Nanoscience and nanotechnology

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image shows region surrounding an indentation the MIT researchers made in a piece of shell from Placuna placenta. The image shows the localization of damage to the area immediately surrounding the stress.

Tough as nails, yet clear enough to read through

MIT researchers uncover the secrets behind a marine creature’s defensive armor — one that is exceptionally tough, yet optically clear.

March 30, 2014

An artist's rendering of a bacterial cell engineered to produce amyloid nanofibers that incorporate particles such as quantum dots (red and green spheres) or gold nanoparticles.

Engineers design ‘living materials’

Hybrid materials combine bacterial cells with nonliving elements that can conduct electricity or emit light.

March 23, 2014

Researchers use a near-infrared microscope to read the output of carbon nanotube sensors embedded in an Arabidopsis thaliana plant.

Bionic plants

Nanotechnology could turn shrubbery into supercharged energy producers or sensors for explosives.

March 16, 2014

A water molecule bounces off a liquid surface from the vapor phase.

Novel membrane reveals water molecules will bounce off a liquid surface

Study may lead to more efficient water-desalination systems, fundamental understanding of fluid flow.

March 16, 2014

Two-dimensional material shows promise for optoelectronics

Team creates LEDs, photovoltaic cells, and light detectors using novel one-molecule-thick material.

March 10, 2014

A false-color electron microscope image showing E. coli bacteria (green) trapped over xylem pit membranes (red and blue) in the sapwood after filtration.

Need a water filter? Peel a tree branch

MIT group shows xylem tissue in sapwood can filter bacteria from contaminated water.

February 26, 2014

The MIT researchers used a four-step process to create filters from graphene (shown here): (a) a one-atom-thick sheet of graphene is placed on a supporting structure; (b) the graphene is bombarded with gallium ions; (c) wherever the gallium ions strike the graphene, they create defects in its structure; and (d) when etched with an oxidizing solution, each of those defects grows into a hole in the ...

How to create selective holes in graphene

New technique developed at MIT produces highly selective filter materials, could lead to more efficient desalination.

February 25, 2014

The paper test strips, which work similar to a pregnancy test, reveal the presence of proteins associated with cancer. They can also be designed to detect other diseases.

A paper diagnostic for cancer

Low-cost urine test developed by MIT engineers amplifies signals from growing tumors to detect disease.

February 24, 2014

This cross section of a lymph node shows that the molecular
vaccine (green) has been taken up by immune cells in the lymph node.

Hitchhiking vaccines boost immunity

New MIT vaccines that catch a ride to immune cell depots could help fight cancer and HIV.

February 16, 2014

When water molecules (red and white) and sodium and chlorine ions (green and purple) in saltwater (shown at the right) encounter a sheet of graphene (pale blue, center) perforated by holes of the right size, the water passes through (on the left), but the sodium and chlorine of the salt are blocked.

A brighter future for filtered seawater

MIT researchers evaluate graphene’s potential for making desalination economically viable.

February 13, 2014

Visiting graduate student Ryan Oliver with a microscope. Oliver's projects under associate professor of mechanical engineering A. John Hart include the Robofurnace, an automated system for making carbon nanotube forests and studying their growth, and high-throughput manufacturing of polymer microstructures for biosensing.

Improving carbon nanotube consistency in the lab

Bench-top 'Robofurnace' automates chemical vapor deposition process.

February 12, 2014

Shown here are examples of micro shapes polymerized by ultraviolet light in polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEG-DA).

Shining a light on tiny polymer shapes

Visiting graduate student studies high-throughput manufacturing of precisely shaped microparticles.

February 11, 2014

MIT engineers designed nanoparticles that can deliver short strands of RNA (green) into cells (nuclei are stained blue).

Better RNA interference, inspired by nature

New MIT nanoparticles offer best-ever gene silencing, could help treat liver diseases.

February 10, 2014

Mostafa Bedewy next to hood with a chemical vapor deposition system he uses to make and study carbon nanotube forests. Published research by Bedewy, with Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering A. John Hart and colleagues, showed that better production methods for aligned carbon nanotubes will require control of both collective chemical and mechanical factors governing their growth and self-...

Carbon nanotubes under stress

Postdoc Mostafa Bedewy shows complex competition between chemical activation and mechanical forces in growing CNT forests.

February 7, 2014

Professor A. John Hart with a folding paper cylinder. Paper's ability to fold and unfold many times and retain its integrity is a motivation for Hart's work on origami-inspired engineering.

Faculty highlight: A. John Hart

Mechanical engineering professor explores the science and technology of nano manufacturing.

February 5, 2014

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