A novel method for finding and delivering healing drugs to newly formed microcracks in bones has been invented by a team of chemists and bioengineers at Penn State University and Boston University. The method involves the targeted delivery of the drugs, directly to the cracks, on the backs of tiny self-powered nanoparticles. The energy that revs the motors of the nanoparticles and sends them rushing toward the crack comes from a surprising source - the crack itself.
Aug 29th, 2013
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The coherence of quantum systems is the foundation upon which hardware for future information technologies is based. Quantum information is carried by units called quantum bits, or qubits. They can be used to secure electronic communications - and they enable very fast searches of databases. But qubits are also very unstable. Physicists have now developed a new electronic component which will help to deal with this problem.
Aug 29th, 2013
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Quantum point contacts in electrical circuits are narrow constrictions that can impede the passage of electrons in unexpected ways. Physicists have now achieved a detailed microscopic understanding of this transport anomaly.
Aug 29th, 2013
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While it has long been possible to make complicated 3D structures with many mask layers or expensive grayscale masks, the new technique enables researchers to etch trenches and other high aspect ratio structures with nanometer scale features without using masks and in only two process stages.
Aug 29th, 2013
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Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new oxygen 'sponge' that can easily absorb or shed oxygen atoms at low temperatures. Materials with these novel characteristics would be useful in devices such as rechargeable batteries, sensors, gas converters and fuel cells.
Aug 29th, 2013
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Using carbon nanotubes, a research team led by Professor Hyung Gyu Park in collaboration with Dr. Tiziana Bond has developed a sensor that greatly amplifies the sensitivity of commonly used but typically weak vibrational spectroscopic methods, such as Raman spectroscopy. This type of sensor makes it possible to detect molecules present in the tiniest of concentrations.
Aug 29th, 2013
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A team of scientists has reported direct visualization of magnetic charge crystallization in an artificial spin ice material, a first in the study of a relatively new class of frustrated artificial magnetic materials-by-design known as 'Artificial Spin Ice'.
Aug 28th, 2013
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A plastic material already used in absorbable surgical sutures and other medical devices shows promise for continuous administration of antibiotics to patients with brain infections, scientists are reporting in a new study. Use of the material, placed directly on the brain's surface, could reduce the need for weeks of costly hospital stays now required for such treatment.
Aug 28th, 2013
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Leveraging the amazing natural properties of the Morpho butterfly's wings, scientists have developed a nanobiocomposite material that shows promise for wearable electronic devices, highly sensitive light sensors and sustainable batteries.
Aug 28th, 2013
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An innovative measurement method was used at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw for estimating power generated by motors of single molecule in size, comprising a few dozens of atoms only. The findings of the study are of crucial importance for construction of future nanometer machines - and they do not instil optimism.
Aug 28th, 2013
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Nanotechnologists at the UT research institute MESA+ have, for the first time, demonstrated quantum effects in tiny nanowires of iridium atoms. These effects, which occur at room temperature, are responsible for ensuring that the wires are almost always 4.8 nanometers - or multiples thereof - long.
Aug 28th, 2013
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The National Physical Laboratory has collaborated with Chalmers University of Technology and Linkoping University in Sweden to help develop a fast and inexpensive tool for quality control of graphene grown on silicon carbide.
Aug 28th, 2013
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Theoretical simulations reveal that layered semiconductors with magnetic interfaces are potent catalysts for solar energy capture and conversion.
Aug 27th, 2013
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Biocompatible complexes for drug delivery applications get a structural boost from nanoscale silicon cages.
Aug 27th, 2013
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On a rectangular chip slightly smaller than a person's finger, two scientists and an engineer are writing what they hope will be the blueprint for the future of drug testing.
Aug 27th, 2013
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Dartmouth researchers develop molecular switch that changes liquid crystal colors.
Aug 26th, 2013
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