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Food coloring nanoparticles may affect human gut

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that metal oxide nanoparticles commonly used as food coloring and anti-caking agents can damage parts of the human intestine. The study, led by Elad Tako, found negative effects on key digestive proteins in chickens injected with the nanoparticles.

SourceCornell University·JournalAntioxidants·DateFeb 15, 2023

Lubricants for stainless steel

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that epoxy-functionalized nanoparticles can significantly reduce friction on stainless steel surfaces. The nanoparticles adhere strongly to metal surfaces due to chemical adsorption, leading to a notable reduction in friction. This finding has potential implications for next-ge...

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Nanoparticles make it easier to turn light into solvated electrons

Scientists at Rice University, Stanford University, and UT Austin have developed a mechanism to generate solvated electrons through plasmon resonance, making it easier to turn light into these clean, zero-byproduct chemicals. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of driving chemical reactions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

The world in grains of interstellar dust

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new pathway to forming presolar grains, which could help scientists better understand the interstellar environment and develop more efficient nanoparticles. The study suggests that these grains formed through a non-classical nucleation pathway, involving three distinct steps.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

Converting temperature fluctuations into clean energy with novel nanoparticles and heating strategy

A team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel approach to converting environmental temperature fluctuations into clean chemical energy using pyroelectric catalysis. By combining pyroelectric materials with localized plasmonic heat sources, the researchers achieved significantly faster and more efficient pyro-catalytic re...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Oregon State University researchers take key step toward new treatment for hereditary blindness

Researchers have made a key breakthrough in developing a new treatment for hereditary blindness by using lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA to the photoreceptor cells. The technology, inspired by COVID-19 vaccines, shows promise in animal models for treating blindness associated with rare genetic conditions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Nanoplastics unexpectedly produce reactive oxidizing species when exposed to light

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that nanoplastics from polystyrene can produce reactive oxygen species when exposed to light, which can harm wildlife and the aquatic ecosystem. The study suggests that smaller particle sizes of nanoplastics may be more reactive and decompose faster under light.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Novel near-infrared light detection method using upconversion materials is demonstrated

Researchers have developed a novel near-infrared light detection method using core-shell lanthanide nanoparticles to convert weak near-infrared light to visible light with high efficiency. This achievement promotes the proposal of a new resource- and energy-saving near-infrared light detection method, improving optical sensor sensitivi...

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

COMPASS for highly sensitive rapid tests

A new rapid test developed by the University of Würzburg uses magnetic nanoparticles to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity. The test takes only a few seconds to produce reliable results, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Nanoantennas directing a bright future

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed nanoantennas that significantly increase the efficiency and photoluminescence of white LEDs by replacing aluminum with titanium dioxide. This breakthrough enables the creation of intensely bright yet energy-saving solid-state lighting solutions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Nanodiamonds can be activated as photocatalysts with sunlight

Researchers have discovered that nanodiamonds can emit solvated electrons in water when exposed to visible light, a crucial step towards using them as photocatalysts. This discovery could lead to the development of inexpensive and metal-free processes for converting CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons or converting N2 into ammonia.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Overcoming challenges in the delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics

Nucleic acid therapies aim to treat genetic disorders and diseases, but delivering therapeutics is a significant challenge. Researchers are investigating nanoparticle delivery systems to target specific cells and sub-cellular compartments for effective delivery.

SourceWiley·JournalWiley Interdisciplinary Reviews Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology·DateNov 23, 2022

Injectable biomaterial with enhanced mechanical and coagulative capabilities for treating aneurysms

A new injectable hydrogel has been developed with enhanced shear-thinning properties, improved cellular biocompatibility, and significantly reduced clotting times. The biomaterial was created by adding sodium phytate to a gelatin-based compound, promoting even greater cohesion and triggering the initiation of blood coagulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Oregon State researchers develop new, heat-efficient nanoparticles for treating cancer

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed new, heat-efficient magnetic nanoparticles capable of reaching temperatures in cancer lesions of up to 50 degrees Celsius. The particles can be exposed to an alternating magnetic field, weakening or destroying cancer cells without causing harm to surrounding tissue.

SourceOregon State University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2022

Probiotic 'backpacks' show promise for treating inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison develop nanoparticles to neutralize molecules implicated in IBD, significantly improving treatment outcomes. The probiotic bacteria are equipped with nano-backpacks that target reactive oxygen species, reducing inflammation and promoting weight gain and colon length restoration.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

Researchers learn to engineer growth of crystalline materials consisting of nanometer-size gold clusters

Researchers in Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Finland achieved first insights into engineering crystal growth by atomically precise metal nanoclusters. They synthesized gold clusters consisting of 25 atoms, regulating their size and concentration to form well-defined crystals with unique morphology.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2022

A new nanoparticle to act at the heart of cells

Researchers have developed a transport nanoparticle to deliver an anti-inflammatory drug, Necrosulfonamide (NSA), directly into macrophages to combat inflammatory overactivation. The mesoporous silica nanoparticle is fully biodegradable and non-toxic, showing remarkable efficacy in reducing inflammation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeNews article·DateNov 8, 2022

New study finds ways to improve light absorption in perovskite/si tandem solar cells

A research team at UNIST has developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with a special textured anti-reflective coating, increasing its power conversion efficiency to 23.50%. The device maintains its initial efficiency for 120 hours, outperforming existing devices which drop to 50% after 20 hours.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 22, 2022

New strategy enables targeted treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

A new strategy for treating rheumatoid arthritis has been proposed, integrating small interfering RNAs and Prussian blue nanoparticles to silence proinflammatory cytokines and scavenge reactive oxygen species. The approach was tested in a mouse model, showing improved therapeutic efficacy and real-time monitoring capabilities.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2022

Shanghai Polytechnic University researchers develop new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy

Researchers from Shanghai Polytechnic University developed new efficient phase change microcapsules for storing solar energy, demonstrating superior photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity. The study found that the novel PCM microcapsule shells showed a 54.9% photothermal conversion efficiency, significantly higher than non-do...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnergy Storage and Saving·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022

Scientists have grown custom-shaped nanoparticles

Researchers developed a technology to create nonspherical nanoparticles through ion implantation, enabling the growth of custom shapes and controlling their properties. This allows for the creation of metamaterials with improved optical absorption and energy conversion efficiency.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids·DateOct 18, 2022

Electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication machining: From mechanism to application

The study reviews electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) mechanism and applications, highlighting its benefits in clean cutting and biolubricant development. Researchers propose future directions for improving coordination parameters and equipment integration.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 16, 2022

Surface enhanced Raman scattering monitoring tumor photodynamic therapy

Scientists developed a new method using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to monitor the effects of photodynamic therapy on tumor cells. The method, which involves Au@CDs cascade nanozymes, enables real-time monitoring of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the tumor microenvironment.