Introducing flaws into liquid crystals by inserting microspheres and then controlling them with electrical fields: that, in a nutshell, is the rationale behind a method that could be exploited for a new generation of advanced materials, potentially useful for optical technologies, electronic displays and e-readers.
Apr 30th, 2015
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Computer simulations reveal why semiconductor microspheres containing metal nanoparticles are so effective at harnessing sunlight to accelerate chemical reactions.
Apr 30th, 2015
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Shining visible light on two tiny silicon cylinders, or a 'nanodimer', placed just 30 nanometers apart, produces resonant hot spots for both the electric and magnetic fields.
Apr 30th, 2015
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Making thin films out of semiconducting materials is analogous to how ice grows on a windowpane: When the conditions are just right, the semiconductor grows in flat crystals that slowly fuse together, eventually forming a continuous film.
Apr 29th, 2015
Read moreResearchers have been exploring natural, safe and alternative antimicrobials to reduce bacterial contamination. Plant essential oils such as those from thyme, oregano and clove are known to have a strong antimicrobial effect, but currently their use in food protection is limited due to their low solubility in water. The team explored ways to formulate oil nanoemulsions to increase the solubility and stability of essential oils, and consequently, enhance their antimicrobial activity.
Apr 29th, 2015
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New attachment turns a smartphone into a microscope that can image and size DNA molecules 50,000 times thinner than a human hair.
Apr 29th, 2015
Read moreResearchers developed a novel system that converts light and carbon dioxide into building blocks for plastics, pharmaceuticals and fuels - all without electricity.
Apr 29th, 2015
Read moreMost people are naturally adept at reading facial expressions - from smiling and frowning to brow-furrowing and eye-rolling - to tell what others are feeling. Now scientists have developed ultra-sensitive, wearable sensors that can do the same thing.
Apr 29th, 2015
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IBM scientists today unveiled two critical advances towards the realization of a practical quantum computer. For the first time, they showed the ability to detect and measure both kinds of quantum errors simultaneously, as well as demonstrated a new, square quantum bit circuit design that is the only physical architecture that could successfully scale to larger dimensions.
Apr 29th, 2015
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Scientists have investigated defect dynamics in heavy ion (Krypton) irradiated nanotwinned silver and revealed twin boundary-defect clusters interactions via in situ radiation.
Apr 29th, 2015
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Such controlled nanostructures provide the possibility of advanced electrodes that produce sustainable fuel using solar energy.
Apr 29th, 2015
Read moreResearchers are developing a portable, highly sensitive method for gold detection that would allow mineral exploration companies to test for gold on-site at the drilling rig.
Apr 29th, 2015
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Scientists have shown a new way of reading electron spins, which eliminates the need for powerful magnetic fields and reduces the reliance on very low temperatures.
Apr 28th, 2015
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What happens when lithium-ion batteries overheat and explode has been tracked inside and out for the first time by researchers using sophisticated 3D imaging.
Apr 28th, 2015
Read moreResearchers have found a method that allows them to ensure that living cells - in this case bacteria from the human body - can be incorporated in materials while maintaining their mobility. This opens the way to a wide range of new applications, for example as part of medical implants.
Apr 28th, 2015
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A newly developed light shutter may pave the way for see-through displays and smart windows.
Apr 28th, 2015
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