A simple circular or hexagonal pit written into silicon can be used to generate self-assembling polymer spirals thanks to the addition of a tiny notch in the template, report scientists in the launch issue of Nano Futures. What’s more, modifying the notch’s shape allows users to dial-up the direction of the spiral to generate either left- or right-handed…

Researchers at the RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia have drawn inspiration from the way kestrels hover above their prey to develop an autonomous fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) that can gain height from convenient updrafts. The results are published today, Friday 18th December, in the journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics. “It’s long been known the birds take…

Graphene has been called the miracle material but the single-atomic layer material is still seeking its place in the materials world. Now a method to make ‘defective’ graphene could provide the answer. On July 30, in the journal Nanotechnology, a team of researchers report that they have developed a simple electrochemical approach which allows defects…

A new study published in IOP Publishing’s journal 2D Materials has proposed using graphene as an alternative coating for catheters to improve the delivery of chemotherapy drugs. The research suggests that placing graphene – an extremely thin sheet of carbon atoms – on the internal surfaces of intravenous catheters commonly used to deliver chemotherapy drugs…

The team responsible for the Oscar-nominated visual effects at the center of Christopher Nolan’s epic, Interstellar, have turned science fiction into science fact by providing new insights into the powerful effects of black holes. In a paper published today, 13 February, in IOP Publishing’s journal Classical and Quantum Gravity, the team describe the innovative computer…

An ice skating blade that informs figure skaters of the stresses they are imposing on their joints has been developed by a group of researchers in the US. The small, lightweight device has been built to measure the force that a figure skater exerts on the ice when performing their repertoire of jumps and spins…

An ultrasensitive biosensor made from the wonder material graphene has been used to detect molecules that indicate an increased risk of developing cancer. The biosensor has been shown to be more than five times more sensitive than bioassay tests currently in use, and was able to provide results in a matter of minutes, opening up…

A chin strap that can harvest energy from jaw movements has been created by a group of researchers in Canada. It is hoped that the device can generate electricity from eating, chewing, and talking, and power a number of small-scale implantable or wearable electronic devices, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, electronic hearing protectors and…

An international team of researchers has taken a significant step towards understanding the fundamental properties of the 2D material silicene by showing that it can remain stable in the presence of oxygen. In a study published August 12, in IOP Publishing’s journal 2D Materials, the researchers have shown that thick, multilayers of silicene can be…

Researchers have been taking tips from nature to build the next generation of flying robots. Based on the mechanisms adopted by birds, bats, insects and snakes, 14 distinguished research teams have developed solutions to some of the common problems that drones could be faced with when navigating through an urban environment and performing novel tasks…

A carbon nanotube sponge capable of soaking up water contaminants, such as fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals, more than three times more efficiently than previous efforts has been presented in a new study. The carbon nanotube (CNT) sponges, uniquely doped with sulphur, also demonstrated a high capacity to absorb oil, potentially opening up the possibility of…