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Researchers create smallest organic light-emitters

Researchers created microscopic 'nanolamps' using electrospinning, a technique that produces extremely small fibers made of ruthenium and polyethylene oxide. The fibers emit orange light when excited by low voltage, making them useful for applications in sensing, microscopy, and flat-panel displays.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 11, 2007

Atomic clock signals may be best shared by fiber-optics

Researchers at JILA propose using fibers to transfer ultra-stable time and frequency signals, offering improved accuracy over traditional GPS methods. This technology could enable synchronization of components in advanced X-ray sources and link geographically distributed radio telescopes to produce a giant telescope's power.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 2, 2007

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

NYU chemists create DNA translation machine

Researchers have developed a DNA translation machine that imitates the ribosome's translational capabilities. The device uses an arbitrary code to construct specific DNA sequences, potentially leading to new synthetic polymer materials and advancements in DNA-based computational methods.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2004

New fiber optic sensors increase range

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed new fiber optic sensors using UV-induced intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometers, increasing the range and enabling real-time monitoring of large areas. The technology has the potential to create a nationwide network of sensors for infrastructure monitoring with improved multiplexing capability.

Rice engineers make first pure nanotube fibers

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created continuous fibers of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes using a new processing method involving superacids. This breakthrough enables the industrial production of pure carbon nanotube threads, cables, and sheets, with potential applications in materials science and aerospace.

SourceRice University·JournalMacromolecules·DateDec 9, 2003

Smart blending technique could change way plastics made

A new smart blending technique optimizes plastic materials for maximum effectiveness, enabling the creation of tougher, electrically conductive, and porous plastics. The technology, developed at Clemson University, has potential applications in food packaging, personal hygiene products, automotive uses, and even breakfast cereals.

SourceClemson University·JournalPolymer Engineering and Science·DateSep 22, 2003

Structure of tiger eye reevaluated after 125 years

Tiger's eye was previously thought to be an example of pseudomorphism, but researchers have found that the stone's shimmering appearance is actually caused by the presence of crocidolite fibers. The discovery challenges a long-held theory on the formation of tiger's eye and provides new insights into its structure.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeology·DateApr 1, 2003

Engineers take new look at strength of industrial glass

Researchers have improved a method for measuring the strength of E-glass and other glass fibers, revealing it may be more than one and a half times stronger than previously recorded measurements. This discovery could help expand applications for glass fibers in industries such as automotive manufacturing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·DateFeb 25, 2003

Supercomputer simulations reveal strongest carbon nanotubes

A team of researchers discovered a new type of carbon nanotube that is approximately 40 percent stronger than other nanotubes made using the same number of atoms. This breakthrough was achieved through supercomputer simulations at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and the University of Michigan.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2001

Research models high-efficiency materials in air filters

Researchers found that new high-efficiency filter materials can lead to uneven contaminant distribution and reduced efficiency when used in devices with high airflow rates. Manufacturers of vacuum cleaners and other air-filtering devices can improve performance by running products at lower speeds or increasing filter size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Fluids Engineering·DateJul 26, 1999