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Toward practical laser-driven light sails using photonic crystals

Most space missions rely on chemical rockets for propulsion. Rockets must carry fuel, which increases spacecraft mass and limits their speed and travel distance. For decades, researchers have explored light sails as an alternative. ...

Using individual atoms to achieve fossil-free chemistry

Every chemical reaction faces a barrier: For substances to react with one another, it is first necessary to supply energy. In many cases, this energy barrier is low—such as when striking a match. For many key reactions ...

Intermediate phases unlock faster nanoparticle crystallization

Crystalline nanomaterials are valuable because their highly ordered structures give them useful properties for technologies such as data storage and optical devices. But forming nanoparticles from those orderly crystals is ...

New 2D membrane reactor improves photocatalytic synthesis

Chinese researchers have developed a photocatalytic membrane reactor that dramatically improves the synthesis of imines—a class of compounds essential to the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and advanced synthetic ...

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Nanophysics
A new, useful absorption limit for ultra-thin films
Nanomaterials
Peanut waste can be turned into high-quality futuristic graphene
Nanomaterials
2D memristors could help solve AI's energy problem
Nanomaterials
LED-powered e-nose detects multiple hazardous gases at room temperature
Nanophysics
Diamond surfaces are covered in thin, ice-like water layers
Bio & Medicine
Color-changing nanopigment sensor tracks pH one to ten with stable, repeatable readings
Nanophysics
When smaller means better: How device scaling enhances memory performance
Bio & Medicine
Scientists deliver new molecule for getting DNA into cells
Bio & Medicine
Stretchy plastics conduct electricity via tiny, whisker-like fibers
Bio & Medicine
Charged nanoparticles linked to higher fish embryo mortality
Nanophysics
Nanodevice produces continuous electricity from evaporation
Nanomaterials
Nature-inspired method forms ZnO quantum dots in solid crystals at room temperature
Nanomaterials
Transistor-like MXene membranes enhance ion separation
Bio & Medicine
Chemistry-powered 'breathing' membrane opens and closes tiny pores on its own
Nanophysics
When electronics become flexible: Atom-thin materials for future devices
Nanophysics
Mass production technology developed for ultra-high color purity perovskite emitters
Nanophysics
Nanoengineers realize an on-chip excitonic hyperlens
Nanomaterials
World's smallest QR code, read via electron microscope, earns Guinness recognition
Nanophysics
Tuned nanocrystals speed light-driven reactions by matching molecular vibrations
Nanomaterials
New nanohole-based microscopy monitors electrochemical reactions millisecond by millisecond

Other news

Planetary Sciences
New exoplanet survey method finds high rates of closely orbiting planets
Planetary Sciences
A new model defines an upper limit to planetary radiation belt intensity
Cell & Microbiology
Telomere breaks provide new insights into chaotic chromosome mutations
Biotechnology
One gene makes the difference: Breeding winter-hardy faba beans
Biotechnology
AI-enabled quantum refinement cracks the code of difficult-to-map proteins
Condensed Matter
Scientists control 'free-flowing' electric currents with light
Plants & Animals
Japanese scientists discover how falling cats almost always make perfect landings
Cell & Microbiology
Bacteria have a secret engineering trick to keep themselves in shape
Mathematics
Student serves up fresh solutions to the pancake problem
Evolution
Why lethal mutations persist: Fruit fly study points to newly transferred jumping genes, not small DNA errors
Archaeology
First absolute dating of Paleolithic paintings in the Dordogne
Ecology
Ancient stone jars shows how tree cover shapes freshwater ecosystems over millennia
Earth Sciences
Glacial lakes in Alaska are expanding rapidly and could quadruple in size
Cell & Microbiology
Why averages fail for bacteria in the open ocean
General Physics
Precisely measuring quantum signals in large spin ensembles
Analytical Chemistry
Scientists harness quantum tunneling to boost heavy water production efficiency
Biochemistry
How boron helps to produce key proteins for new cancer therapies
Polymers
Moisture-powered polymers could make cleaning CO₂ from air more efficient
Archaeology
Ancient parrot DNA reveals sophisticated, long-distance animal trade network pre-dating the Inca Empire
Environment
Subway systems are uncomfortably hot—and worsening, study finds

How defects make permanent magnets even more efficient

Rare-earth magnets are essential for electric motors in vehicles, drones, and trains, forming the backbone of modern, environmentally friendly mobility. These are not simple blocks of metal, but carefully engineered materials ...

Gold 'supraballs' nearly double solar energy absorption in tests

Sunbeams contain a lot of energy. But current technology for harvesting solar power doesn't capture as much as it could. Now, in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers report that gold nanospheres, named supraballs, ...

AI model accelerates defect-based material design

Across the physical world, many intricate structures form via symmetry breaking. When a system with inherent symmetry transitions into an ordered state, it can form stable imperfections known as topological defects. Such ...

Toothbrush-activated powder whitens, repairs and protects teeth

Even with regular brushing, teeth can become stained from genetic factors or consuming foods and drinks like tomatoes and coffee. Chemical whiteners can help, but they can also damage teeth in the process. So, researchers ...

Using amino acids as fuels to make conductive graphene

Graphene has drawn attention as a scientific curiosity owing to its record conductivities, strength and thermal properties. But now, it's starting to make its way into a number of real-world applications, from batteries to ...