Researchers develop semi-liquid metal anode for next-generation batteries

The new anode could help create a safer high energy lithium metal battery.

Hybrid nanostructure steps up light-harvesting efficiency

A stepwise transfer of energy through the different components of the nanostructure boosts its response to light, showing promise for solar cell applications.

Octopus-inspired skin-adhesive sensors

Researchers demonstrate a facile, low-cost, scalable fabricating method for water-resistant and skin-adhesive wearable graphene-coated fabric sensors.

Scientists achieve first observation of three-dimensional quantum Hall effect

In this study, researchers discovered that the carrier density wave induced by electron-electron interaction is the key factor for the appearance of 3D quantum Hall effect. Electrons in such a system can travel freely between different energy bands, like boats traveling in vast ocean.

'Sandwich' structure key to thin LSMO films retaining magnetic properties

The oxide ceramic material lanthanum strontium manganite (LSMO) retains its magnetic properties in atomically thin layers if it is 'sandwiched' between two layers of a different ceramic oxide, lanthanum strontium chromium oxide. The findings have implications for future use of LSMO in spintronic-based computing and storage devices.

Engineers design nanostructured diamond metalens for compact quantum technologies

By finding a certain kind of defect inside a block of diamond and fashioning a pattern of nanoscale pillars on the surface above it, researchers can now control the shape of individual photons emitted by the defect.

iPhone plus nanoscale porous silicon equals cheap, simple home diagnostics

The simplest home medical tests might look like a deck of various silicon chips coated in special film, one that could detect drugs in the blood, another for proteins in the urine indicating infection, another for bacteria in water and the like. Add the bodily fluid you want to test, take a picture with your smart phone, and a special app lets you know if there is a problem or not.