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International research partnership tricks the light fantastic

A team of researchers from the University of Cincinnati has made a breakthrough in developing a new type of plasmonic device that can process data using light waves. The device has the potential to make electronics faster, cheaper and more sustainable by reducing heat and power consumption.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 2, 2015

The first ever photograph of light as a particle and a wave

Researchers at EPFL have captured a single snapshot of light exhibiting both wave-like and particle properties using electrons to image the phenomenon. The experiment demonstrates the simultaneous observation of quantization and interference pattern of a plasmonic near-field.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2015

New nanowire structure absorbs light efficiently

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new method to combine different types of nanowires into a single array, improving absorption efficiency. The dual-type nanowire arrays show better light coupling and reduced reflection, making them suitable for applications such as solar cells and LEDs.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2015
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Ultra-thin nanowires can trap electron 'twisters' that disrupt superconductors

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a method to control individual vortices in nanowires, trapping them and maintaining resistance-free current in superconductors. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the performance of devices such as MRI scanners, particle accelerators, and future quantum computers.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2015

Novel solid-state nanomaterial platform enables terahertz photonics

Researchers have created a novel solid-state technology platform that enables the use of terahertz photonics in various applications. The new nanodetectors can detect frequencies greater than 3 THz and offer competitive noise equivalent powers with commercially available technologies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateFeb 17, 2015

Making teeth tough: Beavers show way to improve our enamel

Researchers discovered beaver teeth have a harder, more resistant form of enamel built with iron that surpasses fluoride-treated enamel in acid resistance. This finding could lead to better understanding of human tooth decay and improvement on current treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015

Silver nanowires demonstrate unexpected self-healing mechanism

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that silver nanowires can partially recover from permanent deformation under cyclic loading, indicating potential for long-term durability in flexible electronics. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of cost-effective alternatives to indium tin oxide.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 23, 2015
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Wearable sensor clears path to long-term EKG, EMG monitoring

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new, wearable sensor that can accurately monitor electrophysiological signals like electrocardiography (EKG) or electromyography (EMG) for long periods. The sensor uses silver nanowires and is more accurate than existing sensors, especially when a patient is moving.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRSC Advances·DateJan 20, 2015

Extra-short nanowires best for brain

Researchers found that nanowires shorter than 2 micrometres cause no harm to the brain tissue, while longer ones lead to inflammation and neurotoxic effects. The study suggests developing electrodes with smaller and more flexible nanowire coatings for safer neural implants.

SourceLund University·JournalBiomaterials·DateJan 15, 2015

New superconducting hybrid crystals developed at University of Copenhagen

Researchers have developed a new type of nanowire crystal that combines semiconducting and metallic materials, exhibiting superconducting properties at low temperatures. The breakthrough could play a central role in the development of future electronics, including chips with billions of identical semiconductor-metal nanowire hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 12, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Penn engineers efficiently 'mix' light at the nanoscale

Researchers at Penn have engineered a nanowire system that can combine two light waves to produce a third with a different frequency, using an optical cavity to amplify the intensity of the output. The system achieved high efficiency in mixing frequencies, enabling fundamental computation capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2014

Imaging electric charge propagating along microbial nanowires

Researchers use electrostatic force microscopy to visualize charge propagation in Geobacter's protein filaments, demonstrating metallic-like conductivity. The discovery has important environmental and practical implications for energy conversion and production.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 19, 2014

Solar cell compound probed under pressure

Researchers at Carnegie Institution use high pressure to engineer gallium arsenide, a promising semiconductor material for solar cells. The study found that applying pressure can widen the 'band gap' and induce metallic electronic properties in two different crystalline structures of GaAs.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 25, 2014

New research points to graphene as a flexible, low-cost touchscreen solution

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed graphene-treated nanowires as a cost-effective alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) for touchscreen technology. This innovative material can produce flexible displays at a fraction of the current cost, making it an attractive option for manufacturers.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Boosting armor for nuclear-waste eating microbes

Researchers at Michigan State University have enhanced microbes to clean up nuclear waste by strengthening their pili nanowires. The improved microbes form a biofilm with increased armor, allowing them to neutralize more uranium and survive in higher concentrations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 12, 2014

Nano-forests to reveal secrets of cells

A team of scientists from Lund University has successfully created artificial cell membranes on vertical nanowires, mimicking the curved shape of natural membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into membrane dynamics and target protein interactions in pharmaceutical research.

SourceLund University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 2, 2014

Copper shines as flexible conductor

Researchers at Monash University have developed copper nanowire aerogels that combine conductivity with flexibility, enabling the creation of stretchable conductive rubbers. The addition of a small amount of poly(vinyl alcohol) improves mechanical strength without impairing conductivity.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 28, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Bacterial nanowires: Not what we thought they were

Scientists at USC have discovered that bacterial nanowires are not pili, but rather membrane extensions equipped with electron-transfer proteins called cytochromes. This finding challenges the previous understanding of these 'electric bacteria' and opens up new avenues for research on their potential applications in bioelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014

Laser makes microscopes way cooler

Researchers at Australian National University developed a technique to cool nanowire probes with lasers, increasing their sensitivity 20 times and enabling detection of tiny forces. This could improve the resolution of atomic force microscopes, measuring nanoscopic structures and molecular interactions.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 14, 2014

On the frontiers of cyborg science

Scientists are working on seamless marriage between electronics and brain signaling to treat devastating diseases. They're developing ultraflexible circuits and injecting tiny electronics into the brain to integrate with existing biological networks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 10, 2014

A crystal wedding in the nanocosmos

Scientists successfully integrated compound semiconductor crystals made of indium arsenide into silicon nanowires, overcoming a major obstacle in chip technology. The production method, which involves ion implantation and heat treatment, enables the creation of 'hetero-nanowires' with improved performance.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Research·DateJul 23, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Bending the rules

Yu Chen and colleagues find that superconductivity and dissipation can coexist under generic conditions in a universal manner, thanks to a peculiar nonequilibrium state of quasiparticles. The researchers also discover an unexpected property: when a magnetic field is applied, the superconducting area expands and is enhanced.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 29, 2014

Nanowire bridging transistors open way to next-generation electronics

Engineers at UC Davis developed three-dimensional nanowire transistors using a new approach to integrate semiconductors on silicon substrates. This technology enables devices to operate in high temperatures, handle high power or voltages, and optical applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 14, 2014

Better solar cells, better LED light and vast optical possibilities

NTNU researchers have discovered that by tuning a small strain on single nanowires, they can become more effective in LEDs and solar cells. The discovery enables the creation of highly effective solar cells that produce a higher electric power.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 14, 2014

Domain walls in nanowires cleverly set in motion

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have achieved a breakthrough in inducing synchronous motion of domain walls in ferromagnetic nanowires using pulsed magnetic fields. This allows for controlled displacement of domain walls, essential for permanent data storage.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2014

Nanosheets and nanowires

Researchers in China have developed a convenient way to selectively prepare germanium sulfide nanostructures, including nanosheets and nanowires. These nanostructures show outstanding photoresponsive behavior, indicating their potential use in solar energy conversion systems and optoelectronics.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateApr 1, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Anti-counterfeit 'fingerprints' made from silver nanowires

A team of researchers from South Korea has developed a novel technique to authenticate goods by creating unique patterns made from tiny, randomly scattered silver nanowires. The 'fingerprints' are almost impossible to replicate due to their natural randomness and difficulty in manipulating the tiny materials.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateMar 20, 2014

Physics in 3-D? That's nothing. Try 0-D

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a zero-dimensional quantum dot structure that can confine electronic excitations within semiconductor nanowires. This discovery has significant implications for harnessing solar energy, creating stronger lasers, and developing more sensitive medical diagnostic devices.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 4, 2014

How 19th century physics could change the future of nanotechnology

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new method of light-matter interaction analysis, which appears to be a good way of helping make better semiconductor nanowires. The technique uses Rayleigh scattering to probe band structures and electron-hole dynamics in single indium phosphide nanowires.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateMar 4, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Silver nanowire sensors hold promise for prosthetics, robotics

Researchers at NC State University have developed wearable, stretchable sensors using silver nanowires that can measure strain, pressure, human touch, and bioelectronic signals. These sensors hold promise for creating responsive prosthetics and robots that can interact with their environment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 16, 2014

Laser light at useful wavelengths from semiconductor nanowires

Scientists have demonstrated laser action in semiconductor nanowires that emit light at technologically useful wavelengths and operate at room temperature. The nanowire lasers could represent the next step in developing smaller, faster, more energy-efficient sources of light for various applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2013

Copper promises cheaper, sturdier fuel cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed copper nanowire catalysts that can efficiently harness solar energy to split water into hydrogen, a promising step towards cheaper and sturdier fuel cells. The material is abundant, inexpensive, and flexible, making it ideal for use in various applications beyond solar energy production.

SourceDuke University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 22, 2013

Better batteries through biology?

Researchers at MIT have found a way to add genetically modified viruses to the production of nanowires, which can serve as one of a battery's electrodes. This increases the surface area, allowing for more efficient charging and discharging.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2013
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Great potential for faster diagnoses with new method

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method that combines advanced tools in physics and biology to improve diagnostic accuracy. By using nanowires to hold proteins, they can measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously, increasing signal quality and making diagnosis faster, cheaper, and more precise.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 3, 2013

Solar power's future brawl

Researchers used computer modeling to predict electronic and optical properties of silicon structures with potential applications for solar energy collection. The study found that amorphous quantum dot chains significantly increase light absorption with increased interactions between individual nanospheres in the chain.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateOct 1, 2013

Improving lithium-ion batteries with nanoscale research

Researchers developed nanowires that block lithium diffusion, promoting layer-by-layer lithiation and potentially minimizing cracking and improving durability. This breakthrough could lead to more effective electrode architectures for lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 30, 2013

Domain walls as new information storage medium

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz directly observe magnetization dynamics in magnetic nanowires, discovering oscillating domain wall velocities. The study's findings have important implications for the development of ultra-fast rotating sensors and new information storage mediums.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 23, 2013
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Measuring progress in nanotech design

A Drexel-led team of researchers has developed a new method to measure the band offset in nanoscale devices using laser-induced current spectroscopy. This breakthrough enables the design of more efficient and effective nanoscale components, such as solar cells, LEDs, and high-speed electronics.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 4, 2013

Guided growth of nanowires leads to self-integrated circuits

Scientists have successfully created self-integrating nanowires whose position, length and direction can be fully controlled. This breakthrough enables the production of electronic circuits with hundreds of transistors simultaneously, opening doors to various technological applications including LED devices, lasers, and solar cells.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2013
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Sound waves precisely position nanowires

Using sound waves, researchers can create repeatable patterns of metallic nanomaterials onto substrates that are incompatible with conventional lithography methods. The technique allows for the patterning of nanowires with tunable spacing and density, enabling potential applications in various fields.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 19, 2013

Stretchable, transparent graphene-metal nanowire electrode

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have developed a hybrid transparent and stretchable electrode combining graphene and silver nanowires. The new material exhibits high electrical and optical performance, preserving mechanical flexibility and resistivity even when bent or folded.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 30, 2013

Innovation could bring flexible solar cells, transistors, displays

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new type of transparent electrode that combines graphene and silver nanowires to overcome the drawbacks of traditional materials like indium tin oxide. The hybrid material has a low sheet resistance and remains flexible even when bent, making it suitable for applications such as solar cel...

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 22, 2013
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Making gold green: New non-toxic method for mining gold

Northwestern University researchers have discovered a new method for extracting gold that uses cornstarch instead of cyanide, leaving behind other metals. The process is environmentally benign and more efficient than current commercial methods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2013

Nanowires grown on graphene have surprising structure

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new paradigm in epitaxy by growing nanowires on graphene. The self-assembled wires have a unique core-shell structure, which is spontaneous and produces a perfect interface. This finding has significant implications for advanced electronics applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 23, 2013
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

NREL and partners demonstrate quantum dots that assemble themselves

Scientists have demonstrated a process where quantum dots can self-assemble at optimal locations in nanowires, improving the efficiency of solar cells, quantum computing, and lighting devices. The breakthrough enables precise positioning of quantum dots relative to the nanowire's center, leading to high optical properties.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 16, 2013

A giant step toward miniaturization

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal and international partners create a new method for self-doping nanowires, allowing for precise control of electronic properties. This breakthrough enables the development of novel nanoscale devices with tailored shape and composition.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2013

Watching fluid flow at nanometer scales

Researchers have discovered that nanowires can naturally draw liquid upward in a thin film coating the wire's surface. This phenomenon has potential applications in inkjet printing, biomedical research, and microfluidic devices, enabling small-scale liquid transport and manipulation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 1, 2013
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Nanowire solar cells raise efficiency limit

Researchers have discovered a single nanowire can concentrate sunlight up to 15 times the normal intensity, raising the potential for highly efficient solar cells. The breakthrough could lead to a significant impact on solar cell development and energy extraction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 24, 2013