Scientists unveil mechanism to obtain metal 'nanoscrews'

Researchers deposit gold atoms onto gold nanorods in a practically helicoidal structure.

Chemists achieve breakthrough in the synthesis of graphene nanoribbons

Researchers have succeeded in producing graphene nanoribbons for the first time directly on the surface of semiconductors. Until now, this was only possible on metal surfaces.

Researchers discover new boron-lanthanide nanostructure

A newly discovered nanocluster has a geometry that has not been observed in chemistry heretofore.

New 'hybrid engine' for biodegradable nanomotors that transport drugs to diseased tissue

Inorganic nanoparticles stored in the nanomotors create oxygen nanobubbles for propulsion.

Simple process for 'two-faced' nanomaterials may aid energy, information tech

Researchers used a simple process to implant atoms precisely into the top layers of ultra-thin crystals, yielding two-sided structures with different chemical compositions. The resulting materials, known as Janus structures after the two-faced Roman god, may prove useful in developing energy and information technologies.

Intense light pulses bounce on a crystalline bed without rumpling the atomic blanket

Scientists developed a new technique that uses intense X-ray pulses to measure how atoms move in a sheet of material just one molecule thick.

Scientists find out how nanoparticles kill cancer cells

Scientists have studied how magnet nanoparticles affect cancer cells in the human liver.

Dynamics of DNA replication revealed at the nanoscale

New study using super resolution technology gives new insight into a poorly understood area of DNA replication.

Wavy surfaces for better light control

Researchers have developed a method for the production of wavy surfaces with nanometre precision. In the future this method could be used, for instance, to make optical components for data transmission on the internet even more efficient and compact.

Researchers realize atomic resolution imaging at 30.1 T in hybrid magnet

Researchers have constructed the world's first atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in a hybrid magnet to obtain atomic resolved STM images of graphite in an ultra-high 30.1 T magnetic field and bore of 32mm diameter setting the highest magnetic field for the hybrid magnet,and the same time marking a new magnetic field record for any atomic resolution measurement.

Physicists obtain molecular 'fingerprints' using plasmons

Researchers have proposed a new way to study the properties of individual organic molecules and nanolayers of molecules. The approach relies on V-shaped graphene-metal film structures.

Measure squeezing in a novel way

Scientists have developed a completely new method of measuring 'squeezing' - a potential starting point for high-precision sensor technology.

Gold nanoparticles to save neurons from cell death

A new study opens important perspectives for treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, but also epilepsy, brain trauma and stroke.

Trapping the sun: New thin-film technology uses sustainable components for solar panels

Environment-friendly solar panels consisting of the abundant materials Cu, Zn, Sn are hindered by their low practical efficiency compared to their theoretical potential. Researchers have now discovered a way to overcome these hurdles.

New insights into the energy levels in quantum dots

With their experiments, scientists confirmed certain energy transitions in quantum dots that had previously only been predicted theoretically: the so-called radiative Auger process.

Comb on a chip: New design for 'optical ruler' could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, telecommunications

Just as a meter stick with hundreds of tick marks can be used to measure distances with great precision, a device known as a laser frequency comb, with its hundreds of evenly spaced, sharply defined frequencies, can be used to measure the colors of light waves with great precision.

Ultrathin boron nitride films for next-generation electronics

A novel material could enable major leaps in the miniaturization of electronic devices.

Self-powered alarm fights forest fires, monitors environment

Scientists designed and fabricated a remote forest fire detection and alarm system powered by nothing but the movement of the trees in the wind.