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Nanoparticle exposure can awaken dormant viruses in the lungs

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München found that nanoparticles from combustion engines can reactivate latent herpes viruses in lung tissue cells. This process can lead to increased viral proteins and acute infection patterns. Further studies aim to investigate the molecular mechanism of virus reactivation by nanoparticles.

Nanoscale view of energy storage

Scientists captured real-time, dynamic visualizations of atoms moving in and out of nanoparticles less than 100 nanometers in size. The experiments provided insight into the chemical and physical sciences, revealing that nanoparticles can self-heal and become more durable energy storage materials.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2017

Nanowire 'inks' enable paper-based printable electronics

Researchers at Duke University have created a new method for printing conductive films using silver nanowire inks, eliminating the need for heat. The resulting printed electronics can be used in various applications such as solar cells, displays, and implantable bio-electronic devices.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 3, 2017

The researchers created a tiny laser using nanoparticles

Researchers at Aalto University developed a plasmonic nanolaser that operates at visible light frequencies and uses dark lattice modes, allowing for ultrafast and tiny coherent light sources. The nanolaser uses silver nanoparticles arranged in a periodic array, which radiate in unison to produce high-intensity laser light.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 3, 2017

'Nanoparticle taxicab' materials can identify, collect and transport debris on surfaces

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed polymer-stabilized droplet carriers that can recognize and encapsulate nanoparticles for transport in a cell. These 'nanoparticle taxicabs' pick up particles on one surface and drop them off on another, representing the first successful translation of biological processes in materials science.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2016

Nanoparticle vaccinates mice against dengue fever

Researchers developed a new type of nanoparticle vaccine that effectively vaccinated mice against one dengue virus serotype. The vaccine targets only one strain, but its development could pave the way for vaccines against all four serotypes, potentially offering better protection against life-threatening disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 20, 2016

University of Illinois researchers quantify drug delivery from nanoparticles inside a cell

University of Illinois researchers have developed a method to quantify drug delivery from nanoparticles inside a cell, providing new insights into the efficacy of therapy and mechanisms underlying cellular uptake. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments by controlling and manipulating drug release.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 3, 2016

Better contrast agents based on nanoparticles

Scientists at the University of Basel have created nanoparticles that can serve as efficient contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These smart nanoparticles produce significantly more contrast than traditional contrast agents and respond to specific environments.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 3, 2016

A 'smart dress' for oil-degrading bacteria

Scientists from Kazan Federal University and Louisiana Tech University created a 'smart dress' for oil-degrading bacteria by coating them with magnetic nanoparticles. The modified bacteria retained their ability to form biofilms, crucial for attaching to oil droplets in natural environments.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLangmuir·DateJul 22, 2016

New method can identify chemical warfare agents more easily

A new method for extracting, enriching and identifying chemical warfare agents from oils and organic liquids has been developed, using nanoparticles to capture the chemicals. The method can identify agents at low concentrations, overcomes challenges of detecting water-repellent agents, and has potential to save lives.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Chromatography A·DateJul 13, 2016

Veggie juice that illuminates the gut

Researchers have developed a spinach-like, nanoparticle juice that can help doctors get a better look at the human gastrointestinal tract. The drink, made from chlorophyll-based nanoparticles, has shown promise in improving imaging techniques such as photoacoustic and PET imaging.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 11, 2016

Setting the gold standard

A team of University of Florida researchers has successfully used light to grow gold nanoprisms, enabling better control over the growth process. The discovery has significant implications for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and solar panels.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 8, 2016

Glass now has smart potential

Australian researchers have developed a method to embed light-emitting nanoparticles into glass without losing their properties. The new 'hybrid glass' combines nanoparticles' luminescence with glass' transparency and versatility, opening up possibilities for ultra-high-tech applications like biological sensing and 3D displays.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 7, 2016

More light on cancer

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University develop nanoparticles that can efficiently penetrate into cancer cells, emitting light to aid in early diagnosis. The particles can also be used as targeted drug delivery systems, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 19, 2016

ORNL demonstrates large-scale technique to produce quantum dots

Researchers at ORNL have demonstrated a scalable method to produce semiconducting nanoparticles using bacteria-fed sugar at temperatures below 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This approach reduces production costs by approximately 90 percent compared to conventional methods, making it attractive for applications in electronics, displays, solar...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·DateMay 19, 2016