Showing Spotlights 633 - 640 of 2780 in category All (newest first):
Recently developed concepts in photonic designs and meta- and nanomaterials have improved the effectiveness of passive radiative coolers that function in the daytime. Whereas all of these radiative coolers are white or silver in color, researchers have now presented concepts and strategies for daytime radiative cooling systems that offer aesthetically desirable colors and patterns. These device not only emit infrared waves effectively under a clear sky, but also displays vivid colors.
Sep 6th, 2018
The reorientation of elongated liquid crystalline molecules under the action of the applied electric field is a major physical effect enabling the use of liquid crystals in a variety of applications. To improve liquid crystal devices, new liquid crystal-forming materials are required. Recently, by merging liquid crystals and nanotechnology, a new, non-synthetic way to produce advanced liquid crystal materials was proposed. In short, it was achieved by dispersing various types of nanomaterials in liquid crystals.
Sep 4th, 2018
Graphene bioelectronics has become a ground-breaking field that offers exciting opportunities for developing new kinds of sensors capable of establishing outstanding interfaces with soft tissue. Graphene-based transistors, as well as electrode arrays, have emerged as a special group of biosensors with their own peculiarities, advantages and drawbacks. A new review present sa comprehensive overview of the use of graphene for bioelectronics applications; specifically the focus is on interfacing graphene-based devices with electrogenic cells, such as cardiac and neuronal cells.
Sep 3rd, 2018
Nanotechnology researchers now have developed a natural and non-damaging hair surface engineering technique for making hair coloring formulations that do not use any chemical reactions but instead relies only on physical forces acting at a very close range. The same surface engineering approach is applicable to textile microfiber modifications because natural textiles like like wool, silk, cellulose, but also biomimetic synthetic textiles, have similar chemical composition.
Aug 30th, 2018
Achieving high-quality crystalline TiO2 films at room-temperature remains one of today's most important technical challenges toward low-cost optoelectronic devices including photovoltaic cells and photocatalytic device architectures. A research team has now demonstrated a simple method for triggering the crystallization of a TiO2 sol-gel precursor at low-energies. With this technique, it is now possible to achieve 90% crystallinity without metallic dopants, at room temperature and in ambient air, using low-power laser-induced photoactivation of an amorphous TiO2 nanoparticle film.
Aug 23rd, 2018
By employing 3D scaffolds with both aligned nanofibers and aligned interconnected macrochannels, researchers have taken a nanotechnology-based tissue engineering approach to accelerate the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues at the wound site by directing cells and tissues to grow towards the target site. Their hope is that this leads to the development of affordable and functional biodegradable wound dressings for accelerated healing of chronic skin wounds by promoting regeneration of local tissues.
Aug 16th, 2018
Researchers have developed an all-optical lithographic technique called 'optothermoplasmonic nanolithography' (OTNL) to achieve high-throughput, versatile, and maskless patterning of different atomic layers. Taking graphene and molybdenum disulfide monolayers as examples, the team shows that both thermal oxidation and sublimation in the light-directed temperature field can lead to direct etching of the atomic layers. They further demonstrates programmable patterning of 2D materials into complex and large-scale nanostructures by steering the laser beam.
Aug 14th, 2018
Though nanotechnology is portrayed as a fairly recent human invention, nature is actually full of nanoscopic architectures. They underpin the essential functions of a variety of life forms, from bacteria to berries, wasps to whales. In fact, tactful use of the principles of nanoscience can be traced to natural structures that are over 500m-years-old. Below are just five sources of inspiration that scientists could use to create the next generation of human technology.
Aug 13th, 2018
Subscribe to our Nanotechnology Spotlight feed