http://www.materialstoday.com/ Copyright Elsevier Ltd Intuitiv Ltd (www.intuitiv.net) Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:11:54 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/ http://www.materialstoday.com/_common/img/template/materials-today/site-logo.gif http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22960/memory-materials-a-unifying-description-review-article/ There are so many materials properties leading to memory that a unifying description seems impossible. However, it is easy to show that the majority of two-terminal electronic devices based on memory materials and systems behave simply as, or as a combination of, memristors, memcapacitors, and meminductors. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:33:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22960/memory-materials-a-unifying-description-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22959/organic-ferroelectric-optoelectronic-memories-review-article/ Organic non-volatile memory devices based on ferroelectricity are a promising approach towards the development of a low-cost memory technology based on a simple cross-bar array. In this review article we discuss the latest developments in this area with a focus on the most promising opto-electronic device concept. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22959/organic-ferroelectric-optoelectronic-memories-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22958/phase-change-materials-in-nonvolatile-storage-review-article/ This paper reviews the key physical properties that make this phase so special, the quantitative framework of cell performance, and the future perspectives of phase-change memory devices at the deep nanoscale. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:27:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22958/phase-change-materials-in-nonvolatile-storage-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22956/developments-in-nanocrystal-memory-review-article/ This paper reviews the current status of research in nanocrystal memory and focuses on its materials, fabrication, structures, and treatment methods to provide an in-depth perspective of state-of-the-art nanocrystal memory. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:25:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22956/developments-in-nanocrystal-memory-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22955/antibody-sensed-protein-surface-conformation-current-research-article/ An antibody-modified atomic force microscope tip was used to detect conformational changes of fibronectin deposited on a poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(acrylic acid) block copolymer compared to PMMA and a random poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(acrylic acid) copolymer with an identical chemical composition. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:20:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22955/antibody-sensed-protein-surface-conformation-current-research-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22213/what-will-fuel-transport-systems-of-the-future-review-article/ This paper seeks to decry the notion of a single solution or “silver bullet” to replace petroleum products with renewable transport fuel. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:52:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22213/what-will-fuel-transport-systems-of-the-future-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22212/lead-telluride-alloy-thermoelectrics-review-article/ The opportunity to use solid-state thermoelectrics for waste heat recovery has reinvigorated the field of thermoelectrics in tackling the challenges of energy sustainability. While thermoelectric generators have decades of proven reliability in space, from the 1960s to the present, terrestrial uses have so far been limited to niche applications on Earth because of a relatively low material efficiency. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:49:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22212/lead-telluride-alloy-thermoelectrics-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22211/rational-sofc-material-design-new-advances-and-tools-review-article/ Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer great prospects for the most efficient and cost-effective utilization of a wide variety of fuels. However, their commercialization hinges on the rational design of low cost materials with exceptional functionalities. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22211/rational-sofc-material-design-new-advances-and-tools-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22210/liion-dynamics-and-reactivity-on-the-nanoscale-review-article/ A review of the principles of electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM), and its application to the study of several Li-ion cathode and anode materials. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:41:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22210/liion-dynamics-and-reactivity-on-the-nanoscale-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22209/scientific-coopertition-can-it-scale-and-work-feature-comment/ In materials science, collaborations tend to be limited to the cooperation of several small research groups. Meanwhile, in the world of particle physics, it's an entirely different story. Markus Nordberg and Fabiola Gianotti from the LHC's ATLAS experiment, discuss the rewards and difficulties of large scale collaboration. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:32:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/22209/scientific-coopertition-can-it-scale-and-work-feature-comment/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21253/polymerfullerene-bulk-heterojunction-solar-cells-review-article/ The efficiency of solar cells made from a conjugated polymer blended with a fullerene derivative has risen from around 1 % to over 9 % in the last ten years, making organic photovoltaic technology a viable contender for commercialization. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21253/polymerfullerene-bulk-heterojunction-solar-cells-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21252/feeling-blue-blue-phosphors-for-oleds-review-article/ Research on organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) has been revitalized, partly due to the debut of the OLED TV by SONY in 2008. While there is still plenty of room for improvement in efficiency, cost-effectiveness and longevity, it is timely to report on the advances of light emitting materials, the core of OLEDs, and their future perspectives. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21252/feeling-blue-blue-phosphors-for-oleds-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21251/photomobile-polymer-materials-from-nano-to-macro-review-article/ A new class of polymer materials has been developed that can convert light energy directly into mechanical work, and show a variety of three-dimensional movements simply from exposure to light. These polymer materials can be fabricated into any shape and size using photolithographic methods and it is expected they will be developed for various applications. In this paper recent progress of this interesting class of polymer material is reviewed. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21251/photomobile-polymer-materials-from-nano-to-macro-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21250/the-emergence-of-memory-in-liquid-crystals-review-article/ It has been recently shown that hybrid materials formed by nematic liquid crystals incorporated in complex micro-structured porous matrices are often capable of indefinitely retaining the alignment direction imposed by an electric field. This review examines this new class of material. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:26:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21250/the-emergence-of-memory-in-liquid-crystals-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21249/carbon-nanofillers-for-machining-insulating-ceramics-current-research-article/ For the first time, a silicon nitride/carbon nanotubes microgear is electrically discharge machined with a remarkably high material removal rate, low surface roughness, and low tool wear. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:22:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/21249/carbon-nanofillers-for-machining-insulating-ceramics-current-research-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20256/coming-attractions-for-semiconductor-quantum-dots-review-article/ Applications of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have recently begun to move from the laboratory into the commercial sector. This article provides a brief description of QDs and their associated optical properties, highlighting the concept that QD size is now a parameter used to tune photophysical properties. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20256/coming-attractions-for-semiconductor-quantum-dots-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20255/quantum-dots-promises-and-accomplishments-review-article-/ Exploration of the Stranski-Krastanow growth of strained semiconductor heterostructures marked the major breakthrough for easy fabrication of defect-free quantum dots (QDs). For the first time, single QDs are facilitating the development of electrically operated emitters of single polarized or entangled photons on demand: an essential component for quantum communication systems. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:44:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20255/quantum-dots-promises-and-accomplishments-review-article-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20254/humanfriendly-organic-integrated-circuits-review-article/ Many electronic systems such as flat-panel displays, optical detectors, and sensor arrays would benefit greatly from mechanical flexibility. Ultraflexible and foldable electronics demonstrate ultimate flexibility, and are highly portable. A major obstacle toward the development of foldable electronics is the fundamental compromise between operation voltage, transistor performance, and mechanical flexibility. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20254/humanfriendly-organic-integrated-circuits-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20253/group-iiinitride-lasers-a-materials-perspective-review-article/ An overview of III-Nitride based laser diodes (LDs) is presented focusing on the materials challenges in each phase of device development. We discuss early breakthroughs leading to the first commercial GaN LDs, covering crystal growth, p-type doping, and defect reduction. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20253/group-iiinitride-lasers-a-materials-perspective-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20252/making-environmental-sensors-on-plastic-foil-review-article/ With the emergence of the printed electronics industry, the development of sensing technologies on non conventional substrates such as plastic foils is on-going. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:34:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20252/making-environmental-sensors-on-plastic-foil-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20251/carbon-based-materials-for-electronic-biosensing-review-article/ Bio-sensing represents one of the most attractive applications of carbon material based electronic devices; nevertheless, the complete integration of bioactive transducing elements still represents a major challenge, particularly in terms of preserving biological function and specificity while maintaining the sensor's electronic performance. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20251/carbon-based-materials-for-electronic-biosensing-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20250/evaluation-of-cnt-toxicity-by-comparison-to-tattoo-ink-current-research-article/ The absence of an optimal nano-sized reference material has been the biggest obstacle in evaluating the safety of carbon nanotubes as biomaterials. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/20250/evaluation-of-cnt-toxicity-by-comparison-to-tattoo-ink-current-research-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19290/graphene-in-biosensing-review-article/ Biosensing is paramount for improving the quality of human life. Biosensors and biosensing protocols are able to detect a wide range of compounds, sensitively and selectively, with applications in security, health care for point-of-care analyses of diseases, and environmental safety. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:32:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19290/graphene-in-biosensing-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19288/carbon-materials-for-drug-delivery-cancer-therapy-review-article/ Carbon nanotubes and graphene are both low-dimensional sp2 carbon nanomaterials exhibiting many unique physical and chemical properties that are interesting in a wide range of areas including nanomedicine. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19288/carbon-materials-for-drug-delivery-cancer-therapy-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19287/hydrogen-storage-in-nanotubes-nanostructures-review-article/ Over the last several years, a significant share of the scientific community has focused its attention on the hydrogen storage problem. Since 1997, when carbon nanotubes appeared to be a promising storage material, many theoretical and experimental groups have investigated the hydrogen storage capacity of these carbon nanostructures. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:26:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19287/hydrogen-storage-in-nanotubes-nanostructures-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19286/magnetite-nanoparticles-for-medical-mr-imaging-review-article/ Nanotechnology has given scientists new tools for the development of advanced materials for the detection and diagnosis of disease. In particular, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been extensively investigated as novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents due to a combination of favorable superparamagnetic properties, biodegradability, and surface properties. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:22:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19286/magnetite-nanoparticles-for-medical-mr-imaging-review-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19284/liquid-sensing-smart-polymercnt-composites-application-article/ Today polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites can be found in sports equipment, cars, and electronic devices. The growth of old and new markets in this area has been stimulated by our increased understanding of relevant production and processing methods, as well as the considerable price reduction of industrial CNT grades. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:11:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19284/liquid-sensing-smart-polymercnt-composites-application-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19282/nanoparticle-deacidification-of-the-mary-rose-current-research-article/ The preservation of waterlogged archaeological wooden finds, such as Henry VIII's flagship the Mary Rose, is complicated by the biological, chemical, and mechanical changes induced from prolonged exposure to a marine environment. Of particular concern are sulfur species that form acidic compounds that attack wood. Here we show that different sulfur compounds do not form acids at the same rate or pathway and propose a preservation strategy of applying SrCO3 nanoparticles. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19282/nanoparticle-deacidification-of-the-mary-rose-current-research-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19283/molybdenum-oxide-nanowires-synthesis-properties-current-research-article/ Molybdenum oxide nanowires have been found to show promise in a diverse range of applications, ranging from electronics to energy storage and micromechanics. This review focuses on recent research on molybdenum oxide nanowires: from synthesis and device assembly to fundamental properties. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19283/molybdenum-oxide-nanowires-synthesis-properties-current-research-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19280/protein-hot-spots-at-bionano-interfaces-methods-materials-article/ We examine several systems where protein hot spots, the active domains on proteins and the interactive dynamics in them, play a critical role in the interactions at the interface of these unique systems. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:42:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/19280/protein-hot-spots-at-bionano-interfaces-methods-materials-article/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18710/neutron-imaging-in-materials-science/ Neutron imaging is a non-destructive technique that can reveal the interior of many materials and engineering components and also probe magnetic fields. Within the past few years, several new imaging modes have been introduced that extend the scope of neutron imaging beyond conventional neutron attenuation imaging, yielding both 2- and 3D information about properties and phenomena inaccessible until now. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18710/neutron-imaging-in-materials-science/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18708/atomic-magnetometers-for-materials-characterization/ Sensitive magnetometry has been established as a powerful technique for the characterization and testing of materials, with the most demanding applications relying on SQUID magnetometers operating at cryogenic temperatures. The recent development of compact, non-cryogenic atomic magnetometers with sub-femtotesla sensitivity and easy sample access has opened up a number of new possibilities. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18708/atomic-magnetometers-for-materials-characterization/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18706/labelfree-imaging-through-nonlinear-optical-signals/ Strong intrinsic nonlinear optical (NLO) signals not only make nanostructures promising agents for bio-imaging, but also advance NLO microscopy for the study of interactions between nanomaterials and live cells. Single beam modalities such as multiphoton luminescence, second harmonic generation, and third harmonic generation provide a simple way to probe many types of nanostructures. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:32:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18706/labelfree-imaging-through-nonlinear-optical-signals/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18704/rapid-analysis-of-energetic-and-geomaterials-using-libs/ The laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique has been used to analyze a diverse array of materials for several decades. LIBS is ideal for rapid materials analysis since data can be collected in real time with no sample preparation. The coupling of LIBS with multivariate analysis has increased in recent years and allows for rapid processing of spectral information for qualitative or quantitative analysis. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18704/rapid-analysis-of-energetic-and-geomaterials-using-libs/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18703/the-role-of-palladium-in-a-hydrogen-economy/ We are facing accelerated global warming due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases. A hydrogen-based economy is one potential approach toward maintaining our standard of living while lowering carbon dioxide emissions. Palladium is a unique material with a strong affinity to hydrogen owing to both its catalytic and hydrogen absorbing properties. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:26:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18703/the-role-of-palladium-in-a-hydrogen-economy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18702/triboluminescent-materials-for-smart-sensors/ Have you ever wondered what that glowing light is coming from someone's mouth when they chew a real Wint-O-Green® Lifesaver in a darkened room? In 1888, the source of this light was determined to be produced by the breaking of crystals and given the name triboluminescence (TL). Over a century later, the scientific world is aware that many materials emit triboluminescent light. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/18702/triboluminescent-materials-for-smart-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17999/drosophila-a-versatile-model-in-biology-medicine-/ The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a versatile model organism that has been used in biomedical research for over a century to study a broad range of phenomena. There are many technical advantages of using Drosophila over vertebrate models; they are easy and inexpensive to culture in laboratory conditions, have a much shorter life cycle, they produce large numbers of externally laid embryos and they can be genetically modified in numerous ways. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17999/drosophila-a-versatile-model-in-biology-medicine-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17998/strategies-for-lung-regeneration-/ Due to the limited ability of the adult lung to regenerate and the frequency of lung disease, the lung is a tissue that can especially benefit from regenerative medicine. Prospects for lung regeneration have made great strides in the past year. In this review, we summarize recent progress and key challenges for approaches in lung regenerative medicine. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17998/strategies-for-lung-regeneration-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17997/biojets-in-regenerative-biology-medicine/ There are several approaches for forming three-dimensional tissues or organs, however in keeping with the demand for living microenvironments, advanced jet-based sciences have demonstrated the least number of steps (pre- and post-processing) required for directly forming multi-cellular three-dimensional, fully functional constructs. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:25:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17997/biojets-in-regenerative-biology-medicine/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17996/a-breath-of-fresh-air-for-tissue-engineering/ Regenerative medicine holds enormous promise for the repair or replacement of organ systems where there are no treatments available other than conventional organ transplantation. For the millions of patients worldwide who are living with end stage lung disease, there is a huge discrepancy between the small quantity of donor lungs available, and the number of patients who are desperately waiting for a transplant. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:21:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17996/a-breath-of-fresh-air-for-tissue-engineering/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17995/tissue-engineering-by-selfassembly/ A long-standing limitation in tissue engineering has been the dogmatic reliance on synthetic scaffolds for building tissues with significant mechanical functions despite their deleterious effects (inflammation, scarring, infection, etc.). Tissue engineering by self-assembly (TESA) is a novel approach that relies on the cell's ability to produce natural extracellular matrix. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17995/tissue-engineering-by-selfassembly/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17994/self-crimped-and-aligned-fibers-/ Electrospinning is one of the most successful means of producing nanofibers with enormous application potential. New methods of producing nanofibers without high voltages are presently being explored by researchers around the globe. In the present work, a facile method of producing aligned and crimped fibers with polycaprolactone by rotating the needle assembly is described. Mon, 16 May 2011 15:12:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17994/self-crimped-and-aligned-fibers-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17234/precious-metal-magic-catalytic-wizardry/ Magic: “Influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces.” Precious metals are alluring and magical because of their inactivity toward chemical reactions; they are extremely stable and hence are also termed “noble metals.” During the industrial revolution mankind realized that noble metals have the power to influence the course of chemical events – through catalysis. A catalyst is defined as a substance that facilitates a chemical transformation without itself being consumed in the process; this power has a mysterious, almost magic-wand character. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:38:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17234/precious-metal-magic-catalytic-wizardry/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17232/biocatalytic-reactions-selected-highlights/ Biocatalytic reactions have been identified as an outstanding option for various applications in material chemistry such as modifying surfaces under mild conditions, preparing polymers, controlling self-assembly systems and manufacturing (chiral) monomers. Mostly driven by research for producing bioactive compounds, ‘novel’ biocatalytic reactions have recently become mature enough to be exploited. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:33:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17232/biocatalytic-reactions-selected-highlights/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17231/medical-applications-of-diamond-particles-surfaces/ Diamond has been considered for use in several medical applications due to its unique mechanical, chemical, optical, and biological properties. In this paper, methods for preparing synthetic diamond surfaces and particles are described. In addition, recent developments involving the use of diamond in prostheses, sensing, imaging, and drug delivery applications are reviewed. These developments suggest that diamond-containing structures will provide significant improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions over the coming years. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17231/medical-applications-of-diamond-particles-surfaces/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17230/diazo-transfer-for-azidofunctional-surfaces-/ Preparation of azido-functionalized polymers is gaining increasing attention. We wish to report an innovative, novel strategy for azido functionalization of polymeric materials, coupling plasma technology and solution processed diazo transfer reactions. This novel approach allows the azido group to be introduced downstream of the material preparation, thus preserving its physicochemical and mechanical characteristics, which can be tailored a priori according to the desired application. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:25:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17230/diazo-transfer-for-azidofunctional-surfaces-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17227/count-size-and-visualize-nanoparticles/ Nanoscale materials including nanotubes, nanowires, ceramics, quantum dots etc. can be produced from a huge variety of substances. Responsible development of new materials requires that risks to health and the environment associated with the development, production, use and disposal of these materials are fully addressed. Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:15:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/17227/count-size-and-visualize-nanoparticles/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16506/artful-interfaces-within-biological-materials/ Biological materials have a wide range of mechanical properties matching their biological function. This is achieved via complex structural hierarchies, spanning many length scales, arising from the assembly of different sized building blocks during growth. The interfaces between these building blocks can increase resistance to fracture, join materials of different character, make them deform more easily and provide motility. While they represent only a tiny fraction of the overall volume, interfaces are essential for the integrity and function of the overall tissue. Understanding their construction principles, often based on specialized molecular assemblies, may change our current thinking about composite materials. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:53:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16506/artful-interfaces-within-biological-materials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16505/decoding-the-secrets-of-spider-silk-/ Spider silks have been employed by man for several thousands of years. Spider silks possess extraordinary mechanical properties due to a combination of strength and extensibility that are superior to most man-made fibers. Spider silk fibers are a protein-based material produced in a highly sophisticated hierarchical process under mild conditions. Here, we review the current understanding of spider silk and its assembly process, as well as discuss the application of silk-based materials to the fields of biomedicine and materials engineering. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16505/decoding-the-secrets-of-spider-silk-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16504/biomaterials-scaffolds-for-tissue-engineering/ Every day thousands of surgical procedures are performed to replace or repair tissue that has been damaged through disease or trauma. The developing field of tissue engineering (TE) aims to regenerate damaged tissues by combining cells from the body with highly porous scaffold biomaterials, which act as templates for tissue regeneration, to guide the growth of new tissue. This article describes the functional requirements, and types, of materials used in developing state of the art of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16504/biomaterials-scaffolds-for-tissue-engineering/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16501/characterizing-the-elastic-properties-of-tissues-/ The quality of life of ageing populations is increasingly determined by age-related changes to the mechanical properties of numerous biological tissues. This review focuses on the cardiovascular system; it discusses the techniques used both in vivo and ex vivo to determine the age-related changes in the mechanical properties of arteries. Thu, 10 Mar 2011 09:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16501/characterizing-the-elastic-properties-of-tissues-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16419/polycondensationtype-ge-nanofractal-assembly/ The group IV semiconductors such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) are unique materials with a wide range of technological applications. A versatile integrated device for the semiconductor industry is highly desirable for advanced applications. Herein, non-integer dimensional Ge nanostructures, referred to as nanofractals, were successfully assembled by high-vacuum thermal evaporation techniques. Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:45:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16419/polycondensationtype-ge-nanofractal-assembly/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16136/thermoplastic-blow-molding-of-metals-/ While plastics have revolutionized industrial design due to their versatile processability, their relatively low strength has hampered their use in structural components. On the other hand, while metals are the basis for strong structural components, the geometries into which they can be processed are rather limited. Here we show that bulk metallic glasses, which have superior mechanical properties, can be blow molded like plastics. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16136/thermoplastic-blow-molding-of-metals-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16133/silsesquioxanes-in-nanoscale-patterning-applications/ Silsesquioxanes are inorganic-organic hybrid materials that combine the mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability of ceramics with the solution processing and flexibility of traditional soft materials. In this review we discuss how these attributes naturally lend themselves to a diverse range of nanoscale patterning applications. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:18:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16133/silsesquioxanes-in-nanoscale-patterning-applications/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16132/flipping-photons-backward-reversed-cherenkov-radiation/ Charged particles moving faster than light in a medium produce Cherenkov radiation. In traditional, positive index-of-refraction materials this radiation travels forward. Metamaterials, with negative indices of refraction, flip the radiation backward. Here we review recent advances in reversed Cherenkov radiation research, including the first demonstration of backward emission. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16132/flipping-photons-backward-reversed-cherenkov-radiation/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16117/tshaped-sno2-nanowire-current-splitter/ The detailed electrical transport characteristics of an SnO2 nanomaterial with three-branch junction morphology, termed the nanowire T-junction. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:45:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/16117/tshaped-sno2-nanowire-current-splitter/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14318/molten-fluorides-for-nuclear-applications/ Analysis of several field cases reveals that corrosion in molten fluorides is essentially due to the oxidation of metals by uranium fluoride and/or oxidizing impurities. The thermodynamics of this process are discussed with an emphasis on understanding the mass transfer in the systems, selecting appropriate metallic materials and designing effective purification methods. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:59:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14318/molten-fluorides-for-nuclear-applications/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14314/medical-prototyping-using-two-photon-polymerization/ Two photon polymerization has been used in recent years to create a variety of nanostructured and microstructured three-dimensional medical devices, including artificial tissues, microfluidic devices, and microneedles for transdermal drug delivery. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:19:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14314/medical-prototyping-using-two-photon-polymerization/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14313/digital-image-correlation/ Strain and displacement are critical parameters within engineering and construction projects. However, measuring these parameters outside of the lab requires a difficult choice between conventional techniques, as accuracy, simplicity and cost must all be balanced. Digital Imaging Correlation is a technique which may prove to be ideally suited for the study of crack propagation and material deformation in real-world applications. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:12:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14313/digital-image-correlation/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14312/the-high-burnup-structure-in-nuclear-fuel/ In today's light water reactors, starting approx. 4 years of operation cylindrical UO2 fuel pellets undergo a structural transformation at thier outermost radial regions. This poses the fascinating scientific challenge of fully understanding the microstructural mechanisms responsible for the formation of this new structure. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14312/the-high-burnup-structure-in-nuclear-fuel/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14310/materials-challenges-for-nuclear-systems/ The safe and economical operation of any nuclear power system relies to a great extent, on the success of the fuel and the materials of construction. The creation of the Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility is allowing researchers to test their ideas for improved fuels and materials. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:50:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14310/materials-challenges-for-nuclear-systems/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14308/open-sesame/ A synchrotron under construction in the Middle East brings hope for both science and peace. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:42:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/14308/open-sesame/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13737/nanoscale-infrared-spectroscopy/ It is only recently that is has been possible to perform chemical characterization measurements with infrared spectroscopy on the nanoscale. The enabling technique is known as nanoIR™. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:34:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13737/nanoscale-infrared-spectroscopy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13736/reassessing-the-melting-temperature-of-puo2/ A novel experimental approach is presented here to the assessment of the PuO2 melting behaviour. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13736/reassessing-the-melting-temperature-of-puo2/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13735/electrical-nanogap-devices-for-biosensing/ For detecting substances that are invisible to the human eye or nose, and particularly those biomolecules, the devices must have very small feature sizes, be compact and provide a sufficient level of sensitivity, often to a small number of biomolecules that are just a few nanometres in size. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:22:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13735/electrical-nanogap-devices-for-biosensing/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13733/technology-swimming-3-steps-beyond-physiology/ We focus here on the impact of material science in swimming by measuring the impact of the three successive generations of swimsuits on human performance and estimate the upcoming performance drop consecutive to the decision of the FINA to suspend their use. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:17:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13733/technology-swimming-3-steps-beyond-physiology/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13731/cryogels-freezing-unveiled-by-thawing/ Cryogels are interconnected supermacroporous gels prepared at sub-zero temperatures having applications in various research fields. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 16:10:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13731/cryogels-freezing-unveiled-by-thawing/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13730/electrospun-nanomaterials-for-ultrasensitive-sensors/ Increasing demands for ever more sensitive sensors for global environmental monitoring, food inspection and medical diagnostics have led to an upsurge of interests in nanostructured materials such as nanofibers and nanowebs. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:58:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13730/electrospun-nanomaterials-for-ultrasensitive-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13729/electrospinning-to-forcespinning/ In 1902, Morton and Cooley discovered the electrospinning process, the way it is known now and filed US patents. Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13729/electrospinning-to-forcespinning/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13344/sensing-current-and-forces-with-spm/ Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are well established techniques to image surfaces and to probe material properties at the atomic and molecular scale. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:58:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13344/sensing-current-and-forces-with-spm/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13343/probing-the-improbable-imaging-c-atoms-in-alumina/ The ability to probe the three-dimensional atomic structure of materials is an essential tool for material design and failure analysis. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:56:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13343/probing-the-improbable-imaging-c-atoms-in-alumina/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13342/carbon-nanotubeguided-thermopower-waves-/ Thermopower waves are a new concept for the direct conversion of chemical to electrical energy. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:51:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13342/carbon-nanotubeguided-thermopower-waves-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13340/volume-morphology-of-printable-solar-cells/ Printable polymer or hybrid solar cells (PSCs) have the potential to become one of the leading technologies of the 21st century in conversion of sunlight to electrical energy. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:42:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13340/volume-morphology-of-printable-solar-cells/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13339/how-much-background-in-chemistry-do-material-science-and-engineering-students-require-/ Should the solution be to teach chemistry through material science, and material science through chemistry? Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:39:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13339/how-much-background-in-chemistry-do-material-science-and-engineering-students-require-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13338/widefield-sem-of-semiconducting-minerals/ There has been significant progress in recent years aimed at pushing the spatial resolution limits of scanning electron microscopes. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:34:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13338/widefield-sem-of-semiconducting-minerals/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13337/industry-and-academics-square-off-over-future-of-framework-/ The negotiations on Framework 8, the EU's research funding programme scheduled to begin in 2014, are now well and truly underway. Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:25:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/13337/industry-and-academics-square-off-over-future-of-framework-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12673/titania-a-materialbased-approach-to-oil-spill-remediation-/ The anatase phase of titania is being considered for use in oil spill remediation due to its high photocatalytic efficiency and its activity under a wide range of environmental conditions. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:55:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12673/titania-a-materialbased-approach-to-oil-spill-remediation-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12672/new-spm-techniques-for-analyzing-opv-materials/ Organic solar cells hold promise as an economical means of harvesting solar energy due to their ease of production and processing. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:51:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12672/new-spm-techniques-for-analyzing-opv-materials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12671/why-does-paper-get-stronger-as-it-dries/ Surprisingly the strength of wet paper is still poorly understood. Here we show that the traditional explanation of the strength of wet paper is incorrect. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12671/why-does-paper-get-stronger-as-it-dries/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12670/chargetransfer-with-graphene-and-nanotubes/ Charge-transfer between electron–donor and –acceptor molecules is a widely studied subject of great chemical interest. Some of the charge-transfer compounds in solid state exhibit novel electronic properties. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12670/chargetransfer-with-graphene-and-nanotubes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12669/bistability-higher-harmonics-and-chaos-in-afm/ A dynamic atomic force microscope sensitively probes surface properties with subnanometre lateral resolution. In the amplitude modulation mode, the force-sensing tip oscillates a few nanometres. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:38:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12669/bistability-higher-harmonics-and-chaos-in-afm/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12668/viewing-spin-structures-with-soft-xray-microscopy/ The spin of the electron and it's associated magnetic moment marks the basic unit for magnetic properties of matter. Thu, 23 Sep 2010 10:32:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12668/viewing-spin-structures-with-soft-xray-microscopy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12667/material-priorities-in-europe/ Foresight and research advice in materials science and engineering for the next five years is the aim of the European Science Foundation Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/12667/material-priorities-in-europe/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10799/shape-memory-materials/ After being severely and quasi-plastically distorted, shape memory materials (SMMs) are able to recover their original shape at the presence of the right stimulus. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10799/shape-memory-materials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10800/paradigms-peers-and-patents/ With so many obstacles to overcome, is science a good career choice? Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10800/paradigms-peers-and-patents/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10798/chemical-sensitivity-of-porphyrin-assemblies/ Porphyrins show unique binding properties that are widely exploited in nature to accomplish essential functions for life; the potential mimic of these functions with synthetic counterparts has provided the basis of many kinds of chemical sensors. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:59:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10798/chemical-sensitivity-of-porphyrin-assemblies/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10796/metal-oxide-nanowires-as-chemical-sensors/ It is almost a decade since the first presentation of metal oxide nanowires as chemical sensors. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:56:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10796/metal-oxide-nanowires-as-chemical-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10795/immunosensing-using-nanoparticles/ Immunosensing technology is taking advantage of the lastest developments in materials science and inparticular from the nanomaterials field. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:51:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10795/immunosensing-using-nanoparticles/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10793/materials-science-and-the-sensor-revolution/ For the past decade, we have been investigating strategies to develop ways to provide chemical sensing platforms capable of long-term deployment in remote locations. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10793/materials-science-and-the-sensor-revolution/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10790/what-to-expect-from-the-coalition-/ In May, UK voters decided not to give any one political party an absolute majority in the House of Commons. Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:23:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10790/what-to-expect-from-the-coalition-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10257/birmingham-science-city-opportunities-for-all/ Major investment boosts advanced materials research Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10257/birmingham-science-city-opportunities-for-all/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10254/use-of-nanomaterials-in-water-purification/ The recent earthquake in Haiti has focused worldwide attention on the need for improved water purification materials and systems. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:11:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10254/use-of-nanomaterials-in-water-purification/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10251/selfassembly-of-block-copolymer-thin-films/ Block copolymers self-assemble on nanometer length scales, making them ideal for emerging nanotechnologies. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10251/selfassembly-of-block-copolymer-thin-films/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10253/colloidal-selfassembly-at-an-interface/ Mix a drop of water into a vial of oil. With some surfactant and a vigorous shake, that one droplet has become thousands, and the total interfacial area has increased by an order of magnitude or more. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10253/colloidal-selfassembly-at-an-interface/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10250/dynamic-actuation-using-nanobio-interfaces/ The nanoscale dimensions, sensitive electronic control, and flexible architecture of new generations of nanomaterials and nanofabrication techniques hold immense promise not only for electronic devices, but also biological interfaces. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:54:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10250/dynamic-actuation-using-nanobio-interfaces/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9711/some-of-natures-little-tricks/ Nature makes materials, and so do we. But Nature's materials are very different from ours. Tue, 25 May 2010 10:20:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9711/some-of-natures-little-tricks/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9687/polymer-semiconductor-crystals-/ One of the long-standing challenges in the field of polymer semiconductors is to figure out how long interpenetrating and entangled polymer chains self-assemble into single crystals from the solution phase or melt. Mon, 24 May 2010 14:56:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9687/polymer-semiconductor-crystals-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9685/designing-polymer-surfaces-via-vapor-deposition/ Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods significantly augment the capabilities of traditional surface modification techniques for designing polymeric surfaces. Mon, 24 May 2010 14:41:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9685/designing-polymer-surfaces-via-vapor-deposition/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9554/ioncontaining-polymers-new-energy-clean-water/ New generations of materials are being sought as solid-state electrolytes that facilitate fast ion conduction in mechanically robust, yet thin, polymer membranes. Tue, 18 May 2010 22:13:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9554/ioncontaining-polymers-new-energy-clean-water/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9553/optoelectronics-using-block-copolymers/ Block copolymers, either as semiconductors themselves or as structure directors, are emerging as a promising class of materials for understanding and controlling processes associated with both photovoltaic energy conversion and light emitting devices. Tue, 18 May 2010 22:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9553/optoelectronics-using-block-copolymers/