Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Gecko feet are coated in an ultra-thin layer of lipids that help them stay sticky

Scientists already understood the mechanics of gecko adhesion. Now they have a clearer picture of the molecular structures that give the animal its grip.

Jul 6th, 2022

Shapeshifting robotic microswarm acts as a toothbrush, rinse, and dental floss in one

A shapeshifting robotic microswarm may one day act as a toothbrush, rinse, and dental floss in one.

Jul 6th, 2022

Low temperature nanoparticle ink: Printing a new chapter in solar energy

Researchers have developed a simple and versatile nanoparticle ink that could help next-generation perovskite solar cells to be printed at scale and become the dominant force in commercial photovoltaics.

Jul 6th, 2022

New photocatalytic membrane that can be cleaned using light energy

Researchers successfully developed a nanosheet-laminated photocatalytic membrane that demonstrates both excellent water permeance and photocatalytic activity. The membrane's photocatalytic properties make it easier to clean as irradiating the membrane with light successfully reduces fouling.

Jul 5th, 2022

High harmonics illuminate the movement of atoms and electrons

Laser light can radically change the properties of solid materials, making them superconducting or magnetic within millionths of a billionth of a second. The intense light causes fundamental, immediate changes in a solid by 'shaking' its atomic lattice structure and moving electrons about. But what exactly is happening at that elementary level? How do those atoms and electrons actually move?

Jul 5th, 2022

Magnetic spins that 'freeze' when heated: Nature in the wrong direction

Physicists observed a strange new type of behaviour in a magnetic material when it's heated up. The magnetic spins 'freeze' into a static pattern when the temperature rises, a phenomenon that normally occurs when the temperature decreases.

Jul 4th, 2022

Obstacle course for microscopic whirlwinds

Joint project involving experimental and theoretical physicists is providing greater insight into the pinning effects of skyrmions.

Jul 4th, 2022

On the way to cell-type materials

Physicists reveal the dynamic interaction of a class of artificial molecular machines - the so-called molecular shuttles - by using molecular-dynamic simulations.

Jul 4th, 2022

Laser writing may enable 'electronic nose' for multi-gas sensor

Researchers combined laser writing and responsive sensor technologies to fabricate the first highly customizable microscale gas sensing devices.

Jul 2nd, 2022

Nanoscale infrared study of meteorite mineralogy

Using a nanoscale infrared probe, researchers found that the minerals in a meteorite - an artifact representing the solar system's past - were altered by water on very fine spatial scales.

Jul 2nd, 2022

Mechanical engineers demonstrate that using nanotechnology in batteries will improve battery performance

New research reveals that using advanced materials that include 'multiscale particles' makes for an improved battery, capable of storing more energy, lasting longer, and charging more quickly.

Jul 1st, 2022

Hearing better with skin than ears

A research team develops a sound-sensing skin-attachable acoustic sensor. The new sensor decreased in size and increased in flexibility and is applicable as auditory electronic skin.

Jul 1st, 2022

Metal nanoparticles serve as plant growth regulators

New research results indicate that metal nanoparticles can serve as plant growth regulators and provide insights into using them for improving crops in heavy metal-contaminated areas.