Game-changing nanostrings vibrate longer than any solid-state material

“Imagine a swing that, once pushed, keeps swinging for almost 100 years because it loses almost no energy through the ropes.” So says a Delft University of Technology researcher who has helped his team accomplish a parallel feat at the nanoscale.Contin… Continue reading Game-changing nanostrings vibrate longer than any solid-state material

Nanomaterial stimulates and regrows severed nerves like sci-fi tech

In a move that echoes a sci-fi series, researchers have developed a super-small material that was able to not only stimulate nerves in rodents, but reconnect them as well. The finding could lead to injectable particles that take the place of larger imp… Continue reading Nanomaterial stimulates and regrows severed nerves like sci-fi tech

Novel nanoribbons could improve battery & solar cell efficiency

Researchers have created a new family of nanomaterials by alloying phosphorus with arsenic to create single-atom-thick ribbons that are highly conductive, making them ideal candidates for use in next-generation batteries, solar cells and quantum comput… Continue reading Novel nanoribbons could improve battery & solar cell efficiency

Glass-coated DNA material boasts 4x strength of steel

It may not be as catchy a name as Iron Man, but in a fight you might be better off betting on Glass DNA Nanolattice Man instead. Engineers at the University of Connecticut have developed a very strong and lightweight new material out of DNA that self-a… Continue reading Glass-coated DNA material boasts 4x strength of steel

Metal found spontaneously healing itself like human skin

It’s long been assumed that when a metal structure like a bridge or an engine develops a crack, it will only get worse over time. But that might not be the case, based on what researchers have just observed happening in a tiny piece of platinum.Continu… Continue reading Metal found spontaneously healing itself like human skin

Self-powering patch can monitor muscle moves and it costs less than $3

Smart textiles and patches are coming in thick and fast, from wound-monitoring and healing bandages, to heartrate-measuring thread woven into fabric. The latest in this burgeoning field of medical therapies is one that impressively keeps an eye on your… Continue reading Self-powering patch can monitor muscle moves and it costs less than $3

Rust-removing sound waves could breathe new life into MXene batteries

For some time now, a nanomaterial known as MXene has been touted as a faster-charging alternative to the lithium used in batteries. It could soon be an even more viable choice, as scientists have devised a method of making it last much longer.Continue … Continue reading Rust-removing sound waves could breathe new life into MXene batteries

2D nanomaterial shows promise as superlubricant for Mars rovers

New two-dimensional nanomaterials called MXenes that are being examined by the Missouri University of Science and Technology may lead to new superlubricants that could better protect the delicate moving parts of future Mars rovers.Continue ReadingCateg… Continue reading 2D nanomaterial shows promise as superlubricant for Mars rovers

Diamond nanothreads could store thrice the energy of Li-ion batteries

Satisfying the energy needs of a growing population in a sustainable way calls for some inventive solutions, and ones not necessarily limited to the confines of battery chemistry. Solutions to storing energy in mechanical systems instead could include … Continue reading Diamond nanothreads could store thrice the energy of Li-ion batteries

Scottish artificial tongue can tell a dram from a sham

A tiny artificial tongue which can identify individual whiskies by taste has been invented by a team of engineers from – of course – the University of Glasgow. The device could mean big things for drink makers wanting to ensure a consistent p… Continue reading Scottish artificial tongue can tell a dram from a sham