A new study introduces a framework to calculate the material properties of a new class of two-dimensional curved hexagonal lattices that could be used in the production of improved mechanical metamaterials found in bio-engineering, stretchable electronics, impact absorption and soft robots.
Researchers have analyzed the surface properties of the Linothele fallax spider's silk and how they affect the properties of the material as a whole. The study demonstrates that spider web can be used in both surgery and food packaging.
Researchers have developed a new nanomedicine testing system based on plant leaves. This new solution will make it possible to significantly cut down on animal testing.
The development of smart cities is linked to the development of new materials and devices, the use of sensor networks, the handling of huge amounts of data, the development of communication networks between objects, decision-making, and a range of other smart technologies. Many of these areas benefit from nanotechnology enabled materials and devices such as sensors, photovoltaics, efficient lighting systems or communication networks.
Researchers have discovered how to greatly enhance the optical absorption of (ultra)thin silicon films using a nanostructured backreflector. This is relevant for device applications in ultrathin solar cells, photodiode detectors, and CCD chips in cameras.
3D laser printers for 3-dimensional microstructures and nanostructures have required big and expensive laser systems so far. Researchers now use two-step absorption that works with inexpensive and small, blue laser diodes. As a result, much smaller printers can be made.
Despite significant advancements in computing technologies, they pale in comparison to the energy efficiency of human brains. Now, researchers have developed a new spintronic technology for brain-inspired computing.
Scientists have succeeded for the first time in combining a memory function with a calculation function in the same component. The discovery opens the way for more efficient technologies, everything from mobile phones to self-driving cars.
