Saturday, February 14, 2015

The future of electronics - now in 2D

Work could ultimately lead to electrical conductors that are 100 percent efficient.


Getting 2 for 1: 'Bonus' electrons in germanium nanocrystals can lead to better solar cells

Scientists have discovered that when light hits germanium nanocrystals, the crystals produce 'bonus electrons'. These additional electrons could increase the yield of solar cells and improve the sensitivity of photodetectors.


Friday, February 13, 2015

Shape-memory polymer can repeatedly switch shapes without external forces

Although most materials slightly expand when heated, there is a new class of rubber-like material that not only self-stretches upon cooling; it reverts back to its original shape when heated, all without physical manipulation.

'NanoGap' sensor for early detection of bladder and kidney cancer

A new mobile device that allows bladder and kidney cancer to be detected at an early stage. Thanks to this method, it is possible to read from DNA whether their carrier has bladder or kidney cancer.

Researchers glimpse distortions in atomic structure of materials

Researchers are using a technique they developed to observe minute distortions in the atomic structure of complex materials, shedding light on what causes these distortions and opening the door to studies on how such atomic-scale variations can influence a material's properties.


Silver-glass sandwich structure acts as inexpensive color filter

Researchers bypass nanotechnology to create a simple design that can transform silver into any color of the rainbow.

Ground-breaking lung cancer breath test in clinical trial

A clinical trial led by University of Leicester respiratory experts into a potentially ground-breaking 'breath test' to detect lung cancer is set to get underway at the Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.