Nanotechnology News – Latest Headlines

Solar cell researchers break the 'electrode barrier'

For decades, polymer scientists and synthetic chemists working to improve the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells were hampered by the inherent drawbacks of commonly used metal electrodes, including their instability and susceptibility to oxidation. Now for the first time, researchers have developed a more efficient, easily processable and lightweight solar cell that can use virtually any metal for the electrode, effectively breaking the 'electrode barrier'.

Sep 18th, 2014

New insights into the world of quantum materials

Physicists experimentally observed how the anisotropic properties of particles deform the Fermi surface in a quantum gas. The work published in Science provides the basis for future studies on how the geometry of particle interactions may influence the properties of a quantum system.

Sep 18th, 2014

Researchers design an 'artificial nose' to detect DNA differentiation with single nucleotide resolution

This is a method of identification of nucleic acids, with single nucleotide resolution, based on the generation pattern (bar code) inspired by our olfactory system. The differences in trans-membrane transport can be used to generate fluorescence patterns. That allows the differentiation of molecules as DNA or RNA by means of pattern generation and/or recognition protocols.

Sep 18th, 2014

Nanomaterials for Environmental Protection

This book is divided into four main sections thoroughly analyzing the use of nanomaterials for water, air and soil solutions, and emphasizing environmental risks.

Sep 18th, 2014

Sorting water molecules

Not all water is equal - at least not at the molecular level. There are two versions of the water molecule, para and ortho water, in which the spin states of the hydrogen nuclei are different. Researchers have now reported the successful separation of the two forms.

Sep 18th, 2014

Deutsche Nanoforschung im Dornr�schenschlaf

Von 0 auf 100 und wieder zur�ck - so l�sst sich der Hype um die Nanotechnologie in Deutschland beschreiben. W�hrend die neuen Materialien in asiatischen L�ndern nach wie vor intensiv beforscht werden, l�sst die Nano-Euphorie in Deutschland nach

Sep 18th, 2014

Point-of-care Tubercolosis test combining nanophotonics and novel selective antibodies

The European Pocket Project will develop a low-cost and accurate point-of-care test to diagnose Tuberculosis.

Sep 18th, 2014

Physicists heat freestanding graphene to control curvature of ripples

The finding provides fundamental insight into understanding the influence temperature exerts on the dynamics of freestanding graphene. This may drive future applications of the flexible circuits of consumer devices such as cell phones and digital cameras.

Sep 17th, 2014

Oxides discovered by nanotechnology researchers could advance memory devices

The quest for the ultimate memory device for computing may have just taken an encouraging step forward: Researchers have discovered new complex oxides that exhibit both magnetic and ferroelectric properties.

Sep 17th, 2014

Artificial 'beaks' that collect water from fog: A drought solution?

From the most parched areas of Saudi Arabia to water-scarce areas of the western US, the idea of harvesting fog for water is catching on. Now, a novel approach to this process could help meet affected communities' needs for the life-essential resource.

Sep 17th, 2014

Toward making lithium-sulfur batteries a commercial reality for a bigger energy punch

A fevered search for the next great high-energy, rechargeable battery technology is on. Scientists are now reporting they have overcome key obstacles toward making lithium-sulfur batteries, which have the potential to leave today's lithium-ion technology in the dust.

Sep 17th, 2014

Nanotechnology makes your wine better

Researchers have developed a nanosensor that can mimic what happens in your mouth when you drink wine.

Sep 17th, 2014

Nanoparticle photocatalysts help turn raw materials into ingredients for every day life

QUT scientist Dr Sarina Sarina, who achieved outstanding progress in driving this energy intensive chemical production process at ambient temperature using light instead of fossil fuels, has won the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt fellowship at the famous Max Planck Institute in Berlin.