Scientists propose light-driven motors to power nanorobots of the future

Researchers propose a nanosized motor controlled by a laser with potential applications across the natural sciences and medicine.

Researchers discover new method to dissipate heat in electronic devices

By modulating the flow of phonons through semiconductor nanowires, engineers can create smaller and faster devices.

Desalination with layered graphene membranes

Membranes made from carefully arranged graphene layers could help transform seawater desalination from an energy intensive process into one that is significantly more energy efficient. Such a transformation would reduce the carbon footprint and power demand of countries that rely on desalination to meet their freshwater needs.

Water, water - the two types of liquid water

Scientists explain how the physical and chemical properties of water have been studied for more than a century and revealed some odd behavior not seen in other substances.

Engineers develop self-powered mobile polymers (w/video)

Researchers have identified new materials that directly convert ultraviolet light into motion without the need for electronics or other traditional methods.

A 'magnetic slippery surface' improves de-icing

Icy conditions can be deadly, whether you're flying into bad weather or too close to power transmission lines during a storm. Researchers now have reported the discovery of a material that can be applied to any surface to repel ice.

Tailored carbon nanomaterials could help treating neurological diseases

This joint research effort may help Parkinson's patients and people with memory disorders.

'Exceptional' nanosensor architecture based on exceptional points

Researchers have developed a novel design for a compact, ultra-sensitive nanosensor that can be used to make portable health-monitoring devices and to detect minute quantities of toxins and explosives for security applications.

First random laser made of paper-based ceramics

New biotemplating process makes it possible to create lasers out of cellulose paper.

Solar cells get boost with integration of water-splitting catalyst onto semiconductor

Scientists have found a way to engineer the atomic-scale chemical properties of a water-splitting catalyst for integration with a solar cell, and the result is a big boost to the stability and efficiency of artificial photosynthesis.

Spin Hall effect in decorated graphene

In a new paper, scientists question the interpretation of large values from the Spin Hall effect (SHE) signals, reported experimentally in chemically decorated graphene. Further, they propose new device geometry to suppress background contributions on the non-local resistance to access the upper limit of SHE in two-dimensional materials.