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‘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

Innovating in the corners where atoms meet

Fadi Abdeljawad's team finds that triple junctions, where three nanocrystals meet, are key to maintaining stability and strength of materials. This discovery could lead to designing better nanocrystalline alloys for aerospace and energy industries.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024

New understanding of the limits on nano-noise

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have made a significant step in understanding the fundamental constraints on noise, paving the way for future nanoelectronics. The study investigated thermoelectric heat engines at the nanoscale and found a critical trade-off between noise and power.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 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

Save your data on printable magnetic devices? New laser technique’s twist might make this reality

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new laser-induced forward transfer technique using optical vortex to print magnetic ferrite nanoparticles with high precision. The resulting crystals exhibit helix-like twisted structures that can be controlled by changing the optical vortex's helicity.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAPL Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring

A new, tuneable edge-detecting filter for flat-optic imaging systems can switch between an image of an object's outline and a detailed infrared image, enabling precise crop management and habitat restoration. The filter is compact, lightweight, and can be mass-manufactured.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Carbon nanotube yarns generate electricity from waste heat

Researchers at Okayama University have developed a novel method to produce carbon nanotube yarns with excess electrons that can harvest waste heat. The yarns achieved high thermoelectric power factors within temperatures ranging from 30 to 200 °C, making them suitable for practical applications such as fabric-based modules.

SourceOkayama University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2024

Two-dimensional nanomaterial sets record for expert-defying, counter-intuitive expansion

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that expands by 40% when stretched in one direction, breaking the previous record. The material, made of tungsten semi-carbide, uses plasma physics to create single atom layers and has potential applications in strain gauges, sensors, and wearable technology.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Accelerating CAR T cell therapy: Lipid nanoparticles speed up manufacturing

Researchers developed a method using lipid nanoparticles to activate T cells and deliver genetic instructions in one step, simplifying the CAR T cell manufacturing process. This new approach reduces production time from 48 hours to 24 hours and increases accessibility to patients worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Carbon nanotube Eye: reconstruction of inner hidden composition & structure of inspection targets

A research group at Chuo University developed a novel non-destructive inspection technique combining multi-functional photo monitoring devices with image data-driven three-dimensional restoration methods. The technique precisely evaluates target objects by compositional identifications and structural reconstructions, providing a breakt...

SourceChuo University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators for scientific instruments and devices

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are used in various applications, including self-powered sensors, blue energy instruments, high voltage sources, micro/nano-energy devices, and liquid-solid interface probes. TENGs offer unique advantages such as generating self-powered signals without additional energy supply systems.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeNews article·DateFeb 22, 2024

Unveiling Oxidation-induced Super-elasticity in Metallic Glass Nanotubes

A research team led by Professor Yang Yong found that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain of up to 14% at room temperature. The discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimension metallic glass can result in unique properties for applications in sensors, medical devices, and othe...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024