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DNA-like material could bring even smaller transistors

Researchers have discovered a new material that could lead to the creation of even smaller transistors, enabling faster computing and lower power consumption. The material, shaped like a one-dimensional DNA helix, is made from tellurium and can be encapsulated in nanotubes to build functional transistors.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 10, 2020

Nanowires replace Newton's famous glass prism

Researchers have designed a nanowire spectrometer that can directly image single cells and analyze chemical fingerprints without the need for microscopes or bulky equipment. This breakthrough could lead to new generations of ultra-compact spectrometers with applications in biology, lab-on-a-chip systems, and smart wearables.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019

Expanding functions of conducting microbial nanowires for chemical, biological sensors

Researchers at UMass Amherst have expanded the functions of conducting microbial nanowires, developing them into sustainable chemical and biological sensors. The new nanowires can be modified with peptides to specifically bind chemicals or biologics, offering promising possibilities for biomedical and environmental applications.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJul 29, 2019

Giving nanowires a DNA-like twist

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a DNA-like twisted crystal structure created with germanium sulfide nanowires, resembling the organic DNA structure. The twist causes the wire to elongate and widen into a helical structure, with segments resembling helically stacked bricks.

Combing nanowire noodles

Harvard University researchers have developed a new method to create thousands of nanowires that can record electrical chatter inside live cells. This breakthrough allows for the simultaneous recording of multiple cells, enabling researchers to study complex neural networks and interactions. The 'combing' process of nanowires untanglin...

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 1, 2019

Flexible circuits for 3D printing

Researchers at the University of Hamburg and DESY have developed a 3D printing process for transparent and mechanically flexible electronic circuits using silver nanowires. The technology enables the production of printable light-emitting diodes, solar cells, and tools with integrated circuits.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 2019

Bacterial nanowire mystery solved

Geobacter bacteria project metal-containing heme filaments called nanowires to dispose of excess electrons in oxygen-free environments. This discovery solves the mystery of how nanowires facilitate environmental cleanup and potential applications for building new materials and sensors.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateApr 4, 2019

Dose of vitamin C helps gold nanowires grow

Rice University scientists have developed a method to produce valuable gold nanowires from short particles using vitamin C. The process, which is fully controllable and reversible, allows for the production of nanowires of any desired length, making them suitable for sensing, diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 19, 2019

Artificial synapses made from nanowires

Scientists have created a memristive element made from nanowires that functions similarly to biological nerve cells, storing and processing information in parallel. The discovery offers promising advantages for bioinspired computers, which can work decentralised with multiple processors connected by networks.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

A bullet-proof heating pad

Researchers have created a wearable heater by modifying woven fabric with DuPont Kevlar fiber and nanowires, providing uniform heat and thermal insulation. The material is strong, flexible, breathable, and washable, making it suitable for use in cold-weather clothing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 31, 2018

A novel way of creating gold nanoparticles in water

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new method for creating gold nanoparticles in water droplets, which could lead to more sustainable ways of producing these materials. The technique uses microdroplets as reactors and eliminates the need for potentially toxic reducing agents.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 19, 2018