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Cell membrane inspires new ultrathin electronic film

Japanese researchers have developed a new method to build large areas of semiconductive material just two molecules thick. The films function as thin film transistors with potential applications in flexible electronics or chemical detectors. Researchers used geometric frustration, a molecular shape that makes it difficult for molecules...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2018

Seeing the action

Researchers at UCSB have developed a novel device that enables real-time observation of the forces involved in cell membrane hemifusion. By combining the Surface Forces Apparatus and fluorescence microscopy, they were able to visualize the rearrangement of lipid domains during this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2015

New rapid synthesis developed for bilayer graphene and high-performance transistors

Researchers at UCSB demonstrate a rapid synthesis technique for large-area Bernal (or AB) stacked bilayer graphene films, exhibiting electron mobility as high as 3450 cm2/(V•s). The growth of high-quality and large-area bilayer graphene films is achieved with controlled stacking order required for low-power digital electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMay 1, 2014

Unhealthy attachments

The study used atomic force microscopy and surface forces apparatus to measure the strength of adhesion between healthy and diseased myelin bilayers. Researchers found that healthy myelin adsorbs proteins better, maintaining optimal insulation and nerve function.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2014

Quasi-particle swap between graphene layers

Belgian scientists applied a particle physics analogy to describe exciton behaviour in two graphene layers, mimicking parallel worlds. The approach reveals swapping effects between layers under specific electromagnetic conditions, similar to brane theory predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 3, 2014

A manganite changes its stripes

A team of researchers has uncovered a startling new feature of lanthanum strontium manganese oxide, which can change its stripes from fluctuating to static and back. At the right temperature, it switches from a metallic state to an insulator, exhibiting colossal conductivity changes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2011