New plasmonic sensor improves early cancer detection

A new plasmonic sensor will serve as a reliable early detection of biomarkers for many forms of cancer and eventually other diseases.

Copper embedded in carbon nano-spikes can turn carbon dioxide into ethanol

Scientists found that tiny spikes of carbon combined with copper particles convert carbon dioxide into ethanol fuel. The catalysts take a waste product of coal used in power plants and other hydrocarbon combustion reactions, in the presence of electrical energy, and create liquid fuel.

Reusable sponge for mitigating oil spills

A new foam called the Oleo Sponge was invented that not only easily adsorbs oil from water but is also reusable and can pull dispersed oil from an entire water column, not just the surface.

A low-tech, solution-based route to high-performance carbon nanotube thin films

This novel method produces a film with millions of carbon nanotubes aligned and tightly packed, like water pipes on a flatbed truck. The tubes are orders of magnitude better aligned than previously possible.

Nearly ideal performing regions in perovskite films could boost solar cells

Nanoscale images yield surprise that could push solar cell efficiency to 31 percent.

Seeing below the surface of solar cells

Method could help scientists learn new ways to boost photovoltaic efficiency.

Scientists see electron bottleneck in simulated battery

Scientists have discovered how interactions between electrons and ions slow the performance of electrodes made with vanadium pentoxide.

Changing the nature of optics in one step

A new one-step method directs the self-assembly of metallic gold pillars into a special oxide using pulsed laser deposition.

Scientists detect light-matter interaction in single layer of atoms

Discovery could lead to advances in 2-D materials, controlling light.

The synchronized dance of skyrmion spins

Researchers used computer simulations to further probe the behaviors of skyrmions, gaining insight that can help scientists and engineers better study the quasi-particles in experiments.

Tricking molecules into creating new nano-shapes

Scientists have devised materials that can create complex three-dimensional structures. They did it by exploiting how molecules self-assemble, spontaneously packing into nano-sized shapes.

Magnetoelectric memory cell increases energy efficiency for data storage

Researchers developed a magnetoelectric random access memory cell based on the stress-mediated magnetoelectric effect that promises extremely low bit-reading and low bit-writing energies.

Researchers measure the coherence length in glasses using a supercomputer

The use of the JANUS supercomputer has enabled researchers to reproduce the experimental protocol of equilibrium dynamics in spin glasses.

Nanosubmarine with self-destroying activity

Self-destroyed redox-sensitive stomatocyte nanomotor delivers and releases drugs for cells.

A network of crystals for long-distance quantum communication

In order to extend the reach of quantum communications, researchers have demonstrated a novel protocol based on a crystal than can emit quantum light as well as store it for arbitrary long times.

Quantum states reveal themselves with measurable 'fingerprint'

Discovery by international team offers route to certify devices for quantum computing and quantum cryptography.

Model for 2-D materials based RRAM found

Researchers develop a resistive random access memory device using only 2-D materials (graphene electrodes and hexagonal boron nitride insulators), and develop a complete theoretical model to describe its functioning.

Nanoscale computer model helps discover mechanisms that controls bone formation

An international, multidisciplinary research team has discovered a mechanism that controls the formation and function of plate-like nanocrystals that play a critical role in bone composition.

Frequency modulation accelerates the research of quantum technologies

In quantum devices, frequency modulation is utilized in controlling interactions.

Nanofiltration of waste water from molecules as small as 200 Daltons

Researchers were able to significantly reduce the separation limits of nanofiltration membranes and to reliably filter off dissolved organic molecules with a molar mass of only 200 Dalton.

3D printer nanoinks from the woods (w/video)

Researchers have succeeded in developing an environmentally friendly ink for 3D printing based on cellulose nanocrystals. This technology can be used to fabricate microstructures with outstanding mechanical properties, which have promising potential uses in implants and other biomedical applications.

New method of characterizing graphene

Scientists have developed a new method of characterizing graphene?s properties without applying disruptive electrical contacts, allowing them to investigate both the resistance and quantum capacitance of graphene and other two-dimensional materials.