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Brightening prospects of using fluorescent nanotubes in medical applications

Scientists at Vanderbilt University have overcome a major obstacle in producing fluorescent nanotubes, which can be used as contrast agents in cells and tissues. The breakthrough allows for the creation of trillions of nanotubes with high quantum efficiency, making them suitable for medical applications such as anti-cancer treatments.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 7, 2007

Nanotube flickering reveals single-molecule rendezvous

Researchers used nanotechnology to study exciton mobility on carbon nanotubes, revealing that each excition travels about 90 nanometers and visits some 10,000 carbon atoms during its lifespan. The unique properties of carbon nanotubes made them an ideal system for observing single-molecule reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2007

Nanotube, heal thyself

Researchers discovered that carbon nanotubes can repair themselves by moving blemishes across the surface of the material, sewing up larger holes as they go. This self-repair mechanism allows the nanotube to retain its strength despite severe damage, but comes with a price: releasing energy and mass in the form of gaseous carbon atoms.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 15, 2007

Rice chemists create, grow nanotube seeds

Rice University chemists have successfully created and grown carbon nanotube seeds, which can be used to produce large quantities of pure nanotubes. The breakthrough offers significant potential for various materials applications, including energy storage and electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 17, 2006

Rice develops first method to sort nanotubes by size

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to sort semiconducting nanotubes based on their dielectric constant, which is determined by their diameter. The system uses electric fields to trap and separate nanotubes of different sizes, allowing for the collection of samples with varying proportions of small and large tubes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 23, 2006

World's tiniest test tubes get teensiest corks

University of Florida scientists develop tiny test tubes that can be easily opened and closed to deliver targeted chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells. By using biodegradable materials and amino-modified nanotubes, the researchers aim to improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment while minimizing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 10, 2006

Boston College scientists stretch carbon nanotubes

Scientists at Boston College have successfully stretched single-walled carbon nanotubes to remarkable lengths using high temperatures and electrical currents. The research indicates that these superplastic nanotubes may be useful in developing new generations of computer chips and strengthening ceramics and other nanocomposites.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2006

Nanotubes glow, even within biological cells

Researchers found that nanotubes were ingested by white blood cells and retained their fluorescent properties, allowing for selective detection. The discovery builds on a previous finding of unique fluorescent signatures from individual types of nanotubes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 9, 2004

Ceramics reinforced with nanotubes

The new material has up to five times the fracture toughness of conventional alumina, making it more forgiving under dynamic loads. It also exhibits high electrical conductivity ten trillion times greater than pure alumina, with interesting thermal properties that make it suitable for thermal barrier coatings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 16, 2003

Fluoronanotubes win prestigious R&D 100 Award

Researchers at Rice University developed fluoronanotubes with unique chemical properties, allowing for easier manipulation and dispersal in various materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of new materials and applications, including advanced composites, sensor technology, and molecular electronics.

Emory University researchers uncover novel self-assembly of Alzheimer's amyloid fibrils

Emory University researchers have successfully self-assembled Alzheimer's amyloid fibrils into well-defined nanotubes. These nanotubes exhibit unique properties and can be used to build nanotechnological devices, offering new avenues for research and potential applications in fields such as medicine and materials science.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 23, 2003

Rice deciphers optical spectra of carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Rice University have precisely identified the optical signatures of 33 'species' of light-emitting carbon nanotubes, revolutionizing the field of nanotechnology. This breakthrough enables chemists to measure nanotubes using simple and faster methods, accelerating research in this rapidly evolving field.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2002

Much ado about nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes have been shown to exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, enabling the creation of high-speed electronic devices. The breakthrough could lead to the development of hand-held DNA detectors, superfast optical detectors, and computer chip speeds faster than current Pentium processors.

Nano-transistor switches with just one electron, may be ideal for molecular computers, Science study shows

Researchers have created a nanotube single electron transistor that operates efficiently at room temperature. The device is smaller than 1/500th the distance across a human hair and only requires one electron to toggle between on and off states, making it an ideal candidate for molecular computers.