News & Comment

Scanning transmission X-ray microscopy can be used to monitor chemical changes to a catalyst during a reaction

The ferroelectric material PZT emits terahertz radiation when it is fashioned into nanotubes and optically pumped

Numerical simulations show that next-generation synchrotron sources could be used to rapidly analyse the atomic structure of a single carbon nanotube

Can electron tunnelling be used to drive nanoscale rotary motors?

Thin films of carbon nanotubes can be made into flexible loudspeakers that have no moving parts

Researchers across Europe have collaborated to identify the 'music' of different types of nanoparticles.

Publishing a paper in a journal has traditionally marked the end of a research project, but increasing numbers of academics are becoming interested in the publication process itself.

Do molecules have beauty? Is it possible to fall in love with one? Based on what Harry Kroto and others have written about buckminsterfullerene, Chris Toumey thinks that the answer to both these questions is yes.

International standards have a crucial role in supporting global trade and protecting human health and the environment. US government agencies and the private sector must become more involved in international efforts to establish such standards, and representatives from all nations must ensure that all standards are based on sound science.

Calculations show that carbon nanotubes collapse progressively along their length when squeezed at one end, and could thereby eject a molecular 'bullet'

Artificial DNA nanostructures can be produced in large numbers using viruses and bacteria

Tiny hollow spheres made from cadmium sulphide nanocrystals can withstand incredibly high stresses and strains

A gold nanowire can act as an amplifying antenna for observing small molecular vibrations

Stimulated emission of surface plasmon polaritons is achieved by using structures with gold strips embedded inside erbium-doped phosphate glass

An atomic force microscope can be used to position individual atoms on a semiconductor surface at room temperature

Self-assembled monolayers show mobilities comparable to those of a single crystal, and make functional transistors and logical circuits

An array of random networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes coated with organic materials can diagnose lung cancer from breath samples

Carbon nanotubes can mimic the hairs on a gecko's feet to make strong but detachable adhesive materials

The size and charge of a nanoparticle can affect the type of protein that adsorb on its surface, possibly impacting the way these particles interact with living systems