Physicists at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology have made a significant discovery in quantum computing, extending the quantum lifetime of electrons by over 5,000%. This achievement brings researchers closer to building a usable quantum computer. The study used a powerful magnetic field to align electron spins, providing a cr...
Researchers at NIST create a focused ion beam with cold atoms, offering a non-contaminating alternative to hot gallium ions for nanoscale features and imaging. The technique enables precise cutting and enhanced resolution, opening up new possibilities for nanotechnology and microscopy.
A national survey by North Carolina State University and Arizona State University found significant public support for nanotechnology applications improving human health. However, there was little support for non-health research endeavors, highlighting the need for differentiated views on public policies and research funding.
The new online community aims to accelerate creation of critically needed nanotechnology standards, including reference materials and tests. The initiative will utilize Web 2.0-style social networking technologies to facilitate information sharing and deliberation among experts.
Researchers from UCLA's California NanoSystems Institute propose a method to produce graphene sheets in large quantities using hydrazine solution. This breakthrough enables the creation of the largest graphene sample reported, with applications in solar cells, sensors, and electronic devices.
The new flexible charge pump generator can produce an oscillating output voltage of up to 45 millivolts, converting nearly seven percent of the mechanical energy applied into electricity. This advancement resolves key issues with previous generators, such as moisture infiltration and wear, enabling more robust designs.
Penn State will receive a $5 million NSF grant to establish a National Center for Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK), building on its national leadership in nanotechnology education and workforce development. The NACK Center aims to coordinate micro- and nanofabrication workforce development programs nationally.
The Mattel UCLA NanoPediatrics Program will explore the future of personalized medicine for children using nanotechnology. Researchers will develop new diagnostic tools and treatments to improve health outcomes for young patients.
The new field of transformation optics harnesses nanotechnology and metamaterials to manipulate and control light at all scales. Researchers envision applications such as electromagnetic cloaks, ultra-powerful microscopes, and faster computers that use light instead of electronic signals.
Researchers have developed ultra-sensitive probes to investigate vancomycin's working mechanisms, paving the way for more effective new drugs. By detecting surface stress on bacteria, scientists can identify the disruption of cell walls and potentially develop more powerful antibiotics.
A new $24 million national center, co-funded by NSF and EPA, will investigate the environmental risks of nanotechnology. Researchers at UCSB's CNS-UCSB and UC CEIN will collaborate on risk perception studies, comparative analyses of risk communication, and more.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to produce complex DNA nanostructures inside living cells, using the cell's copy machine to replicate millions of copies. This breakthrough could enable the scaling up of DNA nanotechnology and open up new possibilities for synthetic biology applications.
Researchers at Wake Forest University are using nanotechnology to screen millions of chemicals simultaneously for cancer-fighting properties. The 'Lab-on-Bead' process uses tiny plastic beads to identify potential drugs faster and more efficiently than current methods.
Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have invented a thixotropic nanocomposite gel that can liquefy on demand, facilitating safe and convenient 3D cell culture. The novel material supports the extracellular matrix secretions of cells and enables controlled differentiation of stem cells.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a purification method that filters out impurities from gold nanorods, resulting in solutions that are more than 99% pure. The discovery has significant implications for the emerging U.S. nanotechnology industry.
The US EPA awarded $38 million to two new research centers to investigate the potential risks of nanomaterials on the environment and human health. The centers, led by UCLA and Duke University, will use innovative approaches to develop predictive models and conduct experiments in outdoor laboratories.
Researchers from four universities and five schools will study nanotechnology's impact on ecosystems, organisms, and the environment. The center aims to develop a risk assessment model and transfer results to policymakers and society.
The Center for Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) aims to define the relationship between various nanomaterials and their potential environmental exposure and ecological consequences. Researchers plan to develop a rigorous risk assessment framework, collaborating with policy-makers and society.
A team of international researchers formed the International Alliance for NanoEHS Harmonization (IANH) to establish reproducible toxicological testing protocols for nanomaterials. The alliance aims to address key gaps in scientific knowledge and accelerate understanding of nanotechnology's social implications.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor Richard W. Siegel is bringing his nanotechnology expertise to the big screen with "Molecules to the MAX", a 40-minute film about molecular landscapes. The movie aims to boost global science literacy and has been praised by audiences, including Siegel's grandchildren.
Scientists have discovered that tiny particles of titanium dioxide can kill bacteria and destroy dirt when exposed to UV light. The new paint formulations show improved antibacterial efficiency, with some reducing bacterial survival by up to 80%.
International researchers establish protocols for reproducible toxicological testing of nanomaterials in cells and animals. The International Alliance for NanoEHS Harmonization aims to improve correlations between in vitro and animal testing.
Researchers aim to inform safety by design, safe disposal, and safe manufacturing handling for industrial-scale nanoparticles. The study tracks tagged nanoparticles in the environment to determine their bioaccumulation and transport through the food chain.
Naomi Halas, a leading researcher in nanophotonics, has been honored with the Research Excellence Award for her innovative work on nanoparticle synthesis and its applications in biotechnology. Her invention of nanoshells has shown tunable optical properties, making them suitable for various medical applications.
Researchers created molecular tubes composed of wound-up DNA strands with controlled circumferences, enabling diverse nanotechnology applications. The breakthrough utilizes single-stranded DNA tiles to form tubes with varying diameters, promising to design complex self-assembling molecular systems.
The University of Kentucky will investigate how particle size and shape affect brain entry, focusing on nano-sized cerium oxide. The EPA has awarded a $2M grant for four years to examine potential health impacts.
Researchers from Northwestern University have successfully mass-produced the 2008 Summer Olympics logo, 15,000 times, using a new printing technique called Polymer Pen Lithography (PPL). The PPL method allows for fast, inexpensive, and simple printing on nanometer, micrometer, and millimeter length scales.
The study applies the 12 'late lessons from early warnings' to nanotechnology, concluding that industry and government are repeating past mistakes. The authors call for improved risk research strategies, stakeholder engagement, and a more holistic approach to ensure the safe development of emerging nanotechnologies.
A study by North Carolina State University found that educating the public about emerging technologies like nanotechnology and artificial intelligence increases concern over their potential benefits. After participating in a deliberative forum, participants reported feeling more cautious and worried about human enhancement technologies.
Researchers at MIT have achieved a significant advance in nanoscale lithographic technology, enabling the creation of finer patterns of lines over larger areas. The new technique has the potential to lead to commercialization of many new nanotechnology inventions that have languished due to manufacturing limitations.
Researchers use monoclonal antibodies attached to carbon nanotubes that heat up when exposed to near-infrared light, killing cancer cells. The technique shows promise for targeting specific sites on lymphoma cells and potentially delivering a deadly payload.
Researchers at NIST and Cornell University developed a novel fabrication method called nanoglassblowing to create nanofluidic devices that can isolate single molecules in solution. The technique produces devices with funnels and tapered nanochannels, showing advantages over traditional planar channels.
New research from ACS Nano explores innovative applications of nanotechnology, such as increasing power conversion efficiencies in solar cells and targeting nanoparticles for gene delivery. The journal also discusses rapid toxicity evaluation methods and the use of nanotubes with nanomotors to enhance speed.
A new study predicts that buckyballs can easily absorb into animal cells, providing a possible explanation for their toxicity. The molecules were found to dissolve in cell membranes, pass into cells, and cause damage.
Researchers found that long, thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes behave like asbestos fibers when inhaled, posing a risk of mesothelioma. The study suggests steps should be taken to prevent inhalation and regulate their use.
Researchers at UC Davis use individual red blood cells as accurate force transducers to calibrate atomic force microscopes. This technique allows for precise measurement of forces between molecules and cells, advancing our understanding of cell biology.
NC State's Dr. Brenton Faber and Dr. David Berube are crafting a white paper to advise the government on communicating nanotechnology risks to the media and public. The goal is to ensure accurate risk communication for years to come.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a method to create specific rare isotopes for scientific research, opening doors to new technologies. This capability promises to advance fields like biomedicine, international security, and nuclear energy.
A team led by Kevin Pipe will use ultrafast lasers and nanotechnology to regulate the flow of heat between materials, benefiting applications such as high-power electronics and thermoelectric energy conversion. The research aims to improve efficiency and reliability in devices.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a synthetic analog of DNA, called Glycerol Nucleic Acid (GNA), with unique properties that can be used to create nanostructures. The team, led by John Chaput, has successfully synthesized self-assembled nanostructures composed entirely of GNA.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that certain organic molecules can conduct electricity as well as metal, providing a new strategy for designing electronic materials. The finding is based on the study of fullerenes, which can mimic the behavior of highly conductive atoms.
Researchers have discovered novel methods for delivering drugs directly to cancer tumors, including the use of peptides and nanotechnology. These methods show promise in reducing malignant tumors in mice and increasing survival rates.
A new method using nanotechnology rapidly measures minute amounts of insulin, enabling real-time assessment of the body's insulin-producing cells. This breakthrough could improve the efficacy of a procedure for treating Type 1 diabetes, allowing diabetics to free themselves from insulin injections.
New study analyzes commercially made carbon nanotubes, finding vastly different compositions and potential emissions of toxic chemicals. Researchers aim to work proactively with industry to prevent environmental mistakes, highlighting the need for better understanding and regulation of nanotechnology manufacturing processes.
Researchers used nanotechnology to target tumors in rabbits, achieving a 1,000-fold reduction in chemotherapy dose while slowing tumor growth. The nanoparticles delivered a fungal toxin called fumagillin directly to growing blood vessels, inhibiting tumor expansion.
Physiologists investigate nanoparticles' potential to cause diseases like atherosclerosis and kidney stones. Researchers are exploring how nanoparticles interact with cells and tissues to understand their role in these conditions.
The NYU physics department is part of a $6.25 million grant to design and develop nano-magnetic materials and devices. The researchers aim to create more compact, efficient computers and cell phones with longer battery life.
Researchers at Boston College and MIT used nanotechnology to boost thermoelectric efficiency, a milestone that could lead to cleaner products and energy generation. By slowing down phonons, the team created a material with improved electrical conductivity while blocking heat flow.
Researchers at Purdue University's Discovery Park are developing advanced simulations to predict the behavior of miniature switches in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). The goal is to improve their reliability and durability for use in various applications, including national defense and civilian industries.
Researchers developed a multistage delivery system to improve injectable drug efficacy, targeting diseased cells and releasing therapeutics in a controlled manner. The system uses mesoporous silicon particles to circumvent biobarriers and deliver diagnostic agents or therapeutic agents.
Researchers have revealed the electronic structure of single DNA molecules, shedding light on their electronic properties and potential use in nanotechnology. The discovery has significant implications for understanding DNA damage and repair mechanisms, as well as the development of new DNA decoding technologies.
Kattesh Katti's breakthrough discovery uses gold salts, soybeans and water to produce gold nanoparticles with major applications in cancer detection, electronics and medicine. The environmentally-friendly process could have significant implications for the future of nanotechnology.
Researchers have developed a nanotech approach using coated silica particles that can efficiently remove biological molecules, pathogens, and organic pollutants from water. This innovative method could help prevent disease and poisoning for millions of people worldwide.
A recent survey of American households and U.S. nanotechnology scientists reveals differing views on the technology's potential risks and benefits. While scientists express concern over pollution and new health problems, the general public is more concerned about privacy issues and job losses.
A recent study by the Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies found that people tend to agree with experts whose values align with their own, regardless of the expert's position. This suggests that nanotechnology's future will be shaped by public trust in experts, rather than just their expertise.
A recent US survey found that only 29.5% of respondents believed nanotechnology was morally acceptable, while European nations had significantly higher acceptance rates. The study suggests that religious beliefs play a significant role in shaping public views on the technology, with Americans more likely to oppose it due to concerns ab...
Researchers develop fiber-based nanogenerators that harness energy from physical movement, generating up to 80 milliwatts of power per square meter of fabric. The devices use piezoelectric and semiconducting properties of zinc oxide nanostructures to convert mechanical motion into electrical energy.
Researchers at UCL and the London Centre for Nanotechnology will investigate nanostructured carbon-based materials for hydrogen storage and develop large-surface organic solar cells. The refurbished laboratory aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
The Institute of International Education's Andrew Heiskell Award recognizes Rice's NanoJapan program, which merges study abroad and undergraduate research experiences in nanotechnology. The program has been successful in connecting engineering students with international research and cultural immersion.
A new study funded by the Defense Department aims to develop a drug based on carbon nanotubes to prevent acute radiation injury deaths. The experimental drug, Nanovector Trojan Horses (NTH), has shown promising results in preliminary tests, with mice showing enhanced protection when given first-generation NTH drugs prior to exposure.