Defrosting a magnetic mystery

An intriguing quantum effect that is potentially useful for practical electronic devices has been realized at significantly higher temperatures than previously observed.

Fuel cell advance

Researchers report a breakthrough that promises to bring down the cost of hydrogen fuel cells by replacing expensive platinum catalysts with cheaper ones made from metals like nickel.

Nanoparticles can track the path of chemotherapy drugs

Tracking the path of chemotherapy drugs in real time and at a cellular level could revolutionize cancer care and help doctors sort out why two patients might respond differently to the same treatment.

Nanodevice, build thyself

Researchers in Germany studied how a multitude of electronic interactions govern the encounter between a molecule called porphine and copper and silver surfaces.

Nanoprobe development to help uncover DNA secrets

New research has led to the use of the nanoprobe to study how individual proteins interact with DNA. Invisible to the human eye, this tiny triangular probe can be captured using laser tweezers and then moved around inside a microscope chamber.

Making the invisible visible: Color-changing indicators highlight microscopic damage

Damage developing in a material can be difficult to see until something breaks or fails. A new polymer damage indication system automatically highlights areas that are cracked, scratched or stressed, allowing engineers to address problem areas before they become more problematic.

Flexible nanocomposite film may lead to phone-sized cancer detector

A thin, stretchable film that coils light waves like a Slinky could one day lead to more precise, less expensive monitoring for cancer survivors.

Engineers invent a bubble-pen to write with nanoparticles (w/video)

Researchers have solved a problem in micro- and nanofabrication - how to quickly, gently and precisely handle tiny particles - that will allow researchers to more easily build tiny machines, biomedical sensors, optical computers, solar panels and other devices.

Perovskites for solar cells produced by mechanochemistry

Perovskites, substances that perfectly absorb light, are the future of solar energy. The opportunity for their rapid dissemination has just increased thanks to a cheap and environmentally safe method of production of these materials. Rather than in solutions at a high temperature, perovskites can now be synthesized by solid-state mechanochemical processes: by grinding powders.

Tunable graphene materials clear the way for advanced optics

A team of German and American physicists develops a way to precisely engineer the transition point for the phase-transition material vanadium dioxide to occur at specific temperatures.

Revolutionary new graphene elastomer exceeds sensitivity of human skin

A new sponge-like material could have diverse and valuable real-life applications. The new elastomer could be used to create soft, tactile robots to help care for elderly people, perform remote surgical procedures or build highly sensitive prosthetic hands.

Nano-shells deliver molecules that tell bone to repair itself

Scientists have developed a polymer sphere that delivers a molecule to bone wounds that tells cells already at the injury site to repair the damage.

Synthetic antibody detects proteins

Research could lead to nanosensors that recognize fibrinogen, insulin, or other biomarkers.