Protocells use DNA logic to communicate and compute

The work provides a step towards chemical cognition in synthetic protocells and could be useful in biosensing and therapeutics.

Exploring charge flow through proteins

In a new study, scientists explore a surprising property of proteins -- one that has only recently come to light. The group demonstrates electrical conductance through proteins poised between a pair of electrodes.

Assembly in the air: Using sound to defy gravity

Researchers have levitated particles using sound in an experiment which could have applications in soft robotics and help reveal how planets start to form.

Right electrolyte doubles novel two-dimensional material's ability to store energy

Scientists have discovered a way to improve the energy density of promising energy-storage materials, conductive two-dimensional ceramics called MXenes.

New shapes of laser beam 'sneak' through opaque media

Researchers have found a way to pre-treat a laser beam so that it enters opaque surfaces without dispersing - like a headlight that?s able to cut through heavy fog at full strength.

Chemists print sensors for nano-objects

The optical nanosensors' operating principle is based on the interaction of light in thin films: a similar effect can be observed in soap bubbles. Such sensors can be quickly manufactured using an inkjet printer and special ink made of titanium dioxide.

New quantum sensor could improve cancer treatment

A new quantum sensor has proven it can outperform existing technologies and promises significant advancements in long-range 3D imaging and monitoring the success of cancer treatments.

Chirality yields colossal photocurrent

Unique Weyl semimetal delivers largest intrinsic conversion of light to electricity.

How to catch a magnetic monopole in the act

A research team has created a nanoscale 'playground' on a chip that simulates the formation of exotic magnetic particles called 'monopoles'. The study could unlock the secrets to ever-smaller, more powerful memory devices, microelectronics, and next-generation hard drives that employ the power of magnetic spin to store data.

Magnonic devices can replace electronics without much noise

Magnonic devices of the future could use low power to avoid performance losses.

The force is with us, always? Tuning quantum vacuum forces from attractive to repulsive

A physicist has shown for the first time that the Casimir force can be reversed and made repulsive, tunable or enhanced, based on the material inserted in between the plates.

Ultracold atoms could provide 2D window to exotic 1D physics

Physicists propose new vantage point to observe quantum fractionalization.

Step right up for bigger 2D sheets

Theory shows how monocrystals of hexagonal boron nitride come together.

Researchers look toward nature to beat cancer

Researchers are inventing new ways to fight the deadly disease.

First scalable graphene yarns for wearable textiles produced

The newly developed process has the potential produce tonnes of conductive graphene-based yarn, using existing textile machineries and without adding to production costs.

Quality problems in nanomaterials curb development

The problem is that it is difficult to analyse the crystal structure and there are no established standard methods for classifying the materials.