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Novel approach estimates nanoparticles in environment

A novel approach estimates that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are produced in increasing amounts, posing potential environmental and health risks. The study's findings suggest that up to 2.5 million metric tons of nanomaterial could be released into the environment by 2025.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateMay 20, 2009

Magnetic nano-'shepherds' organize cells

Researchers at Duke University have developed an approach using magnetism to manipulate human cells, forming chains that can promote the growth of blood vessels. The iron-containing nanoparticles used by the researchers are suspended within a liquid known as a ferrofluid, allowing them to readily manipulate the chain formation.

SourceDuke University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 31, 2009

Rice fine-tunes attack on cancer

Rice University scientists have developed a method to optimize the attack on cancer cells using laser-nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and composition of nanoparticles, researchers can create more uniform temperature profiles within tumors.

SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateMar 25, 2009

Brown chemists create more efficient palladium fuel cell catalysts

Researchers at Brown University have developed a novel approach to creating palladium nanoparticles with increased surface area, resulting in improved efficiency and stability. The breakthrough enables the production of fuel cell catalysts that are four times more stable and twice as active, making them ideal for future applications.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 19, 2009

Nanocups brim with potential

Researchers at Rice University have created a light-bending metamaterial using nanocups that can focus light from any direction. This material has potential applications in thermal solar power, superlenses, and invisibility cloaks.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 13, 2009

Bristly spheres as capsules

Scientists have produced amphiphilic hybrid particles consisting of water-insoluble inorganic nanoparticles at the core surrounded by bristle-like layers of hydrophilic polymer chains. The nature of these aggregates depends on the density of polymer

SourceWiley·DateMar 6, 2009

Buckyballs could keep water systems flowing

Researchers at Duke University found that buckyballs can hinder bacterial accumulation on water membranes, leading to a potential cost savings of 50% in membrane replacements. This attribute makes buckyballs a promising anti-fouling agent for addressing one of the major problems and costs of treating water.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateMar 5, 2009

Liquid or solid? Charged nanoparticles in lipid membrane decide

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new way to stimulate patchiness in phospholipid membranes using charged nanoparticles. This phenomenon allows the membrane to coexist in two phases - solid and liquid - depending on what binds to it, offering a new mechanism for modulating stiffness in membranes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2008

Gold nanostar shape of the future

Researchers at Duke University discovered that gold nanostars can dramatically enhance the reflected light, making them useful as tracers, labels, or contrast agents. The size and shape of the nanostars affect the spectrum of reflected light, allowing for 'tuning' to identify specific molecules or chemicals.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2008

A new 'Pyrex' nanoparticle

Researchers have developed a new method to fabricate borosilicate glass nanoparticles with increased stability, overcoming limitations of current nanoparticle materials. These nanoparticles could enable applications in diagnostic tests, targeted drug therapy, photonic devices, ultrasonic microscopy, and chemical filtration membranes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 7, 2008

Nanojewels made easy

Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a simple way to make colorful nanocrystals using colloid chemistry methods. The process involves placing nanoparticles in a drop of water on a superhydrophobic surface and letting it dry, resulting in opalescent colors. This method has the potential to create new materials for photo...

SourceArizona State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 30, 2008

Study shows quantum dots can penetrate skin through minor abrasions

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that quantum dots can penetrate rat skin if there is an abrasion, providing insight into potential workplace concerns. The study shows that even minor cuts or scratches could allow these nanoparticles to penetrate deep into the viable dermal layer and potentially reach the bloodstream.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSkin Pharmacology and Physiology·DateJul 2, 2008

Research measures movement of nanomaterials in simple model food chain

A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigated the dietary accumulation, elimination, and toxicity of fluorescent quantum dots in a simplified food chain. The researchers found that while the nanomaterials were transferred across the food chain, they did not accumulate in higher organisms.

Brown chemists create cancer-detecting nanoparticles

Researchers have created the smallest magnetic nanoparticles to date that can be used to locate cancer cells during MRI scans. The particles are about 8.4 nanometers in size and emit a stronger signal for detection, making them ideal for detecting tumors without surgery.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 27, 2008