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Microbial hair: It's electric

Researchers have discovered that specialized bacterial filaments, known as nanowires, can conduct electricity, allowing microbial colonies to thrive. The findings suggest a new way for bacteria to transfer electrons and support each other, potentially leading to breakthroughs in biofilm resistance and sustainable energy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Nano 'pin art': NIST arrays are step toward mass production of nanowires

NIST nanowires grown through precisely defined holes in a stencil-like mask covering the silicon wafer exhibit excellent mechanical quality factors and controlled diameter placement. The technique enables precise control of wire location, resulting in uniform shape and size of nearly perfect hexagonal shapes.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 30, 2010

Copper nanowires enable bendable displays and solar cells

Researchers at Duke University have created copper nanowires that are both transparent and conductive, making them ideal for flexible displays and thin-film solar cells. These nanowires are cheaper than silver nanowires and outperform carbon nanotubes, offering a promising solution to the limitations of ITO.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 1, 2010

Nano parfait a treat for scientists

Scientists at Rice University have made a breakthrough in creating highly purified samples of carbon nanotube species using ultracentrifugation, a technique that can help enable the development of efficient nationwide electrical grids and critical applications in medicine and electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 10, 2010

Lou's clues lead to nano revelation

Gold and silver nanowires can form strong bonds without the need for heat, a breakthrough that could simplify the creation of high-density electronic devices. The discovery was made by Rice University researchers who observed the self-healing process under an electron microscope.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 15, 2010

Dip ordinary paper into ink infused with nanotubes and nanowires to create an instant battery

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to produce ultra-lightweight, bendable batteries and supercapacitors using ordinary paper coated with carbon nanotubes and silver nanowires. The paper-based energy storage devices can store and discharge electricity rapidly and are highly durable.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2009

Nanoelectronic transistor combined with biological machine could lead to better electronics

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers have devised a versatile hybrid platform that uses lipid-coated nanowires to build prototype bionanoelectronic devices. The platform enhances biosensing and diagnostic tools, advances neural prosthetics such as cochlear implants, and could increase the efficiency of future computers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2009

Flexible, transparent supercapacitors are latest devices from USC nanotube lab

Researchers at the University of Southern California have created a new type of supercapacitor that is both transparent and flexible, allowing for potential applications in 'e-paper' displays and conformable products. The device stores an energy density of 1.29 Watt-hour/kilogram, significantly higher than conventional capacitors.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 30, 2009

Nanowires may lead to better fuel cells

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed long, thin platinum nanowires that could improve the performance of fuel cells. The wires are designed to provide a larger surface area for catalysis, reducing the loss of platinum particles during fuel cell operation.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 11, 2009

Easy assembly of electronic biological chips

Researchers create handheld device to recognize and report on environmental or medical compounds using biologically tagged nanowires and integrated circuit chips. The method allows for accurate placement of nanowires with less than a micron accuracy, enabling simultaneous detection of different pathogens or diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateJan 15, 2009

Strong elasticity size effects in ZnO nanowires

Researchers at Northwestern University resolved discrepancies in ZnO nanowire elasticity by performing experiments and computational studies. The findings reveal that the elastic stiffness of ZnO nanowires monotonically increases as their diameter decreases, with atomic level changes attributed to surface reconstruction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 13, 2008