A research team has demonstrated that a material called a metal-organic framework (MOF) is a stable and selective catalyst for breaking down polyester-based plastic into its component parts. Only three things are needed: plastic, hydrogen and the catalyst. An important bonus is that one of the...

When looking at images of the magnetism generated by nano-magnets, researchers revealed the phenomenon of 'edge magnetism': the magnetic material only retained magnetism on its edge -- in fact only within 10 nanometers of the edge. ...

Decoy nanoparticles mimic cells, attracting viruses to bind to them rather than infecting healthy cells. Researchers tested the strategy against the novel coronavirus and five of its variants, finding it was consistently effective. ...

The physical properties at the surface of nanomaterial structures become much more prominent as they approach atomic scales. In a recent study, scientists accurately measured the mechanical strength at the surface of gold nanocontacts as they were progressively stretched down to only a few atoms....

Chemists integrated computer functions into rolling DNA-based motors, opening a new realm of possibilities for miniature, molecular robots. These DNA-based motors combine computational power with the ability to burn fuel and move in an intentional direction. ...

Researchers have discovered a new design motif derived from the rigid external covering of invertebrates that may help create more damage tolerant materials for future building and construction. ...

Scientists have developed a highly efficient water purification filter that uses only solar power. The prototype can supply clean drinking water even at remote places to small populations and can be easily scaled-up. ...

Chemists treat waste plastic to absorb carbon dioxide from flue gas streams more efficiently than current processes. ...

Scientists have developed a treatment for pulmonary fibrosis by using nanoparticles coated in mannose -- a type of sugar -- to stop a population of lung cells called macrophages that contribute to lung tissue scarring. The cell-targeting method holds promise for preventing this severe lung scarring...

Scientists who developed the flash Joule heating process to make graphene have found a way to produce doped graphene to customize it for applications. ...