(Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense)
A research team has discovered a way to make previously hidden states of light, known as dark excitons, shine brightly, and control their emission at the nanoscale. Their finding open the door to faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient technologies. “By turning these hidden states on and off at will and controlling them with nanoscale resolution, we open exciting opportunities to disruptively advance next-generation optical and quantum technologies, including for sensing and computing,” said the study’s principal investigator.

(Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense)
Researchers at Penn Engineering have made a surprising discovery: a new type of material that can pull water from the air and release it onto surfaces without any need for external energy. Originally stumbled upon by accident during unrelated experiments, the material combines water-attracting and water-repelling components at the nanoscale in a way that allows it to both capture moisture and push it out as visible droplets. This discovery could lead to new ways of collecting water in dry areas or cooling buildings and electronics using only evaporation without the need for any external energy.

(Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. National Science Foundation)
Scientists at Florida State University have mapped the internal structure of blacktip sharks in unprecedented detail. At the nanoscale, the researchers observed tiny needle-like bioapatite crystals – a mineral also found in human bones – aligned with strands of collagen. Even more intriguing, the team discovered helical fiber structures primarily based on collagen – suggesting a sophisticated, layered design optimized to prevent cracks from spreading. Under strain, fiber and mineral networks work together to absorb and distribute force, contributing to the shark’s resilience and flexibility. This detailed understanding of how sharks build such tough yet adaptable structures could inspire the creation of new, more resilient materials for medical implants or protective gear.

(Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation)
Imagine a T-shirt that could monitor your heart rate or blood pressure. Or a pair of socks that could provide feedback on your running stride. This futuristic idea is getting closer to reality, thanks to new research from Washington State University. Scientists there have developed a more durable and comfortable way to print electronic materials onto fabrics, creating “smart” textiles. Unlike earlier attempts that relied on stiff or rigid components sewn or glued onto fabrics, this new method uses a direct ink 3D printing technique. Researchers printed a solution containing carbon nanotubes and a biodegradable polyester onto two types of fabric. This solution bonded well with the fibers, making the printed materials wash-friendly and able to hold up through abrasion.

(Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health)
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed silk iron microparticles and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and then chemically bonded the silk microparticles with the nanoparticles. The microparticles were designed to deliver drugs to sites in the body, and the drugs were towed by the microparticles like a trailer is towed by a car. “You can think of it like towing cargo – we created the [micro]particles to carry drugs, and the nanoparticles are the tow hook,” said Mostafa Bedewy, associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Now that the researchers have found a way to magnetically guide the silk microparticles with the nanoparticles, the next step will be to load them with therapeutic cargo. This research opens the door to a wide range of future applications – from targeted cancer therapies to regenerative treatments for cardiovascular disease.