Nanotechnology
Articles tagged with Nanotechnology
Atomic step–terrace ordering enables unprecedented precision in mechanical testing
Researchers “reprogram” materials by quickly rearranging their atoms
Powerful shrinking technique could enable devices that compute with light
Metabolism-inspired hydrogels replicate heartbeat-like motion and photosynthesis
Researchers design polymer networks to replicate dynamic behaviors inspired by biological systems. Self-oscillating gels exhibit rhythmic motion similar to a beating heart, while artificial photosynthetic gels convert light into chemical energy.
Strong graphene bulk composites with high thermal conductivity
Organic luminescent radicals enable bright circularly polarized light in the near-infrared region
Experts in quantum transport have published a new method in the journal Physical Review Materials for measuring distances at the nanometre scale at room temperature
Researchers at the University of Alicante have developed a precise method for measuring distances at the nanometre scale at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the identification of gold nanocontacts just three atoms thick, significantly advancing current understanding of electronic transport.
Portable sensor offers rapid on-site detection of bacteria in food and water
Researchers at Sultan Qaboos University developed a portable sensor for quick pathogen detection, overcoming limitations of conventional methods. The device can be used for field inspections, remote settings, and environmental monitoring, enabling personal, real-time testing.
Direct Raman detection of ångström-scale ultrathin molecular layers at interfaces
Researchers have developed a coherent Raman spectroscopy method that directly detects ångström-scale molecular films at interfaces without plasmonic enhancement or electronic resonance. This approach suppresses strong substrate background signals, allowing for highly sensitive interfacial Raman spectroscopy.
The hidden structure behind a widely used class of materials
A team of researchers from MIT has directly characterized the three-dimensional atomic structure of a relaxor ferroelectric for the first time. This breakthrough provides a framework for refining models used to design next-generation computing, energy, and sensing devices.
Molecular quantum nanosensors reveal temperature and radical signals inside living cells
Researchers developed biocompatible molecular quantum nanosensors that operate inside living cells, enabling absolute temperature measurements with subcellular spatial resolution. The sensors also detect radical-related spin signals in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cancer cells.,
Scientists discover surprising new way to control light
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered that light can be programmed using its natural geometry, allowing for the creation of structured light with unique properties. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for fields such as medicine, data transmission, and quantum technologies.
No brain required: This is how the single-celled stentor learns
Researchers at UCSF discovered that single-celled organism Stentor learns through modifying existing proteins with calcium signaling, which is similar to the mechanism used by animal neurons. This finding suggests that learning may be a fundamental feature of life and could have evolved before the emergence of brains.
Bismuth melanin biomaterial shields body from radiation and eases acute radiation syndrome
A team of researchers designed a bismuth-coordinated melanin material to shield against radiation and alleviate acute radiation syndrome (ARS), with promising results in mouse experiments. The material showed stronger shielding and antioxidant effects, improving survival rates from 20% to 60%.
Challenges and breakthroughs in quantum dots: From nucleation to high-performance QLEDs
A review article analyzes InP quantum dot synthesis, core/shell optimization, ligands, and charge management for high-performance QLEDs. The study reveals the intrinsic relationship between microscopic material properties and macroscopic device performance.
Wrinkled carbon spheres unlock efficient and green hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis
Researchers have developed a series of carbonyl-rich carbon sphere catalysts with unique wrinkled surface architecture, significantly enhancing the catalyst's performance in hydrogen peroxide electrosynthesis. The optimized catalyst achieved high H2O2 selectivity and efficiency.
Redesigning metals at the atomic level to boost future technology
Scientists at the University of Minnesota have discovered a powerful new method for controlling the electronic behavior of metals by adjusting film thickness at the nanometer scale, which can tune surface work function by over 1 eV.
Twisted nanoparticles sorted by light
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science demonstrated a method for manipulating metallic chiral nanoparticles using circularly polarized light. By confining light to an evanescent field near the surface of ultra-thin optical fibers, they selectively transported left- and right-handed particles based on their chirality.
Scientists create atomically precise molecular chains to power next generation tech
Researchers developed nanoribbons with tailored electronic properties, enabling flexible electronics, ultra-small circuits and more efficient solar cells. The discovery paves the way for unprecedented control in next-generation technologies.
How can scientists visualize cellular life with greater precision?
Salk scientists and collaborators advance visualization technology using visible-spectrum antigen-stabilizable fluorescent nanobodies (VIS-Fbs), reducing background fluorescence by up to a hundredfold. The new probe enables high spatial and temporal precision, allowing for real-time tracking of dynamic changes in living models.
NUS CDE researchers develop biowaste coatings to boost CO2-to-fuel conversion
Researchers at NUS CDE have developed biowaste coatings that improve the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, achieving high selectivity rates and reducing reliance on PFAS. The coatings, made from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and plant matter, offer a cost-effective pathway to climate technology.
Cracking a long-standing problem in high-entropy alloy nanoparticle synthesis
A new three-step synthesis strategy enables simultaneous control over composition and surface facets of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles. Researchers have scaled the process to produce millions of particles across unique compositions, opening a path to discovering next-generation HEA catalysts with high-index facets.
SKKU researchers develop breakthrough “gas battery” technology that generates electricity from greenhouse gases
SKKU researchers have developed a novel device that captures greenhouse gases and generates electricity. The Gas Capture and Electricity Generator (GCEG) uses an asymmetric structure to produce continuous direct current power without external energy input.
Millisecond electric pulse makes titanium stronger and tougher
Researchers from Kumamoto University and partners discovered a method to enhance titanium alloys using high-density pulsed electric current, achieving improved strength and toughness. The technique harnesses an electron wind force to reorganize the internal crystal structure, producing nanoscale martensitic phases that disperse stress ...
Ultra-sensitive multi-band infrared polarization photodetector based on 1T'-MoTe2/2H-MoTe2 van der Waals heterostructure
The device exhibits outstanding performance across a broad optical spectrum, with high responsivity and specific detectivity. Its polarization-sensitive detection capability enables the direct deciphering of light's polarization state without external filters.
Perovskite nanocrystals in glass for high-efficiency and ultra-high resolution dynamic displays
Researchers develop fluoride-engineered perovskite nanocrystal glass for high-efficiency, full-color emission and ultra-high-resolution holographic displays. The glass matrix enables stable and efficient photoluminescence of PNCs, driving the creation of high-quality dynamic displays.
When light gets trapped at nanoscale: New ways to power the future of optoelectronics
Researchers explore new design strategies for metasurfaces and BICs, enabling scalable light control and efficient optoelectronic platforms. These advances have practical implications for applications in lasing, sensing, nonlinear optics, wavefront shaping, and imaging.
Surviving the gut: A highly stable oral nanoreactor targets metabolites to blunt cognitive decline
A novel oral nanoreactor targets isoamylamine, a gut-derived metabolite associated with age-related cognitive decline, by degrading it through monoamine oxidase. The treatment also reduces oxidative stress and improves spatial learning and recognition memory in aged mice.
Bright quantum light emission achieved at room temperature in 2D semiconductors
Researchers have successfully created a high-efficiency quantum light source that emits bright lights even at room temperature using 2D semiconductors. The achievement is made possible by confining excitons in a tiny region via nanohole-induced confinement and neutralizing excess charges.
Record-breaking photonics approach traps light on a chip for millions of cycles
A team of researchers has developed a method to sculpt atomically thin van der Waals materials without destroying them, achieving record-breaking performance in photonic chips. The 'suit of armour' approach enables ultra-smooth vdW microdisks that trap light with extremely little loss.
Nanotechnology-based strategies in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment have been enhanced by nanotechnology, improving outcomes for patients. Various formulations such as lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, and metal-based nanoparticles offer improved bioavailability and overcome limitations of conventional therapies.
Stacked graphdiyne nano-Iontronic device enables selective pH detection in single cells
A new graphdiyne nano-iontronic device enables selective pH detection in single cells, showing fast and reversible responses to pH shifts. The device retains accurate proton sensing even in the presence of interferents, demonstrating its potential for real-time intracellular pH detection.
Transferring cytoplasmic contents and organelles between living cells
A Waseda University research team developed a nanotube membrane-based injector to directly and reliably manipulate the cytoplasmic composition of living cells. The system successfully transferred cytoplasmic contents, including mitochondria, into target cells with high efficiency and minimal damage.
Green tea and biochar combine to create smarter fertilizers that boost crops and cut emissions
A new study reveals a innovative fertilizer technology that combines biochar, natural polymers, and green-synthesized iron nanoparticles to release nutrients only when plants need them. The results show significant improvements in soil health and reduced environmental impacts.
Broadband nanoprobe sharpens optical imaging
Researchers developed a double-slit plasmonic platform-based fiber probe that combines easier light excitation, stronger tip enhancement, broadband stability, and controllable fabrication. The probe achieved 28.6 nm optical imaging resolution under ambient conditions and resolved structures smaller than the diffraction limit.
Towards smarter agriculture: Durable nanofilm electrodes for monitoring leaf health
Researchers developed durable nanofilm electrodes for long-term measurement of bioelectric potentials in plants, paving the way for more resilient agriculture. These electrodes can detect stress in crops early, enabling timely warnings and improving yields.
Anisotropic 2D crystal with hyperbolic localized plasmon resonances
Hyperbolic localized plasmon resonances were achieved in an anisotropic two-dimensional crystal, enabling tunable optical chirality and potential applications in miniaturized photonic components, spectroscopic sensors, and molecular fingerprinting.
Nano-enabled biochar fertilizers help rice grow safer in contaminated soils
A new study reveals that nano-biochar fertilizers can actively regulate soil processes and help protect rice from harmful metal accumulation. The findings show improved rice growth, enhanced soil biological activity, and reduced cadmium and arsenic uptake in contaminated soils.
Is darkness faster than light?
Technion researchers confirm 50-year-old prediction by measuring the speed of 'dark points' within light waves. The team's achievement reveals universal laws of nature shared by all types of waves, enabling new microscopy techniques to study hidden processes in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Preserving polarization while boosting light from atomically thin semiconductors with silicon nanospheres
Researchers have demonstrated that silicon nanospheres can enhance second-harmonic generation in monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides while preserving valley-polarization information. The study provides design guidelines for efficient, polarization-preserving nonlinear light sources at the nanoscale.
Lead-free thin films turn everyday vibrations into electricity
Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University developed high-performance lead-free piezoelectric thin films directly on standard silicon wafers. The films achieved the highest piezoelectric response ever reported for bismuth ferrite, enabling a fivefold improvement in energy conversion efficiency.
Researchers engineer ultrathin lead-free films, advancing piezoelectricity
Researchers break thickness limit for lead-free films, discovering a metastable phase that unlocks latent piezoelectric potential. The films exhibit a piezoelectric coefficient four times higher than conventional forms, paving the way for ultra-miniaturized sensors and devices.
Novel cancer drug delivery system improves Paclitaxel absorption
A novel drug delivery system developed by Osaka Metropolitan University improves Paclitaxel absorption by binding to the lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase enzyme, enabling selective delivery to cancer tissues. The system demonstrates significant tumor suppression effects even after administration cessation.
Vibrating atomic tip sculpts 3D memory channels into fragile semiconductors
Prof. Yanquan Geng's team has devised a way to carve variable-depth, three-dimensional trenches into gallium antimonide using a microscopic tip vibrating thousands of times per second. This process improves the crystal's structural integrity and enables the creation of pristine 3D nanogrooves with controlled depths and widths.
“Smart photonic healthcare devices” how light is transforming the future of healthcare
Recent advances in photonic nanomaterials and healthcare devices have led to the development of wearable and implantable medical devices. These devices utilize light for precise manipulation of cells and tissues, offering new possibilities for early disease detection, light-based therapies, and personalized precision medicine.
New photonic device, developed by MIT researchers, efficiently beams light into free space
MIT researchers have developed a new photonic device that efficiently beams light into free space, enabling advanced displays, high-speed optical communications, and larger-scale quantum computers. The device uses an array of microscopic structures to project detailed, full-color images and precisely control quantum bits, paving the wa...
Researchers capture thermal fluctuations in polymer segments for the first time
Kyushu University researchers observed individual polymer chains' behavior on solid surfaces, revealing non-equilibrium dynamics and thermal fluctuations. The study contributes to enhancing adhesive performance and lightweighting of materials.
Why nanotechnology breakthroughs often stagnate before reaching the market
The study highlights the importance of absorptive capacity and collaboration practices in nanotechnology commercialisation. Companies can improve their chances of successfully commercialising breakthrough technologies by refining their governance and management structures.
Towards tailor-made heat expansion-free materials for precision technology
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered a hydrogen-absorbing material with negative thermal expansion properties, which can be tuned by adjusting the amount of hydrogen. This finding promises custom high-precision ingredients for precision nanotechnology, addressing volume changes in materials under heating.
Toward practical laser-driven light sails using photonic crystals
Scientists developed a photonic crystal light sail with high reflectivity and low mass, enabling faster travel across the solar system. The structure features a narrow photonic band gap centered at the propulsion wavelength, resulting in high reflectivity within that spectral window.
Light-activated nanoassembly overcomes intracellular barriers and drives anticancer drugs into the cell nucleus with high precision
Researchers developed a light-responsive nanoassembly that enables precise and controllable drug delivery inside tumor cells. The strategy achieves strong tumor suppression while effectively inhibiting tumor spread, without causing noticeable systemic toxicity.
Theoretical principles of band structure manipulation in strongly correlated insulators with spin and charge perturbations
A new study by MANA demonstrates that strongly correlated insulators can behave differently, allowing spin and charge excitations to exist independently. This enables the creation of new electronic modes that actively modify band structures under external stimuli.
Scientists form complex DNA structures without hydrogen bonds
Researchers at NYU's Department of Chemistry have discovered a way to assemble complex DNA structures without sticky ends, using shape alone to guide assembly. This breakthrough enables the creation of varied 3D structures made entirely out of DNA, with potential applications in optical, electronic, and biomedical technologies.
Transient Pauli blocking for broadband ultrafast optical switching
This study reveals that a femtosecond laser can induce a rise in electronic temperature, transiently blocking optical absorption and enabling multicolor modulation from a single material platform. The discovery opens a new pathway toward ultrafast, broadband, and energy-efficient photonic devices.
American Chemical Society Journal cover highlights SQU research on functionalized gold nanoparticles
A study from Sultan Qaboos University's Department of Physics investigates how surface functionalization affects gold nanoparticle behavior. The research uses molecular dynamics simulations to show that varying surface coverage density can influence thermodynamic behavior and stability.
Novel wireless origami-inspired smart cushioning device for safer logistics
A novel wireless origami-inspired smart cushioning device has been developed to monitor deformation and detect damage to transported goods. The self-folded origami honeycomb device, integrated with passive wireless sensors, can provide real-time information on load conditions and impact.
Nature-inspired novel route shaping nanocrystals
Researchers developed a novel route for transforming molecular crystals into quantum dot monoliths, mimicking geological weathering on a tiny scale. Uniformly sized zinc oxide quantum dots form within the original crystal structure, preserving its shape.
Nanoparticle-based gene editing could expand treatment options for cystic fibrosis
UCLA researchers have developed a novel gene-editing approach using lipid nanoparticles to deliver a full-length CFTR gene into human airway cells. The study shows promise for treating cystic fibrosis by correcting the underlying genetic mutation, which could lead to more effective and long-term therapies.