Molecular magnetism packs power with 'messenger electron'

The spins of unpaired electrons are the root of permanent magnetism, and after 10 years of design and re-design, researchers have made a molecule that gains magnetic strength through an unusual way of controlling those spins.

X-ray laser reveals how extreme shocks deform a metal's atomic structure

A new way to observe this deformation as it happens can help study a wide range of phenomena, from meteor impacts to high-performance ceramics used in armor, as well as how to protect spacecraft from high-speed dust impacts.

Researchers camouflage an optical chip rendering it invisible

Researchers have conceived a new method that deflects and scatters light away from a 'cloaking' chip surface so it is not detected.

Quantum computing with molecules for a quicker search of unsorted databases

Scientists have quantum mechanically implemented and successfully executed Glover?s algorithm, a process for the quick finding of a search element in unsorted databases.

The unbelievable speed of electron emission from an atom

In a unique experiment, researchers have clocked how long it takes for an electron to be emitted from an atom. The result is 0.000 000 000 000 000 02 seconds, or 20 billionths of a billionth of a second.

Synthetic circuits can harvest light energy

Novel structures made with DNA scaffolds could be used to create solar-powered materials.

CRISPR-carrying nanoparticles edit the genome

New delivery system deletes disease-causing genes and reduces cholesterol.

Zipping DNA

Researchers have developed a method that allows large amounts of genetic information to be compressed and then decompressed again in cells. This could aid in the development of new therapies.

Learning from photosynthesis

A new study outlines the design of a synthetic system for energy gathering, conversion and transport that may point the way to innovations in solar energy, materials science, nanotechnology and photonics.

Scientists create a prototype neural network based on memristors

Living cell culture learning process to be implemented for the first time.

A new spin on old technique to engineer better absorptive materials

A team of bioengineers has taken a new look at an old tool to help characterize a class of materials called metal organic frameworks.

Photopolymerization-triggered molecular motion for flexible liquid crystal display

Researchers have reported the development of a new method of scanning wave photopolymerization that utilizes spatial and temporal scanning of focused guided light.

Researchers fold a protein within a protein

Sourced from the rapidly expanding field of synthetic biology, this protein-in-a-protein technology can improve functional protein yields by 100-fold and protect recombinant proteins from heat, harsh chemicals and proteolysis.

Graphene water filter turns whisky clear

In the newly developed ultrathin membranes, graphene-oxide sheets are assembled in such a way that pinholes formed during the assembly are interconnected by graphene nanochannels, which produces an atomic-scale sieve allowing the large flow of solvents through the membrane.

Bright and shining molecules for OLEDs and new drugs

An effective method for synthesizing thiophene-containing fluorophores.

Fuel cell x-ray study details effects of temperature and moisture on performance

X-ray experiments help scientists shed light on fuel-cell physics.

3...2...1...Launch! Graphene goes zero G!

After a long summer of hard work in the laboratories, researchers in the Graphene Flagship are ready for two experiments this week, testing graphene technologies for space-related applications in collaboration with the European Space Agency.

Monopole current offers way to control magnets

Using numerical simulations, the group showed how a magnetic field could be used to control the properties of north and south poles, which are fractionalized from magnetic moments of electrons, on a frustrated magnet called a quantum spin ice.

Semiconductors with an aligned interface

Researchers have determined the electronic characteristics of an interface between two wide bandgap semiconductors - an insight that will help improve the efficiency of light-emitting and high-power electronic devices.

A simple soak for a solar tune-up

Researchers have developed a method that enhances the ability of colloidal quantum dot solar cells to convert the sun?s energy into electricity by altering the surface chemistry of their functional layers in a noninvasive way.

How bacteria get their groove: Mechanism behind flagellar motility

A new study with high-speed AFM sheds light on mechanism underlying the assembly and activation of flagellar motor in the bacteria Bacillus subtilis.