Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Rare 'baby rattle' molecules reveal new quantum properties of H2O and H2

Neutron scattering experiments have revealed the existence of quantum selection rules in molecules, the first experimental confirmation of its kind. Small molecules such as water and hydrogen were inserted into C60 buckyballs to form rare compounds ideal for testing the predictions of quantum theory. Similar confinement techniques could open the door to new insights about the quantum properties of molecules by providing a unique testing ground for quantum theory.

Oct 10th, 2014

Tiny sensor uses radio waves to detect subtle changes in pressure

Device is used to monitor brain pressure in lab mice as prelude to possible use with human patients; future applications of this pressure-sensing technology could lead to touch-sensitive 'skin' for prosthetic devices.

Oct 10th, 2014

Charged graphene gives DNA a stage to perform molecular gymnastics (w/video)

When researchers set out to investigate a method to control how DNA moves through a tiny sequencing device, they did not know they were about to witness a display of molecular gymnastics.

Oct 10th, 2014

New technique yields fast results in drug, biomedical testing

A new technique makes it possible to quickly detect the presence of drugs or to monitor certain medical conditions using only a single drop of blood or urine, representing a potential tool for clinicians and law enforcement.

Oct 10th, 2014

Electrically conductive plastics promising for batteries, solar cells

An emerging class of electrically conductive plastics called 'radical polymers' may bring low-cost, transparent solar cells, flexible and lightweight batteries, and ultrathin antistatic coatings for consumer electronics and aircraft.

Oct 10th, 2014

A critical point for the materials of tomorrow

Theoretical calculations predict an exotic state of matter in which electrons barely interact with each other.

Oct 10th, 2014

Dissolvable silicon circuits and sensors

Early results demonstrate the entire complement of building blocks for integrated circuits, along with various sensors and actuators with relevance to clinical medicine, including most recently intracranial monitors for patients with traumatic brain injury. The advances suggest a new era of devices that range from green consumer electronics to 'electroceutical' therapies, to biomedical sensor systems that do their work and then disappear.

Oct 10th, 2014

Plasmonic paper detects trace amounts of molecules

Using a common laboratory filter paper decorated with gold nanoparticles, researchers have created a unique platform, known as 'plasmonic paper', for detecting and characterizing even trace amounts of chemicals and biologically important molecules - from explosives, chemical warfare agents and environmental pollutants to disease markers.

Oct 10th, 2014

DNA nano-foundries cast custom-shaped metal nanoparticles

DNA's programmable assembly is leveraged to form precise 3D nanomaterials for disease detection, environmental testing, electronics and beyond.

Oct 9th, 2014

All that glitters is... slimy? Gold nanoparticles measure the stickiness of snot

New laser-based method helps doctors determine how well mucus oozes through the lungs, potentially leading to better treatment of certain lung diseases.

Oct 9th, 2014

Emerging nanotechnologies for manufacturing

In the second edition of Emerging Nanotechnologies for Manufacturing, an unrivalled team of international experts explores existing and emerging nanotechnologies as they transform large-scale manufacturing contexts in key sectors such as medicine, advanced materials, energy, and electronics.

Oct 9th, 2014

Nanoparticles get a magnetic handle (w/video)

New method produces particles that can glow with color-coded light and be manipulated with magnets.

Oct 9th, 2014

A cost-effective and energy-efficient approach to carbon capture with MOFs

Scientists have developed a slurry-based process that can revolutionize carbon capture. The slurry, consisting of a porous powder suspended in glycol, offers the efficient large-scale implementation of a liquid while maintaining the lower costs and energy efficiency of solid carbon-capturing materials.

Oct 9th, 2014