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Engineers design magnetic cell sensors

Researchers have created genetically encoded magnetic protein nanoparticles that can be produced within cells, allowing for non-invasive tracking and monitoring of cell signals. This technology has the potential to observe communication between neurons, activation of immune cells, and stem cell differentiation, among other phenomena.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2015

Anti-clumping strategy for nanoparticles

Researchers identified key factors leading to nanoparticles' instability and aggregation in industrial applications. The conditions include the electric force imbalance between particles and attractive or repulsive forces.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 16, 2015

Scientists demonstrate how to improve ultrathin CIGSe solar cells by nanoparticles

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin improved ultrathin CIGSe solar cells by integrating nanoparticles into the back contact, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced charge carrier loss. This innovative approach enables more efficient light trapping and absorption, paving the way for further design enhancements.

Could candle soot power electric vehicles?

New research shows that candle soot can be used to power the lithium batteries in electric cars, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution. The discovery opens up possibilities for using carbon in more powerful batteries, which could drive down production costs and increase efficiency.

SourceElsevier·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateOct 7, 2015

Nanoparticles -- small but unique

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new experimental approach called plasmonic nanospectroscopy to study individual nanoparticles. This method reveals significant differences in properties between seemingly identical particles, which could lead to improved hydrogen sensors for fuel cell cars.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 7, 2015

Nanoparticles used to breach mucus barrier in lungs

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a DNA-loaded nanoparticle that can penetrate the human airway mucus barrier in lungs, offering a potential breakthrough for treating cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. The biodegradable nanoparticles successfully delivered therapeutic genes to the lungs of animals, producing hi...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Nanotherapy effective in mice with multiple myeloma

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle-based therapy that effectively treats mice with multiple myeloma, a cancer of immune cells in the bone marrow. The nanoparticles carry a Myc inhibitor, which blocks a protein active in many types of cancer, and increase survival by 23 days compared to control groups.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 20, 2015

Organic nanoparticles, more lethal to tumors

Researchers have found that carbon-based nanoparticles can produce low-energy electrons through plasmon excitation, making them more lethal to tumors and potentially inducing focused destruction of cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel types of sensitizers for proton radiotherapy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMay 18, 2015

Putting a new spin on plasmonics

Researchers at Aalto University have discovered a new method to enhance the polarization of light in ferromagnetic materials. By patterning magnetic materials into arrays of nanoscale dots, they can create highly controllable modifications of light polarization when it reflects from the array. This breakthrough has the potential to adv...

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2015

Scientists use nanoscale building blocks and DNA 'glue' to shape 3-D superlattices

Researchers developed a method to fabricate structured composite materials using directional bindings of shaped particles for predictable assembly. The approach uses linker molecules made of complementary strands of DNA to control the arrangement of particles, achieving long-range order in large-scale assemblies and clusters.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2015

Magnetic brain stimulation

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to stimulate brain tissue using external magnetic fields and injected magnetic nanoparticles. The approach can provide an implant-free means of providing brain stimulation and mapping, potentially treating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Are current water treatment methods sufficient to remove harmful engineered nanoparticle?

A study suggests that traditional water pretreatment methods such as coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation are insufficient to remove titanium dioxide nanoparticles from water. The results highlight the need for improved treatment processes to address emerging engineered nanoparticle risks.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateMar 10, 2015