A new method of increasing the signal of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) has been developed which means samples of just a few molecules can be identified and studied in a non-destructive way. SERS is an enhanced form of Raman Spectroscopy, a technique which uses infra-red lasers to determine the molecular constituents of a sample without causing any permanent changes.
By Jake Wilkinson
27 Nov 2015
A research grant worth $225,000 has been awarded for research into nanowire devices that exploit the pyroelectric effect to generate energy from the heat lost from buildings to the environment.
By Jake Wilkinson
27 Nov 2015
EM Resolutions, manufacturers and suppliers of tools and accessories for users of electron microscopes, announce new standards for SEM calibration – the EM-Tec MCS Series.
A beam of ions has been used to successfully engrave magnetic regions into an alloy with a resolution of 10 atoms. This new method of producing nanoscale magnets could be widely used in the electronics industry.
By Jake Wilkinson
25 Nov 2015
CEA-Leti will present six invited papers at the 2015 IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) Dec. 7-9 in Washington, D.C., share the latest results in its new CoolCube program and host a workshop focusing on t...
Ting Xu, a polymer researcher from the Materials Sciences Division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), has developed a novel set of nanocarriers that are produced from the self-assembly of polymers and amphiphilic peptides. Amphiphiles are a type of chemical compounds that have both lipophilic and hydrophilic characteristics. Micelles are spherical amphiphile aggregates. These nanocarriers have a structure of coiled-coil 3-helix micelles and hence, referred to as 3HM.
By Jake Wilkinson
23 Nov 2015
Piezo-based nanopositioning systems are known for their high precision. However, this is not self-evident since the motion characteristics of piezo actuators are by no means linear. This must be compensated by suitable control.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) have collaborated to develop a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to identify which nanotherapeutics are the most useful for treating tumors in different patients. This technique has received the approval of the FDA.
By Jake Wilkinson
20 Nov 2015
Tekna has entered into an Agreement with Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (SIAL, NASDAQ). The terms of the Agreement enable Sigma-Aldrich to distribute sample size quantities of Tekna's famous Boron Nitride NanoTubes (BNNTs), copper nanoparticles and silicon nanoparticles throughout Sigma-Aldrich's worldwide sales and distribution network.
A new high resolution method, that uses atomic force microscopy, has been developed that allows the exact shape of a receptor and it's affinity towards a particular ligand to be measured simultaneously. This has never been achieved before and will prove extremely useful in understanding the complex mechanisms behind cell communication.
By Jake Wilkinson
19 Nov 2015
Nanoscale submarines, made of only 224 atoms and driven by ultraviolet light, have been developed. It is hoped that this technology can be further developed to allow the transport of molecular cargoes or the delivery of drugs to diseased organs.
By Jake Wilkinson
19 Nov 2015
New research has shown quantum dots can be used to map neural networks in the brain by allowing neural signals to be visualised in real time. This breakthrough will allow further insight into neural communication in both normal and abnormal brains.
A novel 'flexo-electric' material that generates electricty upon compression has been developed. The material shows significant advantages over piezoelectric materials as it is non-toxic and generates a higher voltage at the nanoscale. It is hoped that the material will be used in self-charging pacemakers and ultra-sensitive sensors.
By Jake Wilkinson
18 Nov 2015
Gold nanoprisms have been used to develop a sensor that can be used to diagnose pancreatic cancer. The gold nanoprisms interact with microRNA in the patients blood to indicate if the disease is present. This novel technology is both cheap and effective.
By Jake Wilkinson
18 Nov 2015
A novel method of measuring magnetic resonance has been developed for use in lab-on-chip technology. The method uses a microscopic garnet crystal which nanomechanically twists in response to an external magnetic field which can be observed with spectroscopy.
By Jake Wilkinson
13 Nov 2015