Programmable materials showing future potential for industry (w/video)

New research has shown that honeycomb 'cellular' materials made of a shape-memory polymer might be programmed for specific purposes, from shock-absorbing football helmets to biomedical implants.

Inside nanotubes, water turns solid when it should be boiling

Researchers discover astonishing behavior of water confined in carbon nanotubes.

Researchers explore new 2D materials that could make devices faster, smaller, and efficient

A new study by an international team of researchers highlights how manipulation of 2D materials could make our modern day devices faster, smaller, and better.

Nano factories to prevent bacterial colonization

In a new research project, scientists plan to place miniature factories on surfaces that will create a cocktail of chemical compounds. Without endangering humans, the released substances will then specifically target bacteria that attempt to replicate on these surfaces.

Model could shatter a mystery of glass (w/video)

Researchers have developed a computational model for creating a 'perfect glass' that never crystallizes - even at absolute zero. The model is a new way of thinking about glass and details the extremely unusual properties of a perfect glass.

A joint study to design nanoporous materials to carry small molecules

Materials acting like sponge to safely capture, store, and release essential small molecules.

'Diamond-age' of power generation as nuclear batteries developed (w/video)

A team of physicists and chemists have grown a man-made diamond that, when placed in a radioactive field, is able to generate a small electrical current. The development could solve some of the problems of nuclear waste, clean electricity generation and battery life.

A new technique for structural color, inspired by birds

Scientists have developed a new, more robust and cost effective system to build large-scale metamaterials with structural color.

More energy from the sun - Researchers road-test powerful method for studying singlet fission

Singlet fission could have a central role in the future development of solar cells.

Flying start for world's first graphene-enhanced aircraft

Prospero, the first model aircraft to incorporate a graphene skinned wing, was successfully flown at the Farnborough International Air Show in the UK earlier this year. The flight sets an example of how graphene might be used within the aerospace sector.

Researchers demonstrate world's first qubit device fabricated in standard CMOS process

Researchers have achieved the first demonstration of a quantum-dot-based spin qubit using an industry-standard fabrication process.

Squeezing light into new miniature devices

Scientists develop new optical circuit components to manipulate light.