Research News and Features
(External Sources)
[Archives]

Biomaterials: Butterfly wing scales channel fluorescent light
(Nature News)
African butterflies have light-emitting wings that share a trick with high-tech light-emitting diodes (LEDs) according to researchers. They have bands of blue spots composed of fluorescent scales. In addition, the brightness of this emission is boosted by the structure of the wing scales, which channels the fluorescent light in a single direction away from the wing.
[Science, 310. 1151 (2005)]
(11.22.2005)

Silicon Laser: First directly pumped silicon laser developed
(Eurekalert/Brown Univ.)
The first directly pumped silicon laser has been developed using nanostructured silicon. Optical gain and stimulated emission in uniaxially nanopatterned silicon-on-insulator using a nanopore array as an etching mask was reported.
[Nature Materials, S. G. Cloutier et al., Published online: 20 November 2005 | doi: 10.1038/nmat1530]
(11.22.2005)

Copyright Science
Nanotubes: Nanotubes beam out bright light
(PhysicsWeb)
It has been found that when certain voltages are applied to nanotubes spanning trenches in a silica coating on a silicon substrate, they emitted infrared light at the junction between the suspended and supported parts of the tubes. The emission was localized in a nano-sized area, which resulted in a very bright source of light.
[Science 18 November 2005: Vol. 310. no. 5751, pp. 1171 - 1174]
(11.21.2005)

Atomic Force Microscopy: Protein crystals and AFM probe molecular recognition
(NanotechWeb)
Protein crystals attached to atomic force microscope (AFM) probes were used to obtain topographical information and to detect molecular recognition interactions.
[Nano Lett.; 2005; ASAP Web Release Date: 28-Oct-2005; (Letter) DOI: 10.1021/nl0516714]
(11.18.2005)

Molecular Electronics: Molecular memories demonstrated using STM
(Nature Materials Update)
The recording of information at the nanoscale using molecular switches has been demonstrated. Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) was used to draw erasable dots just a few nanometres across in thin films of organic molecules that could be switched between two stable states.
(11.18.2005)

Drug Delivery: Shrinking drug delivery vesicles concentrates contents
(Nature Materials Update)
Small vesicles are preferable to large ones for drug-delivery applications. However, the reduced quantity of drug that can be encapsulated in a small vesicle is a problem. A new solution is now presented that reduces 70-nm vesicles in size to 20–25-nm ones, while retaining most of the active encapsulated molecules, leading to a fifty- to hundred-fold increase in concentration within.
[Langmuir published online 10 November 2005]
(11.17.2005)

Crystal Structure: Aspirin polymorph, predicted to exist, found
(Chemical & Engineering News)
In the late 1960s, there were indications that aspirin might have a second crystalline form, but it continued to escape detection. Now researchers have found this elusive polymorph.
[J. Am. Chem. Soc., ASAP Article 10.1021/ja056455b S0002-7863(05)06455-3
Web Release Date: November 9, 2005]
(11.17.2005)

Lasers: Hybrid silicon evanescent laser developed
(Eurekalert/Univ. Calif. Santa Barbara)
A novel laser has been developed by bonding optical gain layers directly to a silicon laser cavity. This hybrid laser offers an alternative to Si Raman lasers and is an order of magnitude shorter. The laser is optically pumped, operates in continuous wave mode, and only needs 30 mW of input pump power.
(11.16.2005)

Metals: Metals involved in the color of wine
(Universidad de Navarra, Spain)
A research group has studied the influence of a number of metals including iron, zinc, copper and manganese, in giving wine its color. The study concluded that a slight change in these elements substantially modifies certain aspects of the quality of the ferments.
(11.15.2005)

Organic Electronics: Organic polymer tunnel diode developed
(Ohio State University)
A new a new organic polymer tunnel diode has been developed that conducts electric current at room temperature.
(11.15.2005)

Microscopy: Optical microscopy using a nanoantenna
(PhysicsWeb)
A new type of optical microscope that can produce images without capturing light from the sample has been developed. It relies on measuring changes in the intrinsic properties of a gold nano-particle (nanoantenna) placed next to the sample.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 200801 (2005)]
(11.15.2005)

Fragmentation: Crumbling of spaghetti helps in understanding of brittle fragmentation
(Science News)
Recently, scientists were able to solve the mystery of how spaghetti crumbles. New studies now have taken this a step further and are beginning to address fragmentation - how brittle rods fragment and shatter.
(11.14.2005)

Femtosecond Spectroscopy: Ultrafast Raman technique glimpses early stages of the vision process
(Chemical & Engineering News)
Vision is jump-started by the isomerization of the retinal chromophore in rhodopsin from the 11-cis to the all-trans configuration, wherein the primary ground-state intermediate is formed within 200 femtoseconds of a photon striking. Now, new structural information has been obtained from vibrational spectra taken between 200 fs and 2 picoseconds at 50-fs resolution.
[Science, 2005, 310, 1006]
(11.14.2005)

Geomaterials: Classical crystal growth theory can explain geomaterials dissolution
(Science - Editor's Choice)
Much of the chemistry and dynamics of Earth's surface depends on the dissolution of minerals. It has now been shown that that for quartz, and likely for other silicate minerals, well-developed theories of crystal nucleation and growth can be used to understand dissolution.
[PNAS, October 25, 2005, vol. 102, no. 43, 15357-15362]
(11.11.2005)

Nanoscience: Water film bridging nanoscale surfaces elongates in sudden jumps
(Nature Materials Update)
Researchers find that a column of water bridging two solid nanoscale surfaces can act like a kind of 'sticky spring' which elongates in sudden jumps. Such a nanoscale water column will not necessarily act as a 'smooth' lubricant, but could give rise to stick-slip frictional behavior.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 187801 (2005)]
(11.10.2005)

Nano-Patterning: Magnetic media based on Co nanopillars demonstrated
(Nature Materials Update)
Researchers have produced a magnetic media based on cobalt nanopillars that are dense enough for storage densities beyond 1 Tbit in^-2. The pillars show sufficiently strong dynamic magnetization and operate at disk speeds of up to 4,800 r.p.m.
[Jpn J. Appl. Phys. 44, L1355–L1357 (2005)]
(11.10.2005)

Nanotubes: Carbon nanotube defects revealed by metal deposition
(NanotechWeb)
An electrochemical technique, in which nickel was grown on defects on the nanotube surface, was used to highlight point defects in single-walled carbon nanotubes. An average of one defect for each 4 µm length of the nanotube was obtained .
[Nature Materials, Published online: 6 November 2005 | doi:10.1038/nmat1516]
(11.9.2005)

Phase Transition: New liquid crystal phase transition seen for bacterial flagellar filaments
(PhysicsWeb)
A liquid crystal state with a novel form of symmetry has been observed in experiments with filaments isolated from bacteria. It was found that helical filaments undergo a phase transition to a novel liquid crystalline state in which the flagella become cone-shaped under specific conditions.
(11.9.2005)

Actuation: Solitons could be used for high-strain-rate polymer actuation
(Physorg/MIT)
A new theoretical study has shown that solitons could be used to bend and twist conjugated polymers, and such a system could be used as high strain rate actuators induced by optical excitation..
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 198303 (2005)]
(11.9.2005)

Silicon: Silicon's building block, sila-adamantane, synthesized
(Chemical & Engineering News)
The smallest discretely defined repeat unit of the silicon crystal lattice has been synthesized as an independent molecule. “Sila-adamantane” is anticipated to help scientists better understand how the properties of silicon transition from the molecular level to the bulk solid.
[Science, 2005, 310, 825]
(11.7.2005)

Sensors: Artificial cochlea made using MEMS components
(Eurekalert)
A mechanical cochlea, a device that functions much like its human counterpart in the ear, composed of micromachined parts and integrated circuits has been developed.
(11.7.2005)

Nanotubes: Nanotube toxicity linked to functionalization
(NanotechWeb)
The toxicity of water-soluble carbon nanotubes to human skin cells has been found to decrease as the functionalization of the tubes increased.
[Toxicology Letters, doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.08.011]
(11.4.2005)

Crystallization: Ability to predict average grain size over a broad temperature range demonstrated
(Eurekalert)
Researchers report in situ transmission-electron-microscopy experimental methods that assess independently assess the nucleation and growth rates of crystallizing grains. A consequence of having a separate, experimentally-determined description of nucleation and growth is the ability to predict the average grain size over a broad range of temperatures.
[Appl. Phys. Lett. 87, 124102 (2005)]
(11.4.2005)

Nanotubes: First observation of digital heat flow in a nanostructure demonstrated
(Physics News Update)
The first observation of digital heat flow in a nanostructure at ambient conditions has been made using carbon nanotubes suspended between two electrodes. Heat conduction occurs in multiples of a quantum unit of heat flow.
(11.3.2005)

Biological Materials: Nanoscale version of Galvani's experiment used to image biological tissue
(Physics News Update)
Employing a technique named Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM), researchers sent an electrical voltage through a tiny, nanometer-sized tip to induce mechanical motion along various points in a biological sample, such as a single fibril of the protein collagen. The electromechanical response at various points of the sample, as measured by the probe tip, enabled the researchers to build up images of the collagen fibrils, with details less than 10 nanometers in size.
[Lay language paper]
(11.3.2005)

Drug Delivery: Targeted drug delivery achieved with nanoparticle-aptamer bioconjugates
(Eurekalert)
It has been shown for the first time that targeted drug delivery is possible using nanoparticle-apatamer (nucleic acid ligands) conjugates. Using prostate cancer as a model disease, proof of concept nanoscale targeted drug delivery vehicles were developed using PLA polymer nanoparticles. The drug delivery was found to be highly specific.
(11.2.2005)

Biological Materials: Neuron plasticity linked to learning and memory
(Eurekalert/Nature Neuroscience)
A new study shows that neurons experience large-scale changes across their dendrites during learning. It was found that h-channels, which are distributed throughout the dendrite membrane and allow the passage of potassium and sodium ions into and out of the neuron, are altered during learning and undergo plasticity.
(11.2.2005)

Nanoparticles: Carbon nanoparticles boost blood clotting
(NanotechWeb)
Researchers have found that some carbon nanoparticles can promote blood clotting. Single-walled and multiwalled nanotubes, mixed carbon nanoparticles and standard urban particulate matter all increased blood platelet aggregation, while fullerene molecules had no effect.
[British Journal of Pharmacology advance online publication 12 September 2005; doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0706386]
(11.2.2005)

Electron Microscopy: Reach of electron microscopes extended to finer atomic scales
(PhysicsWeb)
Commercially available lens correctors are extending the reach of electron microscopes to unprecedented atomic scales. This is revolutionizing the study of materials properties.
(11.2.2005)

Metallacarboranes: Metal-containing compounds show promise as HIV weapon
(Eurekalert)
A metallacarborane molecule consisting of two "cages" of metallic atoms bound to carbon has shown great promise in preliminary tests of becoming a new weapon in the anti-HIV arsenal. The molecule and its variants appear to fight HIV protease, an enzyme critical in the virus' life cycle.
(11.1.2005)

Credit Smalley.Rice.edu
Nobel Laureate Richard Smalley dies
(Small Times)
Richard Smalley, the Nobel Prize-winning nanotechnology researcher who was also an ardent supporter of commercial nanotechnology development, died today of cancer. He was 62. Smalley shared the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1996 with Robert Curl and Sir Harry Kroto for discovering the C60 molecule.
- Autobiography
- Research Group Website
(10.31.2005)

Nanomachines: First light-driven anchored molecular rotary motor created
(Chemical & Engineering News)
The first light-driven molecular rotary motor attached to a solid surface has been created by anchoring a chiral helical alkene onto a gold nanoparticle. Fastening a rotary molecule to something solid allows it to do actual work.
[Nature 2005, 437, 1337]
(10.31.2005)

MORE >>>>>

Research News
(MRS Staff/Reporters)
[Archives]

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(November 2005 Issue)
Carbon Nanotubes for Cancer Cell Destruction, Drug Delivery; Gold Nanoparticles Optimize
Specificity of DNA Binding; Co-Adsorbed Polypyrrole Film on C-Nanoparticles as Non-Noble-Metal Catalyst; Negative Differential
Conductance in Suspended C-Nanotubes; Robustness of Zn-Porphyrin–Based 3D
Coordination Networks; Rare “Triple Coincidence” of Optical Nonlinearities; SAMs for Patterned Growth of Large Oriented Organic Semiconductor Single Crystals; Light-Induced Effects Dominate
Transconductance in OFETs; Liquid Changes to Gel on Demand

Nanoscale Imaging: Nanoscale Features Imaged Using Compact Extreme Ultra-Violet Laser
[Reported by Jeremiah T. Abiade]
(10.17.2005)

Ultraviolet Exposure Bio-Effects: Novel Microscopy Technique Quantifies Level of Sun Damage in Skin
[Reported by Siari Sosa]
(10.17.2005)

Fuel Cells: Modified Nafion Membrane with PDDA-Pt Nanoparticles Enhances Performance of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
[Reported by Siari Sosa]
(10.17.2005)

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(October 2005 Issue)
High-resolution 3D holographic images; Fabrication of InAs/InP quantum rings; Gradient chemical micropatterning for nanometrology reference substrates; MWNTs follow in Gecko's footsteps; Extended low-temperature plasma-assisted bonding; High frictional anisotropy on quasicrystal surface

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(September 2005 Issue)
Nanocrystalline alumina from egg whites; Carbon nanotube FET performance; Cytotoxicity of nickel ferrite; Gold-based catalyst to reduce CO; Laser healing of CNT defects; Ultrafast laser-driven microfocus X-ray plasma source; Opal strips by capillary-assisted deporsition

Nanocrystals: Ag₂Se Nanocrystals Grown with Well-Defined Shapes
[Reported by Sarbajit Banerjee]
(8.19.2005)

Nanorods: Synthesis Process of CdS Nanorods Produces Dominant Cubic Phase
[Reported by Fengting Xu]
(8.19.2005)

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(August 2005 Issue)
Nanoporous silica improves reflectivity of dielectric mirror; 3D defect structures in Opal-photonic crystals; Si nanowires for coherent single-charge transport; Protein-mineral interface structure in bone; PRINTing of shape-specific nanobiomaterials; UV + titania photocatalyst kills bacteria in flowing air; All-solid-state laser yields orange, yellow and green light; Cross-linked nanostructures from block copolymers; Single-molecule spectroscopy of organic dye nanoparticles; Optical limiting in aqueous suspensions of CNTs; Catalytic asymmetric procedure enables synthesis of pheromones

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(July 2005 Issue)
Direct surface patterning by solid-state electrochemical micromachining; Hydrophobicity of lotus leaves; Zeolite-coated optical fibers as chemical vapor sensors; Highly ordered isoporous membranes; Ice as resist for patterning nanostructures; CNT arrays in freely suspended flexible films; CNTs for multi-beam X-ray source

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(June 2005 Issue)
Organic photodiodes deposited on newspaper; Al-based tunnel junctions form solid-state refrigerator; Gold nanoshells used for molecular imaging in live cells; Hybrid photoelectrodes for solar water splitting; Distribution of nanoparticles in photopolymer controlled holographically; Sequential synthesis of colloidal type-II core/shell CdTe/CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals; Visualization of broadband surface plasmons; Raman techniques for single-molecule detection of biomolecules; Cell membranes integrated into CNT devices

Nanotubes: Transition Metal-decorated Carbon Nanotubes Could be a High-Capacity Hydrogen Storage Medium
[Reported by Kinson Kam]
(5.26.2005)

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(May 2005 Issue)
Lasing activity of rare-earth-doped bromide materials; Biochemical synthesis of protein-based thermoplastic elastomers; Si3N4 nanobelts grown by pyrolysis of polyureasilazane with iron catalyst; Doped PMMA used for 3D multilayered optical memory; Nanopipettes and nanoparticles enable detection of single DNA molecules; Novel hexaferrites show potential for microwave applications; Glass penetration used to repair cracks in alumina

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(April 2005 Issue)
Magnetic field strengthens NiAl-Cr(Mo)-Hf alloy; Synthesis of supramolecular isomers; Metalorganic gel for porous organic polymer template; Tungsten nanoparticles in silica enhanve nonvolatile memory; Transparent, highly oriented hydroxyapatite; Highly ductile bulk metallic glass foam

Perovskite Ceramics: A Single-Step Calcination Process To Fabricate Dielectric Perovskite Ceramics Subdivided in Steps Successfully Describes the Reaction Mechanism
[Reported by Siari Sosa]
(3.7.2005)

Quantum Dots: InAs/GaAs Quantum-Dot Low-Loss Saturable Absorbers for Diode-Pumped Passively Q-Switched Nd-Doped 1.3-µm Lasers
[Reported by Tao Xu]
(3.7.2005)

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(March 2005 Issue)
Fluorescent silica particles approach brightness of quantum dots; Microbatteries assembled from single-particle anodes and cathodes; Damage to DNA by quantum dots; Gamma irradiation enables template-free synthesis of polyaniline nanofibers; Room-temperature nanoimprinting enables fabrication of 1-D laser; Far-field Raman scattering reveals surface plasmons of gold nanoparticle arrays

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(February 2005 Issue)
Optical limiting displayed by polymer films with Ag nanoparticles grown in situ; Nanotubes fluoresce within biological cells; CuO nanotube arrays using MOCVD with template; Silicalite-1 self-supported micromembrane separates propane/nitrogen mixtures; Heavy-Fermion materials properties demystified; Zigzag-shaped magnetic films; Rapid fabrication of porous SOFC electrodes; Quantum dots in silica aerogels

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(January 2005 Issue)

Fatigue properties of nanoscale Cu films; Resolution optical tomography for imaging biological tissues; Direct methanol-air fuel cell with nanoporous proton-conducting membrane; Cu nanowires broken into nanospheres; Composite cathode with boroxine ring developed for all-solid-polymer lithium cell

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(December 2004 Issue)
Laser manipulated iron applied to nanofabrication; High-contrast imaging of semiconductor chips; Nanoprint lithography and self assembly combined for protein nanopatterning; Optical waveguiding in CdS nanowires; Structurally ordered polymer electrolytes; Spin separation achieved in GaAs heterostructure; Nanoporous structures by electrodeposition.

Research News from the MRS Bulletin
(November 2004 Issue)

Triangular diode controls magnetic domain wall movement; Photochromic bands in functionalized semiconducting SWNTs; WS2 nanotubes for Li storage; Suspended micro- and nanostructures by direct drawing of polymer fibers; Centrifugal force to fabricate reticulated porous ceramics; Miniature fuel cell with a porous Si layer as a catalyst support layer; Bacteria use "Molecular Lasso" to cop copper

MORE >>>>>