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The new generation of hydrogels moves away from the bulk materials of old, to those with multilayered, complex internal structures and controllable physical properties.
Crystallography and microscopy are alternative pathways for investigating the structure of small objects. More elaborate techniques are needed at length scales where atomic clusters become nanocrystals.
Simplification in large-area manufacturing of complex organic electronics is a critical step towards ubiquitous, flexible, portable applications; why not make the molecules do the work?
The mechanical properties of granular matter are affected by the addition of liquid — however, over a wide range, the actual amount of liquid is unimportant. Now, imaging techniques look inside the wet granular pile, or 'sandcastle', to help solve this puzzle.
The complex electronic properties of alkali-doped fullerides derive from the interplay between competing interactions. Fine control of the doping levels and thickness of fulleride films makes it possible to tune relevant parameters.
Theoretical work has highlighted the potential of using devices in which spin-polarized carries are injected in single molecular magnets, and a few experiments have shown promising results. The challenges are great, but the advantages compared with more conventional strategies may be considerable, and future research promises to be intriguing and rewarding.
Building blocks of DNA self-assemble into nanostructures in a kinetically controlled way. The versatile molecular system can be programmed to perform diverse dynamic functions.
The biologically inspired toolbox is well and truly open. From three-dimensional DNA assemblies to active catalysts inside the confines of a virus — biomolecules are finding a second, unnatural life.
When a wire coat hanger is bent it becomes mechanically stronger because of the imperfections that are introduced. In situ electron microscopy now shows that small metal structures are strengthened not by adding but by removing imperfections.
The observation of long relaxation times and high-fidelity preparation promote the spin of a hole in a semiconductor quantum dot to the best position to be a contender for the role of a solid-state qubit.
The adhesive proteins secreted by mussels are the inspiration behind a versatile approach to the surface modification of a wide range of inorganic and organic materials, resulting in the fabrication of multifunctional coatings for a variety of applications.
The structure of Nafion, the polymer electrolyte membrane used in some fuel cells, has been extensively debated over recent decades. Now, a model reveals the nanoscale arrangement that could explain the excellent transport properties of the material.
