Carbon-coated iron catalyst structure could lead to more-active fuel cells

Fuel cells have long held promise as power sources, but low efficiency has created obstacles to realizing that promise. Researchers have identified the active form of an iron-containing catalyst for the trickiest part of the process: reducing oxygen gas, which has two oxygen atoms, so that it can break apart and combine with ionized hydrogen to make water.

First multicellular organism inspires the design of better cancer drugs

The first multicellular organism, Volvox, evolved from self-assembly of individual cells. Inspired by this organism, researchers have developed a novel approach for treating cancer.

Seeing polarons at a metal oxide surface

Polarons in metal oxides play a key role in processes such as catalysis, high temperature superconductivity, and dielectric breakdown in nanoscale electronics. For this reason, numerous studies have been conducted on technologically relevant oxide materials in which charge carriers are believed to be self-trapped, forming polarons.

Draft 2016 National Nanotechnology Initiative strategic plan available for public comment

The draft 2016 National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Strategic Plan is now available online for public comment prior to publication.

Metal to insulator transition understood

Physicists have for the first time succeeded in directly visualising on small scales how a material abruptly changes its state from conducting to insulating at low temperatures.

Journey to the centre of the cell: Nano-rods and worms wriggle best

When it comes to delivering drugs, nanoparticles shaped like rods and worms are the best bet for making the daunting journey to the centre of a cell, new research suggests.

Stretchable nano-devices towards smart contact lenses

A stretchable nano-scale device has been created to manipulate light. Using the technology, high-tech lenses could one day filter harmful optical radiation without interfering with vision - or in a more advanced version, transmit data and gather live vital information or even show information like a head-up display.