http://www.materialstoday.com/ Copyright Elsevier Ltd Intuitiv Ltd (www.intuitiv.net) Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:16:57 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/ http://www.materialstoday.com/_common/img/template/materials-today/site-logo.gif http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11264/nanotubes-pass-acid-test/ Rice University scientists have found the "ultimate" solvent for all kinds of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a breakthrough that brings the creation of a highly conductive quantum nanowire ever closer. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:49:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11264/nanotubes-pass-acid-test/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11263/magnets-trump-metallics/ Metallic carbon nanotubes show great promise for applications from microelectronics to power lines because of their ballistic transmission of electrons. But new research shows magnets can stop the migration of the electrons. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:46:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11263/magnets-trump-metallics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11262/graphene-oxide-gets-green/ A paper from the lab of Rice chemist James Tour demonstrates an environmentally friendly way to make bulk quantities of graphene oxide (GO), an insulating version of single-atom-thick graphene expected to find use in all kinds of material and electronic applications. Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11262/graphene-oxide-gets-green/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11205/a-directwrite-approach/ A new study has explored the best way to produce small wire bonds that connect integrated chips through a direct-write approach. Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11205/a-directwrite-approach/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11351/protochips-announces-poseidontm/ Raleigh, NC, July 29, 2010 - Protochips, a company specializing in revolutionary products for in situ electron microscopy, today announced a new launch Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:44:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11351/protochips-announces-poseidontm/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11346/active-feedback-provides-subnanometer-resolution/ Two back illuminated Andor EMCCD cameras have been instrumental in helping Steven Chu, a Nobel laureate and Energy Secretary for the United States of America, redraw the boundaries of optical microscopy Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11346/active-feedback-provides-subnanometer-resolution/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11312/agar-scientific-announces-the-new-labcut-150-low-speed-diamond-saw-/ Stansted, July 27th, 2010: Agar Scientific, a leading supplier of microscopy accessories and consumables Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11312/agar-scientific-announces-the-new-labcut-150-low-speed-diamond-saw-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11302/meiji-techno-announce-a-new-line-up-of-microscopes-and-accessories/ July 2010, Axbridge, UK: Meiji Techno UK, one of the UK's leading suppliers of light microscopes and accessories Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:21:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11302/meiji-techno-announce-a-new-line-up-of-microscopes-and-accessories/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11051/watch-it-grow/ Oxide films can now be studied as they grow, in situ and with atomic scale resolution, say scientists from the US Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:46:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11051/watch-it-grow/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11036/breakthrough-nanoscale-infrared-spectroscopy-technology-/ Anasys Instruments wins R&D 100 Award Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/11036/breakthrough-nanoscale-infrared-spectroscopy-technology-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10582/clustomesogens-developed-for-the-first-time/ Scientists at the universities of Rennes in France and Bucharest in Romania have produced a new class of compounds called clustomesogens, a combination of liquid crystals and metal clusters, which glow intensely in the red and infrared range when irradiated. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:28:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10582/clustomesogens-developed-for-the-first-time/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10581/improved-lithium-batteries/ Lithium-ion batteries have been central to the development of many High Street electronic devices, and the same technology is expected to be pivotal to the new generation of electric cars now being planned. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10581/improved-lithium-batteries/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10580/water-ferns-reveal-the-secret-to-underwater-success/ Salvinia molesta, a water fern well known for its water-dispersal properties, may provide the answer to lowering the amount of drag ships experience when they sail through the sea, thus reducing fuel costs [Barthlott et al., Adv Mater. (2010) 22, 1]. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10580/water-ferns-reveal-the-secret-to-underwater-success/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10579/nanocrystals-roll-off-the-production-line/ Nanocrystals can now be prepared with very good reproducibility and at high throughputs thanks to a new automated system devised by a team from Lawrence Berkeley and the University of California Berkeley [Chan et al., Nano Lett (2009) 9, 3767]. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:10:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10579/nanocrystals-roll-off-the-production-line/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10575/composite-damping-is-music-to-the-ears/ A newly developed material could be used to reduce the effects of vibration by absorbing energy through an accordion-like movement of its internal structure. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10575/composite-damping-is-music-to-the-ears/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10578/artificial-butterfly-helps-flight/ Scientists have developed a fully functioning scale replica of a swallowtail butterfly to help them understand its flight and morphology. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10578/artificial-butterfly-helps-flight/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10574/dendrimersome-library/ A library of supramolecular materials that can form hollow vesicles with potential in therapeutic drug and gene delivery, imaging diagnostics, as well as the cosmetics industry has been developed by researchers in Finland and the USA [Percec et al., Science (2010) 328, 1009 doi: 10.1126/science.1185547]. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:57:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10574/dendrimersome-library/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10572/instantaneous-velocity-of-a-brownian-particle-captured/ A new study has measured the instantaneous velocity of a Brownian particle for the first time, as well as verifying the energy equipartition theorem for a Brownian particle. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10572/instantaneous-velocity-of-a-brownian-particle-captured/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10571/molecular-wires-made-to-order/ Organic polymers have long been investigated as potential materials for wires and semiconductors in electronic applications. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:58:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10571/molecular-wires-made-to-order/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10570/graphene-replaces-silicon/ Scientists have made a breakthrough toward creating nanocircuitry on graphene, widely regarded as the most promising candidate to replace silicon as the building block of transistors. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:55:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10570/graphene-replaces-silicon/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10569/alkali-fullerides-reveal-more-superconductivity-secrets/ Scientists from the UK, Japan, and Slovenia have shed further light on the manner in which electronic correlations underpin the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity [Ganin et al., Nature (2010) doi:10.1038/nature09120]. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:50:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10569/alkali-fullerides-reveal-more-superconductivity-secrets/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10568/seeing-art-from-a-new-perspective/ With the restoration, conservation, dating and authentication of important works of art being such a delicate and difficult business, and one that can often damage the art itself, a potentially exciting new technique could make things a lot easier. Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:46:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10568/seeing-art-from-a-new-perspective/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10459/augermediated-sticking/ Examining surfaces at the nano-scale is one of the most challenging problems of modern materials science. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:14:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10459/augermediated-sticking/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10273/supercapacitors-take-power/ In a paper published in the April journal of Science, titled “Monolithic Carbide-Derived Carbon Films for Micro-Supercapacitors”, Chmiola and Yury Gogotsi of Drexel University, along with other co-authors, [Chmiola et al., Science (2010) 328, 480] describe a unique new technique for integrating high performance micro-sized supercapacitors into a variety of portable electronic devices through common microfabrication techniques. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:21:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10273/supercapacitors-take-power/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10272/magnetic-stent-therapy/ Magnetic nanoparticles carrying a pharmaceutical payload can be pulled towards blood vessel blockages to help clear them, according to research in animals published online in April [Levy et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci (2010) 10.1073/pnas.0909506107]. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:19:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10272/magnetic-stent-therapy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10271/moir-patterns-in-graphene/ Researchers have shown how atomic scale moiré patterns, which cause an interference pattern to appear when grids are overlaid askew, can measure how sheets of graphene are stacked and, crucially, reveal areas of strain. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10271/moir-patterns-in-graphene/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10270/faster-smarter-sensors/ In military and security situations, a split second can make the difference between life and death, so North Carolina State University's development of new “smart sensors” that allow for faster response times from military applications is important. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:13:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10270/faster-smarter-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10269/cell-phones-could-double-as-night-vision-devices/ A University of Florida engineering researcher has crafted a nickel-sized imaging device that uses organic light-emitting diode technology similar to that found in cell phone or laptop screens for night vision. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:10:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10269/cell-phones-could-double-as-night-vision-devices/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10266/quantum-melting/ The quantum phase transition paradigm for a 1D Ising chain placed in a transverse applied magnetic field has been realised experimentally for the first time, at ISIS. [Coldea et al., Science (2010) 327, 177] Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10266/quantum-melting/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10267/defects-in-crystals-can-help-make-hollow-nanotubes/ New research has provided an exciting insight into the processes that help form the smallest manufactured structures around, presenting a general theoretical framework for controlling nanotube growth without the use of metal catalysts, and could be generally applied to other materials. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10267/defects-in-crystals-can-help-make-hollow-nanotubes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10264/nanotechnology-fights-cancer/ Functionalised single-walled carbon nanotubes, rather than being a health risk, cause T cell antigens to cluster in the blood and stimulate the body's natural immune response. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:57:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10264/nanotechnology-fights-cancer/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10261/flatpacked-carbon/ Synthesising and isolating new forms of pure carbon allotropes, has been the focus of much research during the last two to three decades not least because of the discovery of the fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and more recently graphene. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:44:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10261/flatpacked-carbon/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10260/accoustic-lens-produces-sound-bullets/ Scientists have built a device, called a nonlinear acoustic lens, which produces focused, high-amplitude acoustic pulses that have been dubbed “sound bullets”. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:33:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10260/accoustic-lens-produces-sound-bullets/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10259/how-do-cells-crawl/ The amoeboid movement by which many types of cell crawl across surfaces has fascinated scientists ever since it was first observed using the earliest microscopes. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10259/how-do-cells-crawl/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10258/dipping-into-nanotechnology/ An ability to answer questions at the boundaries of nanotechnology, materials and biology sets apart Steven Lenhert, the newest faculty face of nanoscience at The Florida State University. Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:21:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10258/dipping-into-nanotechnology/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10208/materials-today-2010-writing-competition/ Are you a young researcher under 35 years old with a passion for communicating science in a clear and exciting way? Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:45:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10208/materials-today-2010-writing-competition/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10156/alkali-fullerides-reveal-more-superconductivity-secrets/ Scientists from the UK, Japan and Slovenia, have shed further light on the manner in which electronic correlations underpin the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity [Ganin et al. Nature (2010), doi:10.1038/nature09120]. Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:38:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/10156/alkali-fullerides-reveal-more-superconductivity-secrets/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9870/how-do-spiders-spin/ Five times the tensile strength of steel and triple that of the currently best synthetic fibers: Spider silk is a fascinating material. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:33:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9870/how-do-spiders-spin/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9708/book-review-nanotechnology-and-the-environment-/ This book intends to present a comprehensive overview of recent progress with regard to different aspects of nanomaterials research and development that are closely related to their manufacture process, through to their release to the environment, identifying the critical areas undergoing further research. Tue, 25 May 2010 10:11:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9708/book-review-nanotechnology-and-the-environment-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9604/paper-with-a-memory/ Medicine bottles that alert you when a prescription needs updating and computer screens which can be rolled up to fit in a briefcase are a step closer thanks to researchers at the De Montfort University Leicester. Thu, 20 May 2010 10:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9604/paper-with-a-memory/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9603/tiniest-superconductor/ Scientists have discovered the world's smallest superconductor, a sheet of four pairs of molecules less than one nanometer wide. Thu, 20 May 2010 10:20:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9603/tiniest-superconductor/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9602/graphene-sees-the-light/ Researchers at IBM have made the first photodetector from graphene. Thu, 20 May 2010 10:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9602/graphene-sees-the-light/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9601/graphene-at-home-with-defects/ A team of researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) created a new defect that just might be a solution to a growing challenge in the development of future electronic devices. [Lahiri et al., Nature Nanotech., (2010), doi:10.1038/nnano.2010.53 Letter.] Thu, 20 May 2010 10:14:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9601/graphene-at-home-with-defects/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9600/breakthrough-in-fluorescent-microscopy/ A team of researchers has developed a new technique of fluorescence microscopy for observing objects on the nanoscale, and have also produced a new series of photostable dyes that can be used as fluorescent markers. Thu, 20 May 2010 10:11:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9600/breakthrough-in-fluorescent-microscopy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9598/self-powered-sensors/ Just 700 rows of piezoelectric nanowires could power a nanoscopic sensor, according to new research at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Thu, 20 May 2010 10:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9598/self-powered-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9599/nanoscale-stealth-probe/ Engineers at Stanford have created a nanoscale probe they can implant in a cell wall without damaging the wall. [Almquist and Melosh, PNAS (2010) 107, 5815.] Thu, 20 May 2010 10:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9599/nanoscale-stealth-probe/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9597/quantum-dots-and-silicon-herald-new-functionality/ Researchers from UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science describe the creation of a new material incorporating spintronics that could help usher in the next generation of smaller, more affordable and more power-efficient devices. [Xiu et al., Nature Mat. (2010) 9, 337.] Thu, 20 May 2010 09:55:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9597/quantum-dots-and-silicon-herald-new-functionality/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9596/new-shape-ceramics/ Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new way to shape ceramics using a modest electric field, making the process significantly more energy efficient. Thu, 20 May 2010 09:51:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9596/new-shape-ceramics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9572/stretchable-electronics-that-map-the-heart/ Scientists have developed a new electronic device that allows circuits to bend, stretch and twist, and that could be used in places where normal electronics would not work, such as in the heart or brain. Wed, 19 May 2010 12:12:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9572/stretchable-electronics-that-map-the-heart/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9570/a-safe-reaction/ Nuclear reactors might one day be constructed using materials that can self-heal following radiation damage, thanks to a materials study by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9570/a-safe-reaction/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9571/pushing-droplets-around/ Controlling the way liquids spread across a surface is important for a wide variety of technologies, including DNA microarrays for medical research, inkjet printers and digital lab-on-a-chip systems. But until now, the designers of such devices could only control how much the liquid would spread out over a surface, not which way it would go. Wed, 19 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9571/pushing-droplets-around/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9510/plasma-products-surface-cleaning-and-surface-treatment/ Harrick Plasma Cleaner models are low-cost tabletop inductively coupled plasma devices that serve as excellent tools for surface cleaning, surface preparation and surface modification. Plasma treatment may be applied to a wide variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, composites, plastics, polymers and biomaterials. Mon, 17 May 2010 16:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9510/plasma-products-surface-cleaning-and-surface-treatment/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9507/jsm6510lv-scanning-electron-microscope/ The JSM-6510LV low vacuum SEM is a high-performance, low cost, scanning electron microscope for fast characterization and imaging of fine structures. One of a family of four SEM models that are widely-used in all research fields and industrial applications, the JSM-6510LV enables observation of specimens up to 150mm in diameter. Mon, 17 May 2010 16:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9507/jsm6510lv-scanning-electron-microscope/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9506/new-emiav2-simultaneous-carbon-sulphur-analyser/ The HORIBA EMIA-V CS analyser became popular in the elemental analysis market thanks to advanced and unique features such as programmable temperature curve, gas analysers including CO and flexibility given by the software. Mon, 17 May 2010 16:35:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9506/new-emiav2-simultaneous-carbon-sulphur-analyser/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9505/veecos-sharp-nitride-lever-probes-enable-superior-resolution-in-afm-imaging/ Veeco Instruments Inc., the leading provider of scanning probe microscopes (SPM) to the nanoscience community, now manufactures new Sharp Nitride Lever (SNL) Probes that provide breakthrough atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging resolution and longer probe lifetimes, without higher expenses. Mon, 17 May 2010 16:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9505/veecos-sharp-nitride-lever-probes-enable-superior-resolution-in-afm-imaging/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9504/malvern-isys-50-crossplatform-chemical-imaging-analysis-software-available-to-license-/ Rapidly becoming the industry standard for analyzing chemical imaging data, ISys 5.0 from Malvern Instruments is available for license on a wide range of analytical systems. Mon, 17 May 2010 16:13:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9504/malvern-isys-50-crossplatform-chemical-imaging-analysis-software-available-to-license-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9503/mountainsmap-6-instrumentoriented-solutions-for-surface-texture-analysis/ Digital Surf, specialist in surface analysis software for all types of surface metrology instrument, announced that MountainsMap® 6 - based on the company’s industry-standard Mountains Technology® - will be released at the beginning of July 2010. It includes a more powerful platform, enhanced interactivity, higher quality imaging, new advanced analysis features and more flexible report generation. Mon, 17 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9503/mountainsmap-6-instrumentoriented-solutions-for-surface-texture-analysis/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9448/new-nanoscale-biology-applications-from-nanoink/ Leveraging patented Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®) technology, NanoInk has demonstrated the successful use of its NLP 2000 System for functionalizing biosensors, patterning functional hydrogels, and printing multiplexed protein arrays. Fri, 14 May 2010 10:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9448/new-nanoscale-biology-applications-from-nanoink/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9434/mems-cavity-seal-integrity/ As part of its bonded wafer inspection technology, Sonoscan has recently demonstrated acoustic imaging of defects in the seal that surrounds and protects the cavities in MEMS devices. Thu, 13 May 2010 14:57:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9434/mems-cavity-seal-integrity/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9364/beilby-frs-medal-and-prize/ The 2010 Sir George Beilby FRS Memorial Medal and Prize has been awarded to Dr. Suwan N. Jayasinghe. Tue, 11 May 2010 13:32:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9364/beilby-frs-medal-and-prize/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9328/flatpacked-carbon/ Synthesising and isolating new forms of pure carbon, allotropes, has been the focus of much research during the last two to three decades Mon, 10 May 2010 12:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9328/flatpacked-carbon/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9308/how-do-cells-crawl/ The amoeboid movement by which many types of cell crawl across surfaces has fascinated scientists ever since it was first observed using the earliest microscopes. Sat, 08 May 2010 14:32:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9308/how-do-cells-crawl/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9247/faster-smarter-sensors/ In military and security situations, a split second can make the difference between life and death. Thu, 06 May 2010 10:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9247/faster-smarter-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9090/breakthrough-in-fluorescent-microscopy/ A team of researchers has developed a new technique of fluorescence microscopy for observing objects on the nanoscale Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9090/breakthrough-in-fluorescent-microscopy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9089/self-powered-sensors/ Just 700 rows of piezoelectric nanowires could power a nanoscopic sensor, according to new research at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:29:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9089/self-powered-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9087/webinar-developments-in-quantitative-eds-analysis-with-a-focus-on-light-element-and-low-energy-peaks/ This can have a number of different causes, most common are element peak overlaps, and – nowadays of increasing importance – the necessity to analyze the peaks of elements at low energies. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9087/webinar-developments-in-quantitative-eds-analysis-with-a-focus-on-light-element-and-low-energy-peaks/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9086/a-safe-reaction/ Nuclear reactors might one day be constructed using materials that can self-heal following radiation damage, thanks to a materials study by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:20:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/9086/a-safe-reaction/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8990/over-20-new-phd-positions-created-at-the-lcn/ The London Centre for Nanotechnology is pleased to announce the creation of over 20 new Ph. D. positions for the current academic year. Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:18:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8990/over-20-new-phd-positions-created-at-the-lcn/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8881/flexible-mems/ MIT researchers have discovered a way to make microelectromechanical devices, (MEMS), by stamping them onto a plastic film. Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:53:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8881/flexible-mems/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8880/magnetic-solder-for-3d-microelectronics/ A low-melting and magnetically-responsive alloy could be the key to soldering the components of three-dimensional microelectronics Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:40:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8880/magnetic-solder-for-3d-microelectronics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8878/earthquakes-alone-do-not-kill-/ Recent natural disasters raise questions Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:36:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8878/earthquakes-alone-do-not-kill-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8887/thermopower-has-more-energy/ A team of scientists at MIT have discovered a previously unknown phenomenon Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:18:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8887/thermopower-has-more-energy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8886/material-surfaces/ A collaboration between researchers at Northwestern University and scientists at the University of Oxford has produced a new approach for understanding surfaces Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8886/material-surfaces/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8885/the-long-and-winding-road-to-synthetic-silk/ Unravelling the secret of silk's incredible strength Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:11:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8885/the-long-and-winding-road-to-synthetic-silk/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8882/bubbling-up-water-repellence/ Nanoscopic air bubbles prevent water from wetting a nanopatterned superhydrophobic surface Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8882/bubbling-up-water-repellence/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8884/why-is-water-so-weird-/ The Strangest Liquid Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8884/why-is-water-so-weird-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8765/npl-opens-its-doors/ On 20th May, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), one of the UK’s leading science and research facilities, will hold an open day for the first time in over twenty years. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:56:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8765/npl-opens-its-doors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8721/sensors-harvest-mechanical-energy/ Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created the world's first self-powered sensors at the nanometric scale. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:12:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8721/sensors-harvest-mechanical-energy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8609/lot-appointed-uk-and-ireland-distributor-for-park-systems-afm-instrumentation/ LOT Oriel Ltd has been appointed as distributor for Park Systems in the UK & Ireland. Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:20:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8609/lot-appointed-uk-and-ireland-distributor-for-park-systems-afm-instrumentation/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8573/nanoscale-stealth-probe/ Engineers at Stanford have created a nanoscale probe they can implant in a cell wall without damaging the wall. Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:20:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8573/nanoscale-stealth-probe/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8506/the-tiniest-superconductor/ Scientists have discovered the world’s smallest superconductor. Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8506/the-tiniest-superconductor/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8418/pushing-droplets-around/ Controlling the way liquids spread across a surface is important for a wide variety of technologies Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:47:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8418/pushing-droplets-around/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8221/new-ceramic-material-that-harnesses-the-power-from-body-movements/ Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new type of energy-harvesting rubber film that could harness natural body movements such as breathing and walking to help power pacemakers, mobile phones and other electronic devices. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:57:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8221/new-ceramic-material-that-harnesses-the-power-from-body-movements/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8220/neutrons-confirm-newtons-predictions/ An optical effect first predicted by Isaac Newton has been shown to occur when neutrons interact with matter. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:44:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8220/neutrons-confirm-newtons-predictions/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8218/why-are-your-bones-not-made-of-steel/ In science it sometimes pays to ask silly questions. So let me ask, “Why are your bones not made of steel?” Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8218/why-are-your-bones-not-made-of-steel/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8232/book-review-the-physical-chemistry-of-materials/ This book presents methods for synthesizing and characterizing adsorbents, ion exchangers, ionic conductors, heterogeneous catalysts, and permeable porous materials. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:17:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8232/book-review-the-physical-chemistry-of-materials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8228/book-review-nanocasting-/ In this book, the basic principles of nanocasting are introduced, the various replicated porous materials with their different framework compositions, structures, and properties are described, and recent developments of nanocasting synthesis are summarized. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:49:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8228/book-review-nanocasting-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8226/nanoscience-research-could-prove-a-breakthrough-in-electronics/ A new discovery that uses biology to engineer the assembly of nanoscale materials could have a wide array of applications in medicine, electronics and energy. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8226/nanoscience-research-could-prove-a-breakthrough-in-electronics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8224/breakthrough-in-developing-graphene-for-electronics/ Researchers have produced graphene to a size and quality where it can be practically developed for the first time, and have successfully measured its electrical characteristics. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8224/breakthrough-in-developing-graphene-for-electronics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8262/biomaterials-year-in-images-poster-/ For the third year running, Biomaterials is delighted to present some of the most artful images from the 2009 volume captured in this limited edition poster. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:13:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8262/biomaterials-year-in-images-poster-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8144/molecular-worms-that-navigate-chemical-systems/ Researchers have developed a “molecular worm” algorithm that can study the passage of a molecule through the labyrinth of a chemical system. This algorithm fills the methodological gap between simple geometry-based approaches and more accurate, but expensive, molecular simulations. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8144/molecular-worms-that-navigate-chemical-systems/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8139/breakthrough-in-developing-graphene-for-electronics/ Researchers have produced graphene to a size and quality where it can be practically developed for the first time, and have successfully measured its electrical characteristics. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:57:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8139/breakthrough-in-developing-graphene-for-electronics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8137/nanoscience-research-could-prove-a-breakthrough-in-electronics/ A new discovery that uses biology to engineer the assembly of nanoscale materials could have a wide array of applications in medicine, electronics and energy. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:53:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8137/nanoscience-research-could-prove-a-breakthrough-in-electronics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8136/graphene-origami-at-the-touch-of-a-drop/ Graphene can be turned into complex structures by simply placing nanodroplets of water on its surface, say researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:39:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8136/graphene-origami-at-the-touch-of-a-drop/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8005/graphene-makes-novel-oleds-display/ Researchers at Stanford University have successfully developed a brand new concept of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), using a few nanometers of graphene as a transparent conductor. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:11:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/8005/graphene-makes-novel-oleds-display/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7531/microbubbles-take-first-prize/ In an ideal world, energy would be cleaner and the fuels we use would be readily available. Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:15:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7531/microbubbles-take-first-prize/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6228/butterfly-wings-inspire-new-research/ A technique that enables replicas of biological structures, such as butterfly wings, to be made on a nanometric scale has been developed by a team of researchers from the State University of Pennsylvania and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:39:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6228/butterfly-wings-inspire-new-research/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7488/atomic-love-in-3-dimensions/ Possibly the smallest Valentine's card in the world. Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:43:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7488/atomic-love-in-3-dimensions/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7164/ubiquitin-mystery-chains/ Researchers have been able to view in detail, and for the first time, the previously unexplained process by which long chains of a protein called ubiquitin are added to proteins that control the cell cycle. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7164/ubiquitin-mystery-chains/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7163/nanosnowman/ You're looking at the tiniest snowman ever built, 10 microns across. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7163/nanosnowman/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7162/sensors-appreciate-fine-works-of-art/ Valuable paintings travel long distances when they are shipped from one place to another. To minimize damage, they are packed in special picture cases. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:22:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7162/sensors-appreciate-fine-works-of-art/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7161/grain-boundaries-hold-the-key/ Electronic devices can't work well unless all of the transistors, or switches, within them allow electrical current to flow easily when they are turned on. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:19:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7161/grain-boundaries-hold-the-key/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7160/a-window-that-washes-itself/ Nanotechnology has now produced a coating for windows or solar panels that repels grime and dirt. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:15:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7160/a-window-that-washes-itself/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7159/a-new-generation-of-catalysts/ Researchers at Delft University of Technology, [Juan-Alcañiz et al., Journal of Catalysis (2010), 269, 221] have reported the synthesis of a new class of porous solids with outstanding bi-functional catalytic activity. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:12:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7159/a-new-generation-of-catalysts/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7155/nanotube-revelations/ Single-walled carbon nanotubes, SWNTs are the focus of much research aimed at building sophisticated nanoscopic structures for future electronic and spintronic devices. However, several conundrums surround their bizarre electrical conductivity behaviour, not least the issue of bandgap measurements and how these relate to the size and structure of semiconducting SWNTs. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7155/nanotube-revelations/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7156/snappy-silicon-surfaces/ The way a material behaves is commonly dependent on the characteristics of its surface. An international team based in France and the USA [Chabal et al., Nature Mater (2010) DOI: 10.1038/NMAT2611] has now used a process to allow "snap-on" chemistry on silicon substrates by nanopatterning their surfaces. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7156/snappy-silicon-surfaces/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7157/strong-bonds-not-so-strong/ A fundamental laboratory advance has made it possible to break, at room temperature and pressure, two of the strongest types of chemical bonds in order to make common industrial compounds. In doing so, researchers at Cornell University have taken an important first step toward less-energy-intensive processes for making nitrogen-containing organic compounds. [Knobloch et al., Nature Chem., (2009) doi:10.1038/nchem.477] Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7157/strong-bonds-not-so-strong/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7153/ordered-energy-storage/ Electric batteries take a long time to re-charge but have large capacities, while capacitors can be charged very rapidly, but suffer from low-power densities. Researchers in the US and Germany [ Brezesinski et al., Nature Mater. (2010) DOI: 10.1038/NMAT2612] are developing new materials that could be used in pseudocapacitors that charge rapidly and have high power densities. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:59:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7153/ordered-energy-storage/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7152/metamaterials-provide-lenses-with-a-broader-vision/ Researchers from Duke University, North Carolina have created a lens which has a field of view close to 180° and a zero f-number [Kundtz et al., Nat. Mater. (2009) doi: 10.1038/NMAT2610]. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:51:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7152/metamaterials-provide-lenses-with-a-broader-vision/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7149/graphene-origami-at-the-touch-of-a-drop/ Graphene can be turned into complex structures by simply placing nanodroplets of water on its surface, say researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago [Patra et al., Nano Lett. (2009) 9, 3767]. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:33:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7149/graphene-origami-at-the-touch-of-a-drop/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7148/bioartificial-materials-promoting-vasculature-growth/ The importance of growing, functional and stable blood vessels at the site of an injury is crucial to regenerative medicine therapies. A new study has shown that synthetic polymers, called hydrogels, have been able to induce significant vasculature growth in areas of damaged tissue. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:27:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7148/bioartificial-materials-promoting-vasculature-growth/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7145/super-atoms-mimic-elements-with-a-little-help-from-the-periodic-table/ A new study has shown that certain combinations of elemental atoms have electronic signatures that mimic the electronic signatures of other elements, which could help the development of cheaper materials as new sources of energy, in pollution reduction and in catalysts for chemical processing. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:10:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/7145/super-atoms-mimic-elements-with-a-little-help-from-the-periodic-table/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6917/neutrons-confirm-newtons-predictions/ An optical effect first predicted by Isaac Newton has been shown to occur when neutrons interact with matter. Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:10:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6917/neutrons-confirm-newtons-predictions/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6705/nanotube-revelations/ Single-walled carbon nanotubes, SWNTs are the focus of much research aimed at building sophisticated nanoscopic structures for future electronic and spintronic devices. Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:46:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6705/nanotube-revelations/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6411/magnetricity-is-taken-for-a-spin/ At long last there is experimental evidence that magnetic charges exist and that they have measurable currents or magnetricity, just like an electric charge [Bramwell et al., Nature (2009) 461, 956]. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:46:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6411/magnetricity-is-taken-for-a-spin/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6407/neuronal-nanotubes/ Could nanotechnology be the key to developing an interface between nerve cells and microelectronic circuitry? US scientists have recently demonstrated that signals can be recorded from rat neurons using conducting polymer nanotubes. The research carried out at the University of Michigan might one day help in the development of sensors and treatments for neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease and paralysis. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6407/neuronal-nanotubes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6406/innovative-metallic-glass-shows-promise-for-bone-surgery/ A team of scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich, www.ethz.ch), Switzerland, has developed an innovative biodegradable metallic glass that might one day replace the metal implants currently used to repair bone fractures [Zberg et al., doi:10.1038/nmat2542]. The new material would make it unnecessary to undergo a second implant-removal surgery; it would also eliminate the side-effects of permanent implants by dissolving into the body, once the healing process of the bones has been achieved. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:28:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6406/innovative-metallic-glass-shows-promise-for-bone-surgery/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6405/graphene-speeds-up-computers/ New research has shown how graphene-like structures designed on the nanoscale level – geodesic systems shaped like the Eden Project building in Cornwall, UK – could be used as building blocks for a new generation of electronic circuits, giving rise to faster computers, or mobile phones that send data at much higher rates. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:24:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6405/graphene-speeds-up-computers/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6404/a-hard-xray-interferometer/ A novel type of hard X-ray interferometer employing a bilens system with two parallel arrays of compound refractive lenses has been developed by scientists from France and Russia. Under coherent illumination, the bilens generates two diffraction limited mutually coherent beams. When the beams overlap they produce an interference pattern with a fringe spacing ranging from tens of nanometres to tens of micrometres. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:21:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6404/a-hard-xray-interferometer/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6403/processing-nanotube-fibers-goes-mainstream/ Rice University scientists today unveiled a method for the industrial-scale processing of pure carbon-nanotube fibers that could lead to revolutionary advances in materials science, power distribution and nanoelectronics [Rice et al., Nature nanotech. (2009) doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.302]. The result of a nine-year program, the method builds upon tried-and-true processes that chemical firms have used for decades to produce plastics. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:19:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6403/processing-nanotube-fibers-goes-mainstream/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6402/casting-a-new-light-on-chromophores/ Researchers from Harvard University in Massachusetts have devised a method to study non-fluorescent molecules using a technique called stimulated emission microscopy, an approach based upon a phenomenon first described by Albert Einstein in 1917 [Min et al., Nature (2009) 461, 1105]. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:16:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6402/casting-a-new-light-on-chromophores/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6401/new-approach-produces-stimuliresponsive-assemblies-of-nanoparticles/ New research has demonstrated how a blend of polymers and nanoparticles that react to different stimuli, such as heat and light, can be made by adding small molecules to the mixture. This straightforward approach could be a key development in applying such materials industrially, and could have potential for energy harvesting and storage, as well as optical devices and catalysis. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:12:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6401/new-approach-produces-stimuliresponsive-assemblies-of-nanoparticles/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6399/synthetic-cells-help-research-and-provide-battery-power/ Scientists have discovered a technique for using artificial cells to explore the function of molecules in actual biological cells. The new approach can help the measurement of biological systems and show how cell nanomachinery interacts within cells, which could have a major impact in the development of new medical procedures and drug discovery. Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6399/synthetic-cells-help-research-and-provide-battery-power/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6400/danish-nanowires-capture-the-sunlight/ Danish nanophysicists have developed a new method for manufacturing nanowires. The discovery has great potential for the development of nanoelectronics and highly efficient solar cells. [Krogstrup, et al., Nano Lett. (2009) doi: 10.1021/n1901348d] Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6400/danish-nanowires-capture-the-sunlight/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6223/magnetricity-the-new-magnetic-electricity/ A magnetic charge can behave and interact just like an electric charge in some materials, according to new research led by the London Centre for Nanotechnology which could lead to a reassessment of current magnetism theories, as well as significant technological advances. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:26:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6223/magnetricity-the-new-magnetic-electricity/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6232/origami-tubes/ A new approach to nanoelectronics could see researchers using DNA origami to self-assemble circuits from carbon nanotubes and other materials. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:58:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6232/origami-tubes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6231/every-silverlined-solar-cell/ The future of lighter, cheaper, and more-flexible solar cells looks bright thanks to US research into silver nanoparticles. Scientists at Ohio State University have added the nanoparticles to their polymer semiconductor photovoltaic materials and observed a relative efficiency boost of 12 percent. The discovery could pave the way to flexible organic photovoltaics with all the advantages of ease of manufacture and inexpensive starting materials. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:55:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6231/every-silverlined-solar-cell/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6229/small-and-powerful-nuclear-battery-developed/ A team of researchers have built a very small and efficient nuclear battery, which is intended to power various micro/nanoelectromechanical systems. The radioisotope battery is tiny – the current model is about the size and thickness of a penny – and innovatively uses a liquid semiconductor rather than the usual solid one. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:46:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6229/small-and-powerful-nuclear-battery-developed/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6301/transforming-engineers-into-engineering-leaders/ In its recent report The Engineer of 2020: Visions of Engineering in the New Century, the U.S.-based National Academy of Engineering outlined the various fields in which students educated in engineering might go on to be leaders, including research, product and system development, business and even broader professions. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:48:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6301/transforming-engineers-into-engineering-leaders/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6300/the-scientific-symposium-materials-challenges-for-clean-energy-in-the-new-millennium/ The global energy problem is rapidly intensifying due to escalating competition for resources from emerging, populous countries such as China, India, and Brazil and compelling evidence pointing towards the imperative need for controlling greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:30:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6300/the-scientific-symposium-materials-challenges-for-clean-energy-in-the-new-millennium/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6205/pencilled-in-graphites-ferromagnetism-magnetism/ Graphite should not be ferromagnetic because it has none of the high-level 3d and 4f electrons seen in iron that can align to produce a magnetic field. Graphite contains only sp electrons, which produce only weak magnetic signals. Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:48:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6205/pencilled-in-graphites-ferromagnetism-magnetism/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6074/danish-nanowires-capture-the-sunlight/ Danish nanophysicists have developed a new method for manufacturing nanowires. The discovery has great potential for the development of nanoelectronics and highly efficient solar cells. [Krogstrup, et al., Nano Lett., (2009) DOI: 10.1021/n1901348d] Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6074/danish-nanowires-capture-the-sunlight/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6077/nanowires-take-on-new-dimensions/ Taking nanomaterials to a new level of structural complexity, scientists have determined how to introduce kinks into arrow-straight nanowires, transforming them into zigzagging two- and three-dimensional structures with correspondingly advanced functions. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6077/nanowires-take-on-new-dimensions/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6076/processing-nanotube-fibers-goes-mainstream/ Rice University scientists today unveiled a method for the industrial-scale processing of pure carbon-nanotube fibers that could lead to revolutionary advances in materials science, power distribution and nanoelectronics [Rice et al., Nature nanotech. (2009) doi:10.1038/nnano.2009.302 ]. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6076/processing-nanotube-fibers-goes-mainstream/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6075/quantum-gas-microscope/ Physicists at Harvard University [Bakr et al., Nature 462, (2009) 74 ] have created a quantum gas microscope that can be used to observe single atoms at temperatures so low the particles follow the rules of quantum mechanics, behaving in bizarre ways. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/6075/quantum-gas-microscope/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5747/nano-snowman/ You're looking at the tiniest snowman ever built, 10 microns across. Sat, 05 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5747/nano-snowman/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5566/harvesting-energy-from-natural-motion/ By taking advantage of the vagaries of the natural world, Duke University engineers [Stanton et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. (2009) , 95] have developed a novel approach that they believe can more efficiently harvest electricity from the motions of everyday life. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5566/harvesting-energy-from-natural-motion/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5567/making-carbon-nanotubes-into-long-fibers/ A new method for assembling carbon nanotubes has been used to create fibers hundreds of meters long. Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5567/making-carbon-nanotubes-into-long-fibers/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5568/nanoscale-drug-delivery/ Duke University bioengineers have developed a simple and inexpensive method for loading cancer drug payloads into nano-scale delivery vehicles Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5568/nanoscale-drug-delivery/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5564/dissecting-the-nanoworld/ A group of scientists at the University of Bath [J D Beard et al 2009 Nanotechnology 20 ] have developed new modified AFM probes designed for the cutting and manipulation of structures at extremely small scales. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5564/dissecting-the-nanoworld/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5027/chilly-fuel-cells/ The most efficient way to get electricity from hydrocarbon fuels such as natural gas or gasified coal is to oxidize them in a solid-oxide fuel cell. Unlike other fuel cells, solid-oxide cells can run on almost any fuel. But running them efficiently requires high temperatures, which raises prices. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5027/chilly-fuel-cells/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5028/ultrafast-dna-nanosensor/ A portable instrument based on an ultrasensitive nanoscale sensor could detect bacteria in minutes, helping to catch infectious diseases early and prevent their spread. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5028/ultrafast-dna-nanosensor/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5029/controlled-movement-of-molecules/ Scientists in the United Kingdom are reporting an advance toward overcoming one of the key challenges in nanotechnology: Getting molecules to move quickly in a desired direction without help from outside forces. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5029/controlled-movement-of-molecules/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5031/bacterium-helps-formation-of-gold/ Australian scientists [Reith F, et al, (2009) pnas.0904583106 ] have found that the bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans catalyses the biomineralisation of gold by transforming toxic gold compounds to their metallic form using active cellular mechanism. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5031/bacterium-helps-formation-of-gold/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5047/materials-today-selfassembly-webinar-register-now/ We are pleased to announce that Materials Today in partnership with Sigma-Aldrich, are staging a live educational webinar on:From Molecules to Monolayers:Self-Assembly and Analysis, Molecule by Molecule Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/5047/materials-today-selfassembly-webinar-register-now/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4590/the-future-of-diamond-just-got-brighter/ Diamond has long been sought after as a gemstone without peer. Recently it has been shown to be the only known solid-state host of qubits and single photon sources that operates at room temperature. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4590/the-future-of-diamond-just-got-brighter/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4591/caltech-scientists-build-revolutionary-mass-spectrometer-using-nems-/ Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed the first mass spectrometer using nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) to detect single individual molecular species in real time. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4591/caltech-scientists-build-revolutionary-mass-spectrometer-using-nems-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4592/semiconductor-advances/ Stable, non-volatile computer memory could emerge from research that involves depositing amorphous carbon on to silicon, say US researchers. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4592/semiconductor-advances/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4593/using-a-silicon-nanostructure-cloak-to-render-objects-invisible/ Researchers have made a breakthrough in the search for a cloaking device that can make objects appear invisible to the external observer, an area of enquiry that is attracting a lot of scientific interest. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4593/using-a-silicon-nanostructure-cloak-to-render-objects-invisible/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4594/rock-n-roll-nanotubes/ Nanotubes and nanowires are not as amenable to manipulation as macroscopic commodities, however, their promise as building blocks for future electronics, sensors, and electromechanical devices, means that researchers are keen to find ways to handle these tiny entities easily. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4594/rock-n-roll-nanotubes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4595/molecular-puppets/ When it comes to charges, molecules of hydrogen are just too symmetrical. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4595/molecular-puppets/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4596/imaging-surface-charges-on-individual-biomolecules/ Surface charges play a key role in determining the structure and function of proteins, DNA and larger biomolecular structures. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4596/imaging-surface-charges-on-individual-biomolecules/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4601/how-much-risk-do-people-think-there-is-in-nanotechnology/ There has been a huge upsurge in anticipating how the public will react to nanotechnology, particularly a widespread negativity about its use and the possible health risks associated with nanomaterials. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4601/how-much-risk-do-people-think-there-is-in-nanotechnology/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4602/diamonds-give-raman-lasers-new-properties/ Scientists have developed the first efficient diamond Raman laser, using man-made diamonds to enhance their strength and effectiveness, and achieving a comparable efficiency to lasers built with other materials. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4602/diamonds-give-raman-lasers-new-properties/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4604/imaging-collagen-with-xrays/ Coherent X-ray diffraction patterns of collagen in soft tissues have been measured for the first time by Dr Felisa Berenguer (London Centre for Nanotechnology) with her colleagues [paper to publish in PNAS 2009]. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4604/imaging-collagen-with-xrays/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4606/opposites-do-not-always-attract/ Researchers have reported unexpected results from studies into the behavior of oppositely charged liquid drops. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4606/opposites-do-not-always-attract/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4607/easy-to-clean-easy-on-the-environment/ So many strong detergents and less than ecologically friendly solvents are used in cleaning, both in industry and domestically – they may clean the stains we want removed, but we have no choice but to use them and damage the environment. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4607/easy-to-clean-easy-on-the-environment/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4584/magnetricity-the-new-magnetic-electricity/ A magnetic charge can behave and interact just like an electric charge in some materials, according to new research led by the London Centre for Nanotechnology Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4584/magnetricity-the-new-magnetic-electricity/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4585/-nanoprofessor/ Please visit www.NanoProfessor.net to learn more about this innovative nanoscience education program. It combines equipment, curriculum, and supplies for a complete nanofabrication experience at the high school, technical school, or small college level. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4585/-nanoprofessor/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4491/controlled-movement-of-molecules/ Scientists in the United Kingdom are reporting an advance toward overcoming one of the key challenges in nanotechnology: Getting molecules to move quickly in a desired direction without help from outside forces. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4491/controlled-movement-of-molecules/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4423/microwave-fridges-and-nano-diving-boards/ NPL scientists are paving the way for highly accurate measurement at the nano-scale and beyond, by being the first team in the world to develop a tiny microwave-powered room-temperature fridge [Hao et al journal Applied Physics Letters (2009), 95, 113501] Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4423/microwave-fridges-and-nano-diving-boards/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4345/technique-reveals-buried-image-in-famed-illustrators-painting/ Scientists have reported use of a new X-ray imaging technique to reveal for the first time in a century unprecedented details of a painting hidden beneath another painting by American illustrator N.C. (Newell Convers) Wyeth. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4345/technique-reveals-buried-image-in-famed-illustrators-painting/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4866/novel-silver-nanoparticle-gel-shows-promise-for-healing-skin-burns/ A novel antimicrobial silver-based gel using nanoparticles appears to offer an effective and safer alternative to conventional silver-based formulations used to treat burn wounds. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4866/novel-silver-nanoparticle-gel-shows-promise-for-healing-skin-burns/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4196/educating-tomorrows-engineering-leaders-/ What do we really mean by ‘engineering leadership’, how can it be developed and nurtured? Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4196/educating-tomorrows-engineering-leaders-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4144/2000-year-old-greek-athlete-sheds-light-on-corrosion/ Biomineralization studies of a recently discovered 2,000-year-old bronze sculpture may help modern scientists understand how to prevent metal corrosion, discover the safest ways to permanently store nuclear waste, and understand other perplexing problems. [Lyons et al., Cryst. Growth Des., DOI: 10.1021/cg900402b]. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4144/2000-year-old-greek-athlete-sheds-light-on-corrosion/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4145/tipenhanced-phonon-raman/ Conventional phonon Raman spectroscopy is a powerful experimental technique for the study of crystalline solids that allows crystallography, phase and domain identification on length scales down to 1 mm. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4145/tipenhanced-phonon-raman/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4148/engineered-bone-dependant-on-cell-source/ Scientists [Gentleman et al., DOI: 10.1038/NMAT2505 ] have successfully highlighted the importance of cell source in regenerative medicine. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4148/engineered-bone-dependant-on-cell-source/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4150/sounding-out-molecular-control/ Tweezers are not just for plucking eyebrows and removing splinters, they can be used to arrange small objects. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4150/sounding-out-molecular-control/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4152/flipping-sandwiches/ Molecule-sized electronics components could soon be on the menu thanks to US research that has led to a simple recipe for sandwiching organic molecules between silicon and metal layers. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4152/flipping-sandwiches/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4154/microsecond-force-spectroscopy/ Proteins are dynamic molecular machines having structural flexibility that allows conformational changes. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4154/microsecond-force-spectroscopy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4157/membrane-breaks-through-performance-barrier/ Engineers have developed a new method for creating high-performance membranes from crystal sieves called zeolites; the method could increase the energy efficiency of chemical separations up to 50 times over conventional methods and enable higher production rates. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4157/membrane-breaks-through-performance-barrier/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4158/climbing-the-walls-geckostyle/ Two scientists have discovered that the ability of the gecko to grip onto smooth surfaces is actually triggered by gravity, and that it is the steepness of a surface that makes them deploy their gripping mechanism. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/4158/climbing-the-walls-geckostyle/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3810/technique-reveals-buried-image-in-famed-illustrators-painting/ Scientists have reported use of a new X-ray imaging technique to reveal for the first time in a century unprecedented details of a painting hidden beneath another painting by American illustrator N.C. (Newell Convers) Wyeth. The non-destructive look-beneath-the-surface method could reveal hidden images in hundreds of Old Master paintings and other prized works of art, the researchers say. The scientists reported the research at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3810/technique-reveals-buried-image-in-famed-illustrators-painting/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3804/controlling-the-electronic-surface-properties-of-a-material/ A recent breakthrough by researchers at the Swiss Nanoscience Institute sees for the first time the creation of thin films with controllable electronic properties. Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3804/controlling-the-electronic-surface-properties-of-a-material/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3658/lord-paul-drayson-on-science-funding-and-innovation-in-the-uk/ Recessions pose enormous challenges for individuals, companies and governments alike. Yet they also present significant opportunities for those with the foresight to seize them. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3658/lord-paul-drayson-on-science-funding-and-innovation-in-the-uk/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3493/quantum-effects-slash-hydrogen-storage-potential/ Today's technology is capable of powering a car using hydrogen reducing harmful emissions to zero. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3493/quantum-effects-slash-hydrogen-storage-potential/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3481/custom-protein-surfaces-for-biosensors/ Protein arrays are used in a wide range of applications, including diagnostic biosensors. Diagnostic biosensors detect diseases in the human body. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3481/custom-protein-surfaces-for-biosensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3482/dead-layers-kill-mram-performance/ Despite the continued demand for Flash RAM memory for portable data storage and other applications, intensive research into the alternative magnetic RAM continues. MRAM offers the potential for faster write times than Flash memory and greater permanence. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3482/dead-layers-kill-mram-performance/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3483/novel-gels-from-polymer-mixes/ The most widely studied and commercially important block copolymers are poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide) triblocks. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3483/novel-gels-from-polymer-mixes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3494/isis-water-legend/ Dr Alan Soper has been awarded the highest possible position for an STFC scientist, that of Senior Fellow. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3494/isis-water-legend/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3495/a-sweeter-understanding-of-cryopreservation/ Innovation in the field of bio-protectant materials stems from a need to stabiliise and preserve biological products. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3495/a-sweeter-understanding-of-cryopreservation/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3496/the-secrets-of-antibody-armour-revealed/ A team led by University College London (UCL) has used a combination of X-rays and neutron scattering to determine the structure of secretory immunoglobin A (SIgA), the most prevalent antibody in the immune system. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3496/the-secrets-of-antibody-armour-revealed/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3497/muons-create-better-understanding-of-organic-semiconductors/ Electronic devices based on organic semiconductors, such as Alq3 (tris[8-hydroxy-quinoline] aluminum) are revolutionising electroluminescent displays and large-area electronics. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3497/muons-create-better-understanding-of-organic-semiconductors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3498/cosmic-screening/ A new instrument is to be built at the ISIS Second Target Station dedicated to microchip irradiation testing. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3498/cosmic-screening/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3468/a-new-spin-on-magnetic-ladders/ Scientists at the London Centre for Nanotechnology [Reuegg et al., doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.107204, report a major breakthrough in the study of low-dimensional quantum systems. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3468/a-new-spin-on-magnetic-ladders/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3469/tunable-graphene-bandgap-opens-nanoelectronic-opportunities/ The lack of a bandgap, or energy range, on two-dimensional crystalline carbon, or graphene, has limited the outlook for the material with respect to electronic applications. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3469/tunable-graphene-bandgap-opens-nanoelectronic-opportunities/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3470/model-motor-nerve-system/ Researchers from the University of Central Florida (UCF) [Rumsey et al., doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.03.023] report on the first lab-grown motor nerves that are insulated and organized just like they are in the human body. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3470/model-motor-nerve-system/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3471/peering-inside-nanowires/ Semiconductor nanowires have intrigued scientists for many years as they provide many opportunities to study and apply phenomena at the nanoscale. With diameters as small as a few billionths of a meter they hold promise for devices of the future, both in technology like light-emitting diodes and in new versions of transistors and circuits for next generation devices. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3471/peering-inside-nanowires/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3472/nanoparticle-films-make-for-flexibility/ Nanoparticles typically exhibit low cohesion, making their use in thin films problematic. Scientists at Vanderbilt University have found a way of fabricating all-nanoparticle thin films that do not easily disintegrate, making them suitable for a wider range of applications than was previously the case [Hasan, et al., Chemical Communications 2009 25 3723]. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3472/nanoparticle-films-make-for-flexibility/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3473/nanoparticles-and-living-cells/ New approaches and standardized test procedures to study the impact of nanoparticles on living cells are urgently needed for the evaluation of potential hazards relating human exposure to nanoparticles. An important aspect of nanoparticle toxicity, in contrast to molecular toxicity, is the fact that the preparation and way of administration of the nanoparticles plays a crucial role. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3473/nanoparticles-and-living-cells/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3474/self-assembled-nanoparticles-beat-disease/ A group of scientists from Biopolis, Zhejiang University, The University of South Carolina and Nanyang Technological University [Liu et al., DOI: 10.1038/NNANO.2009.153] have shown that a novel class of core–shell nanoparticles formed by self-assembly of an amphiphilic peptide have strong antimicrobial properties against a range of bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3474/self-assembled-nanoparticles-beat-disease/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3475/clear-view-of-indigo-blue/ Ancient residents of Mexico decorating their pottery and homes used a very stable blue pigment now known as ‘Maya Blue’. A mixture of indigo dye and palygorskite clay, the vivid pigment provides a dramatic background for some of the most impressive murals throughout Mesoamerica. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3475/clear-view-of-indigo-blue/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3476/cnts-make-good-sensors/ Scientists at the University of Florence and at the University of L'Aquila [Lozzi et al., doi: 10.1016/j.electacta.209.01.038] have successfully synthesised vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. A powerful genosensor was developed from this using synthetic oligonucleotides. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3476/cnts-make-good-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3478/twoatom-lead-superconductor-thinnest-ever/ Paving the way for smaller and more efficient devices, a superconducting sheet just two atoms thick has been created at The University of Texas at Austin by Dr. Ken Shih and colleagues [Shengyong Qin, et al., DOI: 10.1126/science.1170775]. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3478/twoatom-lead-superconductor-thinnest-ever/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3479/carbon-nanotube-tips-for-afm/ The impact of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) over the past 20 years has been dramatic: its invention was, for example recently rated the second most important advance in materials science of the past 50 years. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3479/carbon-nanotube-tips-for-afm/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3484/next-generation-display-technology/ Available online 14 August 2009. The performance of ultra thin next-generation flexible display technologies is dependent on the structure of polymer-polymer interfaces. Thanks to neutron reflection, researchers can now examine how fabrication procedures affect interface structure and device performance. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3484/next-generation-display-technology/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3485/hightemperature-superconductors-choose-your-poison/ Discovery in February 2008 of a new class of superconductors based on Fe-As combinations has spawned enormous activity as materials groups race to find the right combinations that will push the superconducting temperature as high as possible. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3485/hightemperature-superconductors-choose-your-poison/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3487/magic-bullets-and-plastic-sponges/ For nearly a century the goal of many pharmacologists has been to create drugs that can be transported to a specific organ within the body and released at a controlled rate. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3487/magic-bullets-and-plastic-sponges/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3488/jupiters-icy-moons/ First synthesised in 1837 by Carl Julius Fritzsche, magnesium sulfate undecahydrate – MgSO4·11H2O, is a long known, but little studied material. Suggestions that it could be a major rock-forming mineral on the icy satellites of Jupiter has re-awakened interest. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3488/jupiters-icy-moons/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3489/modelling-the-behaviour-of-hydrogen-in-semiconductors/ Hydrogen is frequently found as an impurity in semiconducting materials used in the electronics industry. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3489/modelling-the-behaviour-of-hydrogen-in-semiconductors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3491/charged-up-new-way-forward-for-ceramic-dielectrics/ A team led by America's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has used a combination of neutron diffraction and photon measurements to discover the unusual electronic properties of silver niobate. [Levin, Phys. Rev. B (2009) 79, 104113] Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3491/charged-up-new-way-forward-for-ceramic-dielectrics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3492/muons-for-bioscience-at-isis/ A £2.1 million investment in muon spectroscopy at ISIS promises to open up new areas of research in soft matter and bioscience. Muon spectroscopy monitors the decay of muons when implanted into samples. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3492/muons-for-bioscience-at-isis/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3467/neutron-imaging/ New results on energy-selective neutron radiography show vast potential for new materials science and engineering research according to a European research collaboration. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/3467/neutron-imaging/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2965/new-presidentelect-of-iop/ Professor Marshall Stoneham to become President-Elect of IoP Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2965/new-presidentelect-of-iop/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2839/twoatom-lead-superconductor-thinnest-ever/ Paving the way for smaller and more efficient devices, a superconducting sheet just two atoms thick has been created at The University of Texas at Austin by Dr. Ken Shih and colleagues [Shengyong Qin, et al., DOI: 10.1126/science.1170775]. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2839/twoatom-lead-superconductor-thinnest-ever/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2811/carbon-nanotube-tips-for-afm/ The impact of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) over the past 20 years has been dramatic: its invention was, for example recently rated the second most important advance in materials science of the past 50 years. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2811/carbon-nanotube-tips-for-afm/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2813/a-new-spin-on-magnetic-ladders/ Scientists at the London Centre for Nanotechnology [Reuegg et al., doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.107204, report a major breakthrough in the study of low-dimensional quantum systems. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2813/a-new-spin-on-magnetic-ladders/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2260/nanoparticles-and-living-cells/ New approaches and standardized test procedures to study the impact of nanoparticles on living cells are urgently needed for the evaluation of potential hazards relating human exposure to nanoparticles. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2260/nanoparticles-and-living-cells/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2138/truly-threedimensional-photonic-metamaterials/ Novel optical applications, such as perfect lenses, optical cloaking and quantum levitation, have fuelled a search for materials that exhibit magnetism at optical frequencies. However, fabricating the required nanostructures in three dimensions is a significant challenge. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2138/truly-threedimensional-photonic-metamaterials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2249/invisibility-possibilities-in-the-visible/ Long before the Klingons came at Captain Kirk with ‘cloaked’ space craft in the 1960s, the imagined possibilities of invisibility have been dreamed of by schoolboys, scientists, the military and almost everyone else. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2249/invisibility-possibilities-in-the-visible/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2250/smas-for-mechanical-damping/ Until now both scientific and technological fields have been unable to agree whether the stress-induced martensitic transformation of shape memory alloys (SMAs) exhibits a size dependence similar to that observed in crystal plasticity. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2250/smas-for-mechanical-damping/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2251/graphene-from-wormlike-graphite/ Graphene is a material of growing technological importance due in part to its outstanding properties, numerous and potential applications. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2251/graphene-from-wormlike-graphite/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2252/negative-dead-layer-provides-route-to-thin-film-devices/ The development of smaller ferroelectric capacitors with additional capacity is at least partly held up by the presence of a ‘dead layer’ at the surface. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2252/negative-dead-layer-provides-route-to-thin-film-devices/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2253/patterning-swnts/ Scientific and technological interest in one-dimensional nanomaterials, in particular carbon nanotubes, is a result of their fascinating properties and their ability to serve as templates for directed assembly. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2253/patterning-swnts/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2217/interacting-dots-hold-key-to-information-processing/ Quantum dots (QDs) and the electrons that can be trapped in their discrete energy levels are of great interest for quantum information processing. The spin state of these trapped electrons could act as carriers of quantum information or ‘qubits’. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2217/interacting-dots-hold-key-to-information-processing/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2221/from-abc-monomers-to-multifunctional-nanoarchitectures/ It is widely known that the ability to attach different functional moieties to a molecular building block can lead to applications in fields such as nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, intelligent sensing and drug delivery. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2221/from-abc-monomers-to-multifunctional-nanoarchitectures/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2224/bend-it-stretch-it/ It has been known for some time that stretchability properties in materials will significantly expand the scope of applications in the electronics industry particularly for large-area electronic displays, sensors and actuators, and unlike conventional devices stretchable electronics can cover arbitrary surfaces and movable parts, opening up a wealth of opportunities. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2224/bend-it-stretch-it/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2227/a-waterproof-gas-nanosensor/ There is increasing demand for low-cost gas sensors that can discriminate between low concentrations of analytes. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2227/a-waterproof-gas-nanosensor/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2109/daisies-result-from-magnetic-attraction/ The assembly of complex structures out of simple colloidal building blocks is of practical interest for building materials with unique optical properties (for example photonic crystals and DNA biosensors) and is of fundamental importance in improving our understanding of self-assembly processes occurring on molecular to macroscopic length scales. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2109/daisies-result-from-magnetic-attraction/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2168/dolomite-increases-microfluidic-chip-functionality-/ Dolomite, world leader in microfluidic design and manufacture, has significantly increased its offering with the ability to integrate metal electrodes into its range of glass and polymer microfluidic chips. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2168/dolomite-increases-microfluidic-chip-functionality-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2169/decode-the-nanoworld-with-the-next-generation-of-afm/ You’ve been expecting something genuinely new from the AFM/SPM industry, but for many years you’ve only seen tweaks to old technology. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2169/decode-the-nanoworld-with-the-next-generation-of-afm/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2170/fast-pandemic-detection-tool-ready-to-fight-flu-/ Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced researchers are developing new tools for rapidly characterizing biological pathogens that could give rise to potentially deadly pandemics such as Influenza A (H1N1). Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2170/fast-pandemic-detection-tool-ready-to-fight-flu-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2171/axio-csm-700-confocal-microscope-from-carl-zeiss-uk-for-noncontact-metrology/ The Axio CSM 700 confocal microscope from Carl Zeiss meets users’ demands for rapid and robust non-contact measurement of 3D microstructures and determination of surface roughness. Ideal for materials research, quality inspection and routine applications, the Axio CSM 700 displays surfaces three-dimensionally in high resolution and in true colour even on relatively "soft" surfaces. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2171/axio-csm-700-confocal-microscope-from-carl-zeiss-uk-for-noncontact-metrology/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2172/xmax-large-area-analytical-eds-sdd/ The new X-Max Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) offers users over TEN times the solid angle of conventional EDS detectors... without compromising on performance. Now you can have count rate, imaging, and analytical performance all at the same time. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2172/xmax-large-area-analytical-eds-sdd/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2275/molecular-magnets-wired-on-gold/ Memory storage miniaturization is progressing steadily on to smaller and smaller devices. As structures go, one cannot miniaturize further than to the size of individual molecules. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2275/molecular-magnets-wired-on-gold/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2090/nano-twin-boundaries-for-that-extra-strength-and-stretch/ Defects and boundaries are often created intentionally within materials to provide extra strength. However, this process comes at a price. Although the material is now stronger, it is also more brittle and its ability to stretch and deform is drastically reduced. Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in China have devised strategies to overcome this loss of ductility and the answer comes in the form of nanoscale twin boundaries Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2090/nano-twin-boundaries-for-that-extra-strength-and-stretch/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2106/sam-meets-carboranes/ Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) structures and properties are dominated by two interactions: those between the substrate and adsorbate, and those between the adsorbates themselves. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2106/sam-meets-carboranes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2107/super-battery/ The storage of electrical energy at high charge and discharge rate is an important technology in today's society. It can enable hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and provide back-up for wind and solar energy. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2107/super-battery/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2108/printable-power-using-carbon-nanotube-supercapacitors/ Portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, netbooks, and cameras are becoming increasingly more important to our society. How rarely we leave the house without our trusty iPhone or Blackberry! Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2108/printable-power-using-carbon-nanotube-supercapacitors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2110/coatings-go-natural/ Ever since prehistoric days, humans have used natural paint systems to decorate caves, etc. However, after the introduction of cheaper base products such as mineral oils, the use of more expensive and environmentally friendly resources in paints and coatings declined. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2110/coatings-go-natural/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2111/book-review-nanofluidics-/ The development of micro- and nanoscale fabrication and characterization techniques in recent decades has led to a rapid increase in availability of research tools for studying small-scale systems. Because of the excitement specifically associated with analysis and manipulation of micro- and nanoscale fluid systems, the interest in micro- and nanofluidics continues to grow. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2111/book-review-nanofluidics-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2272/printable-power-using-carbon-nanotube-supercapacitors/ Portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, netbooks, and cameras are becoming increasingly more important to our society. How rarely we leave the house without our trusty iPhone or Blackberry! These devices will continue to get cheaper and lighter, and will increasingly incorporate flexible components or displays. Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2272/printable-power-using-carbon-nanotube-supercapacitors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1415/nanobombs-shock-cancer-cells/ In the realm of science fiction, the idea of tiny nanorobots that can enter the human body and seek out and destroy unwanted elements has been prevalent. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1415/nanobombs-shock-cancer-cells/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1448/how-stiff-are-your-joints/ Atomic force microscopy (AFM) can detect osteoarthritis several months before conventional morphology-based diagnostic techniques. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1448/how-stiff-are-your-joints/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1452/nanoparticles-deliver-the-goods-and-leave-without-a-trace/ Researchers have come up with a new type of non-toxic nanoparticle Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1452/nanoparticles-deliver-the-goods-and-leave-without-a-trace/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1454/nanoscale-capacitors-pack-in-the-power/ Feynman's famous 1959 proclamation “There's plenty of room at the bottom” largely referred to the untapped storage ability for information at the nanoscale. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1454/nanoscale-capacitors-pack-in-the-power/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1455/smarter-implants/ One of the major obstacles preventing the development of implantable biosensors, artificial kidneys, and other “active” medical devices has been the reduction in device function after implantation. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1455/smarter-implants/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1456/better-photocells-from-bigger-buckyballs/ Much research activity is presently devoted to organic photovoltaic devices (OPV), in particular ones comprising polymers as donors and a variety of C60 fullerenes with organic molecules attached as acceptors. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1456/better-photocells-from-bigger-buckyballs/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1486/whose-choice-is-it-anyway-/ When deciding upon a particular project, do not simply consider benefits and costs, but do ask “whose benefits and whose costs? Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1486/whose-choice-is-it-anyway-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2276/nanostructured-origami/ Using the art of origami a group of scientists [MIT tech talk (2009) 53, 4] and [Arora, et al., J. Microelec. Syst. (2009) 18, 98] have successfully fabricated a functional microscale super capacitor, which is essentially a nanostructured 3D device. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2276/nanostructured-origami/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2277/single-molecules-cooling-off/ Until now it has been virtually impossible to record meaningful and reproducible data from single non-bonded molecules. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2277/single-molecules-cooling-off/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2278/silicon-nanocrystals-to-order/ Silicon nanocrystals are particularly useful for applications in nanoelectronic, optoelectronic and biological disciplines, and their production has become increasingly important. Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2278/silicon-nanocrystals-to-order/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1449/better-photocells-from-bigger-buckyballs/ Scientists have developed a novel fullerene species Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1449/better-photocells-from-bigger-buckyballs/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1457/gold-for-designer-dna-architecture/ DNA is one of the most promising materials for the construction of arbitrarily tailored 3D nanostructures Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1457/gold-for-designer-dna-architecture/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1460/biomimicry-to-the-rescue/ Producing new high performance materials with enhanced strength and toughness by copying and mimicking nature's hidden marvels is the essence of biomimicry. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1460/biomimicry-to-the-rescue/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1462/shooting-on-diamonds-with-the-fastest-gun-in-the-world/ The behaviour of carbon under high pressure in the vicinity of the melt boundary has been investigated by scientists actively in the last years. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1462/shooting-on-diamonds-with-the-fastest-gun-in-the-world/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1488/tiny-wires-promise-intense-energy/ Given the limited reserves of fossil and nuclear fuels, it seems evident that our future energy demands will have to be met by renewable energy sources. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1488/tiny-wires-promise-intense-energy/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2279/antiferromagnetic-coupling-in-semiconductors/ The phenomenon known as giant magnetoresistance (GMR), which has won the Nobel prize of physics in 2007, is based on the effect of antiferromagnetic coupling (AFC) between adjacent layers of magnetic materials. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2279/antiferromagnetic-coupling-in-semiconductors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2280/targeted-stamping-of-graphene/ The highly unusual properties of graphene has triggered a flurry of research activity in 2D carbon worldwide over the past four years. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2280/targeted-stamping-of-graphene/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2281/bendy-seethrough-electrodes/ Minute though it may be, the carbon atom is single-handedly responsible for an entire branch of chemistry, and lies at the base of most of biology. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2281/bendy-seethrough-electrodes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2282/parallel-light-rays-converge-on-invisibility/ Few ideas capture the imagination as vividly as cloaking, or rendering objects invisible to electromagnetic radiation. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2282/parallel-light-rays-converge-on-invisibility/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1492/brushing-up-on-sensors/ With colorimetric sensors, problems with selectivity and degradation give rise to stability issues. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1492/brushing-up-on-sensors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1496/nanopatterned-fibres-shine-more-brightly/ Organic light sources become steadily more important in the growing field of optoelectronics. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1496/nanopatterned-fibres-shine-more-brightly/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1509/soft-colloidal-mixtures-freeze-asymmetrically/ Soft colloidal particles play an important role in large-scale and microfluidic industrial processing applications, as well as in a variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1509/soft-colloidal-mixtures-freeze-asymmetrically/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1510/electrospinning-has-nanofibers-in-alignment/ Up to now, electrospinning has always been accepted as a fast, simple and efficient technique for the production of polymer fibers, with variable dimensions. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1510/electrospinning-has-nanofibers-in-alignment/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1512/hydrogen-from-water/ The search for suitable semiconductors as photocatalysts for the splitting of water into hydrogen gas using solar energy is one of the noblest missions that face material scientists today. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1512/hydrogen-from-water/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1515/water-soluble-gold/ Gold is one of the few metals that is not rejected by our body. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) thus provide non-toxic routes to drug and gene delivery applications. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1515/water-soluble-gold/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1522/superconductivity/ Treating the entire superconductivity field, this unparalleled reference resource blends theoretical studies with experimental results to provide the scientists and engineers an indispensable foundation for further research. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1522/superconductivity/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1523/condition-assessment-of-aged-structures/ A comprehensive single source of information on structural assessment techniques for marine and land based structures, industrial plants and buildings. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1523/condition-assessment-of-aged-structures/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1524/shape-memory-alloys-for-biomedical-applications-/ Shape memory alloys are suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications, such as dentistry, bone repair and cardiovascular stents. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1524/shape-memory-alloys-for-biomedical-applications-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1525/handbook-of-advanced-dielectric-piezoelectric-and-ferroelectric-materials/ This comprehensive book covers the latest developments in advanced dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric materials. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1525/handbook-of-advanced-dielectric-piezoelectric-and-ferroelectric-materials/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1526/welcome-to-the-second-target-station-at-isis/ Dr Andrew Taylor, Director of the ISIS neutron source, explains the opportunities for materials scientists. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1526/welcome-to-the-second-target-station-at-isis/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1527/implementing-educational-change-heeding-the-messages-from-materials-science-/ Change is the order of the day. However, this state of flux is not confined to materials scientists. Organisations such as the UK Centre for Materials Education (UKCME), charged with a remit to enhance student learning, are also in the business of change. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1527/implementing-educational-change-heeding-the-messages-from-materials-science-/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1535/the-time-for-thermochromics/ A house that changes color to white when it is hot, will reflect more sunlight and require less air conditioning. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1535/the-time-for-thermochromics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1543/molecular-architecture-using-dna/ The assembly of nanostructures according to one's wishes is one great goal of today's materials science. Probably the most promising approach for molecular construction deals with the utilization of DNA-strands that can be combined with atom point precision. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1543/molecular-architecture-using-dna/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1544/more-from-less-with-swnt/ Single Wall carbon NanoTubes (SWNTs) offer excellent electronic and mechanical properties making them suitable for a vast range of potential applications. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1544/more-from-less-with-swnt/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1548/tuning-lasers-at-the-nanoscale/ By creating semiconductor nanowires surrounded by multiple concentric quantum wells, researchers at Harvard University and the Georgia Institute of Technology have succeeded in fabricating tunable miniature lasers. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1548/tuning-lasers-at-the-nanoscale/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1553/building-a-better-gecko/ Walking effortlessly across vertical surfaces, or hanging comfortably from the ceiling, gecko lizards are capable of performing feats we haven't quite figured out how to replicate yet. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1553/building-a-better-gecko/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1560/new-insight-into-superconductivity/ The physics of high-temperature cuprate superconductors in the overdoped regime, where superconductivity is suppressed, is something of a mystery. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1560/new-insight-into-superconductivity/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1561/multimodal-contrast-agents-combat-cardiovascular-disease/ Researchers from Denmark, the Netherlands and the US have developed a technique for creating multimodal contrast agents for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, a disease affecting the arterial blood vessels Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1561/multimodal-contrast-agents-combat-cardiovascular-disease/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1562/nanoparticle-superlattices-shapeup-under-pressure/ Researchers from Cornell University have devised a simple and efficient means of creating highly ordered arrays of nanoparticles without the aid of a surface-modified substrate or self-assembled monolayer acting as a template. Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1562/nanoparticle-superlattices-shapeup-under-pressure/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1565/egyptian-talc-is-stronger-on-paper/ Mineral fillers are used in paper making to provide structure, surface finish and a bond between plant fibers, making the paper stronger. A recent study has shown that Egyptian talc, modified with phthalic anhydride and urea, provides a better bond between the fibers and higher resistance to water Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1565/egyptian-talc-is-stronger-on-paper/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1583/stretching-electronics-to-the-limit/ A material which exhibits conductivities as high as 57 S/cm and is also elastic has been created by a team from Japan. Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1583/stretching-electronics-to-the-limit/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1576/waste-for-life/ Student learning through international development projects. Who pays and who benefits? Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1576/waste-for-life/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1578/a-van-gogh-underneath-a-van-gogh/ Vincent van Gogh, one of the founding fathers of modern painting, was known to save canvas in a very particular way: He reused the canvases of abandoned paintings by covering them with layers of white and then painted over them Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1578/a-van-gogh-underneath-a-van-gogh/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1580/interferometers-feel-the-pressure/ Many methods can be employed to measure mechanical displacement; the coupling of optical and mechanical degrees of freedom is behind many of these techniques. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1580/interferometers-feel-the-pressure/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1582/slower-speeds-win/ It is widely believed that interactions at metal surfaces increase with an increase in molecular velocity. Scientists in California have presented findings that actually contradict this belief Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1582/slower-speeds-win/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1584/now-you-see-it-now-you-dont/ Invisibility cloaks have taken a step closer to reality as a result of new research carried out by a group from the University of California Berkeley in the US. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1584/now-you-see-it-now-you-dont/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1587/data-storage-capacity-on-the-rise/ Using block copolymers that spontaneously assemble into patterns created by lithography, higher density and greater uniformity can be obtained when manufacturing data storage devices, according to research carried out at the University of Wisconsin Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1587/data-storage-capacity-on-the-rise/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1588/unreactive-bond-gets-a-wake-up-call/ Researchers at Brandeis University have presented a paper that offers renewed hope in finding commercially viable routes to the successful breakdown of fluorinated compounds Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1588/unreactive-bond-gets-a-wake-up-call/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1589/diamonds-are-a-geologists-best-friend/ Diamonds filled with mineral deposits (or inclusions) provide a chance to see a frozen snapshot of extreme chemical and physical processes that have occurred in the earths mantle Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1589/diamonds-are-a-geologists-best-friend/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1590/terrahertz-moves-to-the-near-field/ Passing through materials that are opaque to visible light, terrahertz waves offer advantages in imaging applications Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1590/terrahertz-moves-to-the-near-field/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1591/simple-building-blocks-show-a-complex-side/ The self-assembly of small molecular ‘building blocks’ into large and ordered structures, inspired by biological systems, is a highly attractive prospect because it does not involve complicated synthetic pathways or external manipulation. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1591/simple-building-blocks-show-a-complex-side/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1592/updates-people-places/ A comprehensive update of people and places Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1592/updates-people-places/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1597/artificial-eyes-see-first-pictures/ The capability to perceive light was among the first senses to develop in animals and, many species use eyes as their primary sense organs Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1597/artificial-eyes-see-first-pictures/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1600/integrated-nanowire-array-sensor-circuit-is-a-first/ An integrated sensor circuit that is based on nanowire arrays and combining light sensors with electronics made from different crystalline materials, has been developed by scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy and the University of California at Berkeley Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1600/integrated-nanowire-array-sensor-circuit-is-a-first/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1601/power-on-the-run/ Fuel cell technology has emerged over the past few years as one of the most popular fields of research in our quest to improve efficiencies in modern power generation and storage. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1601/power-on-the-run/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1604/new-material-puts-organic-transistors-under-water/ Researchers from the US and Germany have developed a new polymeric material that allows organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) to operate stably in water Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1604/new-material-puts-organic-transistors-under-water/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1606/graphene-puffs-up-under-pressure/ Graphine is a one atom thick crystal layer, a chemically stable and electrically conducting membrane exhibiting a variety of unique properties due to its novel molecular structure One of the big question still remaining unanswered was; can such membranes be impermeable to atoms, molecules and ions? Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1606/graphene-puffs-up-under-pressure/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1618/what-really-sank-the-titanic/ An engineering tragedy consists of a sequence of events, some normal and some unusual, which must occur in a certain order and with a certain timing, for the accident to take place. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1618/what-really-sank-the-titanic/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1621/super-sponge/ Wheat is capable of producing a dough with very special structural properties. How does a such a sticky mass become a tasty loaf? Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1621/super-sponge/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1622/hydrogels-bend-on-command/ Bryan Kaehr and Jason B. Shear at the University of Texas at Austin have used multiphoton nonlinear excitation to fabricate chemically responsive protein structures embedded in a protein hydrogel matrix Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1622/hydrogels-bend-on-command/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1624/single-myosins-respond-to-force/ Myosins are biological molecular motors that glide along long filaments called actin to transport cargo within cells. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1624/single-myosins-respond-to-force/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1626/waterproofs-for-nanotubes/ Researchers at the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology in India have fabricated superhydrophobic nanocomposite coatings composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) (OPV) molecules Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1626/waterproofs-for-nanotubes/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1627/how-au-goes-noble/ Au nanoclusters have found use in many contexts, but their structure and electronic properties have until recently remained elusive. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1627/how-au-goes-noble/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1629/corrugations-cap-the-casimir-force/ As devices get ever smaller, nanotechnologists' concerns about the forces that come into play at the nanoscale grow ever larger. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1629/corrugations-cap-the-casimir-force/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1630/cu-promises-cheaper-solar-cells/ Over the last few years, scientists have been working hard to develop dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that are both cheaper and easier to manufacture than conventional photovoltaic cells. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1630/cu-promises-cheaper-solar-cells/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1632/xray-microscopy-makes-for-super-resolution/ Researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institut and the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland have unveiled the next best thing in X-ray microscopy by combining the advantages of two well-established techniques. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1632/xray-microscopy-makes-for-super-resolution/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1634/a-glimpse-of-carrier-pairing-in-superconductors/ A peek into the inner workings of high temperature superconductors has been provided by new work by an international collaboration reporting in Nature. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1634/a-glimpse-of-carrier-pairing-in-superconductors/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1635/soluble-organosilica-hybrid-nanowire/ One-dimensional nanostructures such as nanowires, nanotubes, and nanorods have a large potential as building blocks for assembling nanodevices. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1635/soluble-organosilica-hybrid-nanowire/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1636/silicon-nanowires-light-up-a-spark/ A team of scientists has shown that metallic silicon nanowires (Si NWs) grown on a Ag surface undergo an oxidation process that is remarkably similar to the combustion process in a burning match Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1636/silicon-nanowires-light-up-a-spark/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1637/graphene-goes-from-strength-to-strength/ redictions about the phenomenal strength of defect-free graphene appear to be well-founded, according to new experimental data from researchers at Columbia University Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1637/graphene-goes-from-strength-to-strength/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1638/promising-future-for-nanotubebased-electronics/ Semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are promising for electronics because of their superior properties, particularly their suitability for flexible applications. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1638/promising-future-for-nanotubebased-electronics/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1645/power-to-the-people/ The fragility of our energy infrastructure and an emphasis on climate change provide new business opportunities for materials science. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1645/power-to-the-people/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1982/hydrogels-bend-on-command/ Bryan Kaehr and Jason B. Shear at the University of Texas at Austin have used multiphoton nonlinear excitation to fabricate chemically responsive protein structures embedded in a protein hydrogel matrix. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/1982/hydrogels-bend-on-command/ http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2216/new-light-on-quantum-computing/ Photons are an attractive alternative to electron spins as quantum bits in information processing because they can propagate over large distances with low losses and can operate at low powers. Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.materialstoday.com/view/2216/new-light-on-quantum-computing/