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New options for transparent contact electrodes

Researchers are developing new transparent contact electrodes using materials like graphene and carbon nanostructures, which offer improved conductivity and transparency compared to traditional metal oxides. These new materials have the potential to be combined with conventional solutions or used in entirely new applications.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 29, 2013

Nature: Electronic read-out of quantum bits

Scientists have developed a molecular spin-transistor that can read out the quantum state of an atom, paving the way for more stable and controlled quantum computing. The device, which uses electrodes to detect changes in the atomic spin, can maintain stability for up to 20 seconds.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2012

Protein-based coating could help rehabilitate long-term brain function

Researchers have developed a protein-based coating that can help rehabilitate long-term brain function and prevent the brain's immune response from rejecting brain-computer interface electrodes. The coating, using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies with animal models.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateJul 31, 2012

Algal protein gives boost to electrochemical water splitting

Researchers have successfully created a nano-bio PEC electrode, consisting of iron oxide conjugated with a protein from blue-green algae, which is twice as efficient in water splitting as iron oxide alone. The use of phycocyanin, a light-harvesting protein, improves the electrode's ability to absorb photons and generate photocurrent.

UV light controls antibodies, improves biosensors

Using ultra-short pulses of ultraviolet light, scientists increase the number of right-side-up antibodies in QCM sensors, more than doubling their sensitivity. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for research using this type of sensor.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 31, 2011

Molecular sudoku

Researchers used scanning tunneling microscopy to assemble 1-nanometer sized molecules into a 3x3 square array, showing varying conductance across the structure. The study demonstrates the beauty and intricacy of molecular electronics, with applications in miniaturized circuits and challenges to be addressed.

Dream screens from graphene

Researchers at Rice University have created a hybrid graphene film that combines conductivity and transparency, potentially replacing indium tin oxide as a transparent conductive coating in displays. The material outperforms ITO in terms of transparency and conductivity, and is environmentally stable.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 1, 2011