Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Cheap catalyst gets expensive accessory

Together, iron and palladium help remove troubling oxygen for biofuel reaction.

Oct 14th, 2014

Future computers could be built from magnetic 'tornadoes'

Magnetic materials form the basis of most hard disc drives as they are able to store data. Engineers have been investigating whether they could also be used to perform calculations, and so take on the role of a computer's central processing unit (CPU).

Oct 14th, 2014

Tour U Michigan's $46M nanomechanical engineering labs

With a 'breaker space', ultra-low vibration chambers and tissue culture rooms, a new world-class research complex at Michigan Engineering will let researchers study the forces at work at the smallest scales to advance nanotechnologies in energy, manufacturing, healthcare and biotechnology.

Oct 14th, 2014

Beyond LEDs: Brighter, new energy-saving flat panel lights based on carbon nanotubes

Planar light source using a phosphor screen with highly crystalline single-walled carbon nanotubes as field emitters demonstrates its potential for energy-efficient lighting device.

Oct 14th, 2014

Slippery when dry: Graphene proves a long-lasting lubricant

While researchers have found many materials that help to reduce friction, conventional lubricants often have chemical limitations. A recent analysis has identified the properties of a newer, exceptionally wear-resistant substance that works in a broader range of environments.

Oct 14th, 2014

Unique nanocatalysts for hydrogen fuel cells synthesized in ordinary kitchen microwave oven

Researchers show how a unique nano-alloy composed of palladium nano-islands embedded in tungsten nanoparticles creates a new type of catalysts for highly efficient oxygen reduction, the most important reaction in hydrogen fuel cells.

Oct 14th, 2014

Bio-inspired nano-cocoons offer targeted drug delivery against cancer cells

Biomedical engineering researchers have developed a drug delivery system consisting of nanoscale 'cocoons' made of DNA that target cancer cells and trick the cells into absorbing the cocoon before unleashing anticancer drugs.

Oct 14th, 2014

Atomic map reveals clues to how cholesterol is made

By mapping the structure of a key enzyme involved in cholesterol production, researchers have gained new insight into this complex molecular process.

Oct 13th, 2014

Tiny robots armed with new force-sensing system to probe cells

Inexpensive microrobots capable of probing and manipulating individual cells and tissue for biological research and medical applications are closer to reality with the design of a system that senses the minute forces exerted by a robot's tiny probe.

Oct 13th, 2014

Researchers make first observation of atoms moving inside bulk material

Researchers have obtained the first direct observations of atomic diffusion inside a bulk material. The research could be used to give unprecedented insight into the lifespan and properties of new materials.

Oct 13th, 2014

Tailored flexible illusion coatings hide objects from detection

Developing the cloak of invisibility would be wonderful, but sometimes simply making an object appear to be something else will do the trick.

Oct 13th, 2014

New battery uses nanotubes to recharge to 70% in just two minutes

Researchers have developed a new battery that can be recharged up to 70 per cent in only 2 minutes. The battery will also have a longer lifespan of over 20 years.

Oct 13th, 2014

Nanoenhanced 'smart' lithium-ion battery warns of fire hazard (w/video)

Scientists have developed a 'smart' lithium-ion battery that gives ample warning before it overheats and bursts into flames. The new technology is designed for conventional lithium-ion batteries now used in billions of cellphones, laptops and other electronic devices, as well as a growing number of cars and airplanes.