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Manipulation of light at the nanoscale helps advance biosensing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed cryosoret nanoassemblies that enhance fluorescence signals, reducing detection limits for biomarkers. The new platform offers dual-mode interaction between electric and magnetic components of light, promising highly sensitive and tunable biosensing systems.

A Journal of Environmental Sciences study reveals that metal-organic frameworks may be toxic

A study reveals that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be toxic to mice, causing disruptions in blood cell formation and immune balance. The researchers found that the MOFs suppressed production of certain cells but also triggered a rebound effect, leading to increased inflammation.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal article reviews classification, synthesis, and applications of ‘herbzymes’

Researchers review nanozymes derived from Chinese herbs, including their catalytic properties, biomedical applications, and potential challenges in developing herbzymes for practical use. The review highlights three main types of herbzymes: herb carbon dot enzymes, polyphenol-metal nanozymes, and herb extract nanozymes.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 6, 2025

Nanoparticle smart spray helps crops block infection before it starts

A new nanoparticle smart spray developed by NUS researchers protects plants from harmful bacteria by delivering antibacterial compounds directly to the plant's stomata. Plants treated with the targeted particles are 20 times more resistant to infection than those given non-targeted treatments.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2025

A leap forward in transparent antimicrobial coatings

Researchers have discovered that hydrogen boride nanosheets can inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, without the need for light activation. The nanosheets' ability to denature microbial proteins through strong physicochemical interactions confirms their effectiveness in combating various microbi...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Scientists create ‘virtual sorting nanomachines’ using electron beams to manipulate graphene oxide

Researchers at Nagoya University developed an interface that creates programmable electric fields to sort graphene oxide without fixed microfluidic devices. The findings allow precise sorting of GO sheets, which can capture pollutants, solvents, and biomolecules based on their size-dependent properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalColloids and Surfaces A Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2025

Clay can help make for tomorrow’s environmentally friendly quantum technologies

Scientists have found a 2D semiconductor clay material with antiferromagnetic properties, which could be used in sustainable materials and technology. The material is cheap, easily available, and stable, making it an exciting discovery for the development of environmentally friendly quantum technologies.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·Journalnpj 2D Materials and Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 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

Bringing superconducting nanostructures to 3D

An international team led by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids created three-dimensional superconducting nanostructures with controlled superconducting states and demonstrated motion of nanoscale defects in a 3D bridge-like superconductor. This breakthrough enables the exploration of novel effects and development ...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

Machine learning powers new approach to detecting soil contaminants

A team of researchers at Rice University developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil using light-based imaging and machine learning algorithms. The approach can detect toxic compounds like PAHs and PACs even when no experimental data is available, addressing a critical gap in environmental monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

Silver nanoparticles produced by fungus could be used to prevent and treat COVID-19

Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles produced by the fungus Trichoderma reesei can inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in hamster lungs, reducing inflammation and viral load. The study also suggests that these nanoparticles could be used to prevent and treat other viral diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, shingles, and influenza.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Research in Biotechnology·DateMay 6, 2025

Triggers 'cellular storm' for smart tumor elimination

Researchers develop nanoparticle-based therapy combining hydroxyl-enriched fullerenol and mTOR inhibitors to disrupt cancer cells' organelle communication system. The approach triggers a synergistic "nanomaterial + metabolic modulation" anticancer strategy, establishing a new hope for treating aggressive cancers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 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

Delft University of Technology and Brown University pioneer technology for next-generation lightsails in space exploration

Researchers have developed scalable nanotechnology-based lightsails that can be fabricated in a single day, reducing the traditional 15-year process. These lightsails use laser-driven radiation pressure to propel spacecraft at high speeds, enabling rapid interplanetary travel and opening new possibilities for experimental physics.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025

Researchers invent new method for developing accurate sensors for continuous health monitoring

The University of Turku researchers have developed a new method to create more accurate sensors for detecting subtle changes in the body, such as hormone fluctuations. By purifying and separating single-wall carbon nanotubes, they achieved precise control over their properties and identified their electrochemical characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 13, 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

NUS researchers pioneer DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer treatment

The team's novel technique enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. The research demonstrates the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, enabling personalized cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

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.

Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process

Combining visible light with electrochemistry improves CO2 conversion rates and selectivity, enabling the production of valuable products such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The study's findings have significant implications for catalysis research and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024