From ribbon to scroll: Gaining shape control by electrostatics

Controlling scroll-like cochleate structures could inform future drug-delivery strategies.

Interesting new nanotechnology books in October

Here are some interesting books on nanotechnology topics that just got published.

Quantum dots that light up TVs could be used for brain research

While many people love colorful photos of landscapes, flowers or rainbows, some biomedical researchers treasure vivid images on a much smaller scale - as tiny as one-thousandth the width of a human hair.

Chains of atoms move at lightning speed inside metals

A phenomenon that has previously been seen when researchers simulate the properties of planet cores at extreme pressures has now also been observed in pure titanium at atmospheric pressure. Chains of atoms dash around at lightning speeds inside the solid material.

Metal-organic framework based technology instantly identifies airborne chemicals

The new prototype device is portable and suitable for rapid deployment by agencies to identify airborne hazards, such as from tiny gas molecules like sulphur dioxide. It can also identify larger compound molecules such as benzene, known to be harmful to human health.