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Scientists at Stanford University have demonstrated a new way to slow light significantly and to direct it at will. The researchers structured ultrathin silicon chips into nanoscale bars to trap light and then release or redirect it later. These “resonators” could lead to novel ways of manipulating and using light for quantum computing, virtual and augmented reality, and light-based Wi Fi.
Scientists at Stanford University have demonstrated a new way to slow light significantly and to direct it at will. The researchers structured ultrathin silicon chips into nanoscale bars to trap light and then release or redirect it later. These “resonators” could lead to novel ways of manipulating and using light for quantum computing, virtual and augmented reality, and light-based Wi Fi.
The ocean floor and the ground beneath our feet are riddled with tiny nanowires created by billions of bacteria that can generate electric currents from organic waste. Yale researchers have now described how this hidden power grid could be activated with a short jolt of electric field.
The ocean floor and the ground beneath our feet are riddled with tiny nanowires created by billions of bacteria that can generate electric currents from organic waste. Yale researchers have now described how this hidden power grid could be activated with a short jolt of electric field.
Researchers at Rice University have developed the strongest and most conductive fibers yet, made of long carbon nanotubes through a wet spinning process. The researchers noted that wet-spun carbon nanotube fibers have doubled in strength and conductivity every three years, a trend that spans almost two decades. The threadlike fibers, with tens of millions of nanotubes in cross section, are being studied for use as bridges to repair damaged hearts, as electrical interfaces with the brain, and for use in cochlear implants.
Researchers at Rice University have developed the strongest and most conductive fibers yet, made of long carbon nanotubes through a wet spinning process. The researchers noted that wet-spun carbon nanotube fibers have doubled in strength and conductivity every three years, a trend that spans almost two decades. The threadlike fibers, with tens of millions of nanotubes in cross section, are being studied for use as bridges to repair damaged hearts, as electrical interfaces with the brain, and for use in cochlear implants.
One promising approach to turn sunlight and water into fuel is to use mixtures of tiny nanoparticles, whereby different particles play different roles. For example, gold nanoparticles absorb sunlight well, but they can’t efficiently make fuel by themselves. They need particles of another material nearby. The trick is to transfer electrons produced by the gold donor particles, as they absorb light, to the acceptor particles that start the chemical reaction to produce. Now, scientists have found a way to count how many electrons transfer between the two materials, which could help develop more efficient donor-acceptor combinations.
One promising approach to turn sunlight and water into fuel is to use mixtures of tiny nanoparticles, whereby different particles play different roles. For example, gold nanoparticles absorb sunlight well, but they can’t efficiently make fuel by themselves. They need particles of another material nearby. The trick is to transfer electrons produced by the gold donor particles, as they absorb light, to the acceptor particles that start the chemical reaction to produce. Now, scientists have found a way to count how many electrons transfer between the two materials, which could help develop more efficient donor-acceptor combinations.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are working to “immunize” plants against drought and extreme heat. The researchers sprayed tomato leaves with nanoparticles that release a temperature-programmed antimicrobial agent. The programmed release of antimicrobial agents occurred once temperatures within the plants reached 35-40 degrees Celsius.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are working to “immunize” plants against drought and extreme heat. The researchers sprayed tomato leaves with nanoparticles that release a temperature-programmed antimicrobial agent. The programmed release of antimicrobial agents occurred once temperatures within the plants reached 35-40 degrees Celsius.
