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Writing at the nanoscale

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new method for creating nanoscale patterns and features on surfaces, known as Electro Pen Nanolithography (EPN). This technique allows for the creation of three-dimensional nanoscale landscapes and has potential applications in molecular electronics and biosensors.

New radiofrequency device

Researchers at the Public University of Navarra have designed a new radiofrequency device using the Babinet Principle and meta-surfaces, enabling efficient mobile communications. The device also offers improved shielding capabilities for wireless communications, reducing interferences in buildings or rooms.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 3, 2005

Scientists pinpoint molecules that generate synapses

Researchers at Harvard University and Washington University have identified a family of molecules that play a crucial role in generating synapses in the brain. These presynaptic organizing molecules could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, mental retardation, and other conditions where synapse loss is a factor.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateJul 23, 2004

How genes get us wired

Researchers discovered that the Hoxb1 gene is necessary for forming a circuit between the brain and facial muscles, controlling movements such as blinking and facial expressions. The study's findings have implications for understanding and potentially treating Mobius syndrome and other nerve-related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalGenes & Development·DateJun 14, 2004

Researchers move step closer to photonic microchip

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto has developed a method to precisely control the placement and ordering of photonic crystals on surfaces, paving the way for the creation of photonic microchips. This breakthrough could enable faster data transfer rates in optical communications systems.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 18, 2002

NYU scientists advance toward nanorobots

Researchers have developed a robust DNA mechanical device that can manipulate movement within individual molecule pairs without affecting others. This breakthrough paves the way for nanorobotic applications and demonstrates a new level of control over molecular-scale devices.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2002

Adhesive tricks to recycle old computers

Researchers at Cornell University have developed an environmentally friendly adhesive that can be easily removed and cleaned up, making it possible to recycle outmoded computers. The adhesive, dubbed Alpha-Terp, can be broken down using heat or industrial solvents, allowing for the reuse of valuable components.

Gerhard Hess prizes awarded

Eight scientists have been selected for the Gerhard Hess prize for their groundbreaking work in humanities, biology, and medicine. The winners include Dr. Martin Wallraff for his critical edition of a Christian author's chronography, and Dr. Thomas Behr for developing radioimmunotherapies to treat tumours.

Biologically inspired electronics leads to higher fidelity

Researchers at Boston University developed a biologically inspired model to improve the fidelity of electronic devices by mimicking the noise-shaping abilities of neuronal networks. The system can effectively filter out unwanted information and identify desired signals over a wider bandwidth.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 1999

Beware swarms of 'smart dust'

Scientists are creating tiny 'motes' of 'smart dust' that can communicate with each other and sense their environment, paving the way for a range of applications including weather monitoring and espionage. The devices use optical transceivers to minimize power consumption and have already demonstrated monitoring capabilities over 21 ki...

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateAug 25, 1999

UCSB Transistor Triumphs

The UCSB transistor achieved a world record frequency of 1200 gigahertz, significantly improving the sensitivity of solid-state radar systems. This innovation enables Navy systems to detect small objects in cluttered environments, such as coastal zones.

Simple Method Will Help Test Theories About Nanotubes

Researchers have created a technique to measure the electrical characteristics of individual carbon nanotubes, confirming their potential in making small circuits and computer chips. The new method enables scientists to conduct electricity without heating up, addressing a major obstacle in producing smaller electronic components.

A Robot Kitten Is Artificial Life's Next Big Thing

The Cellular Automata Machine (CAM) brain will be built under contract by Genobyte, a company in Boulder, Colorado. It will contain nearly 40 million artificial neurons, compared to the few hundred neurons used in most other specialists in artificial intelligence.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJan 6, 1999

'Smart' Material Superconductors

A new technique allows researchers to design materials with specific grain boundary structures, giving 'smart' characteristics. This could enable the creation of self-regulating superconductors that can switch off during power surges, improving chip quality and lifespan.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateOct 29, 1998

Sapphire Semiconductors? Gem-Like Material May Promise Faster, Smaller, More Reliable Circuits, UD Prof Says

Researchers at the University of Delaware developed a new technique to produce extremely thin alumina films with an electrical storage capacity three times greater than silicon dioxide. These films could potentially eliminate reliability problems in semiconducting circuits by storing more electricity and reducing current-blocking flaws.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Electronic Materials·DateJul 13, 1998

Research Accelerates Toward Faster Personal Computers

Researchers at Purdue University are working on optimizing performance and efficiency in personal computers, enabling applications like more accurate weather predictions and safer cars. A compiler program called POLARIS automatically translates conventional programs to run on parallel processing computers, leading to faster speeds.