Nanoscale physics explains why puddles stop spreading

When you spill a bit of water onto a tabletop, the puddle spreads — and then stops, leaving a well-defined area of water with a sharp boundary. There’s just one problem: The formulas scientists use to describe such a fluid flow say that the water should just keep spreading endlessly. Everyone knows that’s not the case — but why? This mystery has now...

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Ultra-thin, all-inorganic molecular nanowires

Nanowires are wired-shaped materials with diameters that are tens of nanometers or less. There are many types of nanowires, including semiconducting composite nanowires, metal oxide composite nanowires, and organic polymer nanowires, and they are typically used in functional materials and devices used as sensors, transistors, semiconductors, photonics...

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Nanocavites on sensor chip can improve accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis

New research has shown how a smart sensor chip, able to pick up on subtle differences in glycoprotein molecules, can improve the accuracy and efficiency of prostate cancer diagnosis. Researchers at the University of Birmingham believe that the novel technology will help improve the process of early...

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Nanotechnology transforms cotton fibers into modern marvel

Juan Hinestroza and his students live in a cotton-soft nano world, where they create clothing that kills bacteria, conducts electricity, wards off malaria, captures harmful gas and weaves transistors into shirts and dresses. “Cotton is one of the most fascinating – and misunderstood materials,” said Hinestroza, associate professor of fiber science,...

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