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Peanut-shaped nanostructures

Japanese scientists produce peanut-shaped nanoparticles comprising two different sulfur-containing substances, palladium sulfide and cobalt sulfide. The unique structure gives rise to different physical and chemical properties.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 22, 2007

Coated nanoparticles solve sticky drug-delivery problem

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a way to coat nanoparticles with a chemical that helps them slip through the body's protective mucus barrier. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for diseases like cancer and infections, delivered directly to affected areas without unwanted side effects.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2007

Protein's tail may be flu virus's achilles heel

Researchers at Rice University and UT Austin have identified a promising antiviral drug target in the long, flexible tail of the nucleoprotein protein. Minor changes to this region prevent the protein from fulfilling its role in structural columns that transmit viral copies.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2006

3-D X-ray images of nanoparticles

The new X-ray microscope resolves details down to 17 nanometers, allowing for the study of quantum dots and other nanomaterials in three dimensions. This technique opens up comprehensive imaging capabilities for various samples, including porous materials, semiconductors, and biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 27, 2006

'Nanorust' cleans arsenic from drinking water

Researchers at Rice University's Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology have developed a revolutionary, low-cost technology to clean arsenic from drinking water. The nanorust technique reduces arsenic levels in contaminated water to below EPA thresholds, offering a sustainable solution for millions of people worldwide.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2006

Rice scientists make first nanoscale pH meter

Researchers have created a nano-sized pH meter using nanoparticles that can detect pH changes with high accuracy. The device, called the pMBA sensor, could enable non-invasive 'optical biopsy' to measure acidity in cancer tumors, revolutionizing medical diagnosis.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 29, 2006

Rice University researchers create 'nanorice'

The Rice University team created nanorice particles with improved properties for chemical sensing and biological imaging. The particles, made of non-conducting iron oxide and metallic shell, offer greater structural tunability than previous optically useful shapes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 14, 2006

A bathroom that cleans itself

UNSW researchers have created a new type of self-cleaning coating using titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The coating uses visible light to kill Escherchia coli and break down organic compounds, reducing the need for chemical agents. Lab trials show promising results, paving the way for further testing and potential industrial applications.

The sweet smell of nano-success

Researchers at Lehigh University have determined the structure of a type of gold-palladium nanoparticle, which is crucial for an environmentally friendly catalyst promoting the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes. The catalyst outperformed similar ones in terms of efficiency.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 2006

Purdue scientists treat cancer with RNA nanotechnology

Researchers have developed RNA nanoparticles that can carry multiple therapeutic agents into specific cancer cells, where they can halt viral growth or cancer progression. The tiny particles are assembled from three short pieces of ribonucleic acid and possess the right size and structure to gain entry into cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 14, 2005

Purdue researchers use enzyme to clip 'DNA wires'

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to create DNA-based structures using magnetic nanoparticles and restriction enzymes. By clipping the DNA 'wires' into smaller pieces, they aim to reduce production costs and increase efficiency in electronic devices.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 1, 2005