Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A little less force: Making atomic force microscopy work for cells

Researchers have created nanoscale cantilevers that can image individual proteins as they function on cell surfaces without causing damage. The new detection mechanism enables high-resolution imaging in a liquid environment, paving the way for studying biological systems and complex nanostructures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 20, 2010
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Plastics that convert light to electricity could have a big impact

Researchers have developed organic solar cells that can be produced easily and inexpensively as thin films, with the potential to generate electricity from sunlight. By understanding the structure of tiny bubbles and channels inside plastic solar cells, scientists hope to increase efficiency and make them more cost-effective.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 4, 2009

New molecular force probe stretches molecules, atom by atom

Chemists at the University of Illinois developed a molecular force probe to study the effects of stretching molecules, revealing counterintuitive results about chemical bond breaking rates. The technique allows researchers to explore the properties of transition states governing chemical transformations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 29, 2009

Making a point: Picoscale stability in a room-temperature AFM

Researchers at NIST and CU have developed a method to detect and monitor light reflected off the probe needle point, improving AFM stability under ambient conditions. This enables sensitive atomic-scale measurements at room temperature in liquids, with improved image quality and reduced drift.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 25, 2009
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

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

Virtual world is sign of future for scientists, engineers

The virtual environment, VEDA, allows researchers to spend more time doing research and less time developing simulations. Over 300 researchers have used the platform since its launch, with tools being developed for other applications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 16, 2008

Nanotechnology in reverse uses cell to calibrate tools

Researchers at UC Davis use individual red blood cells as accurate force transducers to calibrate atomic force microscopes. This technique allows for precise measurement of forces between molecules and cells, advancing our understanding of cell biology.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 14, 2008

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

UTSA receives $822,000 from Kleberg Foundation to enhance scientific research

The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $822,000 gift from the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation to support the purchase of three high-powered electron microscopes. These microscopes will form the nucleus of a groundbreaking research unit, enhancing scientific research capabilities across various disc...

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 12, 2008
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

JILA finds flaw in model describing DNA elasticity

JILA scientists discovered a flaw in the most common DNA elasticity model, leading to errors in measuring short DNA molecules. The finite worm-like chain (FWLC) model improves accuracy by incorporating length effects.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateSep 14, 2007

Penn researcher shows that DNA gets kinky easily at the nanoscale

Researchers used atomic force microscopy to study DNA's flexibility, finding it can bend into tight structures without large forces. The findings shed light on molecular properties viewed at different magnifications and have implications for cell biology and gene regulation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 3, 2006
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

New hybrid microscope probes nano-electronics

A new scanning microscopy technique, SPIM, combines high spatial resolution with sensitivity to subtle electrical activity, enabling the visualization of both electronic and physical patterns in devices. The method has been successfully validated by comparing its images with atomic force microscopy scans.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 27, 2006

'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

Purdue engineers solve chaos mystery in use of high-tech microscope

Mechanical engineers at Purdue University have proven that chaotic oscillations in an atomic-force microscope can cause errors in measurements, affecting the accuracy of research and industry applications. The study reveals how much error is caused by chaos and provides information that could be used to improve measurement techniques.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 19, 2006

New, unique microscope for nanotech

A new microscope combining confocal and atomic force microscopy enables three-dimensional imaging of samples at the atomic level. Researchers can study material structure and link small changes on the cell membrane with structures inside a cell.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateDec 9, 2005
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Engineers point way to better use of nanotubes as measuring tips

Researchers at Purdue University have shown how to use multi-walled carbon nanotubes as measuring tips in atomic force microscopes. The tubes' shape allows them to penetrate nano-structures, but they often stick due to van der Waals' forces. To overcome this, the team found that adjusting operating parameters can prevent artifacts and ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 11, 2005

Innovative fountain pen writes on the nanoscale

Scientists have created a Nanofountain Probe that enables sub-100 nanometer molecular writing, a capability previously unattained. The device employs a volcano-like dispensing tip and capillary-fed solutions to achieve high-resolution direct writing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·DateApr 26, 2005

Nanotech advance makes carbon nanotubes more useful

Scientists at UCSD successfully shape carbon nanotubes into sharp bends, enabling new applications in atomic force microscopy and fuel cells. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient and compact electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateApr 11, 2005

New Stanford center probes nanoscale material

Stanford University has established a new center to develop novel nanoprobes for advancing nanoscale science and technology. The center aims to create revolutionary tools for observing, manipulating, measuring, imaging, and controlling nanoscale phenomena.

SourceStanford University·DateOct 4, 2004
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Small not necessarily different

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and NASA found that nanosprings exhibit mechanical properties similar to macroscale springs. The findings suggest other nano materials may behave similarly to their macroscale counterparts.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 12, 2004

A new way to see DNA (and other tiny molecules)

PNNL scientists have found a new way to see beyond the 'diffraction limit' of optical microscopes, revealing the structure of DNA molecules. By combining FLIM with AFM techniques, they've produced sharp images of DNA and nanobeads.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateMar 31, 2004

Dual microscopes illuminate electronic switching speeds

Researchers developed a new method combining atomic force and scanning capacitance microscopes to measure semiconductor switching speeds, enabling quick scanning of wafers for defects. This technique has the potential to determine if missing atoms in semiconductors slow down electrical charge movement.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 26, 2003
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

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

Bone strength probed by scientists

Researchers found that collagen in bone contains sacrificial bonds that rupture when stretched and reform when healed, allowing bones to recover quickly. The study suggests these bonds may contribute to the toughness of bone and could have implications for human health and technology.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2001
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

New microscopy method reveals molecular map of biological surfaces

A team of biophysicists introduces a new method in atomic force microscopy that maps not only topographic features but also the specifics of biochemistry on biological molecules. The technique, which attaches antibodies to microscope tips, allows for precise location of proteins and has extensive applications in biotechnology.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 10, 1999

New Microscope Can Help Develop Jet Engine Materials

A new high-resolution transmission electron microscope at Johns Hopkins University is being used to study metal alloys and predict their behavior in jet engines. By analyzing the arrangement of atoms, researchers can determine the mechanical properties of these materials.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateApr 8, 1999
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

SourceStanford University·DateMar 19, 1997

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateNov 13, 1996

Microcantilevers: ORNL's Sensors With Sensitivity

Researchers at ORNL developed microscopic sensors using microcantilevers, detecting relative humidity, temperature, and pressure. They can also detect DNA, proteins, and natural gas, with potential as biosensors.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 7, 1996
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.