https://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. Is it possible to understand the universe without understanding the largest structures that reside in it? In principle, not likely. In practical terms? Definitely not. Extremely large objects can distort our understanding of the cosmos. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-astronomers-largest-universe-quipu.html Astronomy Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:19:23 EST news658070360 New periodic structures known as moiré lattices can be observed in two-dimensional (2-D) heterostructures containing layers with slightly different lattice vectors, which can in turn support new topological phenomena. It is therefore important to obtain high-resolution imaging of these moiré lattices and superstructures to understand the emerging physics. In a new report now published in Science Advances, Kyunghoon Lee and a team of scientists report the imaging process to view moiré lattices and superstructures in graphene-based samples under ambient conditions using scanning microwave impedance microscopy with ultrahigh-resolution implementation. While the probe tip of the device maintained a gross radius of 100 nm, the research team achieved a spatial resolution better than 5 nm. This setup allowed direct visualization of moiré lattices and the composite super-moiré. The researchers also showed the artificial synthesis of new superstructures arising from the interplay between diverse layers. https://phys.org/news/2020-12-dimensional-heterostructures-layers-slightly-lattice.html Nanophysics Tue, 22 Dec 2020 12:50:02 EST news527862180 Organic-inorganic halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) form an attractive class of materials for optoelectronic applications. Their charge transport properties are, however, inferior compared to materials such as graphene. Conversely, graphene contains a charge generation efficiency that is too low for applications in optoelectronics. In a new report, Basudev Pradhan and a research team at the Nanoscience Technology Center, and the departments of Optics and Photonics, Materials Science Engineering, Physics and Chemistry at the University of Central Florida, U.S., Developed an ultrathin photon transistor and photonic synapses using graphene-PQD (graphene-perovskite quantum dot; G-PQD) superstructures. To prepare the superstructures they grew PQDs directly from a graphene lattice. Phototransistors made of G-QPDs exhibited excellent responsivity and specific detectivity. The light-assisted memory effects of the superstructures allowed photonic synaptic behavior for neuromorphic computing, which the team demonstrated through facial recognition applications with the assistance of machine learning. Pradhan et al. expect the G-PQD superstructure to bolster new directions to develop highly effective optoelectronic devices. https://phys.org/news/2020-02-ultrasensitive-ultrathin-phototransistors-photonic-synapses.html Nanophysics Wed, 26 Feb 2020 09:30:01 EST news501923660 Researchers from the Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tsinghua University (THU) report a sandwiched superstructure for graphene oxide (GO) that transports through cell membranes. The discovery, published in Science Advances, opens up a membrane-specific drug delivery mode, which could significantly improve cytotoxicity effects over traditional drug carriers. https://phys.org/news/2019-06-proof-sandwiched-graphene-membrane-superstructure-membrane-specific.html Bio & Medicine Fri, 07 Jun 2019 14:00:01 EDT news479116949 Scientists have been searching for ways to develop materials that are as dynamic as living things, with the ability to change shape, move and change properties reversibly. https://phys.org/news/2018-10-bio-inspired-dynamic-materials.html Materials Science Fri, 05 Oct 2018 07:51:53 EDT news457944706 Researchers from Brown University have assembled complex macroscale superstructures from pyramid-shaped nanoparticle building blocks. The research, described in the journal Nature, demonstrates a promising new way to bring the useful properties of nanoparticles to macroscale materials and devices. https://phys.org/news/2018-09-nanoparticle-superstructures-pyramid-shaped-blocks.html Nanophysics Wed, 19 Sep 2018 13:00:01 EDT news456577614 (Phys.org)—A team of researchers at the University of Alberta has developed a way to create moiré superstructures using block copolymers. In their paper published in the journal ACS Nano, the team describes the technique, the ways it can be modified and possible uses for the end product. https://phys.org/news/2017-03-moire-superstructures-block-copolymers.html Nanophysics Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:05:14 EDT news409219506 When University of Pennsylvania nanoscientists created beautiful, tiled patterns with flat nanocrystals, they were left with a mystery: why did some sets of crystals arrange themselves in an alternating, herringbone style, even though it wasn't the simplest pattern? To find out, they turned to experts in computer simulation at the University of Michigan and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://phys.org/news/2013-07-advance-programmable-nanocrystals.html Nanomaterials Mon, 29 Jul 2013 06:00:01 EDT news294295765 Leading nanoscientists created beautiful, tiled patterns with flat nanocrystals, but they were left with a mystery: Why did some sets of crystals arrange themselves in an alternating, herringbone style? To find out, they turned to experts in computer simulation at the University of Michigan and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://phys.org/news/2013-05-nano-breakthrough-case-herringbone-crystal.html Nanomaterials Sun, 12 May 2013 13:00:11 EDT news287576108 The unique magnetic properties of cobalt phosphide nanowires stand them in good stead as future components of high-performance devices. Unlike bulk materials, these ultrasmall elongated crystals consist of single-domain structures that account for their superparamagnetism—a temperature-induced magnetism that arises in a magnetic field. To maintain and fully exploit this behavior, scientists must generate materials composed of precisely positioned and oriented building blocks. Such superstructures are now available, thanks to the development of a method that uses temperature changes to align individual nanowires. Ming-Yong Han from the A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Sinapore, led the research. https://phys.org/news/2012-10-temperature-controlled-alignment-tiny-crystals-harness.html Nanophysics Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:47:48 EDT news270294448 NASA's highly anticipated Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) began operations on the International Space Station with the Canadian Dextre robot and RRM tools March 7-9, 2012, marking important milestones in satellite-servicing technology and the use of the space station robotic capabilities. https://phys.org/news/2012-03-robotic-refueling-mission-space-station.html Space Exploration Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:47:26 EST news250361240 Scientists in the Center for Nanoscale Materials and Argonne's Biosciences Division have demonstrated a remarkably simple, elegant, and cost-effective way of assembling nanoparticles into larger structures of any desired shape and form at will via a process called "optically directed assembly." https://phys.org/news/2011-03-nanoparticles-superstructures.html Nanophysics Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:58:36 EDT news219398272 For centuries, some of the greatest names in math have tried to make sense of partition numbers, the basis for adding and counting. Many mathematicians added major pieces to the puzzle, but all of them fell short of a full theory to explain partitions. Instead, their work raised more questions about this fundamental area of math. https://phys.org/news/2011-01-math-theories-reveal-nature.html Mathematics Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:41:59 EST news214746094 Nanoparticles have a strong tendency to form periodic structures. Mixing and matching of two different types of nanoparticles allows the formation of binary nanoparticle superlattices isostructural to ionic or intermetallic compounds. In addition to periodic superlattices, binary mixtures of nearly spherical nanoparticles could lead to the growth of quasi-crystals. https://phys.org/news/2010-01-highlight-quasi-crystalline-nanoscale.html Nanomaterials Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:18:15 EST news182445428 (PhysOrg.com) -- Nature and its bottom-up processes for creating robust and responsive materials are inspiring new generations of synthetic materials and creative design. https://phys.org/news/2009-12-nature-fine-scientists-modern-lessons.html Other Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:22:22 EST news179137286 (PhysOrg.com) -- Research at the University of Liverpool has found how mirror-image molecules gain control over each other and dictate the physical state of superstructures. https://phys.org/news/2009-08-molecules-supremacy-creation-superstructures.html Materials Science Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:51:53 EDT news169375753 (PhysOrg.com) -- Amphiphilic molecules, which have one water-friendly (hydrophilic) end and one water-repellant (hydrophobic) end, spontaneously aggregate in aqueous solutions to make superstructures like capsules or bilayers. This phenomenon is responsible for the effects of detergents and soaps. Dirt is enclosed in little capsules of surfactant, which makes it water-soluble. https://phys.org/news/2009-03-bristly-spheres-capsules.html Polymers Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:08:12 EST news155556445 (PhysOrg.com) -- What do Saturn and flowers have in common? As shapes, both possess certain symmetries that are easily recognizable in the natural world. Now, at an extremely small level, researchers from Duke University and the University of Massachusetts have created a unique set of conditions in which tiny particles within a solution will consistently assemble themselves into these and other complex shapes. https://phys.org/news/2009-02-sophisticated-nano-structures-magnets-video.html Nanophysics Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:48:45 EST news154190856