Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

'Active' surfaces control what's on them (w/video)

Researchers develop treated surfaces that can actively control how fluids or particles move.

Aug 1st, 2014

Light pulses control graphene's electrical behavior

Finding could allow ultrafast switching of conduction, and possibly lead to new broadband light sensors.

Aug 1st, 2014

Pressure probing potential photoelectronic manufacturing compound

Molybdenum disulfide is a compound often used in dry lubricants. Its semiconducting ability and similarity to the carbon-based graphene makes molybdenum disulfide of interest to scientists as a possible candidate for use in the manufacture of electronics, particularly photoelectronics. New work reveals that molybdenum disulfide becomes metallic under intense pressure.

Jul 31st, 2014

Free pores for molecule transport

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can take up gases similar to a sponge that soaks up liquids. Hence, these highly porous materials are suited for storing hydrogen or greenhouse gases. However, loading of many MOFs is inhibited by barriers. Scientists now report that the barriers are caused by corrosion of the MOF surface. This can be prevented by water-free synthesis and storing strategies.

Jul 31st, 2014

Chemists create nanofibers using unprecedented new method

Researchers have developed a novel method for creating self-assembled protein/polymer nanostructures that are reminiscent of fibers found in living cells. The work offers a promising new way to fabricate materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

Jul 31st, 2014

Neutron Tomography technique reveals phase fractions of crystalline materials in 3-Dimensions

Researchers have developed a novel method, based on energy-selective neutron imaging for visualization of crystalline phase distributions within the bulk of metallic samples.

Jul 31st, 2014

Chemists demonstrate 'bricks-and-mortar' assembly of new molecular structures

Chemists have described the self-assembly of large, symmetrical molecules in bricks-and-mortar fashion, a development with potential value for the field of organic electronic devices such as field-effect transistors and photovoltaic cells.

Jul 31st, 2014

Nature inspires a greener way to make colorful plastics

Long before humans figured out how to create colors, nature had already perfected the process - think stunning, bright butterfly wings of many different hues, for example. Now scientists are tapping into those secrets to develop a more environmentally friendly way to make colored plastics.

Jul 30th, 2014

New NSF grant supports new concept for manufacturing nanoscale devices

A professor from Wayne State University's College of Engineering recently received a $330,000 award from the National Science Foundation for the project, 'Nanoparticle-directed synthesis of organic nanorods'.

Jul 30th, 2014

Researchers successfully test new material for spin-based electronics

Researchers have demonstrated experimentally, for the first time, that samarium hexaboride is indeed a topological insulator.

Jul 30th, 2014

Got questions on the National Nanotechnology Initiative's EHS strategy?

The NNCO is now accepting questions related to the 'Progress Review on the Coordinated Implementation of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) 2011 Environmental, Health, and Safety Research Strategy'.

Jul 30th, 2014

World's smallest propeller could be used for microscopic medicine

Researchers announced that they had succeeded in creating a screw-shaped nanopropeller that can move in a gel-like fluid, mimicking the environment inside a living organism.