'NanoVelcro' and temperature control used to extract tumor cells from blood

An international group of scientists has developed a new method for effectively extracting and analyzing cancer cells circulating in patients' blood.

New catalyst process uses light, not metal, for rapid polymerization

Researchers develop a metal-free atom transfer radical polymerization process that uses an organic-based photocatalyst.

Penn State Center for Nanoscience awarded $15 million research grant

The Penn State Center for Nanoscale Science, a National Science Foundation Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), has been awarded a six-year, $15 million grant to continue its research and education program in the development and application of nanoscale materials.

Progress review in the materials science of silicene

Silicene is the thinnest form of silicon. It is metallic, has graphene-like mobile carriers and can behave like a semiconductor. The material could lead to even smaller electronics but challenges remain.

Fractional quantum Hall effect: Experimental progress and quantum computing applications

Many theoretical and experimental efforts continue in the field of the FQHE. Scientists at Peking University's International Center for Quantum Materials outline previous research and recent discoveries and technical developments in the field in a new paper.

New technology enables ultra-fast steering and shaping of light beams

A team of engineers has developed a new acousto-optic device that can shape and steer beams of light at speeds never before achieved. The new technology will enable better optical devices to be made, such as holographs that can move rapidly in real time.

'Flying carpet' technique uses graphene to deliver one-two punch of anticancer drugs

An international team of researchers has developed a drug delivery technique that utilizes graphene strips as 'flying carpets' to deliver two anticancer drugs sequentially to cancer cells, with each drug targeting the distinct part of the cell where it will be most effective. The technique was found to perform better than either drug in isolation when tested in a mouse model targeting a human lung cancer tumor.