New, inexpensive way to clean water from oil sands production with nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a process to remove contaminants from oil sands wastewater using only sunlight and nanoparticles that is more effective and inexpensive than conventional treatment methods.

Using light-force to study single molecules

Scientists show how a light-induced force can amplify the sensitivity and resolution of a technique used to study single molecules.

Biomedical imaging at one-thousandth the cost

Mathematical modeling enables $100 depth sensor to approximate the measurements of a $100,000 piece of lab equipment.

Nanomagnets: Creating order out of chaos

Miniaturization is the magic word when it comes to nanomagnetic devices intended for use in new types of electronic components. Scientists now have proposed the use of ion beams for their fabrication. An ultra-fine beam consisting of around 10 neon ions suffices to bring several hundred atoms of an iron-aluminum alloy into disarray and thereby generate a nanomagnet embedded directly in the material.

International Graphene Centre launches in Beijing

The China-UK collaborative effort to support the development an international graphene standards and testing centre was officially launched at Zhongguancun Fengtai Science Park, Beijing, China. As the demand for international standards for testing graphene increases, the Centre in Beijing will lay the foundation for the development of graphene industry and high-end applications in China.

Detecting single cancer cells before they form metastases

Researchers develop a new method to detect cancer cells in the blood before they settle in the tissue and form a new tumor.

Manipulating transistors at terahertz frequencies

An interdisciplinary research team has found a way of accessing the interior of transistors. The researchers have manipulated the electron gas contained within by applying resonators to generate rhythmic oscillation in the terahertz range inside.

A new method of constructing nanowires for use as semiconductors

Physicists have discovered novel behaviours of materials that could enhance telecommunications technology.

Higher solar cell efficiency thanks to perovskite magic crystal

Researchers have come up with a procedure that makes it possible to produce thin film tandem solar cells in which a thin perovskite layer is used. The processing of peroveskite takes place at just 50 degrees Celsius and such a process is potentially applicable for low cost roll-to-roll production in future.

Electric fields remove nanoparticles from blood with ease

Engineers have developed a new technology that uses an oscillating electric field to easily and quickly isolate drug-delivery nanoparticles from blood. The technology could serve as a general tool to separate and recover nanoparticles from other complex fluids for medical, environmental, and industrial applications.

Smart sensor detects single molecule in chemical compounds

Researchers have developed a smart sensor that can detect single molecules in chemical and biological compounds - a highly valued function in medicine, security and defence.