Jan 14, 2026 Scientists have created hydrogel-based artificial cilia that move almost exactly like real biological cilia - the closest imitation achieved so far. The researchers can program each micrometer-sized cilium to move freely in space - just like cilia in the human body. (Nanowerk News) Cilia are micrometer-sized biological...
Mysterious dark object in space
Jan 14, 2026 Scientists detect the lowest mass dark object currently measured - an exotic concentration of dark matter? (Nanowerk News) Dark matter is an enigmatic form of matter not expected to emit light, yet it is essential to understanding how the rich tapestry of stars and galaxies we see...
Quantum simulator sheds light on how nature moves energy in systems like photosynthesis and solar conversion
Jan 14, 2026 Researchers used a specialized quantum device to simulate a vibrating molecule and track how energy moves within it. The work could improve understanding of basic mechanisms behind phenomena such as photosynthesis and solar energy conversion. (Nanowerk News) The researchers modeled a simple two-site molecule with one part...
Scientists uncover new quantum state that could power future technologies
Jan 14, 2026 Scientists have discovered a new quantum state of matter that connects two significant areas of physics, potentially leading to advancements in computing, sensing and materials science. (Nanowerk News) A study published in Nature Physics ("Emergent topological semimetal from quantum criticality"), co-led by Rice University’s Qimiao Si, brings...
Solving the mystery of the universe’s ‘little red dots’
Jan 14, 2026 Since the James Webb Space Telescope went into operation, red dots in its images have puzzled researchers around the world. Now, researchers have explained these enigmatic findings. (Nanowerk News) Since the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) went into operation, red dots in its images have puzzled researchers...
Atomic surface control boosts light emission in eco-friendly nanosemiconductors
Jan 14, 2026 Atomic level surface control raised light emission in indium phosphide magic sized clusters from under 1% to 18.1%, overcoming a key limit in eco friendly nanoscale semiconductors. (Nanowerk News) Light-emitting semiconductors are used throughout everyday life in TVs, smartphones, and lighting. However, many technical barriers remain in...
Researchers demonstrate first-time use of AI for genetic circuit design
Jan 14, 2026 CLASSIC enables large-scale testing of complex DNA circuits in human cells, advancing data-driven synthetic biology. (Nanowerk News) There are hundreds of cell types in the human body, each with a specific role spelled out in their DNA. In theory, all it takes for cells to behave in...
Controlling magnetic materials for data storage
Jan 14, 2026 Researchers demonstrate how to change the frequency of the collective magnetic oscillations of a material by up to 40% by using commercially available devices at room temperature. (Nanowerk News) Progress for magnetic data storage: Physicist Davide Bossini from the University of Konstanz demonstrates how to change the...
Global study sets new benchmark for testing graphene quality at atomic scale
Jan 14, 2026 Researchers develop reliable method using transmission electron microscopy to verify graphene's single-atom thickness, establishing foundation for industrial standards. (Nanowerk News) Graphene could transform everything from electric cars to smartphones, but only if we can guarantee its quality. The University of Manchester has led the world’s largest study...
Atoms caught in the act of wetting
Jan 14, 2026 Real-time microscopy and AI reveal how atomic wetting controls tin oxide nanowire growth inside carbon nanotubes, uncovering the mechanisms that link temperature, geometry, and surface chemistry. (Nanowerk Spotlight) Liquids behave strangely when confined to spaces only a few atoms wide. They can climb, spread, or retreat depending...