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Polariton fluid emits clockwise or anticlockwise spin light by applying electric fields to a semiconductor chip.

Liquid light switch could enable more powerful electronics

08 Aug 2016

Researchers have built a record energy-efficient switch, which uses the interplay of electricity and a liquid form of light, in semiconductor...

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Mixing light with dye molecules, trapped in golden gaps

Nano ‘hall of mirrors’ causes molecules to mix with light

13 Jun 2016

Researchers have successfully used quantum states to mix a molecule with light at room temperature, which will aid in the exploration of quantum...

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Expanding polymer-coated gold nanoparticles

Little ANTs: researchers build the world’s tiniest engine

02 May 2016

Researchers have built a nano-engine that could form the basis for future applications in nano-robotics, including robots small enough to enter...

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Artistic rendering of self-assembled nanowires composed of different crystal structures that spontaneously grow with the help of a catalytic nanoparticle at the tip of each nanowire.

Farming at nanoscale dimensions

18 Mar 2016

Researchers from Cambridge, IBM and Lund University have discovered how tiny 'nanowires' of a widely-used semiconductor self-assemble. Dr Frances...

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A tray of eggs up close

Opinion: Dreaming big with biomimetics: could future buildings be made with bone and eggshells?

09 Mar 2016

Michelle Oyen (Department of Engineering) discusses how we could reduce our dependence on "dirty" materials like steel and concrete.

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Scanning electron micrograph of the tarsal notch

Close-up film shows for the first time how ants use ‘combs’ and ‘brushes’ to keep their antennae clean

27 Jul 2015

Using unique mechanical experiments and close-up video, Cambridge researchers have shown how ants use microscopic ‘combs’ and ‘brushes’ to keep their...

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Images recorded in the electron microscope showing the formation of a nickel silicide (NiSi2) nanoparticle (coloured yellow) in a silicon nanowire

New technique to synthesise nanostructured nanowires

16 Jul 2015

Researchers have developed a new method for growing ‘hybrid’ crystals at the nanoscale, in which quantum dots – essentially nanoscale semiconductors...

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Pick and mix materials

‘Pick & mix’ smart materials for robotics

24 Jun 2015

Researchers have successfully combined multiple functions into a single smart life-like material for the first time. These ‘designer’ materials could...

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Real-time holographic displays one step closer to reality

16 Mar 2015

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have designed a new type of pixel element and demonstrated its unique switching capability, which could...

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The Esquel pallasite from the Natural History Museum collections, consists of gem-quality crystals of the silicate mineral olivine embedded in a matrix of iron-nickel alloy.

Death of a dynamo – a hard drive from space

21 Jan 2015

Hidden magnetic messages contained within ancient meteorites are providing a unique window into the processes that shaped our solar system, and may...

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Multi-coloured holograms

Nanotechnology used to create next-generation holograms for information storage

28 Aug 2014

Holograms made of tiny particles of silver could double the amount of information that can be stored in digital optical devices, such as sensors...

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A cancer cell containing the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are coloured green, and have entered the nucleus, which is the area in blue

“Trojan horse” treatment could beat brain tumours

13 Aug 2014

A smart technology which involves smuggling gold nanoparticles into brain cancer cells has proven highly effective in lab-based tests.

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