Nanoscience and nanotechnology

An electrical switch for magnetismMIT researchers develop a new approach to controlling the motion of magnetic domains; work could lead to low-power computer memory.

Solving a semiconductor riddleNew observations of material disprove leading theory about LED brightness, opening new avenues for research.

Nanotechnology could help fight diabetesInjectable nanogel can monitor blood-sugar levels and secrete insulin when needed.

Explained: Nanowires and nanotubesTiny filaments and cylinders are studied for possible uses in energy, electronics, optics and other fields.

Obama hosts Dresselhaus, Graybiel and Luu in Oval OfficeThe three MIT scientists are among six winners of the 2012 Kavli Prizes to visit the White House.

Watching fluid flow at nanometer scalesResearchers find that tiny nanowires can lift liquids as effectively as tubes.

Practicing medicine at the nanoscaleNew approaches to drug delivery offer hope for new, more targeted treatments.

Capturing energy from the sunMIT investigators are inspired by a deep-sea bacterium that is able to harvest tiny amounts of incoming solar energy with exquisite efficiency.

James Utterback honored as exemplar of excellenceProfessor was honored by KU Leuven at its bi-annual Leuven International Forum.

New material harvests energy from water vaporPolymer film could be used in artificial muscle and to power micro- and nanoelectronic devices.

Tiny tools help advance medical discoveriesMIT researchers are designing tools to analyze cells at the microscale.

Researchers demonstrate record-setting p-type transistorNew design for a basic component of all computer chips boasts the highest ‘carrier mobility’ yet measured.

Recent Course X grad named one of Forbes magazine's '30 Under 30'Pedro Valencia PhD '12 honored for drug research.

Flexible, light solar cells could provide new opportunitiesMIT researchers develop a new approach using graphene sheets coated with nanowires.

New experiments, new insights into stress corrosion crackingMIT researchers now have new insights into how 'stress corrosion cracking' may be affected by nanoscale disruptions in the crystalline structure of metallic materials.

New technology may enable earlier cancer diagnosisNanoparticles amplify tumor signals, making them much easier to detect in the urine.

Tiny compound semiconductor transistor could challenge silicon’s dominanceMIT researchers develop the smallest indium gallium arsenide transistor ever built.

How ‘transparent’ is graphene?MIT researchers find that adding a coating of graphene has little effect on how a surface interacts with liquids — except in extreme cases.

Buongiorno and McKrell awarded more than $400,000 by CEA, FranceThe researchers will investigate transient boiling heat transfer phenomena under rapidly escalating heat fluxes.

Making ‘nanospinning’ practicalNanofibers have a dizzying range of possible applications, but they’ve been prohibitively expensive to make. MIT researchers hope to change that.

Chiang honored for achievements in energy and environmentWins Innovation Award from The Economist

New injectable gels toughen up after entering the bodyThese more durable gels could find applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Stronger than a speeding bulletNew tests of nanostructured material could lead to better armor against everything from gunfire to micrometeorites.

Department snapshot: Civil and Environmental EngineeringFrom bacteria to bridges, CEE researchers tackle natural and built environments.

A better way to shed waterMIT researchers find that lubricated, nanotextured surfaces improved performance of condensers in power and desalination plants.

‘Invisibility’ could be a key to better electronicsMIT team applies technology developed for visual ‘cloaking’ to enable more efficient transfer of electrons.

A new way to create rare sugarsMIT team discovers an inorganic catalyst that could pave the way to a more robust synthesis of valuable rare sugars.

A novel ultracapacitorEnergy when and where you need it.