Blood-repellent materials: A new approach to medical implants

Engineers have grown 'superhemophobic' titanium surfaces that could form the basis for biocompatible medical devices.

A 'strand' of DNA as never before

In a carefully designed polymer, researchers have imprinted a sequence of a single strand of DNA. The resulting negative remained chemically active and was capable of binding the appropriate nucleobases forming a genetic code. The polymer matrix thus functioned exactly like a sequence of real DNA.

Harnessing the energy of fireworks'metal nanopowders for fuel

Scientists are reporting a method to produce a metal nanopowder fuel with high energy content that is stable in air and doesn't go boom until ignited.

Toward a 'smart' patch that automatically delivers insulin when needed

Researchers are developing a painless 'smart' patch that monitors blood glucose and releases insulin when levels climb too high.

Luminescent proteins provide color to ecological and cheap bio-displays

Scientists have designed a new screen, which is cheaper and ecological as it uses a hybrid material. This material's luminescent proteins can be used in backlighting systems and colour filters made using a 3D printing technique.

Faster recharging batteries possible after new insights

Faster recharging lithium batteries could be developed after scientists figured out why adding charged metal atoms to tunnel structures within batteries improves their performance.

A big nano boost for solar cells

Researchers have built a new nano-sized semiconductor that narrows the wavelength bandwidth to concentrate the energy.

Nanofibres developed for healing bone fractures

In future, it may be possible to use nanofibres to improve the attachment of bone implants, or the fibres may be used directly to scaffold bone regeneration. This would aid the healing of fractures and may enable the care of osteoporosis.

Ultra-precise chip-scale sensor detects unprecedentedly small changes in environmental conditions at the nanoscale

The approach consists of two cascaded microring resonators, with one serving as the sensing device and the other playing the role of a reference - thus eliminating environmental and system fluctuations such as temperature and laser frequency.

Explaining how 2-D materials break at the atomic level

Physicists found that to shed light on the cracking of MoS2, we must go beyond the theory used so far.

Strength of hair inspires new materials for body armor

In a new study, researchers investigate why hair is incredibly strong and resistant to breaking. The findings could lead to the development of new materials for body armor and help cosmetic manufacturers create better hair care products.

Researchers produce functional OLED electrodes from graphene

The OLEDs can, for example, be integrated into touch displays, and the miracle material graphene promises many other applications for the future.