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Heterogeneous nanoblocks give polymers an edge

Researchers have discovered that using heterogeneous nanoblocks can alter the morphological structure of polymers at the nanoscale. This effect can lead to improved properties in materials like refractive surfaces and computer chips.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateAug 5, 2013

A nanotech fix for nicotine dependence

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing a new DNA nanostructure-based vaccine to combat nicotine dependence. The approach uses precision control over the placement of antigenic components to stimulate an immune response and recruit antibodies capable of binding with nicotine, potentially improving efficacy and safety.

University of Illinois researchers develop AFM-IR for nanometer scale chemical identification

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a novel technique called atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to measure chemical properties of polymer nanostructures as small as 15 nm. This technique enables accurate identification of material composition, crucial for applications in semiconductors, composite mat...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 8, 2013

Visualizing biological networks in 4-D

Scientists at Caltech have developed a unique microscope that captures the motion of DNA structures in both space and time, allowing them to directly measure stiffness and map its variation. This breakthrough technique has far-reaching implications for understanding biological nanomaterials and their properties.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2013

Quantum communication: Each photon counts

A new single-photon detector has been developed, achieving a previously unattained detection efficiency of 91% and low error rate. The detector's high performance enables reliable detection of single photons, crucial for optical data transmission and quantum computation.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2013

New nanostructure-based process will streamline production of magnetic materials

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a simplified method to create ordered magnetic materials using nanostructures, achieving room-temperature ferromagnetism with fewer steps than before. The process uses block copolymers to confine magnetic particles, inducing stronger interactions and yielding stable m...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 27, 2011

Getting the point: Real-time monitoring of atomic-microscope probes adjusts for wear

Scientists at NIST have developed a method to measure the wear and degradation of AFM tips in real time, allowing for dramatic improvements in precision and speed. This technique uses contact resonance force microscopy to track the resonant frequency of the sensor tip, enabling atomic-scale resolution and reducing inaccuracies.

Fastest movie in the world recorded

Researchers at Helmholtz Association create ultrafast image sequences of nanostructures, enabling real-time observation of molecules and nanostructures. The breakthrough method uses X-ray pulses to capture images at femtosecond intervals, paving the way for new insights into fundamental processes in natural sciences.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 12, 2011

DNA could be backbone of next generation logic chips

Duke University engineer Chris Dwyer demonstrates that DNA can be used to create simple logic gates, or switches, using light to excite molecules. This technology has the potential to produce virtually unlimited supplies of these tiny circuits, paving the way for faster and more efficient computing.

SourceDuke University·JournalSmall·DateMay 11, 2010

Caltech and IBM scientists use self-assembled DNA scaffolding to build tiny circuit boards

Scientists at Caltech and IBM's Almaden Research Center have developed a technique to orient and position self-assembled DNA shapes on surfaces compatible with semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This allows for the precise assembly of computer-chip components, enabling smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 17, 2009

Scientists create metal that pumps liquid uphill

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a metal slab that can lift liquids using capillary action, moving them at speeds faster than nature. The metal's surface structure can be controlled to direct liquid flow or even create hydrophobic surfaces that prevent germ growth.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 2, 2009

Using living cells as nanotechnology factories

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.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2008

Halas wins prestigious nanotechnology research award

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.

Size-specific cracking shakes

Scientists have found that certain nanostructures are more susceptible to failure by fracture at specific sizes. This is due to phonon confinement, which affects thermal transport and electronic processes. The study provides valuable information for designing stable nanostructures with reduced fracture energy.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 1, 2008