Polymers to give early warning signs

Scientists have developed a method to tailor the properties of stress-indicating molecules that can be integrated into polymers and signal damages or excessive mechanical loads with an optical signal.

Nanosized container with photoswitches: release of cargo upon irradiation in water

A versatile system with potential application for non-invasive drug delivery.

'Nanofiber yarn' makes for stretchy, protective artificial tissue

Twisted fibers coated with living cells could assist healing of injured muscles and tendons.

Printed organic electronics you can eat

Researchers report that organic transistors composed mainly of ingestible materials can be easily transferred on edible substrates by means of untreated commercial tattoo-paper.

Quantum distillery for light

The distillation of spirits increases the content of alcohol relative to the water content. A similar method works on light quanta - photons. It extracts individual photons from a light source, reduces the unwanted vacuum component, and heralds this event.

New nanomedicine slips through the cracks

Nanomachines aim to deliver cancer drugs to hard-to-reach areas like the brain.

Highly fire retardant coating developed from nanocellulose

A spray- or brush-applied fire retardant coating made from nanocellulose is well suited for improving the fire properties of wood-based materials. It reduces the access of oxygen to the surface, thus significantly inhibiting combustion.