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Penn engineers discover a new class of materials that passively harvest water from air

Researchers have developed a material that can collect moisture from the air and release it onto surfaces without external energy input. The material works through capillary condensation, where water vapor condenses inside tiny pores at lower humidity levels, creating a feedback loop of water harvesting.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2025

Self-assembly of a large metal-peptide capsid nanostructure through geometric control

Researchers successfully constructed a large molecular spherical shell structure with the geometric topology of a regular dodecahedron through entanglement of peptides with metal ions. The resulting M60L60 metal-peptide shell exhibits remarkable stability against heat, dilution, and oxidative conditions, making it a promising platform ...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalChem·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2025

New material gives copper superalloy-like strength

Researchers developed a Cu-Ta-Li alloy with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, combining copper's conductivity with nickel-based superalloy-like properties. The alloy's nanostructure prevents grain growth, improving high-temperature performance and durability under extreme conditions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Chinese researchers make breakthrough in artificial chiral structural-color microdomes

Researchers have made a breakthrough in creating artificial chiral-structural-color materials, exhibiting iridescent colors through microscopic structures that interact with light. The new discovery enables the creation of microdomes composed of widely available polymers that produce exceptional dissymmetry and polarization selectivity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

‘Smaller and better’: Rice research uncovers performance sweet spot for relaxor nanomaterial

The study reveals that relaxor ferroelectrics like lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) exhibit improved performance when shrunk down to a precise range of 25-30 nanometers. This 'Goldilocks zone' size effect could enable advanced applications such as nanoelectromechanical systems and energy harvesting.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

Chung-Ang University achieves dual-purpose breakthrough: Turning water into electricity while detecting fires

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Autonomous AI assistant to build nanostructures

Researchers at TU Graz are developing a self-learning AI system to position individual molecules quickly and autonomously, enabling the construction of highly complex molecular structures. The goal is to build logic circuits in the nanometre range using quantum corrals made from complex-shaped molecules.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalComputer Physics Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2025

Advancing the synthesis of two-dimensional gold monolayers

Scientists at Lund University and Hokkaido University have successfully synthesized 2D gold monolayers with remarkable thermal stability and potential catalytic utility. The team used a novel bottom-up approach combined with high-performance computations to create macroscopically large gold monolayers with unique nanostructured patterns.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

Novel quantum materials in the spotlight

German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.

3D snapshots unveil the intricate dance of RNA folding

Scientists have captured 3D snapshots of individual RNA nanoparticles in motion, showcasing the dynamic and intricate folding process. This breakthrough uses advanced electron microscopy to study RNA's flexibility, enabling new insights into its structure and potential applications in molecular medicine.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Physicists develop new method to visualize magnetic nanostructures with high resolution

Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method to visualize magnetic nanostructures with a resolution of around 70 nanometres. This breakthrough enables the analysis of spintronic components and has significant implications for energy-efficient storage technologies.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2024

Synthetic genes engineered to mimic how cells build tissues and structures

Scientists have engineered synthetic genes that can assemble into complex biomaterials like nanoscale tubes, using a modular approach similar to building furniture. This breakthrough enables the creation of distinct materials that can spontaneously develop from a finite set of parts by rewiring the timing of molecular instructions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Development of a simple, revolutionary printing technique for periodic nano/microstructures

Researchers developed a simple, repeatable printing technique to create periodic nano/microstructures on glass substrates with useful functions like water-repellency and structural colors. The technique enables fabricating materials without expensive equipment and complex processes, paving the way for innovative gas sensors.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2024

Pusan National University researchers develop fast-responding colorimetric sensor with expanded color gamut for real-time monitoring

Researchers at Pusan National University developed a fast-responding colorimetric sensor with an expanded color gamut, capable of detecting humidity and other environmental changes in real-time. The sensor outperforms previous designs with a wide color representation and rapid responsiveness.

SourcePusan National University·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Smart supramolecular assemblies

The researchers synthesized supramolecular polymers with the ability to form larger complexes in response to external stimuli, which may shed light on biomolecular self-assembly and other ‘smart’ materials. The resulting shape of the assemblies can be controlled based on the concentration of a specific additive.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Photonic topological phase transition achieved by material phase transition

A team of researchers from NTT Corporation and Tokyo Institute of Technology has successfully achieved photonic topological phase transition by material phase transition. This breakthrough demonstrates the possibility to change the photonic topological phase in a reconfigurable manner, paving the way for novel research fields and promi...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Molecular wires with a twist

Researchers at Osaka University have created molecular wires with periodic twists that increase electrical conductivity. The discovery could lead to the development of cheaper and biocompatible electronic devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

A New Blue: Mysterious origin of the ribbontail ray’s electric blue spots revealed

The study reveals that the electric blue spots of the bluespotted ribbontail ray are produced by unique skin cells with a stable 3D arrangement of nanoscale spheres containing reflecting nanocrystals. The team believes this colouration provides camouflage benefits to the stingrays, allowing them to blend with their surroundings.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2024

Nanorobot with hidden weapon kills cancer cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed nanorobots that target and kill cancer cells using a 'kill switch' activated in low pH environments. The study achieved a 70% reduction in tumour growth in mice, paving the way for further investigation into its potential as a cancer treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024