Scientists paint quantum electronics with beams of light

Researchers have accidentally discovered a new way of using light to draw and erase quantum-mechanical circuits in a unique class of materials called topological insulators.

Scientists produce shortest electron bunches ever by surfing plasma waves

The shortest electron bunches ever were produced by focusing a high-power laser pulse into a supersonic helium gas jet.

Knit it, braid it, turn it on and use it! (w/video)

The ability to arrange different types of fibres with predetermined spatial organisation gives us the colour, vibrancy and comfort we encounter in traditional textiles.

NIH grant to develop novel gut-on-a-chip technology

Scientists are creating a new kind of research tool that will be nearly indistinguishable from the human gastrointestinal tract.

Gold nanomembranes resist bending in new experiment

New research provides researchers with a new, simpler method to measure nanomaterials' resistance to bending and stretching, and opens new possibilities for creating nano-sized objects and machines by controlling and tailoring that resistance.

Scientists pave way for nanodiamonds to trace early cancers

New findings reveal how a nanoscale, synthetic version of the precious gem can light up early-stage cancers in non-toxic, non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.

Single atom alloy platinum-copper catalysts cut costs, boost green technology

New generation of catalysts demonstrated for selective hydrogenation of butadiene.

Electronics get a power boost with the addition of simple material

The tiny transistor is the heart of the electronics revolution, and materials scientist have just discovered a way to give the workhorse transistor a big boost, using a new technique to incorporate vanadium oxide, one of a family of materials called functional oxides, into the device.

Soft probing with optical tweezers

Researchers have developed a method for measuring soft, structured surfaces using optical forces.

Controllable protein gates deliver on-demand permeability in artificial nanovesicles

Researchers have succeeded in building protein gates for artificial nano-vesicles that become transparent only under specific conditions. The gate responds to certain pH values, triggering a reaction and releasing active agents at the desired location.

Characterizing electrons in the smallest devices

A technique for investigating the magnetic properties of electrons in quantum point contacts leads to a better understanding of these quantum devices.

Stretching a material offers a way of tuning an exotic form of magnetism

A method for controlling magnetic skyrmions through applying a strain to a material has been demonstrated by researchers. Such skyrmions are potentially useful for low-power magnetic memories.

Using optical fiber to generate a two-micron laser

Lasers with a wavelength of two microns could move the boundaries of surgery and molecule detection. Researchers have managed to generate such lasers using a simple and inexpensive method.