Major new facility to explore optimizing plasma for the production of nanoparticles

After more than two years of planning and construction, the U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) has commissioned a major new facility to explore ways to optimize plasma for the production of nanoparticles.

Light-modified material modifies light

A material whose optical properties can be modified on a small scale by laser light promises a wide range of applications.

Invisible particles 'seen' for the first time

A mysterious effect in which particles do not scatter light has been observed at optical wavelengths for the first time.

Directed matter - Toward atomic-scale 3D nanofabrication

Additive manufacturing techniques featuring atomic precision could one day create materials with Legos flexibility and Terminator toughness.

NASA eyes first-ever carbon-nanotube mirrors for CubeSat telescope

A lightweight telescope that a team of NASA scientists and engineers is developing specifically for CubeSat scientific investigations could become the first to carry a mirror made of carbon nanotubes in an epoxy resin.

Engineered 'sand' may help cool electronic devices

Researchers would like to put sand into your computer. Not beach sand, but silicon dioxide nanoparticles coated with a high dielectric constant polymer to inexpensively provide improved cooling for increasingly power-hungry electronic devices.

DNA origami lights up a microscopic glowing Van Gogh

Using folded DNA to precisely place glowing molecules within microscopic light resonators, researchers have created one of the world's smallest reproductions of Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night.

Repurposing the ribosome for synthetic biology

By using biological catalysts, researchers aim to produce materials for sustainable, rechargeable batteries that are currently impossible to make chemically.

Scientists optimize defects for better superconducting effects

In a new study, researchers have developed a rational approach to optimize the arrangement of defects to enhance the current-carrying capacity of commercial high-temperature superconducting wires.

Engineers develop octopus-inspired smart adhesive pads

Researchers have found a way to make building flexible pressure sensors easier - by mimicking the suction cups on octopus's tentacles.

Storing information securely in DNA

Compared to digital and analog information storage, DNA is more compact and durable and never becomes obsolete.

Silk-based tissue chip provides promise for drug testing and implantable devices

Scientists have created a new type of tissue chip that can better represent human tissues compared with current chips, and can be more widely used for drug testing.

Nano-switches for superconductivity

Scientists have successfully created nano-electronic circuits using a recently discovered two-dimensional superconductor.

A signal boost for molecular microscopy

Researchers have developed a technique, where an optical microcavity is used to enhance Raman scattering signals, and utilized it for molecular diagnostics by combined Raman and absorption imaging.