Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Chemical engineers outline new approach to materials design

The findings reveal a unique model that enables fast and accurate prediction of novel alloy materials for efficient chemical conversions.

September 14, 2015 Read more

Application of new spectroscopy method to capture reactions in photosynthesis

A new spectroscopy method is bringing researchers closer to understanding - and artificially replicating - the solar water-splitting reaction at the heart of photosynthetic energy production. Understanding the step-by-step mechanism of photosynthesis could lead to methods of producing highly efficient solar energy.

September 14, 2015 Read more

First realization of an electric circuit with a magnetic insulator using spin waves

Researchers have found that it is possible to make an electric circuit with a magnetic insulator. This was previously deemed impossible. The circuit is realized using spin waves: wave-like perturbations in the magnetic properties of a material.

September 14, 2015 Read more

Ultrafast photodetectors allow direct observation of multiple electrons generated by a single photon

The new technique involves monitoring photocurrent transients in specially engineered photodetectors that provide very high temporal resolution of only 50 picoseconds.

September 14, 2015 Read more

An even more versatile optical chip

Telecommunication networks will soon have to exploit the quantum properties of light. Researchers recently generated directly cross-polarized photon pairs on a chip, a first in quantum optics. Polarization will now be among the controllable parameters for harnessing light, helping the creation of low cost, high performance, energy efficient technologies.

September 14, 2015 Read more

Swinging on 'monkey bars': Motor proteins caught in the act (w/video)

Scientists used electron microscopes to capture images of the largest type of motor protein, called dynein, during the act of stepping along its molecular track.

September 14, 2015 Read more

Molecular-scale phase boundaries: A 'primitive' liquid-gas transition

A research team has discovered that a primitive form of the liquid-gas transition extends far into the supposedly featureless supercritical phase at the molecular scale in water and demonstrated that the conclusions are likely to apply more generally.

September 14, 2015 Read more

An atomic laser capable of operating at a wavelength of 0.15 nanometers

Researchers have built an atomic X-ray laser with the shortest wavelength yet, producing a stable beam with a wavelength of 1.5 Angstrom, or 0.15 nanometers. This tiny wavelength is nearly ten times shorter than that of previously-reported atomic lasers.

September 14, 2015 Read more

Researchers simulate behavior of structures containing nanocomposites

A mathematical model has been presented in this research, which is able to predict the behavior of the structures under static and dynamic loads.

September 13, 2015 Read more

Insights into obscure metal-insulator transition uncovered by X-rays

The list of potential mechanisms that underlie an unusual metal-insulator transition has been narrowed by a team of scientists using a combination of X-ray techniques. This transition has ramifications for material design for electronics and sensors.

September 11, 2015 Read more

Nanotechnology in food and agriculture: regulations require collaboration to ensure safety

An overview of regulatory solutions worldwide on the use of nanotechnology in food and feed production shows a differing approach: only the EU and Switzerland have nano-specific provisions incorporated in existing legislation, whereas other countries count on non-legally binding guidance and standards for industry.

September 11, 2015 Read more