nanotechnology

Nov 25, 2013

Researchers Use Nanoscale ‘Patches’ to Sensitize Targeted Cell Receptors

Researchers from North Carolina State University and Duke University have developed nanoscale “patches” that can be used to sensitize targeted cell receptors, making them more responsive to signals that control cell activity. The finding holds promise for promoting healing and facilitating tissue engineering research. 

Nov 21, 2013

Ultrasound, Nanoparticles May Help Diabetics Avoid the Needle

A new nanotechnology-based technique for regulating blood sugar in diabetics may give patients the ability to release insulin painlessly using a small ultrasound device, allowing them to go days between injections – rather than using needles to give themselves multiple insulin injections each day. The technique was developed by researchers at North Carolina State University… 

Nov 20, 2013

Researchers Integrate Single-Crystal BFO Onto a Silicon Chip, Open Door to Smart Devices

Researchers from North Carolina State University have for the first time integrated a material called bismuth ferrite (BFO) as a single crystal onto a silicon chip, opening the door to a new generation of multifunctional, smart devices. 

Nov 19, 2013

New Technique Controls Dimensions of Gold Nanorods While Manufacturing on a Large Scale

North Carolina State University researchers have a developed a technique for efficiently producing nanoscale gold rods in large quantities while simultaneously controlling the dimensions of the nanorods and their optical properties. The optical properties of gold nanorods make them desirable for use in biomedical applications ranging from imaging technologies to cancer treatment. 

Oct 28, 2013

Public Wants Labels for Food Nanotech – and They’re Willing to Pay for It

New research from North Carolina State University and the University of Minnesota finds that people in the United States want labels on food products that use nanotechnology – whether the nanotechnology is in the food or is used in food packaging. The research also shows that many people are willing to pay more for the… 

Sep 16, 2013

New Model Should Expedite Development of Temperature-Stable Nano-Alloys

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new theoretical model that will speed the development of new nanomaterial alloys that retain their advantageous properties at elevated temperatures. 

Sep 11, 2013

Airbrushing Could Facilitate Large-Scale Manufacture of Carbon Nanofibers

Researchers from North Carolina State University used airbrushing techniques to grow vertically aligned carbon nanofibers on several different metal substrates, opening the door for incorporating these nanofibers into gene delivery devices, sensors, batteries and other technologies. 

Aug 6, 2013

Battery Design Gets Boost From Aligned Carbon Nanotubes

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new flexible nano-scaffold for rechargeable lithium ion batteries that could help make cell phone and electric car batteries last longer. The research, published online in Advanced Materials, shows the potential of manufactured sheets of aligned carbon nanotubes coated with silicon, a material with a much higher… 

Jul 17, 2013

Injectable ‘Smart Sponge’ Holds Promise for Controlled Drug Delivery

Researchers have developed a drug delivery technique for diabetes treatment in which a sponge-like material surrounds an insulin core. The sponge expands and contracts in response to blood sugar levels to release insulin as needed. The technique could also be used for targeted drug delivery to cancer cells. 

Jun 24, 2013

New Master’s in Nanoengineering

To help meet the growing demand for workers who can keep pace with an important emerging technology, NC State is launching a master’s degree program in nanoengineering. 

Jun 13, 2013

Light-Carved ‘Nano-Volcanoes’ Hold Promise for Drug Delivery

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a method for creating “nano-volcanoes” by shining various colors of light through a nanoscale “crystal ball” made of a synthetic polymer. These nano-volcanoes can store precise amounts of other materials and hold promise for new drug-delivery technologies. 

May 22, 2013

Collaborative Nanoscale Facility Opens

Scientists at the Triangle's three major universities leveraged the power of collaboration to secure funding for a new high-tech nanoscale facility. 

May 22, 2013

New Technique May Open Up an Era of Atomic-scale Semiconductor Devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique for creating high-quality semiconductor thin films at the atomic scale – meaning the films are only one atom thick. The technique can be used to create these thin films on a large scale, sufficient to coat wafers that are two inches wide, or larger. 

May 16, 2013

Moth-Inspired Nanostructures Take the Color Out of Thin Films

Inspired by the structure of moth eyes, researchers at North Carolina State University have developed nanostructures that limit reflection at the interfaces where two thin films meet, suppressing the “thin-film interference” phenomenon commonly observed in nature. This can potentially improve the efficiency of thin-film solar cells and other optoelectronic devices. 

May 6, 2013

National Study of Nanomaterial Toxicity Sets Stage for Policies to Address Health Risks

For the first time, researchers from institutions around the country have conducted an identical series of toxicology tests evaluating lung-related health impacts associated with widely used engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). The study provides comparable health risk data from multiple labs, which should help regulators develop policies to protect workers and consumers who come into contact with…