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Nanoscale observations simplify how scientists describe earthquake movement

Researchers at the University of Illinois used single calcite crystals with varying surface roughness to simplify the physics of fault movement. The study found that friction can increase or decrease with sliding velocity depending on mineral types and environment, providing a fundamental understanding of rate-and-state equations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

How ultrathin polymer films can be used for storage technology

Scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg discovered that precisely applied mechanical pressure can improve the electronic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films. The team used atomic force microscopy to control and reorient electrical charges in the material, enabling stable nano-scale structures with high ...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Towards stable, sustained Raman imaging of large samples at the nanoscale

A research team from Japan has developed a stable TERS system that enables characterization of defect analysis in large-sized WS2 layers at high pixel resolution. The team successfully imaged nanoscale defects over a period of 6 hours in a micrometer-sized WS2 film without significant signal loss.

SourceInstitute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2022

A fast and accurate innovative imaging technique to monitor modern semiconductor devices

Researchers at Samsung have developed a novel approach to inspect critical dimensions of semiconductor devices, improving speed and resolution. The new 'line-scan hyperspectral imaging' (LHSI) technique offers faster measurements with high spatial resolution, outperforming existing methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateApr 21, 2022

New research from Pusan National University sheds light on nature of friction in multi-layered graphene

A study by researchers at Pusan National University has investigated the relationship between surface structures and nanoscale friction in multi-layered CVD graphene. They found that only the top-most layer of graphene was twisted with respect to the rest, affecting layer-dependent nanoscale friction.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

Using nanodiamonds as sensors just got easier

University of Rochester researchers adapt excited state lifetime thermometry to extract temperatures of nanoscale materials from light emitted by nitrogen vacancy centers in single nanodiamonds. The technique allows for precise measurement of temperature changes on fast time scales and is safe for imaging sensitive nanoscale materials ...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

Atom by atom: new silicon computer chip technique opens up quantum computing construction possibilities

A team of researchers has developed a new technique to embed single atoms in silicon wafers, mirroring methods used to build conventional devices. The technique creates large-scale patterns of controlled atoms that can be manipulated and read out, enabling the construction of large-scale quantum devices.

SourceScience in Public·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Speeding up atomic force microscopy

Kanazawa University scientists design a zero-latency amplitude detector for high-speed atomic force microscopy, significantly improving temporal resolution. The new detector enables faster recording of biological processes with higher video frame rates and reduced invasiveness.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 4, 2022

Czech scientists become first to observe an inhomogeneous electron charge distribution on an atom

Scientists confirm existence of sigma-hole, a phenomenon previously predicted but never directly observed. This breakthrough enables understanding of interactions between individual atoms or molecules, facilitating refinement of material and structural properties.

First evidence of microtubules’ mechanosensitive behavior

A research team led by Associate Professor Akira Kakugo of Hokkaido University has provided direct evidence that microtubules function as mechanosensors, slowing down kinesin movement when bent. This phenomenon is attributed to enhanced interaction energy between kinesin and deformed microtubule structural units.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021

Researchers measure the breakup of a single chemical bond

Using advanced microscopy techniques, researchers recorded the breaking of a single chemical bond between a carbon atom and an iron atom on different molecules. The team measured the mechanical forces applied at the moment of breakage, revealing insights into the nature of these bonds and their implications for catalysis.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2021

How acidic are atoms?

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new microscopy technique that allows for the measurement of atomic acidity on surfaces. This breakthrough enables analysis of catalysts on an atomic scale, which is crucial for improving chemical reactions.

Two-phase material with surprising properties

Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a two-phase material with surprising electro-mechanical properties that change dramatically above a certain temperature. The team found that the crystals responsible for these properties remain electroactive, but the macroscopic behavior disappears due to a loss of contact between crystal grains.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2021

High-speed atomic force microscopy visualizes cell protein factories

Researchers use high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the structural dynamics and factor pooling of ribosome stalk proteins, shedding light on the translational GTPase factor mechanism. The study reveals two conformations of the stalk protein and provides evidence for a potential role in further stages of protein synthesis.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2021

Polycatenanes in mesoscale

A Japanese research group led by Professor Shiki Yagai has successfully created polycatenanes, self-assembled molecule rings that can be observed under a microscope. By using atomic force microscopy, they confirmed the structure of poly[22]catenane made up of as many as 22 connected rings, reaching up to 500 nm in length.

SourceChiba University·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2020

How to gently caress atoms

Researchers at TU Wien develop a method to study metal oxide surfaces using a single oxygen atom attached to an atomic force microscope tip, allowing for gentle examination of surface structures without altering the atoms. The technique reveals different ways oxygen molecules attach to titanium atoms on the surface.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Visualization of functional components to characterize optimal composite electrodes

A new visualization method using atomic force microscopy is developed to determine the distribution of components in battery electrodes, providing insights into optimal composite electrode conditions. The method has potential to improve performance and safety of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

Scientists explore aged paint in microscopic detail to inform preservation efforts

Researchers used X-ray imaging and nanoscale techniques to analyze the chemical processes involved in aging oil paints. The study found that metal soaps can cause deterioration in artworks, particularly those composed of oil paints. The findings have implications for art conservation and potential solutions to prevent further damage.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 29, 2019

Researchers put a new spin on molecular oxygen

A multinational team successfully alters oxygen atoms' charge states and achieves reversible conversion to molecular oxygen using Kelvin probe force spectroscopy. The researchers found that controlled bonding between adjacent oxygen atoms can be induced remotely via surface polarons.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 17, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, June 17, 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an online tool to evaluate the moisture durability of a building's envelope, enabling better-informed decisions for energy efficiency. Additionally, the lab has pioneered a new technique using pressure to manipulate magnetism in thin film materials used in electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2019

Uncovering microgel mysteries

A team of scientists at Shinshu University used a newly customized tool to study hydrogel microspheres, observing structural differences that were previously unexplained. The study reveals that the method of production greatly affects the structure and behavior of thermoresponsive microgels.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2019

Virulence factor of the influenza A virus mapped in real-time

The study found that acidic environments make the HA0 molecule flatter and more circular, inducing conformational changes. The researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the structure of HA0 in real-time, paving the way for developing therapeutic approaches against influenza A viruses.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects·DateMay 20, 2019

Measuring forces of living cells and microorganisms

A new technique using micropipette force sensors measures the tiny forces exerted by living cells and microorganisms with high precision. The method allows for testing the reaction of cells to environmental factors and has potential applications in biomedicine, such as identifying drugs for infectious diseases.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 28, 2019

Smart data enhances atomic force microscopy

A team at University of Washington demonstrates an innovative approach to bridge AFM and big data, offering better spatial resolution and accuracy. By using sequential excitation strategy, they deduce physical insight from PCA data and speed up analysis by orders of magnitude.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 16, 2018