An Archimedes' screw for groups of quantum particles

An international team has proposed a scheme that could help protect groups of particles and enable them to move together without any getting lost or held up.

A novel non-precious metal catalyst for water splitting

Researchers have presented a novel strategy for non-precious metal catalyst that can replace rare and expensive platinum(Pt)-based catalyst, currently used in hydrogen fuel cell.

World's fastest gas detector to prevent global warming

Using new photonics technology, European scientists are developing a multi-gas detector that can spot dozens of harmful emissions with a single sensor in milliseconds, delivering a breakthrough for the prevention climate change.

Engineers make nanoscale 'muscles' powered by DNA

By carefully incorporating strands of custom DNA into different layers of flexible films, researchers can force those films to bend, curl and even flip over by introducing the right DNA cue. They could also reverse these changes by way of different DNA cues.

Chemists uncover a new way heat travels between molecules

A new model, developed by chemists, could be the first step towards better harnessing heat energy to power nanoscale devices.

Patterns that push the limits

What about putting your logo on LED lamp to project the picture on the wall? Or do you want your money to shine in different nano-colours depending on the value? With a new method this is possible.

Molecular imaging hack makes cameras 'faster' (w/video)

A new technique grabs images of chemical processes that happen faster than most laboratory cameras are able to capture them.

Using sound waves to move liquids at the nanoscale (w/video)

A team of mechanical engineers has successfully used acoustic waves to move fluids through small channels at the nanoscale. The breakthrough is a first step toward the manufacturing of small, portable devices that could be used for drug discovery and microrobotics applications.

Switched-on skyrmions

A lattice of magnetic vortices can be created or destroyed simply by applying an electric field.