How does water melt? Layer by layer!

Scientists for polymer research have solved a controversial question concerning the melting of ice: it melts in a layer-by-layer fashion.

New study sets performance targets for metal-free fuel cell membrane

The best road to zero-emission vehicles may be with fuel-cell technology. It preserves the advantages of gasoline automobiles, with low upfront costs, long driving range and fast refueling. A new paper offers a strategic roadmap.

Thinking outside the nanocluster box

New research finds that silver atoms can be crafted into a box-shaped nanocluster by careful selection of ligand molecules.

Nanomedical anti-tumor strategy

Nanomedical treatment concept combines NO gas therapy with starvation of tumor cells.

Versatile optical laser will enable innovative experiments at atomic-scale measurements

The European X-ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL) facility was built with one objective - to provide pulses of light short enough, bright enough, and of small enough wavelength to observe processes that would otherwise be too fast and/or too infrequent to measure in real-time.

New diamond harder than ring bling

Researchers have made a diamond that is harder than a jeweller's diamond and useful for cutting through ultra-solid materials on mining sites.

Flexible optical sensors to control the quality of beverages and environmental parameters

Researchers have developed an innovative optical sensor using a conventional tape since it is a low-cost and flexible material that can be easily acquired at stationery shops and it can detect variations of the optical properties of a liquid when is immersed in such liquid.

Painless microneedle patch could replace needles

It's only a matter of time before drugs are administered via patches with painless microneedles instead of unpleasant injections. But designers need to balance the need for flexible, comfortable-to-wear material with effective microneedle penetration of the skin.