Chemists develop molecular switch for on-demand cargo release

Chemists find a molecular switch such that two compounds that would readily react with each other can be in the same solution, separated by a very thin membrane and kept from reacting with each other until a molecular switch is thrown.

NASA eyes versatile carbon-nanotube technology for spaceflight applications

An ultra-dark coating comprised of nearly invisible shag rug-like strands made of pure carbon is proving to be highly versatile for all types of spaceflight applications.

Bubbly graphene: How cool or hot are you?

In a perfect match between theory and experiments, scientists predict, measure and control the temperature of large graphene bubbles with a single laser beam.

Elucidation of vibration energy of a single molecule in an external force field

The vibration of a molecule on a surface contains critical information on the molecule-surface interaction, crucial for understanding surface phenomena and for important processes like catalysis.

Microwaved plastic increases lithium-sulfur battery life span

Engineers have figured out a way to tackle plastic landfills while also improving batteries - by putting ink-free plastic soaked in sulfur-containing solvent into a microwave, and then into batteries as a carbon scaffold.

Liquid crystals self-regulate the release of drugs in precise, repeating doses with simple nudge from their environment

Researchers have developed liquid crystal films and droplets that can hold a wide range of micro-cargo until their release is cued by body heat or a beam of light or even the wake of swimming microorganisms.

Visualization of molecular soccer balls

A research team images single doped fullerene molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy.