Research on engineered particles at the nanoscale. Covers hyperspectral imaging, nanoparticle cancer therapy, gene-editing delivery, and heat-beating materials.
Researchers demonstrate targeted nanoparticle delivery of siRNA to cancer cells, turning off an important gene using RNA interference. The study opens the door for future genetic therapies that can attack cancer and other diseases at a molecular level.
University of Michigan engineers have found that light can cause rigid nanoparticles to twist into complex shapes. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in superchiral materials, invisibility cloaks, and novel applications in drug delivery, microfluidics, and lithography.
A Rice University team re-examined Gustav Mie's century-old equations for electromagnetic wave interaction with spherical metal particles. The researchers found that average properties matched the predictions, but individual particles deviated significantly due to shape and orientation variations on the substrate.
Researchers have developed 'smart' nanoparticles that can selectively target and destroy colorectal cancer cells using near-infrared laser radiation, leaving healthy tissue intact. The goal is to improve the technology for testing in human clinical trials and explore its potential as a new cancer treatment.
Researchers have developed a methodology to measure nanoparticles in chicken embryos, shedding light on their potential effects on human health. The study's findings will inform regulatory approaches and help make nanotechnology more sustainable.
A Purdue University study has found that nanosilver, a bactericidal agent, is toxic to fish and can cause malformations even at low concentrations. Researchers detected nanoparticles as small as 30 nanometers inside fish embryos, highlighting the need for further testing on environmental release levels.
Research at Texas A&M University reveals that atmospheric nanoparticles can grow rapidly, scattering light back into space and cooling the planet. This phenomenon can alter weather patterns and have negative effects on human health, particularly for individuals with breathing problems like asthma.
Researchers have developed a generic means for depositing many nanocomposites on multiple surfaces with nanoscale precision using atomic force microscopy probes. The technique simplifies nanocomposite deposition and enables the direct writing of highly complex structures, including rows of nanoparticles less than 10 nm wide.
Researchers are exploring the environmental implications of nanotechnology, focusing on the fate and transport of natural and manufactured nanomaterials in ecosystems. Studies have shown that nanoparticles can be toxic if inhaled, and may undergo chemical transformations in the atmosphere, increasing their solubility and potential for ...
The summit explored ways to use nanotechnology in medical imaging and therapy, focusing on targeting diseases such as cancer, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disease. Experts discussed regulatory frameworks, design considerations, and future directions for this rapidly evolving field.
Researchers have developed targeted nanoparticles that can deliver medicine directly to damaged artery walls, potentially eliminating the need for arterial stents in some patients. The nanoparticles, called nanoburrs, release their drug payload over several days and can be designed to target specific areas of damage.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a magnetic 'ferropaper' made from ordinary paper that can be used to make low-cost micromotors, tiny tweezers, and miniature speakers. The material is impregnated with iron oxide nanoparticles and can be controlled using a magnetic field.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have created biodegradable nanosized particles that can deliver sustained-release medication to patients with diseases like cystic fibrosis and cancer. The nanoparticles degrade over time into harmless components, overcoming a major barrier to aerosolized drug delivery.
A team of researchers developed a 'nano cocktail' consisting of two nanomaterials that work together to locate, adhere to, and kill cancerous tumors. The system uses gold nanorods to accumulate in tumors and then sends in a second nanoparticle type coated with a targeting molecule specific for the heat-treated tumor.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine developed a new approach to treat and heal skin abscesses caused by antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria using nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles. The therapy was shown to clear up infections and promote healing in mice, offering a potential breakthrough in treating MRSA infections.
Researchers at Washington University have developed a sensor that can detect and measure single nanoparticles using an ultra-high-Q microresonator. The sensor exploits the phenomenon of whispering-gallery mode resonance, where the light wave interacts with the particle on the ring's surface.
Scientists have developed a way to modify nanoparticles in sewage treatment plants, potentially closing off the gateway for environmental spread. Uncoated nanoparticles remain in effluent streams, while coated ones aggregate into solid residue.
Researchers aim to develop a database of nanoparticle behavior, enabling the prediction of particle fate and design of targeted treatments. Eight classes of nanoparticles will be studied in a two-year project.
A Purdue University scientist has developed a nanoparticle that protects oils in food products from oxidation, which causes spoilage and degradation. The nanoparticle, modified phytoglycogen octenyl succinate (PG-OS), doubles the shelf life of oil droplets by acting as an emulsifier and barrier to oxidation.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed metallic nanoparticles that can withstand temperatures of over 850 degrees Celsius. By sacrificing weaker components as temperatures rise, these particles maintain their structure and continue to catalyze reactions efficiently.
Researchers found PAHs in house dust near coal-tar-based sealcoat and used spiders as sentinels for contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. African dust carried persistent organic contaminants and metals across the ocean affecting native species. Scientists also explored using pheromones to control invasive Asian carp.
A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found TiO2 nanoparticles in cosmetics, sunscreen, and other products cause DNA breaks, chromosomal damage, and inflammation in mice. The researchers suggest limiting nanoparticle exposure to prevent potential health hazards.
Researchers found that surfboard-shaped nanoparticles stay closest to blood vessel walls, offering a potential solution for targeted cancer therapy. The study suggests that current transfusion techniques may not be ideal, and alternative methods could establish proper blood arrangement faster.
NC State researchers investigate how engineered nanomaterials interact with biological systems, focusing on fullerenes' size and surface charge effects. The study aims to understand nanoparticles' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) in the body.
A Swiss study found most silver nanoparticles released during washing come out of fabrics in the first wash, posing a risk to aquatic life. The release varied from 1.3% to 35% of total nanosilver in fabric, highlighting the need for manufacturers and consumers to minimize nanoparticle distribution.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to control the assembly of nanoparticles into complex arrays using small molecules, enabling precise spatial distribution over multiple length scales. The technique uses block copolymers as a platform and can be directed by external stimuli such as light or heat.
Researchers are developing an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion, enabling faster travel and reduced propellant use. The technology has the potential to revolutionize nanosatellite and larger spacecraft propulsion.
Canadian engineers warn that current safety equipment may not be sufficient to protect workers from nanoprotection risks. The growing field of nanotechnology manufacture poses unknown hazards, and urgent research is needed to develop appropriate protective measures.
Engineers at North Carolina State University have developed a comprehensive understanding of nanostructural control during nanoparticle formation. They created hollow, solid, and amorphous nanoparticles of nickel phosphide with controlled structures using specific reactant ratios and temperatures.
The team found that the particles' interactions allow them to heat up better when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, destroying cancer cells without harming surrounding tissue. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment methods and design of better nanoparticles.
Biomimetic nanoparticles are degraded by cathepsin L when entering human cells, compromising their potential to deliver therapeutic proteins. Researchers have developed methods to measure nanoparticle location and state, aiding the design of nanodevices that overcome this degradation.
A new drug-delivery system using nanoparticles encapsulating nitric oxide or prescription drugs could significantly lessen side effects associated with oral erectile dysfunction medications. The treatment showed improved erectile function in rats and held promise for safer and more effective ED therapy for millions of men.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new vaccine adjuvant using lecithin nanoparticles, which showed improved immune response and reduced toxicity compared to existing alum-based adjuvants. The new adjuvant could potentially become a universal carrier for vaccines and help tackle various diseases more effectively.
A new study by an international team of researchers argues that the current definition of nanoparticles is not specific enough to determine their potential impact on human health and the environment. The study suggests that only particles smaller than 30 nanometers should be scrutinized for their unique properties.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $2.7 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study nanomaterials and their biomedical applications. The research will focus on six areas, including rare earth-based nanoparticles, medical applications, and new materials in biology and neuroscience.
Scientists have developed nanoparticles that can target and destroy glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cancer cells using light-sensitive titanium dioxide material. The 'nanobio hybrids' killed up to 80% of brain cancer cells after exposure to focused white light, making them a promising part of brain cancer therapy.
Researchers have developed a 'NanoPen' that solves the challenge of creating patterns of nanoparticles for nanotech applications. The device can deposit nanoparticles in seconds, unlike current techniques which take minutes or hours.
Using silk templates, researchers have created composite structures with unique properties. The bio-enabled approach mimics natural material growth processes, allowing precise control over particle size and spacing. The resulting films exhibit high tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness.
Nanobees, nano-sized spheres carrying the toxic melittin from bee venom, successfully delivered and killed tumor cells in mice. By targeting cancerous tissue with precision, nanobees showed promise in treating established and early-stage cancers.
Researchers at MIT have successfully grown carbon nanotubes without a metal catalyst, using zirconium oxide instead, which could improve electronic performance and material strength
Researchers found that adult fruit flies died after being exposed to carbon nanoparticles, while larvae showed no effects. The particles seemed to cause physical harm, such as clogging breathing holes and coating compound eyes.
Researchers found that insects can transfer nanoparticles to each other, raising concerns about environmental impact. Exposure to certain nanoparticles caused locomotor impairment and mortality in adult fruit flies.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed nanoparticles that cross the blood-brain barrier, illuminating brain tumors and improving MRI and optical imaging. This breakthrough could lead to more precise surgery and earlier cancer detection.
A new gene therapy technique using nanoparticles has shown promise in suppressing ovarian tumor growth in mice, offering a potential treatment for late-stage ovarian cancer. The nanoparticles deliver a killer gene that kills cells by disrupting protein production, avoiding toxic side effects common with traditional chemotherapy.
Research found that maternal exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles affects gene expression related to the central nervous system in developing mice. This may have implications for diseases such as autistic disorder, epilepsy, and learning disorders, as well as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method for creating high-tech armored foams using an 'ice-templating' process. This approach enables the creation of structured foams with promising results as low-power gas sensors, which can operate at room temperature.
Researchers have developed a novel silver nanoparticle skin gel that effectively kills harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant microbes, while promoting wound healing without causing harm to healthy skin. The gel contains 30 times less silver than traditional antimicrobial agents, making it a safer option for burn patients.
A research team has used single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to follow magnetic nanoparticles as they transport genes or drugs into target cells in real-time. The study reveals bottlenecks in nanoferry transport and provides insights into optimizing existing systems, potentially leading to breakthroughs in gene therapy.
IBN researchers have developed a simple, room-temperature process to synthesize nanoparticles inexpensively. The new chemical synthesis uses an aqueous solution and an organic solvent, allowing metal ions to be extracted from water without producing toxic chemicals.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new synthesis method to create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that can track the uptake of drugs by cells. The nanoparticles, containing just a few hundred silicon atoms, show stable fluorescence over three months and have potential applications in biomedical sensors.
Researchers have developed novel peptide nanoparticles that effectively seek out and destroy bacteria and fungal cells causing fatal brain infections. The nanoparticles can traverse the blood-brain barrier, offering a superior alternative to existing treatments for brain infections.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have successfully produced cadmium sulphide particles in microscopically small membrane bubbles, achieving control over nanoparticle size for the first time. The method uses biomimetic compartments similar to cell membranes to synthesize nanoparticles, offering a new approach to optical informati...
Scientists have developed a nano-sized agent that kills bacteria on implanted devices by penetrating their defensive wall and eliminating the threat. The discovery holds promise for treating infected implants with no effective antidote.
The review article examines various ways nanomaterials interact with biological systems, highlighting the importance of understanding physical and chemical properties for safe use. It presents a roadmap for designing nanoparticle drug-delivery systems with targeted delivery and reducing potential hazardous interactions.
New studies by NIST scientists show that changing the shape of cobalt nanoparticles from spherical to cubic fundamentally changes their behavior. The research reveals distinct differences in how these particles interact under external magnetic fields and when exposed to heat.
UCF researcher J. Manuel Perez's nanoparticles could potentially replace chemotherapy with targeted cancer treatment. The nanoparticles, carrying Taxol and other molecules, selectively target cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which nanoparticles cause lung damage, triggering programmed cell death through autophagy. They also found that blocking this process with an autophagy inhibitor can counteract the damage, providing a promising lead for developing safety strategies for nanotechnology.
Vanderbilt physicists have developed a method to create freestanding nanoparticle films without additives, revolutionizing semiconductor fabrication and flexible display technology. The films exhibit high cohesion and resistance to cracking, making them ideal for applications in transistors and flat panel screens.
Researchers in France and Germany have successfully produced homogeneous samples of pure and very small fluorescent diamond nanoparticles with high yield. The novel process involves irradiating micron-size diamonds, milling, and purification steps.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have created a nanoparticle that can detect and attack plaque in arteries, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The treatment shows promise for developing therapies to prevent heart attacks and strokes.