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Nanosafety research: The quest for the gold standard

Poorly executed nanosafety experiments have led to a lack of new knowledge, with most projects being irreproducible due to inadequate particle characterization. The 'NanoScreen' programme aims to address this issue by providing pre-validated methods for lab experiments using standardized test materials.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 29, 2014

Sopping up proteins with thermosponges

The study demonstrates that thermosponge nanoparticles can effectively deliver a variety of proteins while preserving their biological activity. The new platform is designed to eliminate the need for harsh solvents and shows promise for delivering protein-based drugs for human therapeutics.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 22, 2014

Could I squeeze by you?

Scientists developed a deeper understanding of ideal mesoporous nanoparticle design to maximize catalytic output. They modeled molecular movement within narrow channels and found that the optimal channel diameter balances pore size with reactant and product passage.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 21, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tuning light to kill deep cancer tumors

A novel strategy combining nanoparticle technology with FDA-approved photodynamic therapy has been developed to effectively kill deep-set cancer cells in vivo. The treatment uses low-power, deep-tissue-penetrating light to activate the cancer-killing drug, showing improved destruction of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 2014

Solid nanoparticles can deform like a liquid

Researchers found that metal nanoparticles appear to be liquid droplets on the outside but maintain a stable crystal configuration within. This phenomenon, known as Coble pseudoelasticity, could impact nanotechnology applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 12, 2014

DNA nano-foundries cast custom-shaped metal nanoparticles

Researchers at Wyss Institute have developed a method to form tiny 3D metal nanoparticles in prescribed shapes using DNA as a construction mold. The breakthrough has the potential to advance laser technology, microscopy, solar cells and more.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2014
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Nanoparticles get a magnetic handle

Researchers at MIT have achieved a long-sought goal of creating particles that can emit a colorful fluorescent glow and be precisely manipulated into position within living cells using magnetic fields. The new technology could enable tracking the position of nanoparticles as they move within the body or inside a cell, and manipulate th...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2014

Drug-infused nanoparticle is right for sore eyes

Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed nanoparticle eye drops that can treat dry eye syndrome with just one weekly application. The drops deliver a precise amount of medication over five days, reducing irritation and excessive use of traditional eye drops.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNano Research·DateOct 8, 2014

Nanoparticles accumulate quickly in wetland sediment

A Duke University team found that nanoparticles called single-walled carbon nanotubes accumulate rapidly in wetland sediments, potentially harming aquatic food chains. The accumulation of these nanoparticles in sediment poses concerns for both sediment-dwelling organisms and animals that eat them.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 1, 2014

Nanoparticles give up forensic secrets

A Swiss research team has revealed that nanoparticles are attracted to fingermarks through chemical bonding, rather than electrostatically. This discovery could lead to more accurate and sensitive techniques for detecting previously undetectable fingermarks, improving forensic science.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 1, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

'Stealth' nanoparticles could improve cancer vaccines

Researchers developed stealthy nanoparticles that successfully deliver cancer vaccines to a subset of macrophages deep inside lymph nodes, hindering tumor growth. The nanoparticles bypass circulating immune cells and enter the lymph nodes' core, where they are engulfed by special kind of macrophage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Penn team studies nanocrystals by passing them through tiny pores

A team of University of Pennsylvania researchers developed a technique to measure the electrical properties of nanoscale structures by passing them through tiny pores. By analyzing changes in ionic current, they found new ways to apply nanopore translocation to analyze objects at the smallest scale.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 26, 2014

On the road to artificial photosynthesis

Researchers have discovered a crucial role of electronic and geometric effects in reducing carbon dioxide using gold-copper bimetallic nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to unprecedented improvements in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New chip promising for tumor-targeting research

Researchers developed a T-MOC device to study tumor-microenvironment interactions, enabling the testing of nanoparticles and drugs targeting cancer. The chip can mimic human tumors, providing insights into targeted delivery methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateSep 22, 2014

Study sheds new light on why batteries go bad

A comprehensive look at lithium ion battery electrodes reveals that rapid-charging and high-power discharging may not damage the electrode as much as previously thought. The research suggests modifying electrodes or changing charging processes could promote uniform charging and discharging, extending battery life.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 14, 2014

Magnetic nanocubes self-assemble into helical superstructures

Researchers have found that magnetite nanocubes can form chiral helices when exposed to an external magnetic field. The helices are formed through a balance of competing forces, including the Zeeman force and dipole-dipole magnetic force.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience·DateSep 4, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New synthesis method may shape future of nanostructures, clean energy

A new synthesis method enables the creation of nanostructures that efficiently split water into hydrogen fuel using sunlight. The approach allows for the design and construction of higher-order nanostructures with specific symmetries or shapes, enabling potential applications in quantum computing, sensors, and clean energy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 2, 2014

Engineers develop new sensor to detect tiny individual nanoparticles

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a new sensor that can detect and count nanoparticles as small as 10 nanometers, one at a time. The sensor uses Raman microlasing technology to achieve high sensitivity and biocompatibility.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Introducing the multi-tasking nanoparticle

Researchers have developed dynamic nanoparticles that can be used as contrast agents for MRI and PET scans, deliver chemotherapy directly to tumors, and respond to light to destroy tumor cells. The particles are biocompatible, non-toxic, and can be easily made, making them a promising tool in cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2014

Venom gets good buzz as potential cancer-fighter (video)

Scientists have devised a method to target venom proteins specifically to malignant cells while sparing healthy ones, reducing or eliminating side effects. The approach involves using tiny nanometer-sized particles to treat breast and melanoma cancer cells in the laboratory.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 11, 2014

Nanocubes get in a twist

Weizmann Institute scientists have created twisted, rope-like structures from cube-shaped nanoparticles, demonstrating the power of self-assembly in nanomaterials. The findings reveal how competing forces like magnetism and van der Waals forces can align particles into complex shapes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New imaging agent provides better picture of the gut

A new imaging agent has been developed for functional imaging of the intestine, potentially leading to better diagnosis and treatment of gut diseases. The agent uses a combination of photoacoustic imaging and positron emission tomography to provide high-definition images of the intestine in relation to the entire body.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 24, 2014

NIST shows ultrasonically propelled nanorods spin dizzyingly fast

Researchers at NIST have clocked nanorods spinning up to 150,000 revolutions per minute, 10 times faster than any other nanoscale object in liquid. This discovery has opened up potential uses for nanomotors in medical treatments and industrial processes.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 22, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

'Nanojuice' could improve how doctors examine the gut

Researchers developed nanojuice to improve non-invasive gut imaging, providing real-time views of the small intestine. This technique may help diagnose irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and other gastrointestinal illnesses.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 6, 2014

Clot-building nanoparticles raise survival rate following blast trauma

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that increase survival rates and show no signs of interference in healing after blast trauma. The artificial platelets, called hemostatic nanoparticles, were found to be effective in stopping bleeding and increasing survival rates.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Artificial enzyme mimics the natural detoxification mechanism in liver cells

Researchers discovered that molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles can mimic the function of sulfite oxidase, an enzyme responsible for cellular detoxification processes. The nanoparticles can cross cell membranes and accumulate at mitochondria, recovering sulfite oxidase activity and potentially treating sulfite oxidase deficiency.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 30, 2014
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Diamond plates create nanostructures through pressure, not chemistry

Researchers have developed a method to produce silver nanostructures using high-pressure diamond plates, outperforming traditional chemical methods. This approach enables the creation of flexible electronics, transparent electrodes, and new classes of chemically and mechanically stable nanostructures.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2014

Shaken, not stirred -- mythical god's capsules please!

Scientists from Norway, France, and Poland develop a method to produce Janus capsules, which can transport drugs and lead to innovative materials. The capsules are created by merging two drops coated with different particles in an electric field, resulting in a hollow structure with two shells of varying properties.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2014

Eco-friendly versatile nanocapsules developed

Researchers at IBS developed polymer nanocapsules with metal nanoparticles, offering high stability, dispersibility and catalytic activity in water. This technology replaces toxic liquid solvents with environmentally preferable ones, enabling sustainable catalysis.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

UT Arlington nanoparticles could provide easier route for cell therapy

Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a method using laser technology and magnetic carbon nanoparticles to deliver drugs and genes directly into cancer cells. The new photothermal delivery method has shown promise in lab experiments, offering an alternative to viruses for gene therapy and potentially treating genetic conditions, c...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 24, 2014

Nanoparticles from dietary supplement drinks likely to reach environment, say scientists

Researchers tested the effects of commercial drinks containing nanoparticles on human intestinal cells, finding that they can interfere with digestion and potentially lead to poor digestion or diarrhea. The study suggests that nanomaterials from these products may be making their way into surface water, where they could harm aquatic life.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 18, 2014

Antibodies from the desert as guides to diseased cells

Scientists create ultra-small nanoparticles that can bind to cancer cells using camel antibody fragments, potentially revolutionizing tumor detection. The particles successfully evade the human immune system and reach diseased cells under conditions similar to those in patients' bodies.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNanoscale·DateJun 12, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Technology using microwave heating may impact electronics manufacture

Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully produced high-quality nanoparticles using microwave-assisted heating in a continuous flow reactor. This technology has the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing by reducing costs and improving performance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMaterials Letters·DateJun 10, 2014

Princeton Plasma Lab funded to explore nanoparticles with plasma

The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory has received funding to study the role of plasma in nanoparticle synthesis, a process used in various applications including energy technologies and pharmaceutical products. Key researchers will investigate complex interactions between hot plasma gas and material synthesis.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateJun 9, 2014

Targeting tumors using silver nanoparticles

The researchers designed a nanoparticle with a peptide coating to target tumor cells, allowing for efficient drug delivery. The shell is etchable, enabling the removal of excess particles using biocompatible chemicals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 8, 2014

Opening a wide window on the nano-world of surface catalysis

Researchers bridge the size gap to study kinetic behavior of Ag nanocatalysts using SERS, providing real-time reaction information. The stepped surface of etched nanoparticles mimics sub-5-nm environment, increasing active surface atoms' participation in catalysis.

SourceUniversity of South Carolina·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 6, 2014
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Evolution of a bimetallic nanocatalyst

Researchers used in situ TEM to study the evolution of platinum/cobalt nanoparticles during reactions in oxygen and hydrogen gases. They found that cobalt atoms migrate to form a cobalt oxide epitaxial film, which affects catalytic performance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 6, 2014

Unexpected water explains surface chemistry of nanocrystals

Berkeley Lab researchers found that hydroxyl groups from water bind to the surface of colloidal lead sulfide nanoparticles, explaining how they achieve balance of positive and negative ions. This discovery sheds light on the surface chemistry of nanocrystals and has implications for nanoparticle synthesis.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 29, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Bioprinting a 3D liver-like device to detoxify the blood

A team of nanoengineers at UC San Diego created a 3D-printed hydrogel matrix to house nanoparticles, mimicking the function of the liver in sensing and capturing toxins from the blood. The device successfully neutralized pore-forming toxins, offering a potential solution for removing dangerous toxins from the blood.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2014

Antimicrobial edible films inhibit pathogens in meat

Researchers developed antimicrobial edible films using pullulan and essential oils, which significantly inhibit bacterial pathogens in meat and poultry. The films provide immediate and sustained kill of bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMay 1, 2014

Shining a light on heart disease

A £3 million project aims to develop nanoparticles for early detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The researchers will use surface enhanced Raman scattering to quantify vascular inflammation and deliver drugs directly to diseased vessels.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateMay 1, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Graphene not all good

Researchers found graphene oxide nanoparticles more stable in groundwater and unstable in surface waters. The material's mobility in water has significant implications for its potential environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the stability and transport of these engineered nanomaterials.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateApr 29, 2014

Fluorescent-based tool reveals how medical nanoparticles biodegrade in real time

Researchers developed a method to measure nanoparticle degradation in real time using Förster resonance energy transfer, enabling undistorted measurements without separating particles from their environment. This can inform the design of safer and more effective nanoparticles for various medical applications.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2014

Nanoreporters tell 'sour' oil from 'sweet'

Rice University scientists have created a nanoscale detector that checks for and reports on the presence of hydrogen sulfide in crude oil and natural gas while they're still in the ground. The detection method is sensitive enough to detect low concentrations, making it an important tool for improving safety and efficiency in oil fields.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 22, 2014

Innovative strategy to facilitate organ repair

A team of researchers has developed a novel method for repairing soft-tissue organs and tissues using aqueous solutions of nanoparticles. In vivo experiments on rats showed that the method can close deep wounds rapidly without inflammation or necrosis, and successfully repair difficult-to-suture organs such as the liver.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 18, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

UT Arlington physicist creates new nanoparticle for cancer therapy

A new nanoparticle called Cu-Cy has been discovered to slow tumor growth in lab studies when combined with X-ray exposure. The treatment shows promise as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to existing photodynamic therapy methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Biomedical Nanotechnology·DateApr 15, 2014