Near-field light is invisible light at the subwavelength scale. Harnessed for a variety of practical applications, such as wireless power transfer, near-field light has an increasingly significant role in the development of miniature on-chip photonic devices. Controlling the direction of near-field light propagation has been an ongoing challenge that is of fundamental interest … [Read more...] about Near-field routing of hyperbolic metamaterials
Peering inside 2D crystal synthesis: Simulations could help molecular engineers enhance creation of semiconducting nanomaterials
Scientific studies describing the most basic processes often have the greatest impact in the long run. A new work by Rice University engineers could be one such, and it's a gas, gas, gas for nanomaterials. Rice materials theorist Boris Yakobson, graduate student Jincheng Lei and alumnus Yu Xie of Rice's Brown School of Engineering have unveiled how a popular 2D material, … [Read more...] about Peering inside 2D crystal synthesis: Simulations could help molecular engineers enhance creation of semiconducting nanomaterials
New combination of materials provides progress toward quantum computing: Research illuminates promising potential of exciton quasiparticle
The future of quantum computing may depend on the further development and understanding of semiconductor materials known as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). These atomically thin materials develop unique and useful electrical, mechanical, and optical properties when they are manipulated by pressure, light, or temperature. In research published today in Nature … [Read more...] about New combination of materials provides progress toward quantum computing: Research illuminates promising potential of exciton quasiparticle
Engineers devise novel approach to wirelessly power wearable devices
Advancements in wearable technology are reshaping the way we live, work and play, and also how healthcare is delivered and received. Wearables that have weaved their way into everyday life include smart watches and wireless earphones, while in the healthcare setting, common devices include wearable injectors, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring patches, listening aids, and … [Read more...] about Engineers devise novel approach to wirelessly power wearable devices
From milk protein, a plastic foam that gets better in a tough environment
A new high-performance plastic foam developed from whey proteins can withstand extreme heat better than many common thermoplastics made from petroleum. A research team in Sweden reports that the material, which may be used for example in catalysts for cars, fuel filters or packaging foam, actually improves its mechanical performance after days of exposure to high … [Read more...] about From milk protein, a plastic foam that gets better in a tough environment
Newsletters were supposed to be the Wild West. Enter Sheriff Google.
Over the last year, a gathering parade of writers — including some of the biggest names in journalism — have abandoned traditional publications for the greener, less centralized pastures of independent newsletters. The exodus has often been driven by frustrations with the various interlopers who stand between content creators and their audiences. Newspaper editors? Social media … [Read more...] about Newsletters were supposed to be the Wild West. Enter Sheriff Google.
Printing flexible wearable electronics for smart device applications: Using conventional printing techniques to print flexible supercapacitors is economical, scalable
The demand for flexible wearable electronics has spiked with the dramatic growth of smart devices that can exchange data with other devices over the internet with embedded sensors, software, and other technologies. Researchers consequently have focused on exploring flexible energy storage devices, such as flexible supercapacitators (FSCs), that are lightweight and safe and … [Read more...] about Printing flexible wearable electronics for smart device applications: Using conventional printing techniques to print flexible supercapacitors is economical, scalable
Researchers create quantum microscope that can see the impossible
In a major scientific leap, University of Queensland researchers have created a quantum microscope that can reveal biological structures that would otherwise be impossible to see. This paves the way for applications in biotechnology, and could extend far beyond this into areas ranging from navigation to medical imaging. The microscope is powered by the science of quantum … [Read more...] about Researchers create quantum microscope that can see the impossible
New twist on DNA data storage lets users preview stored files
Researchers from North Carolina State University have turned a longstanding challenge in DNA data storage into a tool, using it to offer users previews of stored data files -- such as thumbnail versions of image files. DNA data storage is an attractive technology because it has the potential to store a tremendous amount of data in a small package, it can store that data for a … [Read more...] about New twist on DNA data storage lets users preview stored files
Cloud computing expands brain sciences
People often think about human behavior in terms of what is happening in the present -- reading a newspaper, driving a car, or catching a football. But other dimensions of behavior extend over weeks, months, and years. Examples include a child learning how to read; an athlete recovering from a concussion; or a person turning 50 and wondering where all the time has gone. These … [Read more...] about Cloud computing expands brain sciences