Researchers collaborate in development of brain-friendly interfaces

Researchers have developed a brain-friendly extracellular matrix environment of neuronal cells that contain very little foreign material. These by-design electrodes are shielded by a covering that the brain recognizes as part of its own composition.

Charge density and optical properties of multicomponent crystals

Optical materials serve a major role in modern sciences and technology. Many of the devices we use feature technology resulting from material discoveries in this fast moving area of research.

Integration of quantum dots and photonic crystals produce brighter, more efficient light

Researchers have developed a new method to extract more efficient and polarized light from quantum dots (QDs) over a large-scale area. Their method, which combines QD and photonic crystal technology, could lead to brighter and more efficient mobile phone, tablet, and computer displays, as well as enhanced LED lighting.

Copper clusters capture and convert carbon dioxide to make fuel

The chemical reactions that make methanol from carbon dioxide rely on a catalyst to speed up the conversion, and scientists identified a new material that could fill this role. With its unique structure, this catalyst can capture and convert carbon dioxide in a way that ultimately saves energy.

NSF funds center to study and develop atomically thin coatings

The center will design and develop advanced two-dimensional coatings engineered to solve fundamental scientific and technological challenges that include: corrosion, oxidation and abrasion, friction and wear, energy storage and harvesting, and the large-scale synthesis and deposition of novel multifunctional coatings.

European Technology Platform for Nanomedicine and ENATRANS launch the 2nd edition of the Nanomedicine Award

The goal of the Award is to promote and reward two excellent innovative nanomedicine-based solutions that could help physicians change the way diseases are treated and diagnosed, bringing significant benefits to patients.

First accelerator of nanobiomedicine projects launches

The EU-funded consortium ENATRANS (Enabling Nanomedicine TRANSlation) launches the first Translation Advisory Board, a new instrument to provide free of charge advice and support to ambitious international nanobiomedicine projects.

Using lasers to tailor the properties of graphene

Researchers explore the use of ultrafast lasers as tool for graphene processing. The laser beam can be focused precisely, used to tailor the properties of graphene films in finely defined areas, to produce distinct behaviors useful for producing devices.

Forcing a molecular light switch

A compound has been discovered whose fluorescence properties change dramatically on applying a mechanical force.

Spins in artificial atoms resemble those in natural ones

A study of an artificial molecule containing five electrons reveals similarities with spin filling of natural atoms.

New 2D transistor material made using precision lasers

Molybdenum ditelluride is a crystalline compound that if pure enough can be used as a transistor. It was first made in the 1960's via several different fabrication methods, but until last year it had never been made in a pure enough form to be suitable for electronics.