New plastic solar cell minimizes loss of photon energy

Researchers have shown that a newly developed polymer can minimize energy loss as well as silicon-based solar cells when converting photon energy from sunlight to electricity.

Viscous nanopores collapse according to universal law

Viscous nanopores, tiny holes punctured in fluid membranes, collapse according to a universal law, a study shows. The finding could improve the design of nanopores for fast, inexpensive DNA analysis and sheds light on the biology of pores in cell membranes.

A cheap, disposable device for diagnosing disease

The development of a reusable microfluidic device for sorting and manipulating cells and other micro/nano meter scale objects will make biomedical diagnosis of diseases cheaper and more convenient in regions where medical facilities are sparse or cost is prohibitive.

Exploring the limits for high-performance LEDs and solar cells

Researchers systematically unravel the potential of a nonradiative energy transfer mechanism, called Foerster energy transfer, to increase the efficiency of hybrid optoelectronic devices.

A quantum spin on molecular computers

If quantum computers existed, they would revolutionize computing as we know it. Based on fundamental properties of matter, the potential power of these theoretical workhorses would solve problems in a new way, cracking extremely complex spy codes and precisely modeling chemical systems in a snap. Now, researchers have created cleverly designed molecules to get one step closer to this goal.

New stretchable, wearable carbon nanotube sensor made with chewing gum

Scientists report a unique sensing device made of gum and carbon nanotubes that can move with your most bendable parts and track your breathing.

Liquid metal 'nano-terminators' target cancer cells

Researchers have developed a new drug delivery technique that uses a biodegradable liquid metal to target cancer cells. The liquid metal drug delivery method promises to boost the effect of cancer drugs.

Swimming devices could deliver drugs inside the body

A new method of guiding microscopic swimming devices has the potential to deliver drugs to a targeted location inside the body.

Nanoscale ribbons of a new phase of gold with a different crystalline structure

A new and stable phase of gold with different physical and optical properties from those of conventional gold has been synthesized and promises to be useful for a wide range of applications, including plasmonics and catalysis.

Steering the flow of light

Nanoparticles with varied shapes scatter light in useful and unusual ways.

Quantum computer made of standard semiconductor materials

Physicists have tracked down semiconductor nanostructure mechanisms that can result in the loss of stored information - and halted the amnesia using an external magnetic field. The new nanostructures comprise common semiconductor materials compatible with standard manufacturing processes.