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Discovery broadens scope of use of CRISPR gene editing

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new CRISPR-based therapy platform that can deliver cargo to a broader range of tissue and cell types, increasing its potential for treating various diseases. The platform achieves this by transforming the Cas-9 protein into a spherical nucleic acid and loading it with critical components.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 6, 2022

High-quality growth

Assistant Professor SUZUKI Hiroo and colleagues have developed a method to grow highly crystalline TMDCs, such as MoS2 and WS2, using chemical vapor deposition in a stacked substrate configuration. The technique produces samples with large domains and optimal photoluminescence characteristics.

SourceOkayama University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 5, 2022

Molecular-level design strategy could hold the key to boosting commercial hydrogen production

Researchers develop a novel approach to increase proton transfer kinetics, enabling efficient industrial-scale water splitting. The new strategy, which integrates molecular-level proton acceptors into the catalyst, improves oxygen evolution reaction rates and achieves high current densities at low overpotential.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2022

Researchers devise tunable conducting edge

Scientists have developed a magnetized state in monolayer tungsten ditelluride, allowing for controlled electron flow and potential applications in non-volatile memory chips. The discovery enables the creation of smaller, more energy-efficient devices that consume less power and dissipate less energy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Bar-Ilan University researchers produce nanodiamonds capable of delivering medicinal and cosmetic remedies through the skin

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have produced nanodiamonds capable of delivering medicinal and cosmetic remedies through the skin, eliminating the need for biopsies. The nanodiamonds can be precisely monitored non-invasively using a laser-based optical method, enabling targeted drug delivery and cosmetics application.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 30, 2022

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis articles highlight the potential of nanotechnology to detect clinically useful biomolecules

Recent studies in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis highlight innovative nanosensors for efficient biomolecular detection, including rutin, paracetamol, and hypochlorite. These advancements enable high sensitivity and reliability in clinical samples, paving the way for improved patient care.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

When light is the switch: nanometric photodiodes to study the activity of neurons

Researchers developed nanometric photodiodes that can bind to nerve cell surfaces and activate them with infrared light, allowing for selective stimulation of individual neurons. This technology has the potential to study the nervous system in-depth and develop targeted therapies for neurological diseases.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Nanoscale fluid-phase changes revealed

Researchers developed a nanopore-scale glass-topped lab-on-a-chip to study complex fluid behaviors at the nanoscale. The device allowed for direct visual recordings of liquid to vapor and back to liquid phase changes, revealing that nanopore behavior influences production and affecting recovery discrepancies.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalLangmuir·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2022

Flashing creates hard-to-get 2D boron nitride

Rice chemists adapt flashing process to synthesize pure boron nitride and boron carbon nitride flakes with varying degrees of carbon. The flakes show promise as an effective anticorrosive coating, protecting copper surfaces up to 92% better than traditional compounds.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

On the way to cell-type materials

Physicists at University of Münster successfully reveal dynamic interaction of molecular shuttles using molecular-dynamic simulations. The study provides detailed insight into how embedded machines function and interact, enabling targeted control of transport properties and catalytic processes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 4, 2022

These energy-packed batteries work well in extreme cold and heat

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed temperature-resilient lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, compatible with high-temperature operation. These batteries could enable electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge in cold climates and reduce overheating in hot climates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

New photocatalytic membrane that can be cleaned using light energy

A new nanosheet-laminated photocatalytic membrane has been successfully developed by Kobe University researchers, demonstrating excellent water permeance and photocatalytic activity. The membrane's photocatalytic properties make it easier to clean, reducing fouling and increasing its potential for tackling global environmental issues.

SourceKobe University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Review article on metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets assembled on the surface of water

Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet research has made significant advances in gas recovery and sensing materials. Professor Makiura's review article summarizes the development of MOF nanosheets on water surfaces, showcasing their potential for separation membranes and sensor miniaturization.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 28, 2022

Nanochannels light the way towards new medicine

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microscopy technique that allows for the study of proteins, DNA, and other biological particles in their natural state. This innovation enables earlier detection of promising drug candidates and provides valuable insights into cell communication processes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Tracking sleep with a self-powering smart pillow

A new study presents a self-powering smart pillow that tracks head movement during sleep using triboelectric nanogenerators. This system could improve the accuracy of sleep monitoring and have uses beyond tracking sleep, such as monitoring patients with cervical spondylosis or detecting early warning signs for falls.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 2, 2022

‘Fruitcake’ structure observed in organic polymers

An international team of researchers has observed a unique 'fruitcake' structure in an organic polymer, revealing variations in hardness at the nanoscale. This discovery could lead to the development of next-generation microelectronic and bioelectronic devices with improved flexibility and biocompatibility.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Bacteria-killing drills get an upgrade

Researchers at Rice University have developed molecular machines that can kill bacteria using visible light, targeting gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The breakthrough study uses rotors spinning at millions of times per second to break up biofilms and persister cells, making these infections more treatable.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2022

Optical cavities could provide new technological possibilities

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered a method for describing molecules in optical cavities, which could lead to breakthroughs in chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. The study uses molecular orbital theory to predict how molecules will react inside optical cavities.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2022

Multi-tasking wearable continuously monitors glucose, alcohol, and lactate

A new wearable device can simultaneously monitor glucose, alcohol, and lactate levels, providing users with a comprehensive picture of their health. This technology has the potential to improve disease management for individuals with diabetes and other conditions, as well as enhance overall wellness through real-time tracking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 9, 2022

Nanotechnology enables visualization of RNA structures at near-atomic resolution

Researchers have developed a new approach to studying RNA molecules using nanotechnology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), enabling the analysis of RNA subunits with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research, drug development, and RNA therapeutics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Researchers shed light on why a certain plant virus is so powerful at fighting cancer

A team of researchers has discovered that cowpea mosaic virus, when injected into a tumor, triggers a powerful immune response, preventing cancer recurrence. The unique protein shell and RNA structure of the virus activate toll-like receptors, leading to increased cytokine production and a prolonged anti-cancer response.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·DateApr 27, 2022

Molecular robots work cooperatively in swarms

Researchers developed micro-sized machines utilizing swarming strategy for cargo delivery, outperforming single robots with efficiency of up to five times. The team created a swarm of cooperating robots that can divide workload and respond to risks, expanding potential uses for microrobots.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Bacterial soundtracks revealed by graphene membrane

A team of researchers from Delft University of Technology has captured the sound of a single bacterium using a graphene membrane. The graphene drum detected tiny oscillations caused by the bacteria's flagella, which can be converted into a 'soundtrack' and listened to. This technology has enormous implications for detecting antibiotic ...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 18, 2022

Can nanotechnology help fight viruses?

Recent advances in nanomaterial-based antiviral strategies have generated promising results, including antiviral nanodrugs, drug nanocarriers, and nanovaccines. These nano-sized particles can be useful for targeted delivery of antiviral treatments, leading to improved efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall Structures·DateApr 18, 2022