Sound over silicon: Computing's wave of the future

Phonon-based computing could change the world as we know it.

Could triboelectric nanogenerators charge your smartwatch just by checking it?

Could triboelectric nanogenerators, even theoretically, give us wearable electronics powered solely by the wearer?s day-to-day body motion? The short answer is yes.

Physicists find a way to control charged molecules - with quantum logic (w/video)

Physicists have solved the seemingly intractable puzzle of how to control the quantum properties of individual charged molecules, or molecular ions. The solution is to use the same kind of 'quantum logic' that drives an experimental atomic clock.

Avoiding printed 'coffee rings' with cellulose nanofibers

Cellulose nanofibers can help particles in ink and printed electronics disperse evenly, rather than spread apart like dried coffee rings.

The nanoFate model assesses the risk of engineered nanomaterials in the environment

Scientists have developed a dynamic multimedia fate and transport model to predict the time-dependent accumulation of metallic engineered nanomaterials across environmental media. The model considers a wider range of processes and environmental subcompartments than most previous models.

Building a better microscope with metasurfaces

A team of researchers has developed the first flat lens for immersion microscopy. This lens, which can be designed for any liquid, may provide a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture alternative to the expensive, centuries-old technique of hand polishing lenses for immersion objectives.

Stretchable hologram can switch between multiple images

The possibility of sending and receiving holographic messages has long tantalized sci-fi fans. Although we're not there yet, scientists have now created holograms that can change from one image to another as the materials used to generate them are stretched.

Thin-film ferroelectrics go extreme

Researchers create polarization gradient, boost temperature span of ubiquitous material.

Scientists print nanoscale imaging probe onto tip of optical fiber

Combining speed with incredible precision, a team of researchers has developed a way to print a nanoscale imaging probe onto the tip of a glass fiber as thin as a human hair, accelerating the production of the promising new device from several per month to several per day.

Materials bend as they 'breathe' under high temperatures

Mechanical actuators expand and contract as they let oxygen in and out.

Three-dimensional direction-dependent force measurement at the subatomic scale

A research group has recently developed an AFM-based approach called 'bimodal AFM' to obtain information about material surfaces in the X, Y, and Z directions (that is, in three dimensions) on the subatomic scale.

Exploring the conversion of heat to electricity in single molecules

Scientists simultaneously measured the electrical conductance and thermovoltage of molecules with different groups anchoring the molecules to the electrodes at room temperature in vacuum.

Achieving near-perfect optical isolation using opto-mechanical transparency

Researchers have demonstrated a new level of optical isolation necessary to advance on-chip optical signal processing. The technique involving light-sound interaction can be implemented in nearly any photonic foundry process and can significantly impact optical computing and communication systems.

New nanotechnology application for difficult-to-treat cancers

A new treatment combining shock waves with nanoparticles can successfully treat tumours that are difficult to target using conventional chemotherapy.