Bioreactors on a chip renew promises for algal biofuels

Researchers report exciting new technology that may revolutionize the search for the perfect algal strain: algal droplet bioreactors on a chip the size of a quarter.

Ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive nanowire hydrogen sensor

Scientists developed a hydrogen gas sensor which can detect the hydrogen levels under 1 percent in less than 7 seconds using a palladium nanowire array with a metal-organic framework.

Ultracold atoms point toward an intriguing magnetic behavior

Using atoms cooled to just billionths of a degree above absolute zero, a team of researchers has discovered an intriguing magnetic behavior that could help explain how high-temperature superconductivity works.

Magnetic electrodes increase solar cell efficiency

Researchers have developed a photovoltaic cell in which magnetic materials such as electrodes are used for the first time to provide current.

Robert Langer receives Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine

Chemical engineer and prolific inventor Robert S. Langer of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the recipient of the $250,000 Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine for 2017.

Nanocoating makes electrically heated textiles possible

Scientists use a vapor deposition method for nanocoating fabric to create sewable, weavable, electrically heated material.

Can a pumpkin-shaped molecule bring a different ending to 'Breaking Bad'?

A simple and flexible sensor, which can be attached to a wristband and connected to an Android app via Bluetooth, could move drug screening from the labs to the streets.

A flexible new platform for high-performance electronics

Engineers has created the most functional flexible transistor in the world - and with it, a fast, simple and inexpensive fabrication process that's easily scalable to the commercial level.

Surfactants have surprising effect on nanobubble stability

Tiny bubbles may have complex breaking mechanisms dependent on their surrounding solution.

Entangling photons from a quantum dot in the telecom C-band

Scientists experimentally verified the generation of polarization-entangled photon pairs in the emission wavelength range of the telecom C-band.

Biodegradable microsensors for food monitoring

A new generation of microsensors could provide the vital link between food products and the Internet of Things. Researchers have developed an ultra-thin temperature sensor that is both biocompatible and biodegradable.

Nanoscale energy harvesters show large-scale impact

Nanoscale modeling of piezoelectric energy harvester offers a new nanoscale sensor design and demonstrates important design elements for efficient implementation.

Origami optoelectronics

Researchers present strategies to demonstrate the degree to which highly deformable properties, including stretching, bending, and twisting can be achieved in conjunction with high-performance photodetection through the integration of Miura origami, array design, and paper printing processes.

Progress achieved towards mass producing carbon nanotube sheets

Researchers have achieved a breakthrough approach to producing carbon nanotube sheets, known as buckypaper, through a scalable, low-cost and simple technique.

New type of supercomputer could be based on 'magic dust' combination of light and matter

A team of researchers have successfully demonstrated that a type of 'magic dust' which combines light and matter can be used to solve complex problems and could eventually surpass the capabilities of even the most powerful supercomputers.

Sensing atoms caught in ripples of light

Scientists have developed a fast-acting, non-invasive way to use fiber light to reveal information about fiber traps. This technique is reminiscent of biomedical and chemical sensors that use fibers to detect properties of nearby molecules.

Atomistic simulations go the distance on metal strength

Researchers have dived down to the atomic scale to resolve every 'jiggle and wiggle' of atomic motion that underlies metal strength.

Finding 2D materials to make batteries cheaper, better

Researchers received a $1.44 million National Science Foundation grant to discover new 2D materials that can be used to manufacture better and cheaper batteries.

Unexpected discovery leads to new theory of liquid streaming

Scientists were studying the nonlinear transmission of light through an aqueous suspension of gold nanoparticles when they noticed something unexpected. A pulse laser appeared to have forced the movement of a stream of liquid in a glass laboratory cuvette.

Ancient ink for cancer treatment

For hundreds of years, Chinese calligraphers have used a plant-based ink to create beautiful messages and art. Now, researchers report that this ink could noninvasively and effectively treat cancer cells that spread, or metastasize, to lymph nodes.

Faster imaging at the nanoscale level

A patented new technique by engineers speeds up imaging of biological specimens and high-tech materials.

Quantum communications bend to our needs

By changing the wavelengths of entangled photons to those used in telecommunications, researchers see quantum technology take a major leap forward.

Researchers develop wearable solar thermoelectric generator

Researchers have demonstrated a new advanced energy harvesting system, capable of generating electricity by simply being attached to clothes, windows, and outer walls of a building.

Photoacoustic imaging and photothermal cancer therapy using bilirubin nanoparticles

The research team applied the properties of a bile pigment called BR, which exerts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, to this research.

Europe's cathedrals get new life thanks to nanoparticles

The current phase of restoration of the Pisa Cathedral started 4 years ago, with workers using traditional restoration techniques. But this could soon change thanks to innovative nanomaterials being tested.

Graphene forged into three-dimensional shapes

Scientists have discovered how graphene, a single-atom-thin layer of carbon, can be forged into three-dimensional objects by using laser light.

Bringing signals into phase

A novel type of electronic component made from a blend of polymer materials could enable more effective circuitry.

Nanogenerator-powered electrospinning system

Researchers report a self-powered electrospinning system, which is composed of a rotating-disk TENG, a voltage-doubling rectifying circuit, and a simple spinneret.

A little tension yields enormous solar crystals

New evidence of surface-initiated crystallization may improve the efficiency of printable photovoltaic materials.

Physicists achieve rapid magnetic switching with lasers

New research shows control over composition of ferrimagnetic materials offers new ways of switching their magnetism.

Band gaps, made to order

Engineers create atomically thin superlattice materials with precision.

Creative use of noise brings bio-inspired electronic improvement

Researchers have developed a single-walled carbon nanotube device that can detect below-threshold signals through the use of stochastic resonance.

Nanopore filter may be a match for fracking water

Scientists produce superhydrophilic membrane to clean fluids for reuse.

Holograms for molecules

Scientists have developed a completely new analysis method based on light diffraction on molecules on a small chip.

Atomic-scale movies reveal that catalyst nanoparticles undergo internal changes to forge carbon nanotubes (w/video)

Researchers have made some of the first movies of the structural changes in tiny catalyst particles that may someday help them more efficiently build miniature electronic circuits and other nanotech devices.

New technique uses light to separate mirrored molecules

A nanostructured filter that, when illuminated with a laser, attracts one handed specimen while repelling its mirror image.

Bacterial nanosized speargun works like a power drill

In order to get rid of unpleasant competitors, some bacteria use a sophisticated weapon - a nanosized speargun. Researchers have now gained new insights into the construction, mode of action and recycling of this weapon.

Atomically thin solar cell materials

Researchers have developed an innovative method for fabricating semitransparent and flexible solar cells with atomically thin 2D materials.

Nanoparticle supersoap creates 'bijel' with potential as sculptable fluid

New research simplifies process for emulsion that could lead to liquid circuitry, soft robotics.

Molecular geometry with DNA nanoscopy (w/video)

Nanotechnology that continuously creates DNA-based records of nearby features in molecular complexes, allowing for their computational reconstruction.

Brain damage in fish affected by plastic nanoparticles

A new study shows that plastic particles in water may end up inside fish brains. The plastic can cause brain damage, which is the likely cause of behavioural disorders observed in the fish.

Scientists discover genes are controlled by 'nano footballs'

New research has revealed that genes are controlled by 'nano footballs' - structures that look like footballs but 10 million times smaller than the average ball.

MRI contrast agent locates and distinguishes aggressive from slow-growing breast cancer

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent being tested by researchers not only pinpoints breast cancers at early stages but differentiates between aggressive and slow-growing types.

Platinum clusters with precise numbers of atoms for preparative-scale catalysis

Scientists have developed a fully scalable method for the synthesis of atom-precise platinum clusters for potential use in catalytic applications. This method could provide a new pathway for large-scale production of atom-precise clusters.

Dancing electrons lose the race

Atoms emit electrons when a material is irradiated with light at a sufficiently high frequency. Previously, physics had assumed that the motion of these photoelectrons is determined by the properties of the material. In a new study, physicists show that it is the interplay of the electrons within the atom that is decisive.

Enhancing the sensing capabilities of diamonds with quantum properties

Researchers have shown how they can create more nitrogen-vacancy centers, which makes sensing magnetic fields easier, using a relatively simple method that can be done in many labs.

A new way to enhance the capacity of memory devices

A new study reveals how topological vortices found in low-dimensional materials can be both displaced and erased and restored again by the electrical field within nanoparticles.

Assembly of nanoparticles proceeds like a zipper

According to scientists, nature's own charged nanoparticles - protein cages and viruses - can be utilized to determine the structure of composite nanomaterials.

Researchers demonstrate quantum teleportation of patterns of light

Technique paves the way for high bit-rate secure long distance quantum communication.

New analysis explains role of defects in metal oxides

Harnessing these imperfections could have implications for computer memory and energy conversion.