ScienceDaily: Matter & Energy News

Scientists invent system to improve effectiveness of cancer surgery Posted: 20 Jan 2015 11:25 AM PST With the goal of making it easier for surgeons to detect malignant tissue during surgery and hopefully reduce the rate of cancer recurrence, scientists have invented a new imaging system that causes tumors to “light up” when a hand-held laser is directed at them.

One nanoparticle, six types of medical imaging Posted: 20 Jan 2015 11:25 AM PST Researchers have designed a nanoparticle that can be detected by six medical imaging techniques: computed tomography (CT) scanning; positron emission tomography (PET) scanning; photoacoustic imaging; fluorescence imaging; upconversion imaging; and Cerenkov luminescence imaging.

Portable stimulator being tested on Parkinson's patients Posted: 20 Jan 2015 09:08 AM PST A weak electric 'noise' can improve balance and motor skills in patients with Parkinson's disease, researchers have demonstrated. In cooperation with NASA, the research team has now developed a portable prototype that will be used in long-term studies of Parkinson's patients in their home environment.

Graphene enables all-electrical control of energy flow from light emitters Posted: 20 Jan 2015 08:18 AM PST Scientists have now demonstrated active, in situ electrical control of the energy flow from erbium ions into photons and plasmons. The experiment was implemented by placing the erbium emitters a few tens of nanometers away from the graphene sheet, whose carrier density is electrically controlled.

Laser-generated surface structures create extremely water-repellent, self-cleaning metals Posted: 20 Jan 2015 08:12 AM PST Scientists have used lasers to transform metals into extremely water repellent, or super-hydrophobic, materials without the need for temporary coatings.

New signal amplification process set to transform communications, imaging, computing Posted: 20 Jan 2015 08:12 AM PST A new signal amplification process is now poised to fuel new generations of electrical and photonic devices -- transforming the fields of communications, imaging and computing.

Wearable sensor clears path to long-term EKG, EMG monitoring Posted: 20 Jan 2015 07:25 AM PST A new, wearable sensor that uses silver nanowires to monitor electrophysiological signals, such as electrocardiographyor electromyography, has been developed by researchers. The new sensor is as accurate as the 'wet electrode' sensors used in hospitals, but can be used for long-term monitoring and is more accurate than existing sensors when a patient is moving.

New 'microcapsules' have potential to repair damage caused by osteoarthritis Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:59 AM PST A new ‘microcapsule’ treatment delivery method could reduce inflammation in cartilage affected by osteoarthritis and reverse damage to tissue, scientists report.

Atoms can be in two places at the same time Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:59 AM PST Can a penalty kick simultaneously score a goal and miss? For very small objects, at least, this is possible: according to the predictions of quantum mechanics, microscopic objects can take different paths at the same time.  The world of macroscopic objects follows other rules: the football always moves in a definite direction. But is this always correct? Physicists have constructed an experiment designed to possibly falsify this thesis. Their first experiment shows that Caesium atoms can indeed take two paths at the same time.

First public lighting system that runs on solar and wind energy Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:58 AM PST Scientists have developed the first autonomous industrialized public lighting system that works with solar and wind energy.

A contractile gel that stores light energy Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:58 AM PST Living systems have the ability to produce collective molecular motions that have an effect at the macroscale, such as a muscle that contracts via the concerted action of protein motors. In order to reproduce this phenomenon, scientists have made a polymer gel that is able to contract through the action of artificial molecular motors. When activated by light, these nanoscale motors twist the polymer chains in the gel, which as a result contracts by several centimeters. Another advantage is that the new material is able to store the light energy absorbed.

Anti-microbial coatings with a long-term effect for surfaces Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:58 AM PST Hygienic conditions and sterile procedures are particularly important in hospitals, kitchens and sanitary facilities, air conditioning and ventilation systems, in food preparation and in the manufacture of packaging material. In these areas, bacteria and fungi compromise the health of both consumers and patients. Researchers have now produced antimicrobial abrasion-resistant coatings with both silver and copper colloids with a long-term effect that kill germs reliably and at the same time prevent germs becoming established. The coatings are particularly suitable for the application on large and solid surfaces, on doorhandles and for textiles.

Hierarchically-porous polymers with fast absorption Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:45 AM PST Researchers have developed a method to form micropores of less than 2 nanometers within porous polymers.

Many antennas, multiple benefits: Can handle cellular traffic more reliably Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:45 AM PST A concept that balances large-scale installations of low-cost and low-power antennas to boost cellular coverage in difficult environments will also provide better connectivity to more users. This new architecture for wireless communications can help service providers meet growing demands for increased network capacity and improved energy efficiency.

Mathematical model that learns to compensate for positioning errors can control a micromanipulation system more accurately Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:45 AM PST A mathematical model can improve the accuracy and repeatability of a positioning system by learning to anticipate tiny errors in its movements. Micromanipulation systems are used to control objects' positions with exquisite precision and play a vital role in applications such as telescopes and laser communication.

Making waves with lasers could enhance solar cell efficiency Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:45 AM PST Laser processing produces deep ripples in silicon over a wide area — something that could enhance solar cell efficiency.

Oils, fats innovation: Use of nanotechnology in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals Posted: 20 Jan 2015 05:45 AM PST The use of oils and fats has been successfully diversified, resulting in an innovation formulated through nanotechnology that is beneficial to pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

New laser could upgrade the images in tomorrow's technology Posted: 19 Jan 2015 12:45 PM PST A new semiconductor laser has the potential to significantly improve the imaging quality of the next generation of high-tech microscopes, laser projectors, photolithography, holography and biomedical imaging.