Nano-objects of desire: Assembling ordered nanostructures in 3D

Using shape-programmable DNA frames, scientists established a new nanofabrication platform for directing nanomaterial components of different natures (inorganic and biological) into 3-D arrays with prescribed organizations; they then demonstrated the enhanced optical and catalytic functionalities possible with this platform.

A new approach to making airplane parts, minus the massive infrastructure

Carbon nanotube film produces aerospace-grade composites with no need for huge ovens or autoclaves.

Engineers develop 'chameleon metals' that change surfaces in response to heat

Just like a chameleon changes its skin color in response to its environment, engineers have found a way for liquid metal - and potentially solid metal - to change its surface structure in response to heat.

Bacteria shredding liquid metals to fight drug-resistant superbugs

Researchers have used liquid metals to develop new bacteria-destroying technology that could be the answer to the deadly problem of antibiotic resistance.

Divorce in a one-dimensional world

In a strictly one-dimensional quantum world, an electron's electric charge and its 'spin' are separable from each other. This fifty-year-old prediction has now been confirmed by an experiment.

Generation and manipulation of spin currents for advanced electronic devices

Scientists demonstrate that spin currents can be generated and manipulated in graphene-based heterostructures at room temperature. The results of this study provide relevant information on the fundamental physics of the phenomena involved and open the door to new applications, such as the development of ultra-compact electronic and low energy consumption devices and magnetic memories.