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2005

Research News and Features
(External Sources)
[Archives]

November

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 organic polymer tunnel diode has been developed that conducts electric current at room temperature. Two of the diodes were combined to form a logic switch.
(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: 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)

October

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)

Credit Purdue Univ., Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering
Nanorods: Gold nanorods used to track ear blood flow
(NanotechWeb)
Two-photon luminescence (TPL) imaging of single gold nanorods was used to track ear blood flow in mice. The nanorods allow for 3D imaging as well as a very bright TPL signal.
[Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 10.1073/pnas.0504892102]
(10.28.2005)

Charge Carriers: Radiative and nonradiative recombination centers in InGaN imaged
(Science - Editor's Choice)
A new technique based on scanning near-field optical microscopy has been used to image both the radiative and nonradiative recombination centers throughout the active layer of an indium-gallium-nitride quantum-well-based light-emitting diode. Imaging nonradiative recombination centers has been very difficult until now.
[Appl. Phys. Lett. 87, 161104 (2005)]
(10.28.2005)

Credit L. Bartels, Univ. Cal. Riverside
Molecular Machines: Single molecule with "feet" can "walk"
(Physics News Update)
A single molecule -- called 9,10-dithioanthracene (DTA) -- has been fabricated with two "feet" configured in such a way that only one foot at a time can rest on the substrate. Activated by heat or the nudge of a STM tip, DTA will pull up one foot, put down the other, and thus walk in a straight line across a flat surface.
(10.27.2005)

Credit Physical Review
Foam: Foam flow shows anti-inertial lift
(PhysicsWeb)
It has been found that when a foam flows over an aerofoil, the resulting force is exerted downwards rather than upwards. The force has been termed anti-inertial lift and could have implications for granular materials and polymers.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 , 168303 (2005)]
(10.27.2005)

Nanoscience: Ferroelastic crystals can act as atom turnstiles
(Nature Materials Update)
As per a new simulation study, a ferroelastic crystal could act as a chemical turnstile, which transports a very small number of atoms controllably and repeatably from one place to another.
[Appl. Phys. Lett. 87, 143110 (2005)]
(10.26.2005)

Nanoparticles: Small-molecule-decorated nanoparticles detect pancreatic cancer cells
(Chemical & Engineering News)
Nanoparticles studded with isatoic or 5-chloroisatoic anhydride were seen to be selectively taken up by pancreatic cancer cells in mice. Their presence inside those cells could be revealed by whole-body fluorescence or magnetic resonance imaging
[Nature Biotechnology Published online: 23 October 2005; | doi:10.1038/nbt1159]
(10.26.2005)

Credit Univ. Cal. San Diego
Biomaterials: Mechanical stretching effects on stress fiber orientation of arterial cells examined
(Univ. California, San Diego)
The stress fibers of endothelial cells in arteries are aligned parallel to the long axis of blood vessels, and this alignment is perpendicular to the direction of rhythmic stretching caused by a beating heart. Healthy bovine aorta endothelial cells stretched in a special chamber formed stress fibers perpendicular to the direction of stretch.
[Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 10.1073/pnas.0506041102]
(10.25.2005)

Superhydrophobicity: Nano-raspberry structures are superhydrophobic
(NanotechWeb)
Scientists have been able to creating a coating that mimics the dual-size roughness structure of the lotus leaf to produce a strongly water-repellent surface. The coating consists of raspberry-like particles made of silica spheres bonded to an epoxy-based polymer film.
[Nano Lett.; 2005; ASAP Web Release Date: 01-Oct-2005; (Letter) DOI: 10.1021/nl0517363]
(10.25.2005)

Solar Cells: Air-stable all-inorganic nanocrystal solar cells developed
(Science News)
Researchers have developed a solar cell made of thin films of inorganic nanocrystals that have several of the advantages of polymer cells but avoid some of their shortcomings. The cell includes a thin layer of electron-rich cadmium telluride nanocrystals atop electrically conductive glass along with a thin layer of cadmium selenide nanocrystals.
[Science, Vol 310, Issue 5747, 462-465 , 21 October 2005]
(10.24.2005)

Catalysis: Gold nanoparticle catalysts tuned for selective oxidation of hydrocarbons
(Chemical & Engineering News)
It has been shown that gold nanoparticles can be tuned to selectively convert hydrocarbons under mild conditions. The nanoparticles supported on carbon could activate molecular oxygen in air to convert alkenes to partial oxidation products such as epoxides at atmospheric pressure and temperatures of 60–80 °C.
[Nature 437, 1132-1135 (20 October 2005)]
(10.24.2005)

Fullerenes: Metallic material distorted into an insulator
(Science)
Potassium-C₆₀ monolayers studied at 7 K with STM and spectroscopy showed that increasing the potassium to C₆₀ ratio from 3 to 4 changed the films from metals into insulators.
[Science, Vol 310, Issue 5747, 468-470 , 21 October 2005]
(10.21.2005)

Aerogels: Temperature-responsive clay aerogel-polymer composites developed
(Science - Editor's Choice)
A hydrophilic clay aerogel was infiltrated with N-isopropylacryl-amide monomer, which was then polymerized in situ in order to produce a polymer-clay composite that preserves the aerogel structure of the clay.
[Macromolecules 10.1021/ma051698+ (2005)]
(10.21.2005)

Lenses: Super lensing in the mid-infrared accomplished
(Physics News Update)
Researchers have made a "super lens," a plane-shaped lens that can image a point source of light down to a focal spot only one-eighth of a wavelength wide. This is the first time such super lensing has been accomplished in a functional device in the mid-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The lens consists of a silicon carbide membrane between layers of silicon oxide.
(10.20.2005)

Dopants: Semiconductor device performance enhanced by ordered dopant arrays
(PhysicsWeb)
The performance of semiconductor devices was improved by controlling the position of dopants within them. The threshold voltage for transistors was shown to be reduced by implanting dopant ions one by one to form arrays.
[Nature 437, 1128-1131 (20 October 2005)]
(10.20.2005)

Nanoscience: First molecular car moves on fullerene wheels
(Chemical & Engineering News)
A molecular "car" has been built from an oligo(phenylene ethynylene) chassis and axle covalently mounted to four fullerene wheels. The nanocar could be driven around on a gold surface using the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM).
[Nano Lett., published online Oct. 13, dx.doi.org/10.1021/nl051915k]
(10.19.2005)

NEMS: Nanotube-based nano-scale electromechanical switch created
(PhysicsWeb)
A carbon nanotube-based nano-scale electromechanical switch has been created for the first time. is driven mainly by electrostatic forces, although Van der Waals forces also come into play.
[Appl. Phys. Lett. 87 163114]
(10.19.2005)

Tissue Engineering: Shrinking speeds up tissue engineering
(Bio.com)
An unexpected shortcut in tissue engineering has been discovered. It was found that the normal method of growing tissue on a scaffold using cells can be vastly accelerated by simply removing the water present in the starting material. The result is a tissue ready in minutes rather than days or weeks.
(10.18.2005)

Nanotubes: Hot stretching toughens up carbon nanotube fibers
(NanotechWeb)
Hot-drawing was used to improve the mechanical properties of carbon nanotube fibers. The process increased the toughness of the fibers at low strains and made them more water resistant.
[Nano Lett., 10.1021/nl051419w S1530-6984(05)01419-0, Web Release Date: October 11, 2005 ]
(10.17.2005)

Nanotubes: AFM unravels multiwalled carbon nanotubes
(Nature Materials Update)
The needle tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) has been used to pull out the nested tubes like a retractable telescope and pull them open layer by layer. This method enables the production of carbon nanotubes much thinner than those grown by conventional methods, by extruding the innermost shell from the multiwalled structures.
[PNAS | October 4, 2005 | vol. 102 | no. 40 | 14155-14158]
(10.17.2005)

Ion Irradiation: Heavy-ion-beam cancer therapy damages healthy DNA
(PhysicsWeb)
Heavy-ion-beam cancer therapy can cause more damage to healthy DNA than previously believed. The damage is caused by low-energy secondary particles rather than the heavy ions themselves. These results could help in the development of more accurate dose models for heavy-ion therapy.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 153201 (2005)]
(10.17.2005)

Ion Irradiation: Shocks in ion sputtering sharpen steep surface features
(Science)
Ion-beam irradiation is an important tool for the micro- and nanofabrication of steep sidewall features. A new theoretical model allowing for the control of slope during the sputtering process has been developed that has a mathematical form that resembles a shock equation.
[Science, Vol 310, Issue 5746, 294-297 , 14 October 2005]
(10.14.2005)

Catalysis: Promotional effect of Au in catalysis by Pd-Au examined
(Science)
The enhancement of a metal's catalytic activity by alloying with a second metal has been examined for the Pd-Au system. The critical reaction site was found to consist of two Pd atoms spaced at critical distances.
[Science, Vol 310, Issue 5746, 291-293, 14 October 2005]
(10.14.2005)

Biomaterials: Super-resilient rubbery biomimetic material created
(Nature News)
Resilin is a rubbery protein found in a range of insects, including for storing elastic energy in fleas and to help flying insects' wings to flex without causing damage to the tissue that connects wing and body. A new synthetic version of resilin has now been created.
(10.13.2005)

Solitons: Molecules of light created
(American Physical Society)
Researchers have created the first molecules of light. The molecules are built of solitons, pulses of light that do not dissipate or easily lose their shape like most other types of pulses. Theese light molecules could be used for information transmission applications..
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 , 143902 (2005)]
(10.13.2005)

Hall Effect: Hall effect with phonons demonstrated
(PhysicsWeb)
The Hall effect with phonons has been demonstrated for the first time. The effect shows up as a temperature difference across a sample when a heat current is passed along the sample and a magnetic field is applied at right angles to both these directions.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 155901]
(10.12.2005)

Tissue Engineering: Cells from amniotic fluid used to tissue-engineer new trachea
(Bio.com)
Researchers have used tissue engineering to reconstruct defective tracheas in fetal lambs, first using cells from the amniotic fluid to grow sections of cartilage tube, and then implanting these living grafts into the lambs while still in the womb.
(10.11.2005)

Molecular Biology: Clues to the working of molecular gatekeepers revealed
(Eurekalert)
One of the biggest mysteries in molecular biology is exactly how ion channels operate. There are two competing theories of how they open and close. Now, scientists have detailed a part of this process, providing evidence to support one of the theories.
(10.11.2005)

Biomaterials: Nanowires through bloodstream could be conduit to the brain
(IEEE Spectrum)
In order to install electrodes in the brain, surgeons have always had to break in through the skull. A new technique proposes to thread polymer nanowires through blood vessels for attaching electrodes in the brain.
(10.10.2005)

X-Rays: X-rays focus on the nanoscale
(Nature Materials Update)
An X-ray microscope has been developed that can focus down to a beam width of about 50 nm. Such systems are crucial for probing the nanoscale.
(10.10.2005)

Biomaterials: Red blood cells fitted with artificial tails
(New Scientist)
Red blood cells have become the first living cells to be fitted with an artificial tail, made of a filament of tiny magnetic beads held rigidly together by strands of DNA. An oscillating magnetic field was used to move the tails and consequently the cells.
View movie.
[Nature 437, 862-865 (6 October 2005)]
(10.7.2005)

Nanostructures: Control of gold nanoparticles merging demonstrated
(Brookhaven National Lab)
Nanostructures consisting of a metal nanoparticle trapped within a carbon cage are of great technological interest. A method to control the merging of nanoparticles and thereby their size has now been demonstrated.
(10.6.2005)

Quantum Dots: Quantum dots transformed from insulating to semiconducting
(Eurekalert)
Researchers have examined the ability of artificial solids made of quantum dots to transport electrons. By controlling the coupling of artificial atoms within the crystal, they could increase the electrical conductivity of the entire crystal.
(10.5.2005)

GaN: GaN surface structure different than previously thought
(Ohio University)
A new study indicates that the surface structure of cubic GaN may be different than previously thought.
[Physical Review Letters, Online September 30, 2005]
(10.5.2005)

Biomaterials: New details observed in structure of Mother-of-Pearl
(Max Planck Society)
Researchers have discovered that the surface of the lime platelets in Nacre (also known as mother-of-pearl) is not ordered in crystalline layers. Rather, five nm thick layers of amorphous calcium carbonate are present on the surface of the monocrystalline platelets.
[PNAS 2005 102: 12653-12655, September 6, 2005, Vol. 102, No. 36]
(10.5.2005)

Chemistry: 2005 Chemistry Nobel awarded for metathesis
(The Nobel Foundation)
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2005 to Yves Chauvin (Institut Français du Pétrole, France), Robert H. Grubbs (Caltech),and Richard R. Schrock (MIT) "for the development of the metathesis method in organic synthesis".
(10.5.2005)

© Penn State Univ.
Microactuators: Precision bonding makes tiny high performance actuators possible
(Eurekalert)
Using a new precision low temperature bonding process, researchers have designed and fabricated tiny new piezoelectric microactuators based on coupling commercially available materials with existing micromachining technology.
(10.4.2005)

Optics: Optics research garners 2005 physics Nobel
(The Nobel Foundation)
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for 2005 with one half to Roy J. Glauber (Harvard University) "for his contribution to the quantum theory of optical coherence" and one half jointly to John L. Hall (JILA, Univ. Colorado and NIST) and Theodor W. Hänsch (Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik, Garching and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany) "for their contributions to the development of laser-based precision spectroscopy, including the optical frequency comb technique".
(10.4.2005)

© mPhase Technologies
Sensors: Tiny Si-based metal detector developed
(Nature News)
An ultrasensitive metal detector has been developed by embedding tiny magnets in silicon. The device relies on tiny magnets lying in a scaffolding of about 4 square millimetres of silicon. When a tiny magnet senses another magnetic object within range, it turns slightly and exerts a force on the equally tiny fingers of silicon supporting it.
(10.3.2005)

© A. Sudbø, Norwegian Univ. Science and Technology
Superfluid: Computational evidence found for metallic superfluid
(PhysicsWeb)
Evidence for a novel quantum state "metallic superfluid" has been found using numerical calculations. The superfluid would be a new member of the family of "super" states that already includes superconductors, superfluid liquids and gases, and supersolids. The new state was seen for hydrogen and its isotopes under high pressures.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 135301]
(10.3.2005)

September

Biomaterials: Composite hydrogel helps restore scarred vocal chords
(Nature Materials Update)
A composite gel made of collagen and alginate could be a possible solution to the problem of scarred vocal chords.
[Biomaterials, doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2005.07.022]
(9.30.2005)

Water: Water monolayers shown to be hydrophobic
(Physics News Update)
Scientists have produced and studied monolayers of water molecules (resting on a platinum substrate) and have proven them to be poor templates for subsequent ice growth.
(9.30.2005)

Shape Memory Alloys: New pill gets a grip
(PhysicsWeb)
A number of wireless capsules have been developed that can take images inside the human gastrointestinal system after they have been swallowed. However, these devices cannot be stopped at a particular location inside the gut. Researchers have now developed a "gripper" made of a bicompatible shape memory nickel-titanium alloy that could be used to stop such capsules at specific locations.
(9.29.2005)

Nanoparticles: Nanoparticle composite is an efficient white-light source
(Nature Materials Update)
Researchers have used nanoparticles of lanthanum trifluoride doped with Yb3+ and with each of the three other lanthanides separately, and used them to form thin films.This composite material generated white light, which could be easily seen with the naked eye, when pumped by a 980-nm laser.
[J. Am. Chem. Soc.; 2005; 127(36) pp 12464 - 12465]
(9.28.2005)

Porous Materials: Most porous solid developed
(Chemical & Engineering News)
MIL-101 is a new, unusually porous chromium terephthalate-based material whose unit cell has an unprecedented volume of about 702,000 ų meaning that the solid is about 90% empty space.It's pores are 29 or 34 Å across with an internal surface area of 5,900 m²/g.
[Science 2005, 309, 2040]
(9.26.2005)

© Science
Nanostructures: Jumping gold nanodroplets demonstrated
(PhysicsWeb)
100 nm-sized gold nanodroplets were made to "jump" by illuminating them with a laser. The laser melts the nanodroplets while the dewetting makes the molten nanodroplets jump.
[Science, Vol 309, Issue 5743, 2043-2045, 23 September 2005]
(9.23.2005)

Sensors: E-nose sniffs out infections
(New Scientist)
An electronic "nose" has been developed that can detect Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic-resistant superbug by recognizing the unique cocktail of volatile organic compounds that S. aureus strains excrete. Detection takes 15 min. compared to hours or days using more conventional methods.
[Sensors and Actuators B (vol 109, p 355) 2005]
(9.23.2005)

Biomaterials: Microfluidic biomaterial demonstrated
(Chemical & Engineering News)
A “microfluidic biomaterial” that consists of a network of channels in a calcium alginate hydrogel has been demonstrated. It is capable of extracting as well as delivering soluble species.
[J. Am. Chem. Soc., published online Sept. 15, dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja054820t]
(9.22.2005)

Capacitors: Solid-state supercapacitor developed
(Physics News Update)
A new solid-state supercapacitor a capacitance of tens of microfarad/cm₂ and charging rates of 10 kHz has been demonstrated. It consists of a simple dielectric layer of lithium fluoride sandwiched between Au, Cu, or Al electrodes and does not need an electrolyte.
(9.22.2005)

Organic Electronics: Organic thyristor developed
(PhysicsWeb)
A thyristor made from a single crystal of organic material has been developed. The device was made from an organic conducting salt which consists of alternate layers of BEDT-TTF, which is a conductor, and CsCo(SCN)4, which is an insulator.
[Nature 437, 522-524 (22 September 2005)]
(9.22.2005)

Biomaterials: Nanoscale mechanical properties of nacre explored
(MIT)
Researchers are exploring the structure and mechanics of the tough inner layer of mollusc shells or "nacre" at nanometer-length scales. Even though the calcium carbonate, a component of nacre, is very weak and brittle on its own, enormous increases in toughness are achieved through design at multiple-length scales.
[Journal of Materials Research, Vol. 20, No. 9 (2005) 2400]
(9.22.2005)

Biomaterials: Novel class of biomaterials prepared from natural sugars and peptides
(Chemical & Engineering News)
A new design concept for the synthesis of biomaterials from carbohydrates and peptides has been revealed. An approach known as interfacial polymerization was used to prepare a series of three hybrid copolymers from a galactose-derived monomer and three oligolysine peptide monomers.
(9.21.2005)

© Physical Review Letters
Spintronics: Electrons with aligned spins could twist nanobridge
(Physical Review Focus)
A proposed nanoscale bridge would detect electrons' spins by measuring the bridge's tilt as the electrons traverse it. Running it backward by forcing the bridge to tilt could generate a current of electrons with aligned spins. The device could be an essential component in the emerging field of spintronics.
[Strain-Induced Coupling of Spin Current to Nanomechanical Oscillations, A.G. Mal'shukov, C.S. Tang, C.S. Chu, and K.A. Chao, Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 , 107203 (issue of 2 September 2005)]
(9.20.2005)

Polymer Synthesis: Route to nylon-6 caprolactam precursor eliminates unwanted by-product
(Chemical & Engineering News)
Using a newly designed catalyst, chemists E-caprolactam from cyclohexanone. The new route is solvent-free and does not generate any unwanted ammonium sulfate by-products. It offers an environmentally benign process for preparing E-caprolactam--the immediate precursor to nylon-6.
[Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, published online, www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.200506907102]
(9.20.2005)

Nanomaterials: Shock-loading creates super-hard nanocrystalline materials
(Physorg.com)
A high intensity laser was used to induce shock waves in nanocrystalline nickel and copper nearly one million times greater than atmospheric pressure. This treatment significantly strengthened the nanocrystalline materials.
(9.19.2005)

Nanostructures: Molecular system forms helices “on demand”
(Angewandte Chemie International Edition)
Twisted nanostructures are an important biological motif and could be useful in nanotechnological applications. Researchers have now successfully created a molecular system that can form helices “on demand”, turning the initially liquid solution into a gel.
[Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2005, 44, 5810, doi: 10.1002/anie.200501270]
(9.19.2005)

Nanotemplates: Large reusable nanotemplates created
(Science - Editor's Choice)
The formation of transferable and reusable TiO2 "nanobowl" templates is reported. The nanotemplate films could be used to create a regular array of 100-nm gold dots, spaced 500 nm apart.
[Nano. Lett., 10.1021/nl051389x (2005)]
(9.16.2005)

Drug Delivery: Microcapsules self-rupture without external triggers
(Nature Materials Update)
Currently, microcapsules used for drug delivery typically rupture in response to an external trigger. New Microcapsules have been developed that burst without external stimulu in response to the pressure that builds up inside.
[De Geest B. G. et al. Adv. Mater. (Published online 16 August 2005)]
(9.15.2005)

Drug Delivery: Targeted drug delivery using microbubbles and ultrasound
(NIBIB, NIH)
A new technique that uses ultrasound and drug-laden “microbubbles” to deliver concentrated chemotherapy drugs to the inner lining of blood vessels is being developed. Ultrasound has been used to guide tiny gas bubbles filled with fluorescent dye to a particular site, and then bursts of ultrasound can fragment the bubbles and spray their contents onto diseased tissue.
(9.15.2005)

Courtesy Peixuan Guo, Purdue Univ.
Drug Delivery: RNA nanotechnology used to treat cancer
(Purdue University)
Researchers have used RNA nanoparticles, assembled from three short pieces of ribonucleic acid, to carry anticancer therapeutic agents directly to infected cells. The nanoparticles have been tested successfully against cancer growth in mice and lab-grown human cells.
(9.14.2005)

Nanostructures: ZnO nanohelix structure developed
(Eurekalert)
A zinc oxide nanostructure that resembles the helical configuration of DNA has been produced. Based on a superlattice composed of alternating single-crystal "stripes", the nanohelices get their shape from twisting forces created by a small mismatch between the stripes.
[Gao et al., Science, Vol 309, Issue 5741, 1700-1704 , 9 September 2005]
(9.12.2005)

Magnetic Liquid: Novel material may demonstrate 'liquid' magnetic state
(Eurekalert)
A novel material, nickel gallium sulfide (NiGa2S4), that may demonstrate a highly unusual "liquid" magnetic state at extremely low temperatures has been discovered. A "liquid" magnetic state occurs when magnetic spins fluctuate in a disorderedly, fluid-like arrangement that does not produce an overall magnetic force.
(9.12.2005)

Quantum Dots: Rapid one-pot syntheses developed for quantum dots
(State University of New York at Buffalo)
Efficient and highly scalable new chemical synthesis methods have been developed for the production of quantum dots. one method enables the preparation of robust, water-dispersible quantum dots for bioimaging, while the other one allows for the preparation of organically soluble quantum dots ready to be sequestered into a polymer host.
(9.12.2005)

Nanotubes: Nanotube-based torsion pendulum demonstrated
(Nature Materials Update)
A torsion pendulum, in which an object attached to a rod swings back and forth by the twisting of the rod, has been constructed from a single carbon nanotube. A 500 nm metal block was attached to the midpoint of a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT), acting as a torsion spring.
[Science 309, 1539–1541 (2005)]
(9.9.2005)

Nanotubes: Birth of a nanotube described
(Nature Materials Update)
New molecular dynamics simulations show exactly how nanotube structures 'self-assemble' from individual carbon atoms on metallic nanoparticle catalysts.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 , 096103 (2005)]
(9.9.2005)

Courtesy Mirjam E. Leunissen/Nature
Colloids: Ionic colloidal crystals of oppositely charged particles formed
(PhysicsWeb)
Artificial crystals made of colloidal particles have been created that could be used to explore the behaviour of ordinary ionic crystals. The team discovered a number of new crystal structures with the system.
[Mirjam E. Leunissen et al., Nature, 437 235 (2005)]
(9.8.2005)

Courtesy Dennis Hore, University of Oregon
Surfactants: General approach developed for determining molecular orientation at isotropic surfaces
(Eurekalert)
A general method to determine the orientantion of surfactant molecules on an isotropic surface has been developed. These are the first studies to determine the detailed orientation of such molecules at the water surface, using a unique combination of laser-based experiments and computer modeling that involves all atoms.
[J. Phys. Chem. B, 109 (35), 16846 -16851, 2005]
(9.8.2005)

Conservation: Organic bath slows disintegration of old manuscripts
(Nature News)
A new method to slow the disintegration of old manuscripts has been developed. It involves bathing papers in an organic solution doped with alkali compounds and antioxidants. These help to tie up atoms of copper and other metals in the ink that may eat the paper away. It is the first successful treatment that is not water-based.
(9.7.2005)

Nanotubes: Currents in suspended nanotubes measured
(Physics News Update)
The first electrical measurements of currents flowing under high voltage through single-walled carbon nanotubes suspended like miniature power lines have been carried out. It was discovered that in suspended form a micron-scale-long nanotube could carry about 5 micro-amps of current, whereas lying in the plane of a substrate the same tube can carry about 25 micro-amps.
(9.7.2005)

Nanoscience: "Bowtie Nanoantenna" forms 20 nm wide optical spot
(Stanford University)
A "bowtie nanoantenna," a device that can compress ordinary light waves into an intense optical spot only 20 nanometers wide, has been developed. The device consists of two triangular pieces of gold, each about 75 nanometers long, whose tips face each other in the shape of a miniature bowtie.
(9.6.2005)

Filtration: Bacteria packaged to eliminate perchlorate
(Nature News)
Perchlorate, an ingredient of rocket fuel and fireworks, has seeped into many drinking-water sources around the world. A system has now been developed that uses bacteria that feed on hydrogen gas and perchlorate to produce water and chloride, thereby eliminating perchlorate.
(9.6.2005)

Nanoparticles: New mechanism for nanoparticle growth in nanocomposites found
(Georgia Inst. Technology)
A surprising new mechanism by which polymer materials used in nanocomposites control the growth of particles has been discovered. A strong relationship was found between the chemical reactivity of the polymer and the size and shape of resulting nanoparticles.
(9.1.2005)

Nanoparticles: 'Nanospheres' block pain of sensitive teeth
(Eurekalert)
Preliminary research shows that nanospheres of hydroxyapatite could be a long term solution or cure for sensitive teeth. The nanospheres occupy channels in dentine thereby preventing triggering of nerve endings.
(9.1.2005)

August

Nanotubes: Electron-microscopy reveals life and death of nanotube devices
(Nature Physics)
A new report presents a sequence of electron microscope images that follow the evolution and breakdown of a multi-walled carbon nanotube as an electrical current is passed through it. The results also demonstrate how nanotubes conduct electricity through their cross-sectional structure.
[Appl. Phys. Lett. 87 , 083103 doi:10.1063/ 1.2012529 (2005)]
(8.31.2005)

Electronic Disorder: Dopant disorder modifies the superconducting state
(Nature Materials Update)
High-temperature superconductors are commonly doped with oxygen to induce and modify their superconducting behaviour. Researchers have now observed a correlation between the location of the oxygen dopants within the crystal, and the variation in the strength of the superconducting state across the sample.
[Science 309, 1048–1052 (2005)]
(8.31.2005)

Superconductors: Superconductivity demonstrated in bulk graphite intercalation compound, CaC₆
(PhysicsWeb)
Bulk quantities of a graphite intercalation compound superconductor CaC₆ have been made using a new synthesis method. The technique involves heating pyrolytic graphite with a molten lithium-calcium alloy at 350°C under an atmosphere of argon for 10 days.
[App. Phys. Lett. 95, 087003 (2005)]
(8.31.2005)

Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles coating eliminates fogging of windows
(PhysOrg)
A coating consisting of alternating layers of silica nanoparticles and a polymer, polyallylamine hydrochloride, prevents fogging of surfaces by making them super-hydrophilic.
(8.30.2005)

Spectroscopy: Ultrafast 2-D infrared technique probes dynamics of fast chemical exchange
(Chemical & Engineering News)
Chemical-exchange reactions are too fast to study directly via traditional methods. Now, an ultrafast infrared analog of a routine nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiment has been shown to be able to perform measurements of chemical exchange in real time.
(8.29.2005)

Molecular Machines: Molecular motors push liquid droplets uphill
(New Scientist)
Researchers have created light sensitive "nano-shuttles". By controlling UV light hitting the molecules, it was possible to manipulate an oily drop of liquid and push it up an incline of 12°.
(8.29.2005)

Diamond Nanorods: Aggregated diamond nanorods are the densest, least compressible form of carbon
(PhysicsWeb)
A material that is harder than diamond has been created by subjecting carbon-60 molecules to very high pressures. The new form of carbon, known as aggregated diamond nanorods, has a modulus of 491 GPa, compared with 442 GPa for conventional diamond.
[App. Phys. Lett. 87, 083106]
(8.26.2005)

Superconductivity: Magnetic field-induced superconductivity discovered
(PhysicsWeb)
A metal, uranium rhodium germanium (URhGe), that becomes a superconductor in the presence of an extremely strong field above 8 Tesla has been discovered. Strong magnetic fields typically destroy superconducting properties.
[Science, 309, 1343]
(8.26.2005)

Nanofluidic Transistors: Ions feel the field effect
(Physical Review Focus)
A fluid-based transistor has been created by chemically modifying a silicon nanotube. The device can conduct either positively or negatively charged ions dissolved in solution. The voltage on a "gate" electrode controls the rate of ion flow through the water-filled tube.
(8.25.2005)

Biosynthesis: Bacteria are key to 'green' plastics, drugs
(Bio.com)
A genetically modified form of the bacteria E. coli that metabolizes glucose and produces almost pure succinate has been developed. Succinate is a key ingredient of many plastics, drugs, solvents and food additives.
(8.24.2005)

Ice: Room-temperature ice in an electric field demonstrated
(Physics News Update)
Using an STM, room temperature freezing of water has been observed at a much lower field than expected of only 10⁶ V/m.
[Choi et al., Physical Review Letters, 19 August 2005]
(8.24.2005)

Microprinting: New microdisplacement printing technique allows for highly precise placement of molecules
(Penn. State University)
A new microdisplacement printing technique uses a self-assembled-monolayer film to keep stamped molecules in place on the surface during microcontact printing.
(8.23.2005)

Quasicrystals: 3-D quasicrystals used to control light
(Princeton University)
A 3-dimensional model of a quasicrystal made from polymer rods was used to test whether such structures could be useful for controlling the path of light.
(8.23.2005)

Biomimetics: Beetle-inspired adhesive micro-switch developed
(Cornell University)
A micro-switch that uses water droplets for bonding, mimicking a palm-beetle's leaf-clinging technique, has been developed. A water droplet moves to the top or bottom of a flat plate surface based on charging.
(8.23.2005)

Nanotubes: Clear, conductive nanotube sheets produced at high speed
(Nature News)
A new technique now allows for arge, transparent sheets of carbon nanotubes to be produced at very high speeds. Up to ten metres of nanoribbon can be produced every minute.
[Science, 309. 1215 - 1219 (2005)]
(8.19.2005)

Nanotubes: Nanotubes make perfect diodes
(PhysicsWeb)
The best-ever p-n junction diode from a carbon nanotube has been developed. The current-voltage characteristics of the device exhibit an "ideality factor" of one, which is the maximum possible value for any diode.
[Appl. Phys. Lett. 87 073101]
(8.19.2005)

Electronic Skin: Prototype electronic skin for robots developed
(Science Now)
A prototype electronic skin has been created that may one day help robots sense pressure and temperature, helping them to operate independent of human control. The skin is made from a network of sensors formed from conducting, semiconducting and insulating organic films.
(8.19.2005)

Courtesy Purdue Univ.
Molecular Electronics: Theory identifies contact effects in electronic conduction in molecular electronic devices
(Purdue University)
A nanotech simulation tool has been developed that shows how current flows between silicon atoms and individual molecules. The new simulation tool was used to see precisely how electrical conductivity changes depending on how molecules are connected to silicon. This will help researchers design molecular electronic devices.
(8.18.2005)

Hydrogels: Hydrogel releases drug in two steps
(Chemical & Engineering News)
A hydrogel-drug system has been developed that relies on the consecutive action of two trigger mechanisms to release a drug has the potential to target specific sites within the body. The triggers are a stimulus that converts the gel into a solution and an enzyme that cleaves the hydrogelator-drug link.
(8.18.2005)

Photonic Crystals: First 3-D photonic quasicrystals formed; Photonic band-gap structure accelerates electrons
(PhysicsWeb)
Photonic crystals are proving to be a remarkably fertile area of research. Recently, the first three-dimensional photonic quasicrystals were created. Separately, a photonic band-gap structure was used to accelerate electrons.
[Nature 436, 993]
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 074801]
(8.18.2005)

Nanotubes: Carbon nanotubes made to stick like a gecko's foot
(Eurekalert)
A densely packed carpet of carbon nanotubes that functions like an artificial gecko foot--but with 200 times the gecko foot's gripping power has been demonstrated..
(8.16.2005)

Emulsifiers: Natural spore particles are efficient emulsifiers
(Nature Materials Update)
Researcherse report the use of a naturally occurring particle, the spore of the evergreen club moss, Lycopodium clavatum, as an effective emulsifier. It was found that these spores with an average diameter of 31 µm preferentially form oil-in-water emulsions, and are efficient for oils of different polarity.
[Langmuir published online 4 August 2005]
(8.16.2005)

Nanotubes: First carbon nanotube electrical switch unveiled
(Nature News)
The first electrical switch made entirely from carbon nanotubes has been unveiled. The device is a Y-shaped nanotube that behaves like a transistor. Current flowing from one branch to another can be switched on and off by applying a voltage to the third.
[Nature Mater., published online, doi: 10.1038/nmat1450 (2005)]
(8.15.2005)

Photonic Crystals: Photonic crystals used in electron accelerator
(Physics News Update)
Photonic crystals have been used to greatly limit overtones in an accelerator cavity. This represents the first time a photonic crystal structure has acted as an accelerator.
[Smirnova et al., Physical Review Letters, 12 August]
(8.15.2005)

Superconductors: The ups and downs of doping
(PhysicsWeb)
Cuprate materials are normally insulators but become superconductors when dopant atoms are added. However, it has now been found that dopant atoms can also lead to electronic disorder that damages the superconducting properties of the cuprates.
[Science, 309, 1048]
(8.12.2005)

Gold Alloys: New amorphous gold alloy could replace existing crystalline ones
(PhysicsWeb)
A new 18-carat amorphous gold alloy has been developed that is alloyed with copper and silicon, with smaller amounts of silver and palladium. It allows for easy formability at low temperatures in the supercooled liquid region and has a hardness twice that of conventional 18-carat gold alloys.
[Appl. Phys. Lett., 87 061912]
(8.12.2005)

Martensitic Steels: Nanoparticle-strengthened martensitic steels developed
(Science - Editor's Choice)
A new high temperature rolling method was used to form nanoparticles of Metal-X (X=Nb or V) in commercial martensitic steels and thereby increased yield stresses of the steels at higher temperatures.
[Scripta Materialia, Volume 53, Issue 3 , August 2005, Pages 275]
(8.12.2005)

Porous Materials: Tracking fluid flow inside a porous material
(Physics News Update)
A new MRI technique has been developed that can be used to remotely see how a gas flows through a porous rock, an experimental tool with various possible applications. The developers used used not one radio coil but two, separated in space.
(8.10.2005)

Lasers: Low-power photochemistry converts green laser light to blue
(Chemical & Engineering News)
Chemists have been able to "upconvert" green laser light photochemically, using a solution of two simple compounds, to higher energy blue light. The green laser light excites a well-known ruthenium bipyridine complex to the triplet state, and the triplet efficiently transfers its energy to 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA), forming a long-lived, excited triplet DPA. When two triplet DPAs encounter each other through diffusion, energy transfer occurs, leading to a higher energy singlet DPA, which fluoresces blue.
[Chem. Commun. 2005, 3776]
(8.10.2005)

Courtesy Univ. Pennsylvania
Nanotubes: Purity pays off for nanotubes
(PhysicsWeb)
A new method has been developed for making electronic circuits with carbon nanotubes. The technique involved purifying a solution of nanotubes, and then dipping semiconductor chips in the solution, rather than the conventional method of growing the nanotubes directly onto the chips. The resulting devices are much better than those produced by other approaches.
[Nature Materials, 4 589]
(8.4.2005)

Courtesy Univ. California, Santa Barbara
Nanotubes: 'Smart' Bio-nanotubes Developed
(Univ. California, Santa Barbara)
"Smart" bio-nanotubes have been developed with open or closed ends that could be developed for drug or gene delivery applications. They could be designed to encapsulate and then open up to deliver a drug or gene in a particular location in the body by manipulating the electrical charges of lipid bilayer membranes and microtubules from cells.
(8.4.2005)

Orbitronics: Orbitronics based on angular momentum could replace conventional electronics
(Stanford University)
Orbitronics, based on orbital current, consists of a flow of electrons with angular momenta aligned in an orbitronic circuit. With orbitronics, silicon would still be able to provide a useful current with no losses to heat at room temperature.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 066601 (2005)]
(8.2.2005)

Quantum Dots: 'Smart' nanoprobes light up disease
(Rice University)
Emissive quantum dots that give off light in the near-infrared (NIR), a rare portion of the spectrum that has no background component in biomedical imaging, were modified to glow in the presence of enzymatic activity associated with a particular disease process.
(8.2.2005)

Nanotubes: Nanotech-laser treatment kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue
(Bio.com)
A carbon nanotubes-based laser therapy that destroys cancer cells but leaves healthy ones unharmed has been developed. When nanotubes were placed inside cells and radiated by a near-infrared laser beam, the cells were quickly destroyed by the heat. However, cells without nanotubes showed no effects when placed under near-infrared light.
(8.2.2005)

Spintronics: New spintronic speed record demonstrated in MRAM cell
(Physics News Update)
The fastest-yet magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell, one that switches at a rate of 2 GHz, as good as or better than the fastest non-magnetic semiconductor memories has been developed.
[H. W. Schumacher, Appl. Phys. Lett. 87, 042504 (2005)]
(8.2.2005)

Nanoscience: Light-activated membrane-bound nanovalve created
(Chemical & Engineering News)
Researchers have created a membrane-bound nanovalve by modifying a channel protein that can be opened and closed with light.
(8.1.2005)

July

Nanotubes: Nanotube-polymer composite is an efficient heat-sink material
(Nature Materials Update)
Heat dissipation is a critical issue in microelectronics. A composite material made from carbon nanotubes embedded in a polymer matrix can act as an efficient heat-sink material.
[Adv. Mater. 17, 1652–1656 (2005)]
(7.29.2005)

Surfaces: Surfaces shown to have inherent "fingerprints"
(PhysicsWeb)
Microscopic imperfections on the surfaces of paper documents, plastic cards etc. have been shown to be unique and can be used for identification purposes. The imperfections can be gauged by a portable laser scanner.
(7.29.2005)

Microfluidics: New technique forms microfluidic channels in silica glass
(Science - Editor's Choice)
Silica glass is often the best material for microfluidics devices. It has now been shown that by using low-energy laser pulses, and by immersing the glass in a liquid, small channels in three dimensions can be fabricated.
[Anal. Chem. 10.1021/ac0505167 (2005)]
(7.29.2005)

Nanotubes: Better understanding of sorting carbon nanotubes
(Eurekalert)
An important step towards the understanding of sorting of carbon nanotubes suspended in viscous fluids is reported. Shorter carbon nanotubes flow toward the walls of mixing equipment, while the longer tubes tend to congregate in the interior.
(7.27.2005)

Polymers: Water-soluble conducting polymer is an efficient temperature sensor
(Chemical & Engineering News)
A polymer brush material consisting of water-soluble and temperature-responsive polyacrylamide bristles grafted onto an electrically conducting polythiophene backbone has been developed. Unique optical and electronic properties result from combining the two polymers.
[Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 2005, 44, 4872]
(7.27.2005)

Fluid Transport: Electric fields move water droplets
(PhysicsWeb)
It has been shown that electric fields can be used to move water droplets around a solid surface. This could lead to new ways to perform chemistry experiments much faster than is possible at present
(7.27.2005)

Biological Materials: Glue-like biopolymer gives strength to bones
(Chemical & Engineering News)
The secret to healthy, fracture-resistant bones may lie within tiny bits of a shock- absorbing biopolymeric "glue" recently discovered. When bone is put under stress, weak bonds in this biopolymer glue break, and the material stretches out. The stretching absorbs energy and lessens the overall impact on the bone.
[Nat. Mater., published online July 17, dx.doi.org/10.1038/nmat1428]
(7.25.2005)

Fracture: Why Does Spaghetti Break into More than Two Pieces?
(Eurekalert)
When dry spaghetti snaps, it usually breaks into several fragments, not just two equal pieces. Now researchers have been able to come up with an explaination for this phenomenon.
(7.25.2005)

Porous Materials: Quick change for super sponge
(Nature News)
A new porous material is made from a matrix of methyltriethoxysilane with the inside and outside surfaces covered with a rough layer of hydrophobic methyl group. When heated above a critical temperature, the material almost instantaneously becomes hydrophilic.
[Chemical Communications, 2005, (25), 3135 - 3137]
(7.22.2005)

Micromechanical Cleavage: 2-D crystal slices obtained by cleaving layered crystals
(Nature Materials Update)
A new technique can be used to obtain atomically thin sheets of virtually any layered material. Researchers were able to successfully isolate 2-Dl crystallites of boron nitride, several dichalcogenides as well as complex oxides.
[Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 10.1073 /pnas.200502848102 ]
(7.22.2005)

© Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
Hydrogen Storage: Graphite proposed for hydrogen storage
(PhysicsWeb)
A new technique for storing hydrogen has been proposed which involves storing the gas between layers of graphite. According to calculations, thin layers of graphite or graphene spaced between 6 and 7 Angstroms apart can store hydrogen at room temperature and moderate pressures of just 10 MPa.
(7.20.2005)

Porous Materials: Hybrid copper-organic microporous material captures reactive gas selectively
(Chemical & Engineering News)
A newly synthesized hybrid copper-organic microporous material stores acetylene in preference to its close molecular cousin carbon dioxide at room temperature and pressure. The material permits acetylene to be stored safely at a density 200 times the safe compression limit of free acetylene at room temperature
[Nature 2005, 436, 238]
(7.18.2005)

Ultrafast Diffraction: Fast diffraction method probes short-lived intermediates in solution
(Chemical & Engineering News)
An ultrafast diffraction method has been successfully used to elucidate structures of transient species present in reactions of haloalkanes. Direct experimental evidence for CH₂ICH₂·, a solution-phase bridged radical species formed during dissociation of 1,2-diiodoethane, was obtained.
[Science, published online July 14, dx.doi.org/10.1126/ science1114782]
(7.18.2005)

Credit: Q. Wang, U. Griesmann/NIST
Thickness Measurements: New infrared tool measures silicon wafer thickness
(Eurekalert)
A new instrument that accurately measures differences in thickness across a 300 mm wafer with an excellent repeatability of 5 nm has been developed. The researchers hope that the tool, with further refinements, will allow them to establish a new calibration service for "master wafers" used in the industry to measure wafer thickness.
(7.15.2005)

Foams: Silica nanoparticles stabilize foam
(Science - Editor's Choice)
A different approach to the stabilization of foams has been reported by showing that silica nanoparticles can serve as a stabilizer.
[Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 44, 3722 (2005)]
(7.15.2005)

Nanowires: Superconducting nanowire devices could run and run
(NanoTechWeb)
Semiconductor indium arsenide nanowires were combined with superconducting contacts to make superconducting transistors. At temperatures below 1 K, the contacts induced superconductivity in the nanowires through the proximity effect.
(7.14.2005)

Nanotubes: Nanotubes deposited with structural and positional control
(Nature Materials Update)
A new method allows for the deposition of selected nanotubes onto silicon, or other substrates such as glass, with micrometre-scale accuracy. In principle, this method allows for positioning within a few tens of nanometres. They are able to characterize the structure and properties of any given nanotube before placing it on the surface.
(7.14.2005)

Electron Spin: Spin separates from charge to independently progress in a wire
(Eurekalert)
A team of scientists has demonstrated conclusively that, in very specific circumstances, spin can become separated from charge and progress independently down a wire.
(7.12.2005)

Nanotubes: Oxygen on carbon nanotubes enhances interaction with ammonia
(Eurekalert)
Single-walled carbon nanotubes, which could play an important role in developing sensors against chemical threats, have enhanced interaction with ammonia because of the presence of oxygen groups on the nanotubes, as shown in a new study.
(7.12.2005)

Metal Complexes: Metal complexes take a walk
(Eurekalert)
Scientist have been able to observe platinum-based complexes "walking" a path to their destinations prior to chemical reactions with organic molecules. NMR was used to track the paths of the complexes.
(7.12.2005)

Nanotechnology: Nanobridges create contact
(NanoTechWeb)
Researchers have been able to form nanobridges of nickel silicide across trenches in a silicon wafer by a process of self-assembly. This technique could ultimately be used to create contacts for nanoelectronic devices.
(7.11.2005)

Artificial Muscles: Molecules flex their muscles
(Nature Materials Update)
A molecule that produces back-and-forth flexing of a microscopic tongue of silicon has been devised. These molecular muscles take their inspiration from the molecular-scale mechanism of real muscle tissue, involving the sliding of tethered molecular units over one another.
[Liu Y. et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. advance online publication 15 June 2005]
(7.11.2005)

Nanotubes: Nanotubes inspire new technique for healing bone
(Eurekalert)
Carbon nanotubes have been shown to be an ideal scaffold for the growth of bone tissue. Nanotubes can mimic the role of collagen as the scaffold for growth of hydroxyapatite in bone.
(7.8.2005)

Nanocrystals: Doping mechanism in semiconductor nanocrystals clearer
(Eurekalert)
A new understanding of how dopants can be intentionally incorporated into semiconductor nanocrystals has been reported. Incorporation of dopants into nanocrystals that were previously believed to be undopable was demonstrated.
(7.8.2005)

Biological Materials: Marine sponge yields structural heirarchy (Science)
Biological Materials: Sea sponge overcomes inherent weakness with clever construction (Chemical & Engineering News)
A new study has demonstrated the high level of hierarchical organization in the skeleton of the deepwater sponge Euplectella. It shows seven identified hierarchical levels, and the design overcomes the brittleness of its constituent material, glass, and shows outstanding mechanical rigidity and stability.
(7.8.2005)

Nanowires: Nanowire device with intentionally broken symmetry created
(NanoTechWeb)
A nanowire device that can detect microwave radiation up to 110 GHz at room temperature has been developed. The devices could have applications in detecting terahertz radiation and in organic electronics.
(7.6.2005)

Nanowires: Molecules and nanomaterials could be studied within nanogaps
(Chemical & Engineering News)
A versatile new lithographic procedure that carves tiny gaps into nanowires may help advance the field of nanoelectronics. These precisely notched nanowires offer researchers a relatively inexpensive tool for studying the electronic properties of nanomaterials. The new techique offers a fast and controllable way to make gold electrodes having gaps that are as narrow as 5 nm.
(7.6.2005)

Comets: Crash exposes comet's inner secrets
(PhysicsWeb)
NASA’s "Deep Impact" probe successfully crashed into comet Tempel 1. This is the first time that a comet has ever been penetrated to study the interior of a comet in more detail than ever before.
(7.5.2005)

Solitons: Soliton transistor demonstrated
(Physics News Update)
A transistor based on a Josephson junction architecture, and involving not the gated flow of electrons or holes but the controllable flow of solitons (tiny magnetic vortices), has been built and tested
(7.5.2005)

Melting: How do solids melt?
(PhysicsWeb)
New work has shown that melting in a crystal begins at defects before spreading to the entire crystal. Researchers used large temperature-sensitive colloidal spheres, which measure almost one micron across, to represent the atoms in a crystal for this experiment.
(7.1.2005)

Phase Change Materials: Phase-change materials for non-volatile memories
(IEEE Spectrum)
The most likely candidate to succeed flash memories is a technology based on phase-change materials. In particular, antimony-tellurium materials appear to be very promising as phase-change materials for memory applications.
(7.1.2005)