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Single-molecule manipulation for the masses

A new instrument, Centrifuge Force Microscope (CFM), uses centrifugal force to manipulate molecules, offering a low-cost and simple approach to single-molecule manipulation. This technique enables researchers to study the interactions of thousands of molecules simultaneously.

SourceHarvard University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 2, 2010

Tension in the nanoworld

A team of researchers at CIC nanoGUNE and Max Planck Institutes developed a non-invasive method to map strain fields in semiconductors using scattering-type Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM). The technique resolves nanoscale material properties with 20 nm spatial resolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 23, 2009

Are nanobots on their way?

Researchers have built a proto-prototype nano assembler, a microscopic device capable of constructing nano machines. The NIST system uses micro-scale nanomanipulators to assemble complex structures on a small scale, with the potential for real-time imaging and low-cost production.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanomanufacturing·DateApr 28, 2008

'Yanking' chemical bonds with molecular wires speeds reactions

Researchers used atomic force microscopes to 'yank' chemical bonds, accelerating reaction speeds while maintaining the order of bond formation and breaking. This discovery may aid in developing self-healing polymers and lead to a better understanding of fundamental energy exchange in chemical reactions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 14, 2006

Australian overturns 15 years of nano-science doctrine

A groundbreaking study by University of Melbourne researcher Dr. John Sader challenges the widespread use of V-shaped cantilevers in atomic force microscopy. His research reveals that these microcantlevers actually degrade instrument performance and cause difficulties in calibration, contrary to accepted practice.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 6, 2003

Writing nanopatterns with DNA inks

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new tool to write nanopatterns with DNA inks, enabling the creation of miniaturized gene chips with an array of diagnostic tests. This technology can produce spots of DNA down to 50 nanometers in diameter, reducing cost and time.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2002

Smallest Force Measurement Reported

Researchers from Stanford University and IBM's Almaden Research Center successfully measured forces of infinitesimal magnitude for the first time using a new method called magnetic resonance force microscopy. The technique enables the detection of atto-newton forces, which are one billionth of a billionth of a newton.

Atomic Force Microscope Probes Living Heart Cells

A Johns Hopkins study uses an atomic force microscope to probe living heart cells, revealing that actin plays a crucial role in maintaining cell elasticity. The findings suggest that measuring heart cells' elasticity may improve understanding of healthy and diseased cells, leading to better diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.