Microwaved plastic increases lithium-sulfur battery life span

Engineers have figured out a way to tackle plastic landfills while also improving batteries - by putting ink-free plastic soaked in sulfur-containing solvent into a microwave, and then into batteries as a carbon scaffold.

Liquid crystals self-regulate the release of drugs in precise, repeating doses with simple nudge from their environment

Researchers have developed liquid crystal films and droplets that can hold a wide range of micro-cargo until their release is cued by body heat or a beam of light or even the wake of swimming microorganisms.

Visualization of molecular soccer balls

A research team images single doped fullerene molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy.

A new generation of graphene incorporates 'separators'

The separator molecules are designed to separate graphene flakes without degrading their properties, so as to have control over the material.

Light-induced superconductivity under high pressure

Scientists investigated optically-induced superconductivity in the alkali-doped fulleride K3C60under high external pressures.

Graphene and X-ray laser open new view on Alzheimer's proteins

Graphene enables structural analysis of naturally occurring amyloids.

Method assembles cellulose nanofibres into a material stronger than spider silk

Researchers have produced a bio-based material that is reported to surpass the strength of all known bio-based materials whether fabricated or natural, including wood and spider silk.