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Carbon nanotube sponge shows improved water clean-up

A new study presents a carbon nanotube sponge that can absorb water contaminants, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals, with improved efficiency. The sponge's porous structure and rough surface enable it to absorb oils and solvents up to 150 times its initial weight.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateJan 16, 2014

Electrical control of single atom magnets

Scientists at UCL and international partners discovered a new mechanism controlling magnetic anisotropy at the atomic scale, enabled by electrical coupling between metal substrate and magnetic atoms. This discovery opens up new avenues for designing smallest devices for information processing, data storage, and sensing.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 8, 2013

Coupled particles cross energy wall

Researchers have demonstrated a new type of quantum phenomenon called Klein tunnelling for two interacting particles. By crossing an energy barrier together, the particles can tunnel through what would otherwise be impassable to individual particles.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMay 29, 2013

Kinks and curves at the nanoscale

New research finds that coherent twin boundaries in metals contain tiny kink-like steps and curvatures, making them stronger but also more electrically resistant. This discovery challenges previous understanding of these materials and could lead to improved engineering designs for high-strength applications.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 19, 2013

U Alberta researchers move Barkhausen Effect forward

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new technique to analyze the Barkhausen Effect, providing critical information for rapid prototyping of magnetic computational devices. The method measures magnetic jumps in a special 'vortex' pattern and converts it into a probe of magnetic interactions on an atomic scale.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2013

2 problems in chemical catalysis solved

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla have solved two acute problems in chemical catalysis using a novel intramolecularly assisted catalyst for beta amino acid synthesis. They also identified a new mechanism for the amine-catalysed Michael addition reaction between aldehydes and nitroalkenes.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 20, 2012

Wireless power for the price of a penny

Researchers have developed a wireless power device called rectenna that can harness energy from smartphones and transmit it to nearby objects. The device is priced at just one penny per unit and has the potential to revolutionize daily interactions with everyday objects.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateAug 9, 2012

Researchers watch tiny living machines self-assemble

University of Montreal researchers developed a strategy to monitor protein assembly by integrating fluorescent probes throughout the linear protein chain. This approach enables capturing snapshots of protein shape at each stage of assembly, shedding light on how proteins self-assemble into working nanomachines.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 10, 2012

Rap music powers rhythmic action of medical sensor

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of miniature medical sensor that uses acoustic waves from rap music to recharge and monitor pressure. The sensor can be used to diagnose incontinence and treat conditions such as aneurisms and paralysis, offering potential benefits over conventional implantable devices.

DNA motor programmed to navigate a network of tracks

Researchers at Kyoto University and the University of Oxford have successfully constructed a DNA motor capable of navigating a programmable network of tracks with multiple switches. The breakthrough uses DNA origami technology, allowing for autonomous nanoscale devices to produce predictable outputs based on different starting conditions.

New microtweezers may build tiny 'MEMS' structures

Researchers have created new microtweezers capable of manipulating objects to build tiny structures, print coatings for advanced sensors, and grab live stem cell spheres. The tool enables the precision printing of chemical or protein dots onto microcantilevers, which can detect chemicals in air and water.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems·DateJan 17, 2012

Graphene earns its stripes

Researchers at University College London discovered electronic stripes on graphene sheets, a finding that could revolutionize the exploitation of this material. The discovery was made using a scanning tunneling microscope and found that extra electrons arrange themselves into nanometer-scale stripes spontaneously.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2011

Great expectations

Researchers outline challenges and potential solutions for synthetic molecular machines to fulfill their promise. The team proposes using metal-organic frameworks to organize molecular switches spatially and temporally.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChemical Society Reviews·DateNov 25, 2011

Molecular sudoku

Researchers used scanning tunneling microscopy to assemble 1-nanometer sized molecules into a 3x3 square array, showing varying conductance across the structure. The study demonstrates the beauty and intricacy of molecular electronics, with applications in miniaturized circuits and challenges to be addressed.

Etch-a-sketch with superconductors

Scientists at University College London and Sapienza University of Rome have developed a method to manipulate high-temperature superconductivity in materials. By illuminating with X-rays, researchers can create and control tiny superconducting structures, enabling the creation of new electronic devices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2011

Nano detector for deadly anthrax

Researchers developed a portable nano detector that can identify anthrax in 15 minutes, detecting as few as 40 microscopic cells. The device uses PCR to amplify target DNA and integrates sample preparation, making it more convenient than existing systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·DateJul 6, 2011

Limit to nanotechnology mass-production?

A leading nanotechnology scientist proposes a 3nm diameter threshold for mass-produced structures, citing unpredictability in bottom-up manufacturing. This challenge raises concerns about the billions invested in nanotechnology research and development.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateApr 20, 2011

The world's smallest wedding rings

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have created two interlocking rings of DNA, measuring 18 nanometers in size, which are suitable as components of molecular machines. The catenan structure is freely pivotable and can be used to arrange and study proteins or other molecules that are too small for direct manipulation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 11, 2011