materials that hold great promise for developing 'smart' responsive materials that can be used for catalysts, chemical detectors, tissue engineering scaffolds and absorbents for carbon capture.

Nonstick coating goes commercial in consumer goods packaging (w/video)

The days of wasting condiments - and other products - that stick stubbornly to the sides of their bottles may be gone, thanks to MIT spinout LiquiGlide, which has licensed its nonstick coating to a major consumer-goods company.

The secret of the tiny magnetic beads

Physicists were able to show how biological motors and molecules can be used to carry out precise measurements of magnetic materials.

Chitosan coated, chemotherapy packed nanoparticles may target cancer stem cells

Nanoparticles packed with a clinically used chemotherapy drug and coated with an oligosaccharide derived from the carapace of crustaceans might effectively target and kill cancer stem-like cells, according to a recent study.

Magnesium nanoparticles improve hydrogen storage

New study of hydrogen storage material magnesium hydride reveals path to better performance, possibly paving way toward better future fuel tank.

Biodegradable, flexible silicon transistors

Researchers have developed a new biodegradable silicon transistor based on a material derived from wood, opening the door for green, flexible, low-cost portable electronics in future.

Atomic force microscope advance leads to new breast cancer research

Researchers who developed a high-speed form of atomic force microscopy have shown how to image the physical properties of live breast cancer cells, for the first time revealing details about how deactivation of a key protein may lead to metastasis.

Graphene flexes its electronic muscles

Flexing graphene may be the most basic way to control its electrical properties, according to calculations by theoretical physicists.

Researchers map 3D distribution of carbon nanotubes in composite materials

Scientists have developed cutting-edge image gathering and processing techniques to map the nanoscale structure of carbon nanotubes inside a composite material in 3-D. Exactly how the nanotubes are distributed and arranged within the material plays an important role in its overall properties.