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Scent prediction

An interdisciplinary team predicts the scent intensity of lily-of-the-valley fragrance components using a computer model of their olfactory receptors. The study confirms that electronic surface structures determine the interaction between scented molecules and human scent receptors.

SourceWiley·DateApr 18, 2007

Daisies in bloom

A team of researchers has designed a biochip platform using a novel 'daisy' molecule that enables efficient gene expression and protein production without living cells. The system allows for the patterning of genes on silicon surfaces, enabling selective trapping of specific proteins with high spatial resolution.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateFeb 15, 2007

Nanoscale cubes and spheres

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created uniform porous silicon oxide nano-objects with defined sizes and structures by disassembling larger lattice-like structures. The resulting particles exhibit worm-like pores and can be easily customized by varying the colloidal crystals used as moulds.

SourceWiley·DateJan 3, 2007

Nanotechnology goes out on a wing

Researchers have used cicada wings as stamps to create negative imprints of nano-scale patterns on polymer films. The wings' waxy coating imparts a low surface tension, allowing for the creation of 'nano-wells' with promising anti-reflective properties.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateOct 31, 2006

From bubbles to capsules

Researchers developed a method to produce silicon dioxide nanocapsules using supercritical carbon dioxide, allowing for controlled delivery of liquids and materials. The resulting nanocapsules have diameters of less than 40 nanometers and walls that are about 2 nanometers wide.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 7, 2006

Carbon fibers make tiny, cheap video displays

Researchers at Cornell University have developed microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using carbon fibers, which can bend and vibrate billions of times without breaking. The new display technology has the potential to be incredibly cheap and small enough to be built into cell phones.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateAug 22, 2006

Researchers at UCLA engineering announce breakthrough in silicon photonics devices

Researchers at UCLA Engineering have developed a novel approach to silicon devices that combines light amplification with a photovoltaic effect, enabling the generation of power normally wasted as heat. This breakthrough has significant implications for the photonics industry and the traditional stronghold of semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 28, 2006

Precision bonding makes tiny high performance actuators possible

Penn State researchers have designed and fabricated tiny piezoelectric microactuators with controlled force, high resolution, and large displacements. The new actuators have dimensions ranging from 350 to 600 microns in length, 50 to 100 microns in width, and 5 to 6 microns in thickness.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateOct 3, 2005

Nanoscale switch links electronics to photonics

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a silicon device that can modulate light on a micrometer scale, enabling the integration of electronics and photonics. The device uses a ring resonator to filter out specific wavelengths of light, allowing for efficient switching between states.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2005