http://www.materialstoday.com/ Copyright Elsevier Ltd Intuitiv Ltd (www.intuitiv.net) Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:16:43 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/ http://www.materialstoday.com/_common/img/template/materials-today/site-logo.gif 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/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9552/narrowing-the-nano-discourse/ Audiences for science and technology news in traditional news outlets are shrinking, and recent data suggest that citizens increasingly turn to online sources for information about emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology(ref.1). Tue, 18 May 2010 21:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9552/narrowing-the-nano-discourse/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9164/molecularly-controlled-functional-architectures/ This paper summarizes some of our efforts in designing and synthesizing bio-functional layers at solid/solution interfaces, characterizing their structure and dynamics, and optimizing their functional properties. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:11:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9164/molecularly-controlled-functional-architectures/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9163/nontoxic-antifouling-strategies/ The term fouling generally refers to an undesirable process in which a surface becomes encrusted with material from the surrounding environment. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:58:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9163/nontoxic-antifouling-strategies/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9162/chemical-patterning-in-biointerface-science-/ Patterning of surfaces with different chemistries provides novel insights into how proteins, cells and tissues interact with materials. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:48:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9162/chemical-patterning-in-biointerface-science-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9161/chemistry-and-material-science-at-the-cell-surface-/ Cell surfaces are fertile ground for chemists and material scientists to manipulate or augment cell functions and phenotypes. Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:33:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9161/chemistry-and-material-science-at-the-cell-surface-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8245/graphene-singleelectron-transistors/ Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms forming a perfectly stable and clean two-dimensional crystal with very few defects, has been proclaimed to be a new revolutionary material for electronics. These hopes rest mainly on the unique band structure properties of graphene. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:22:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8245/graphene-singleelectron-transistors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8244/carbon-nanotubes-for-coherent-spintronics/ Carbon nanotubes bridge the molecular and crystalline quantum worlds, and their extraordinary electronic, mechanical and optical properties have attracted enormous attention from a broad scientific community. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:10:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8244/carbon-nanotubes-for-coherent-spintronics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8250/graded-crosslinks-for-stronger-nanomaterials/ Cross-links are nowadays recognized to play a key role in the overall mechanical strength of buckypapers, nanotube or graphene based materials; material scientists or chemists are thus developing new nanomaterials with denser and stronger cross-links in order to maximize their mechanical strength. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8250/graded-crosslinks-for-stronger-nanomaterials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8249/the-carbon-new-age/ Graphene has been considered by many as a revolutionary material with electronic and structural properties that surpass conventional semiconductors and metals. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:21:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8249/the-carbon-new-age/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8248/graphene-a-promising-transparent-conductor/ New electronic devices such as touch screens, flexible displays, printable electronics, solid-state lighting and thin film photovoltaics have led to a rapidly growing market for flexible transparent conductors. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8248/graphene-a-promising-transparent-conductor/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8243/seeing-graphenebased-sheets/ Graphene-based sheets such as graphene, graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide have stimulated great interest due to their promising electronic, mechanical and thermal properties. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8243/seeing-graphenebased-sheets/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7325/toxicity-of-singlewalled-carbon-nanotube-how-we-were-wrong/ The first issue that we address and justify in this paper is the pejorative and provocative tone of the title; the contradictory data on the toxic effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) make us believe that it is appropriate and necessary. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7325/toxicity-of-singlewalled-carbon-nanotube-how-we-were-wrong/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7324/gen-f-scientists-/ Are you on Facebook? Twitter, perhaps? Maybe LinkedIn? What about a social networking site dedicated to materials science? If you are not, you may be more alone than you think… Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:50:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7324/gen-f-scientists-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7323/analysis-of-an-ultra-hard-magnetic-biomineral-in-chiton-radular-teeth/ Recent analyses of the ultrastructural and mechanical properties of mineralized biological materials have demonstrated some common architectural features that can help explain their observed damage tolerance. Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7323/analysis-of-an-ultra-hard-magnetic-biomineral-in-chiton-radular-teeth/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7311/replication-of-the-3d-architecture-of-tissues-/ Biological tissues are ensembles of various types of cells and extracellular molecules. Functionality in tissues arises from their components (cells and extracellular molecules) as well as from the location of those components relative to each other. The organization of the constituents of a tissue is known as histoarchitecture. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7311/replication-of-the-3d-architecture-of-tissues-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7306/resorbable-biomaterials-as-bone-graft-substitutes/ An ageing population and the democratization of high-risk sports have led to a surge of bone-related diseases and bone fractures. As a result, the use of bone graft substitutes has dramatically increased in the last decade. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:39:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7306/resorbable-biomaterials-as-bone-graft-substitutes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7305/biomimetic-materials-in-tissue-engineering-/ Biomaterial matrices are being developed that mimic the key characteristics of the extracellular matrix, including presenting adhesion sites and displaying growth factors in the context of a viscoelastic hydrogel. This review focuses on two classes of materials: those that are derived from naturally occurring molecules and those that recapitulate key motifs of biomolecules within biologically active synthetic materials. Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7305/biomimetic-materials-in-tissue-engineering-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6397/mie-resonancebased-dielectric-metamaterials/ Increasing attention on metamaterials has been paid due to their exciting physical behaviors and potential applications. While most of such artificial material structures developed so far are based on metallic resonant structures, Mie resonances of dielectric particles open a simpler and more versatile route for construction of isotropic metamaterials with higher operating frequencies. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6397/mie-resonancebased-dielectric-metamaterials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6384/resonance-properties-of-metallic-ring-systems/ We review our recent efforts in understanding the resonance properties of metallic ring systems using a rigorous mode-expansion theory. In the quasi-static limit, we established a matrix-form circuit equation to calculate the frequencies and current distributions for all resonance modes in a ring system. We then applied the theory to study different split ring resonators (SRR). Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6384/resonance-properties-of-metallic-ring-systems/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6381/electromagnetic-wave-in-2d-photonic-crystals/ In this article, we have reviewed recent progresses on the negative refraction and the abnormal transmission of electromagnetic wave in two-dimensional photonic crystals. The physical mechanisms related to these phenomena have been analyzed, and the focusing properties of the point source through the photonic-crystal-based flat lens have been discussed. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:20:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6381/electromagnetic-wave-in-2d-photonic-crystals/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6380/phononic-crystals-and-acoustic-metamaterials/ Phononic crystals have been proposed about two decades ago and some important characteristics such as acoustic band structure and negative refraction have stimulated fundamental and practical studies in acoustic materials and devices since then. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6380/phononic-crystals-and-acoustic-metamaterials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6377/anisotropic-metamaterial-devices/ In the last few years, a rapid development has been achieved in a subject area, so called optical transformation, which is based on the property of metric invariance in Maxwell's equations. Optical transformation, also known as transformation optics, allows metamaterials to be tailor-made according to practical needs. Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:55:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6377/anisotropic-metamaterial-devices/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6220/neutron-scattering-and-hydrogen-storage/ Hydrogen has been identified as a fuel of choice for providing clean energy for transport and other applications across the world and the development of materials to store hydrogen efficiently and safely is crucial to this endeavour. Hydrogen has the largest scattering interaction with neutrons of all the elements in the periodic table making neutron scattering ideal for studying hydrogen storage materials. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:19:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6220/neutron-scattering-and-hydrogen-storage/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6219/multiscale-modelling-the-role-of-helium-in-iron/ The mechanisms and processes of bubble nucleation and growth are still not completely solved and research in this field is ongoing. This is an important issue for materials used in fission and fusion reactors. In such environments, one of the main gaseous by-products is helium, whose presence and further production is known to decrease ductility, fatigue life and weldability, induce creep and stress rupture properties of materials, as well as promote swelling. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:12:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6219/multiscale-modelling-the-role-of-helium-in-iron/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6216/modeling-plasma-facing-materials-for-fusion-power/ Plasma facing materials, the materials that line the vacuum vessel, experience particularly hostile conditions as they are subjected to high particle and neutron flux and high heat loads. Plasma facing materials must have high thermal conductivity for efficient heat transport, high cohesive energy for low erosion by particle bombardment and low atomic number to minimize plasma cooling. These contradictory requirements make the development of plasma facing materials one of the greatest challenges ever faced by materials scientists. Modeling has made, and continues to make, a valuable contribution to the understanding of the various processes involved in the radiation damage of plasma facing materials. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:49:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6216/modeling-plasma-facing-materials-for-fusion-power/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6215/nuclear-reactor-materials-at-the-atomic-scale/ With the renewed interest in nuclear energy, developing new materials able to respond to the stringent requirements of the next-generation fission and future fusion reactors has become a priority. An efficient search for such materials requires detailed knowledge of material behaviour under irradiation, high temperatures and corrosive environments. Minimizing the rates of materials degradation will be possible only if the mechanisms by which it occurs are understood. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:41:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6215/nuclear-reactor-materials-at-the-atomic-scale/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6214/discovery-and-design-of-nuclear-fuels/ To facilitate the discovery and design of innovative nuclear fuels, multi-scale models and simulations are used to predict irradiation effects on properties such as thermal conductivity, oxygen diffusivity, and thermal expansion. The multi-scale approach is illustrated using results on ceramic fuels, with a focus on predictions of point defect concentration, stoichiometry, and phase stability. The high performance computer simulations include coupled heat transport, diffusion, and thermal expansion, and gas bubble formation and evolution in a fuel element consisting of UO2 fuel and metallic cladding. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:31:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6214/discovery-and-design-of-nuclear-fuels/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6201/structural-materials-for-fission-fusion-energy-/ Structural materials represent the key for containment of nuclear fuel and fission products as well as reliable and thermodynamically efficient production of electrical energy from nuclear reactors. Similarly, high-performance structural materials will be critical for the future success of proposed fusion energy reactors, which will subject the structures to unprecedented fluxes of high-energy neutrons along with intense thermomechanical stresses. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6201/structural-materials-for-fission-fusion-energy-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4853/revolutionizing-biodegradable-metals-/ Development of biodegradable metal implants is a complex problem because it combines engineering and medical requirements for a material. This article discusses the development of sensing and corrosion control techniques that can help in the design of biodegradable metallic implants. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4853/revolutionizing-biodegradable-metals-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4851/toward-a-miniaturized-mechanical-surgeon/ Recent advances in sub-millimeter scale engineering suggest the possibility for constructing miniaturized tetherless medical tools for in vivo diagnostics and therapeutics. We review the challenges associated with the design and implementation of small, remotely controlled or autonomous surgical devices. Two key milestones are the creation of tiny mimics of macroscopic surgical devices with chemical, mechanical and electronic functionalities; and wireless strategies to control them or enable independent decision making (autonomous actuation). We summarize early results obtained in this area and discuss possible solutions with a focus on the challenges that can be addressed by innovations in materials science and engineering. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4851/toward-a-miniaturized-mechanical-surgeon/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4855/trends-in-graphene-research-/ The limits of silicon capabilities are being reached, coincidently, the discovery of graphene with its unique nano-scale properties is paving the way to possible substitutes for the next generation of faster and smaller electronics in 21st century. As a result of the promising properties of graphene, the research in the field is attracting large grants and sponsors with an incremental rise in the number of papers. The trends in graphene research are presented here. The major challenges in the field are pointed out, and some possible prospects in the field are discussed. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4855/trends-in-graphene-research-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4856/boron-pla-for-oxygen-sensing-hypoxia-imaging-/ Oxygen is essential for many forms of life and its depletion in the body and the environment can lead to deleterious effects. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4856/boron-pla-for-oxygen-sensing-hypoxia-imaging-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4857/new-carbon-nanotube-afm-probe-technology/ Atomic force microscopy (AFM) relies on an ultra sharp tip to interact with and physically measure a sample surface. The technology for the fabrication of AFM probe tips is undergoing rapid evolution with the application of new nanotechnology techniques. AFM probes with new qualities, advanced materials, and improved performance are becoming readily available. This new class of AFM probe tools has the potential to dramatically change scanning probe microscopy technology and techniques. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4857/new-carbon-nanotube-afm-probe-technology/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4201/quantitative-nanoscale-characterization/ The Veeco Instruments Thermal Analysis (VITA) module enables nanoscale thermal analysis (nTA), a novel technique that allows the determination of the local transition temperature on the surface of a material with nanoscale spatial resolution. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4201/quantitative-nanoscale-characterization/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4198/fabrication-of-lowcost-electronic-biosensors-/ The fabrication of miniaturized, low-cost, flexible sensors based on organic electronics via high-throughput techniques (e.g. printing) is expected to provide important benefits for applications in chemical and biological detection. The rapid maturation of synthetic methodology in the field of organic electronics has lead to the creation of new materials at an incredible rate and an increased understanding of semiconductor-analyte interactions. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4198/fabrication-of-lowcost-electronic-biosensors-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4199/bionanoelectronics-with-1d-materials-/ Rapid progress in materials science and electrical engineering has led to the development of miniature electronic platforms that have devices and components as small as the main components of live cells. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4199/bionanoelectronics-with-1d-materials-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4200/design-fabrication-of-cantilever-array-biosensors/ Surface immobilization of functional receptors on microfabricated cantilever arrays offers a new paradigm for the development of biosensors based on nanomechanics. Microcantilever-based systems are capable of real-time, multiplexed detection of unlabeled disease markers in extremely small volumes of samples. Currently available fabrication technology will allow the integration of electronic readout and sample introduction into a single unit, decreasing the device size, detection time, and cost. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4200/design-fabrication-of-cantilever-array-biosensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4202/expert-system-rheometry-/ Inks, drilling fluids, shower gels and drug delivery vehicles are just a few examples of the many industrial and consumer products based on colloidal and nanostructured complex fluids. The successful formulation of these materials is promoted by understanding how rheological behaviour, which typically dictates performance, relates to underlying microstructure. However, this knowledge can be difficult to obtain for those without the necessary expertise. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4202/expert-system-rheometry-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3543/up-close-and-personal-with-atoms-and-molecules/ Nature is the best example of a system functioning on the nanometer scale, where the involved materials, energy consumption and data handling are optimized. Opening the doors to the nanoworld the emergence of the scanning tunneling microscope in 1982 and the atomic force microscope in 1986 led to a shift of paradigm in the understanding and perception of matter at its most fundamental level. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3543/up-close-and-personal-with-atoms-and-molecules/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3544/watching-processes-in-soft-matter-with-spm/ Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques can obtain nanoscale images of soft materials in almost any environment and over a wide range of temperatures. Being non-destructive, processes such as crystallization can be followed in-situ, and the effect of changes in temperature on structures can be monitored at the nanometre scale. The application of these techniques over recent years has lead to a real change in our understanding of many fundamental processes. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3544/watching-processes-in-soft-matter-with-spm/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3501/spintronics-and-functional-materials/ The understanding of electronic behaviour in systems with reduced dimensionality and length scale is a central theme of contemporary condensed matter physics. The unique capabilities of neutron scattering make it an ideal method to study the atomic and molecular, chemical and magnetic structure of a wide class of materials. In this review we highlight recent studies where neutron techniques have been applied to emergent materials and look forward to the possibilities enabled by instrumentation on the ISIS Second Target Station. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3501/spintronics-and-functional-materials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3503/high-tech-composites-to-ancient-metals/ Neutron diffraction methods offer a direct measure of the elastic component of strain deep within crystalline materials through precise characterisation of the interplanar crystal lattice spacing. the unique non-destructive nature of this measurement technique is particularly beneficial in the context of engineering design and archaeological materials science, since it allows the evaluation of a variety of structural and deformational parameters inside real components without material removal, or at worst with minimal interference..... Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3503/high-tech-composites-to-ancient-metals/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3504/characterizing-biomaterial-complexity/ Biomaterials research will always require a range of techniques to examine structure and function on a range of length scales and in a range of settings. Neutron scattering provides a unique way of disentangling the molecular and structural complexity of biomaterials through study of the constituent components. We examine how the technique has been used to study surface immobilized proteins and lipid films, floating lipid bilayers as mimics of in vitro planar membranes, and formation of fibres from solution by insects and spiders. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3504/characterizing-biomaterial-complexity/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3505/soft-matter-at-isis/ Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron reflection (NR) have become invaluable to many scientists in the soft matter community as methods of obtaining system information such as size, structure and particle interactions on the nanometer scale which cannot be achieved using other techniques. Neutron scattering is employed to study a wide range of soft matter science at ISIS, but this review will focus on three areas of interest: green solvents, polymer stability and drug delivery which have been chosen to illustrate how SANS and NR can be used to advance the understanding of the complex systems under investigation. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3505/soft-matter-at-isis/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3506/mapping-atomic-motions-in-materials-/ Knowledge of the motions of atomic positions or magnetic fluctuations enables the strength, range and symmetry of the interatomic forces and magnetic coupling in a material to be determined. Increasingly, many of the materials of interest in condensed matter physics are characterised by the coupled interactions between more than one of the charge, lattice, magnetic and atomic orbital motions in all three spatial directions. New experimental approaches combining data from hundreds of neutron scattering datasets coupled with advanced visualisation software now enables complete mapping of the dynamics in materials on a routine basis. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3506/mapping-atomic-motions-in-materials-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3551/afm-and-combined-optical-techniques-/ scanning probe microscopy has undergone rapid development to become an invaluable metric in the physical, biological, and materials sciences. One of the most exciting advances has been the integration of scanning probe techniques with optical microscopy. This paper will describe some of the basics of scanning probe and optical microscopy as well as some of the technical design challenges present when fusing these two imaging modalities. Examples of research problems solved with these combined techniques will be presented, with an emphasis on the advantages that each modality brings to the experiment. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3551/afm-and-combined-optical-techniques-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2729/carbon-nanotube-in-different-shapes-/ Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been well studied theoretically and experimentally. Perfect CNTs have a crystalline structure formed by hexagonal network; defects cause the tubule to curve. CNTs with different tubule morphologies have their own special properties and potential applications. So far, many different shapes, such as straight, waved, coiled, and branched, are predicted, observed, and target synthesized. This article reviews CNTs in different shapes formed during growth, their morphologies and their possible applications. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2729/carbon-nanotube-in-different-shapes-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2730/nanoelectrodes-energy-conversion-and-storage-/ Materials take on exceptional properties as we enter the nanodomain and Electromaterials: those that transport and/or transfer charge are no exception. As such the ability to impart nanostructure to electrodes is having a dramatic effect on areas such as energy conversion and storage. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2730/nanoelectrodes-energy-conversion-and-storage-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2731/programming-structure-into-3d-nanomaterials-/ Programming three dimensional nanostructures into materials is becoming increasingly important given the need for ever more highly functional solids. Applications for materials with complex programmed structures include solar energy harvesting, energy storage, molecular separation, sensors, pharmaceutical agent delivery, nanoreactors and advanced optical devices. Here we discuss examples of molecular and optical routes to program the structure of three-dimensional nanomaterials with exquisite control over nanomorphology and the resultant properties and conclude with a discussion of the opportunities and challenges of such an approach. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2731/programming-structure-into-3d-nanomaterials-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3058/engineered-nanostructured-and-nanoporous-dielectric-films-/ Nanoporous and nanostructured films have become increasingly important to the microelectronics and photonics industries. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3058/engineered-nanostructured-and-nanoporous-dielectric-films-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2047/responsive-polymers-for-nanoscale-actuation-/ Soft nanotechnology is a rapidly developing area of research that exploits principles such as self-assembly, entropy, swelling and collapse transitions, and polymeric building blocks to emulate actuation principles observed in natural systems. Unlike lithographically fabricated devices, soft nanotechnology uses much less regularly structured and largely organic materials, deriving their energy from chemical reactions and with macroscopic functionality arising from nanoscale conformational changes. In this review, some recent developments in nanostructured polymer gels and polymer brushes are discussed, which provide promising new directions for exploiting soft materials as nanoactuators. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2047/responsive-polymers-for-nanoscale-actuation-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2083/nanofabrication-by-selfassembly-/ The self-assembly paradigm in chemistry, physics and biology has matured scientifically over the past two-decades to a point of sophistication that one can begin to exploit its numerous attributes in nanofabrication. In what follows we will take a brief look at current thinking about self-assembly and with some recent examples taken from our own work examine how nanofabrication has benefited from self-assembly. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2083/nanofabrication-by-selfassembly-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2084/nanofabrication-by-dna-selfassembly-/ Molecular self-assembly strategies involve the formation of nanometer scale objects and materials in the absence of significant external control. One increasingly popular self-assembly approach makes use of the unique properties of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) including its diminutive size and high capacity for information storage. For many applications, DNA stands alone as the top choice for the programmable construction of supramolecular materials due to its specific and well-understood base-pairing interactions. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in the fabrication of materials via DNA based self-assembly. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2084/nanofabrication-by-dna-selfassembly-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2085/directed-assembly-of-nanowires/ Nanowires of a diverse range of compositions with tailored physical properties can be produced through synthetic means. These structures have been used as key components in flexible electronics, electronic logic gates, renewable energy technologies, and biological or gas sensing applications. Integrating these nanostructures into device or technology platforms will complement existing nanofabrication procedures by broadening the types of nanostructured materials that are utilized in device fabrication. This integration requires an ability to assemble these nanowires as controllable building blocks. Techniques are being developed that can quickly manipulate large quantities of nanowires through parallel processes. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2085/directed-assembly-of-nanowires/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2086/functional-hybrid-materials-/ Nanofabrication via self-assembly of hybrid materials into well-defined architectures is essential for the next generation of miniaturized devices. This paper describes our group's achievements towards the development of multifunctional nanostructures via self-assembly of hybrid systems based on the block copolymer PS-b-P4VP and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into 0D, 1D, 2D and complex 3D periodic nanostructures. The morphologies of these architectures are adjusted to gain functions via structural control at different dimensions. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2086/functional-hybrid-materials-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2087/light-scattering-and-nanoparticles-/ Metal oxide nanoparticles are finding increasing application in the preparation of new nanocrystalline materials, with metal oxide composites being used to confer new electronic, magnetic and optical properties into material structures. Often these materials are formulated and processed as slurries or aqueous suspensions. One key parameter in controlling the properties of such colloidal nanoparticle systems is their particle size. Light scattering techniques are widely used for its determination. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2087/light-scattering-and-nanoparticles-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2088/connecting-technology-catalysing-innovation-/ Over 600 products in the consumer market alone use nanomaterials with a further 1,500 patented. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2088/connecting-technology-catalysing-innovation-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2089/its-a-balloon-its-a-bridge-no-its-nanodays-/ Success would require an enormous effort to get the word out and rally people around a set of difficult and abstract-seeming concepts. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2089/its-a-balloon-its-a-bridge-no-its-nanodays-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1477/ferromagnetic-semiconductor-gamnas-/ The newly-developing spintronics technology requires materials that allow control of both the charge and the spin degrees of freedom of the charge carriers. Ferromagnetic semiconductors (SC) are considered suitable due to simultaneous presence of magnetic order and of semiconducting properties. GaMnAs is one of the most intensively studied ferromagnetic SC. In this paper we will review recent research and accomplishments regarding two technologically important properties – magnetic anisotropy and interlayer coupling — of GaMnAs-based multilayer structures, with an eye on their potential role in practical devices. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1477/ferromagnetic-semiconductor-gamnas-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1479/iiiv-compound-sc-for-optoelectronic-devices-/ III-V compound semiconductors (SC) have played a crucial role in the development of optoelectronic devices for a broad range of applications. Major applications of InP or GaAs based III-V compound SC are devices for optical fiber communications, infrared and visible LEDs/LDs and high efficiency solar cells. GaN based compounds are extremely important for short wavelength light emitters used in solid state lighting systems. We review the important device applications of various III-V compound SC materials. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1479/iiiv-compound-sc-for-optoelectronic-devices-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1481/highfrequency-compound-sc-devices-/ High-frequency applications, especially microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies, demand the use of compound semiconductor (SC) transistors. The materials used and the design considerations provide an insight into the behavior of these devices. Both bipolar and field-effect devices are discussed and the properties relevant to high-frequency operation are presented. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1481/highfrequency-compound-sc-devices-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1483/analysis-of-multilayer-polymer-films-/ Polymer multi-layer films are used in a variety of industries. It is important both to the manufacturers of polymer films and to the industries using these films that the quality and composition be strictly controlled. The confocal analysis and high spatial resolution of Raman microscopy make this technique ideal for identifying the source and identity of defects and inclusions in polymer films. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1483/analysis-of-multilayer-polymer-films-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2068/diffractionunlimited-optical-microscopy-/ Optical microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy in particular, has emerged as one of the most powerful and convenient microscopic tools available today. This power does come at a price, however, in terms of a limited spatial resolution: traditionally fluorescence microscopy has been limited by diffraction to a resolution of a few hundred nanometers, far too large to discern nanostructuring in biological or material samples. Recent conceptual advances have emerged that challenge this once-thought ‘unbreakable’ barrier, and fluorescence microscopy with nanometer resolution is now within reach. In this review we highlight some of the approaches that have made this paradigm shift possible. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2068/diffractionunlimited-optical-microscopy-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2076/parallel-scanning-probe-arrays-their-applications-/ Since the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM), the field of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) instruments has grown steadily and has had a profound influence in materials research, chemistry, biology, nanotechnology, and electronics. Today, scanning probe instruments are used for metrology, characterization, detection, manipulation, patterning and, and material modification. A wide range of scanning probe applications are available, taking advantage of various modes of tip–substrate interactions, including force, optics and, electrochemistry, electromagnetics, electrostatics, thermal and mass transfer and vibration. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2076/parallel-scanning-probe-arrays-their-applications-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2077/the-frontiers-of-microscopy-/ There have been remarkable developments in microscope technology in recent years, driven in part by the nanotechnology revolution and the need to investigate ever smaller and more complex objects with higher resolution. We now not only need to know where the atoms are and what they are, but also how they interact with one another at the atomic scale. Microscopy is a large and growing area, and here we focus our discussion on two main areas that have advanced greatly in recent years: scanning probe microscopy and electron microscopy. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2077/the-frontiers-of-microscopy-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2193/ultimate-resolution-in-the-electron-microscope/ Nanoscience and nanotechnology are closely intertwined subjects that are attracting ever-increasing attention, both in the scientific world and in the marketplace. Major developments in growth and synthesis methods mean that atoms can nowadays be manipulated in a controlled fashion to produce novel properties that are often not found in bulk materials. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2193/ultimate-resolution-in-the-electron-microscope/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2194/scanning-probe-microscopy-at-videorate/ Recent results have demonstrated the feasibility of video-rate scanning tunneling microscopy and video-rate atomic force microscopy. The further development of this technology will enable the direct observation of many dynamic processes that are impossible to observe today with conventional Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs). Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2194/scanning-probe-microscopy-at-videorate/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2195/realtime-observations-with-electron-microscopy-/ Dynamic transmission electron microscopy allows observation of changes in both the structure and properties of materials at resolutions from the nanometer to the Ångström. Here I review four significant developments in instrumentation and technique that are pushing the boundaries of these experiments, including new optics, new experimental geometries, new ways of imaging solids in liquid and gaseous environments, and developments in ultrafast imaging. These advances will significantly improve our understanding in many areas of materials science, nanoscience, and biological function. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2195/realtime-observations-with-electron-microscopy-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1570/looking-over-the-artists-shoulder/ Intriguingly, art institutions and museums around the world are using a panoply of analysis techniques familiar to any materials scientist to reveal vital and previously hidden information about works of art. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1570/looking-over-the-artists-shoulder/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1497/energy-the-global-challenge-and-materials-/ After some definitions to establish common ground and illustrate the issues in terms of orders of magnitude, we note that meeting the Energy challenge will require suitable materials. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1497/energy-the-global-challenge-and-materials-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1499/solar-solution-the-next-industrial-revolution/ The industrial revolution 200 years ago freed society from the limitations of bioenergy and brought tremendous growth but also huge environmental problems. Now, a new generation of modular technologies based on advanced materials enables efficient conversion of solar energy and carries the seeds of a new industrial revolution. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1499/solar-solution-the-next-industrial-revolution/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1517/artificial-photosynthesis/ We raise here a series of critical issues regarding artificial photosynthesis with the intention of increasing awareness about what needs to be done to bring about a working prototype. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1517/artificial-photosynthesis/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1518/recent-progress-in-hydrogen-storage-/ The ever-increasing demand for energy coupled with dwindling fossil fuel resources make the establishment of a clean and sustainable energy system a compelling need. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1518/recent-progress-in-hydrogen-storage-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1519/economically-competitive-fusion/ Not since the oil crisis of the 1970s has the perception that energy is a crucial and precious resource been as strong as it is today. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1519/economically-competitive-fusion/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1520/modelling-in-nuclear-energy-environments-/ Producing energy to supply the demands of our societies is reaching a critical limit. To tackle this issue, there is a slow renaissance of fission reactors and the push to realise fusion reactors. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1520/modelling-in-nuclear-energy-environments-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1521/the-problem-with-platinum-/ Is the vision of a clean, carbon-free future possible? Among the many issues inherent in a move toward a hydrogen economy is the reliance on fuel cells. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1521/the-problem-with-platinum-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1567/local-biasinduced-phase-transitions/ Electrical bias-induced phase transitions underpin a wide range of applications from data storage to energy generation and conversion. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1567/local-biasinduced-phase-transitions/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1568/nanostructure-by-highenergy-xray-diffraction/ Detailed knowledge of the atomic-scale structure is needed to understand and predict properties of materials. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1568/nanostructure-by-highenergy-xray-diffraction/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1571/inelastic-electron-tunneling-spectroscopy/ Inelastic Electron Tunneling Spectroscopy (IETS) has re-emerged as a premier analytical tool in the understanding of nanoscale and molecular junctions. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1571/inelastic-electron-tunneling-spectroscopy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1573/materials-science-and-xray-techniques/ Many novel synchrotron-based X-ray techniques directly address the core questions of modern materials science but are not yet at the stage of being easy to use because of the lack of dedicated beamlines optimized for specific measurements. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1573/materials-science-and-xray-techniques/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1607/corrosionresistant-metallic-coatings/ We describe recent computational and experimental studies on the corrosion properties of metallic coatings that can be tailored (tuned) to deliver up to three corrosion-inhibiting functions to an underlying substrate. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1607/corrosionresistant-metallic-coatings/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1609/smart-selfrepairing-protective-coatings/ Nanocontainers with a shell possessing controlled release properties can be used to fabricate a new family of active coatings that can respond quickly to changes in the coating environment or the coating's integrity. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1609/smart-selfrepairing-protective-coatings/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1611/corrosion-issues-in-nuclear-industry-today-/ In the context of global warming, nuclear energy is a carbon-free source of power and so is a meaningful option for energy production without CO2 emissions Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1611/corrosion-issues-in-nuclear-industry-today-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1612/understanding-localized-corrosion/ The breakdown of a protective passive film leading to accelerated dissolution at localized sites is an important practical issue and a vexing scientific problem Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1612/understanding-localized-corrosion/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1639/cuprate-hightc-superconductors/ In solid-state physics two different paradigms are typically applied. The first is a local picture, in which one visualizes the quantum states of electrons in atomic orbitals or at impurity atoms in real space (r-space). The second is the momentum or reciprocal space (k-space) picture, where electrons are viewed as de Broglie waves completely delocalized throughout the material. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1639/cuprate-hightc-superconductors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1640/diamond-integrated-quantum-photonics/ Diamond is a leading contender as the material of choice for the quantum computer industry. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1640/diamond-integrated-quantum-photonics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1641/the-quantum-in-your-materials-world-/ New ideas lead to new technologies, and new technologies demand new materials. Quantized matter – atoms – underpinned the 19th century chemical industry and quantized charge – the electron – is the basis of microelectronics. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1641/the-quantum-in-your-materials-world-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1642/jahnteller-physics-and-hightc-superconductivity-/ The discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in copper oxides was not accidental, but was based on the knowledge that the divalent copper ion, Cu2+, is one of the strongest Jahn–Teller ions. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1642/jahnteller-physics-and-hightc-superconductivity-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2046/polymers-the-quest-for-motility-/ The first wave of nanotechnology has concerned itself with what is in effect an incremental continuation of long-existing trends in materials science, in which ever-greater control over the nanoscale structure of materials leads to better properties and more functionality. Modern materials rely on being able to control both interfacial structure and grain boundaries in order to develop improved properties. Functional materials for electronics and photonics are changing the way we live and modern materials can enhance our lives further through medical applications of nanotechnology. What is now at issue is the form a second wave of nanotechnology might take – one in which attention is focused, beyond simple materials, to fully functional nanoscale devices. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2046/polymers-the-quest-for-motility-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2137/responsive-polymers-for-nanoscale-actuation-/ Soft nanotechnology is a rapidly developing area of research that exploits principles such as self-assembly, entropy, swelling and collapse transitions, and polymeric building blocks to emulate actuation principles observed in natural systems. Unlike lithographically fabricated devices, soft nanotechnology uses much less regularly structured and largely organic materials, deriving their energy from chemical reactions and with macroscopic functionality arising from nanoscale conformational changes. In this review, some recent developments in nanostructured polymer gels and polymer brushes are discussed, which provide promising new directions for exploiting soft materials as nanoactuators. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2137/responsive-polymers-for-nanoscale-actuation-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2139/photogenerating-work-from-polymers/ The ability to control the creation of mechanical work remotely, with high speed and spatial precision, over long distances, offers many intriguing possibilities. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2139/photogenerating-work-from-polymers/