Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Organizing dumbbells for nanotech devices

Scientists design molecular machines that can switch between functional units and demonstrate reversible switching behavior when exposed to acid and base. The study showcases the potential for organizing molecular machines on surfaces, paving the way for future development of molecular computers.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 12, 2006

New process builds electronic function into optical fiber

A team from Penn State University and the University of Southampton has developed a new way to combine semiconductor devices with microstructured optical fibers. The resulting ability to generate and manipulate signals inside optical fibers could have applications in fields such as medicine, computing, and remote sensing devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2006

APS physics tip sheet #57

A new nanoparticle sensor developed at the University of Rochester can detect individual flu viruses and particles, setting a high bar for detection techniques. Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Twente have found that thin grooves with sharp edges can speed up drying even in humid conditions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2005

Tiny rubber balls give plastic bounce

Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.

Hydrogen sensors are faster, more sensitive

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new type of hydrogen sensor that shows rapid and reversible responses to hydrogen gas. The sensors use a discontinuous palladium thin film on a glass slide coated with a self-assembled monolayer, resulting in faster response times and increased sensitivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 26, 2005

Tiny tools carve glass

Researchers create miniature drills and end mills using microelectro discharge machining to produce smooth, curly chips of glass or ceramic. The process can take as long as an hour to produce one dimple a half millimeter in diameter, but is faster than photolithography.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateNov 2, 2004

Glass research earns Lehigh a coveted NSF award

The Lehigh International Materials Institute (IMI) will receive $3.25 million to develop new glass functionalities and foster global collaboration. The grant aims to revitalize the worldwide glass research community and educate a new generation of experts, addressing concerns about the US losing its lead in the field.

Ultra-thin coating traps DNA on a leash

Researchers at Penn State have developed a coating made of molecules that binds to glass and grabs onto DNA strands, improving DNA retention on microarrays by over 50%. The coating, which is single molecule thick, allows DNA to act as if it were free-floating.

Shape of beverage glass influences how much people pour and drink

A study by Brian Wansink found that the shape of a beverage glass can alter how much people pour and drink, with taller glasses leading to overconsumption. In three experiments involving teenagers, adults, and bartenders, Wansink discovered that participants consistently underestimated the volume of liquids in shorter, wider glasses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 22, 2003

Making 3-D chips a reality

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing new interconnect technologies that enable three-dimensional circuit integration, promising improved performance and function. The technology uses damascene processing to bond wafers together face-to-face, reducing global travel distance and enabling faster signal transmission.

Women most effective leaders for today's world

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 45 leadership studies found that women tend to use transformational leadership styles, which produce better worker performance and effectiveness. Women scored higher than men on one measure of transactional leadership and were more likely to be mentors and empower workers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateAug 4, 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

Pasta provides glimpse of earthquake fault friction forces

Researchers created a unique model to study earthquake fault friction forces using angel hair pasta, glass beads, and sand. They found that initial conditions and particle dimensionality have a significant impact on friction, with smooth particles producing different results than irregular ones.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 3, 2003