German authorities update their joint research strategy 'Nanotechnology - health and environmental risks of nanomaterials'

The joint research strategy is part of the action plan Nanotechnology 2020 of the Federal Government passed by the Federal Cabinet on 14 September 2016. At the heart of the joint research strategy are testing methods and concepts for the characterisation and assessment of health and environmental risks which must be adapted and tested for new materials.

Bowl-to-bowl inversion: Key to understanding mechano-electronic switches

Scientists have identified the adlayer structure of the sumanene buckybowl on Au(111) and revealed its unique bowl inversion behavior.

Watching molecular machines at work

A new technology makes it possible to test how complex molecules function by manipulating them systematically. Add to this a new electron microscopy technique that brings resolution down to the atomic level - and indeed scientists are now able to directly look at these machines.

Mass producing graphene using microwaves

Scientists have discovered a simple new method for producing large quantities of the promising nanomaterial graphene.

Shape-programmable miniscule robots

Soft materials that can use magnetic fields to generate desired time-varying shapes could provide an engine for microswimmers.

Iron nanoparticles make immune cells attack cancer

Researchers accidentally discovered that iron nanoparticles invented for anemia treatment have another use: triggering the immune system's ability to destroy tumor cells.

Single photon light emitting diodes for on-chip integration

Researchers have used layered materials to create an all-electrical quantum light emitting diodes (LED) with single-photon emission. These LEDs have potential as on-chip photon sources in quantum information applications.

Edible nanocoating increases life of foods

In order to extend the life of fruits and vegetables and preserve them for longer refrigeration, researchers developed an edible coating with added functional ingredients applied to freshly cut foods.

Bending semiconductors generates electricity

The phenomenon, called flexoelectricity, arises from the redistribution of atoms and electrons in a material when it is bent. This redistribution of charges can be used to generate an electrical current. It was already known that insulating materials can be flexoelectric.

Scientists put a new twist on artificial muscles

Scientists describe the path to developing a new class of artificial muscles made from highly twisted fibers of various materials, ranging from exotic carbon nanotubes to ordinary nylon thread and polymer fishing line.

Ultrtasmall nanoparticles show ability to induce cell death in tumors

Ultrasmall nanoparticles have can kill cancer cells without attaching a cytotoxic drug.

Crystalline fault lines provide pathway for solar cell current (w/video)

New tomographic AFM imaging technique reveals that microstructural defects, generally thought to be detrimental, actually improve conductivity in cadmium telluride solar cells.

3D nanoprinting improves performance of atomic force microscopes

Tiny sensors made through nanoscale 3D printing may be the basis for the next generation of atomic force microscopes. These nanosensors can enhance the microscopes' sensitivity and detection speed by miniaturizing their detection component up to 100 times.

Scientists observe a surprising quantum effect when short light pulses interact with matter

Researchers have demonstrated how a train of attosecond pulses of polychromatic light could be used to excite a two-level system, which is a basic model system in quantum mechanics.

Controllable light-emitting materials to advance light sensing and nanomedicine

Luminous bismuth: controllable light-emitting materials having the potential to advance high-intensity, light sensing and nanomedicine.