Latest news with #nanotechnology
Telegraph
a day ago
- General
- Telegraph
World's smallest violin fits inside human hair
It's a project unlikely to elicit much sympathy, but physicists at Loughborough University have laboured to create the world's smallest violin. The tiny instrument, which can only be seen under a microscope, has been etched in platinum using nanotechnology, and is significantly slimmer than a human hair. It was created to test and demonstrate the capabilities of the university's new nanolithography system, which can build and study the tiniest structures to see how materials behave at the smallest scale. 'Though creating the world's smallest violin may seem like fun and games, a lot of what we've learnt in the process has actually laid the groundwork for the research we're now undertaking,' said Prof Kelly Morrison, head of the physics department and an expert in experimental physics. 'People are always looking for something that runs faster, better, more efficiently, that requires continuing to find a way to scale down. As it gets harder to make things smaller, we now need different ways of approaching that.' The team chose to create the miniscule musical instrument in homage to the phrase 'the world's smallest violin', which is often employed sarcastically to imply a perceived problem is trivial and unworthy of concern. The expression is thought to have first emerged in the 1970s, and was popularised by the US television series M*A*S*H. The violin is a microscopic image rather than a playable instrument, and it has not yet been confirmed by any official channels as the world's smallest violin. However, it is unlikely there is any instrument smaller. It measures just 35 microns long and 13 microns wide, with a micron being one millionth of a metre. A human hair typically ranges from 17 to 180 microns in diameter. The violin was made using a technique called thermal scanning probe lithography, in which a heated, needle-like tip burns away highly precise patterns at nanoscale. It works similar to screen printing on a T-shirt where colour is squeezed through a stencil to leave the design behind. The team began by coating a small chip with a gel-like material, then used the heated tip to burn the pattern of the violin into the surface layer to create a violin-shaped cavity. A thin layer of platinum was then deposited onto the chip and the rest of the gel removed, to leave behind the violin in a process that takes around three hours. The finished piece is no larger than a speck of dust on the chip and can only be viewed in detail using a microscope. It's even smaller than a tardigrade – the microscopic, eight-legged micro-animals. Dr Naemi Leo, a research technician at Loughborough, said: 'Another comparison we can make is the size of the violin is the size of a tardigrade or small water bear, and they have a size of about 50 to 1,200 microns, so if you had a small tardigrade they might be able to play the violin.' Prof Morrison added: 'I'm really excited about the level of control and possibilities we have with the set-up. 'I'm looking forward to seeing what I can achieve – but also what everyone else can do with the system.' The team is also looking into whether the system can offer an alternative to magnetic data storage and computing technologies.
Globe and Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Pharma Stock Massively Bid Up Following New Product Announcement
A Pharmaceuticals company based out of Puerto Rico is turning heads so far during Wednesday's premarket hours after the company introduced its new 'BUZZ BOMB' pre-workout supplement and announced it expects to launch in Q3. Traders wasted no time buying up shares of Aspire Biopharma Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:ASBP), with shares of the micro cap currently bid up at $.4001/share (+77.82%) leading up to the opening bell. It should be an exciting session for this stock! Aspire Biopharma is developing next generation absorption of medicine that will have a significant impact on the opioid crisis. Our nano technology drug formulation directly targets pain and inflammation bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. Aspire's technology comes from a new mechanism of action (absorption pathway) which allows for instant absorption in the mouth. Benefits of "instant absorption" are to provide nearly instant treatment impact and also allows high dose absorption. Our technology can be applied to any number of proven drugs and supplements, such as analgesics, erectile dysfunction, and traumatic brain injury drugs. Copyright © 2025 All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. View more of this article on About Media, Inc.: Founded in 1999, is one of North America's leading platforms for micro-cap insights. Catering to both Canadian and U.S. markets, we provide a wealth of resources and expert content designed for everyone—from beginner investors to seasoned traders. is rapidly gaining recognition as a leading authority in the micro-cap space, with our insightful content prominently featured across numerous top-tier financial platforms, reaching a broad audience of investors and industry professionals. Want to showcase your company's story to a powerful network of investors? We can help you elevate your message and make a lasting impact. Contact us today. Contact: Media, Inc.
Sustainability Times
07-05-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Revolutionary Solar Tech Unveiled: Ultra-Efficient Panels with Breakthrough Nanolayers Set to Transform Energy at Lightning Speed
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 Innovative antireflective coatings significantly enhance solar cell efficiency by minimizing energy loss due to reflection. significantly enhance solar cell efficiency by minimizing energy loss due to reflection. 🤖 Utilizing AI-enhanced design techniques , new metasurfaces achieve record-low reflection levels across various wavelengths and angles. , new metasurfaces achieve record-low reflection levels across various wavelengths and angles. 🌐 This breakthrough could accelerate the transition to clean energy by integrating high-performing nanostructural layers into mainstream solar panels. by integrating high-performing nanostructural layers into mainstream solar panels. 🔬 Beyond solar power, these advancements in photonic coatings promise to benefit a wide array of optical devices, including sensors and imaging technologies. In the evolving landscape of renewable energy, solar power continues to stand out as a beacon of promise. Recent advancements in solar technology have unveiled a groundbreaking method to enhance the efficiency of silicon solar cells. By employing precision-engineered surfaces and novel antireflective coatings, scientists have made significant strides in minimizing energy loss and maximizing solar power generation. This development not only holds potential for a more sustainable energy future but also represents a leap forward in the application of nanotechnology in renewable resources. Revolutionary Antireflective Coatings for Solar Cells Recent research has highlighted the profound impact of antireflective coatings on the efficiency of solar cells. Almost half of the solar energy that reaches a silicon solar cell is typically lost due to reflection at the silicon–air interface. However, innovative antireflective coatings have been shown to suppress this reflection significantly, thereby increasing the photogenerated current. Published in Advanced Photonics Nexus, the study by SPIE-the International Society for Optics and Photonics, introduces a novel approach using a single, ultrathin layer of polycrystalline silicon nanostructures, also known as a metasurface. This breakthrough design, enhanced by artificial intelligence, manages to achieve minimal reflection across certain wavelengths and angles, marking a significant improvement over conventional coatings. According to the study, the reflection averaged over the visible and near-infrared spectra is at a record-low level of approximately 2% for normal incidence and 4.4% for oblique incidence. These findings underscore the potential of machine learning-enhanced photonic nanostructures to outperform traditional antireflective coatings, paving the way for more efficient solar energy systems. Swiss Startup Stuns the World by Powering Trains With the First-Ever PV Solar Plant Built Directly on Active Railway Tracks Efficiency at Steep Angles: A Game-Changer The effectiveness of the new coating extends across the visible and near-infrared spectrum, ranging from 500 to 1200 nanometers. This coating remains effective even when sunlight hits at steep angles, reflecting as little as 2% of incoming light at direct angles and about 4.4% at oblique angles. Such unprecedented results for a single-layer design highlight the potential for these coatings to be integrated into mainstream solar panels, providing a substantial boost in efficiency. This advancement not only represents a significant technological breakthrough but also has the potential to accelerate the transition to clean energy. The simplicity and high performance of this nanostructural layer could lead to widespread adoption, enhancing the efficiency of solar panels globally. Beyond solar energy, this approach also advances the design of metasurfaces for optics and photonics, opening doors to multifunctional photonic coatings that could benefit sensors and other optical devices. World's Most Powerful Flexible Solar Cell: Japan's Stunning Breakthrough Reaches 26.5% Efficiency, Setting Unprecedented Global Performance Standard Innovative Design Techniques: Forward and Inverse The development of this metasurface was achieved by combining forward and inverse design techniques, both enhanced by AI. Forward design involves selecting specific geometric parameters to achieve the desired antireflection properties. In contrast, inverse design allows researchers to explore a broader range of geometries without pre-selecting a specific type, increasing the likelihood of finding a globally optimal solution. The study reveals successful results with both forward-designed cross-circular and free-form inverse-designed structures, boasting the best-reported antireflection properties for single-layer structures. This dual approach demonstrates the versatility and potential of AI-enhanced design techniques in creating highly efficient solar technologies, potentially revolutionizing how solar panels are manufactured and utilized. Japanese Scientists Break Efficiency Barrier With Revolutionary Organic Solar Cells That Could Redefine Global Renewable Energy Standards Implications for the Future of Solar Energy The implications of this research extend far beyond the realm of solar energy. By demonstrating high functionality in reducing reflection with antireflective coatings on glass and other low-index substrates, these findings could revolutionize the design of a wide range of optical devices. This opens up possibilities for more efficient sensors and imaging technologies, further illustrating the broad applicability of these innovations. This research underscores the transformative potential of nanotechnology and machine learning in advancing renewable energy technologies. As the world continues to seek sustainable energy solutions, these innovations represent a critical step forward. They not only promise to make solar power more efficient and accessible but also highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling global energy challenges. As we stand on the brink of a renewable energy revolution, one question remains: How will these technological advancements shape the future of our energy landscape, and what other innovations might emerge from this intersection of AI and nanotechnology? Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Tiny technology that can find pollution in South Africa's water and trap it
Nanotechnology is the use of materials that are one-billionth of a metre (a nanometre) in size. One of its potential uses is to clean up whatever is contaminating water supplies. Analytical chemist Philiswa Nomngongo, a leading researcher in nanotechnology for water in South Africa, tells The Conversation Africa what kinds of devices are being produced with nanotechnology and what they can do. What is nanotechnology? Nanotechnology is the branch of science and engineering that is devoted to designing new materials or devices that have unique physical and chemical properties because of their tiny size. It involves manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale. What are South Africa's main water contamination problems? Water pollution in South Africa, as in other developing countries, poses a significant health and economic threat. South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation's 2023 Blue Drop Audit Report found that 46% of the country's water was polluted by bacteria or germs that cause illness and nearly 68% of sewage treatment works were on the point of failure. The kinds of pollution found in South Africa's water are largely due to: - wastewater treatment failures - water from industrial and agricultural activities that runs off into water sources - waste that hasn't been disposed of properly and ends up in rivers - industrial activities that release heavy metals into water - natural sources of heavy metals - insufficient access to clean water. Contaminants of emerging concern are also a major problem in South Africa's water supplies. They include: - pharmaceuticals (medicines) and personal care products (soap, shampoo and others) - pesticides from farming - cyanotoxins (toxic substances that are produced by blue-green algae) - endocrine-disrupting chemicals (they interfere with the normal functioning of natural hormones of the body, causing problems like infertility). Contaminated water can cause ill health. Ill health then disrupts education and strains the healthcare system. The result is even more inequality between people who have clean water and those who don't. How can nanotechnology help? Monitoring water quality is very important. To find solutions, we first need to know what the problem is. Most of South Africa's water contamination problems stem from inadequate monitoring. So, my research group and researchers in the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Johannesburg are using nanotechnology to identify the problems in different sources, like wastewater or river water – even in remote rural areas. These are some of the ways in which nanotechnology can help find problems in our water supplies and fix them: - Sensors: for example, tiny materials can be modified with a biological element (like enzymes or DNA) to rapidly detect and analyse what is contaminating water. - Membranes made up of tiny materials that can sample the water and trap and remove pollutants at the same time. - Photocatalytic materials that activate chemical reactions when they are exposed to light and break down polluting substances. This technology can help countries meet the United Nations' sustainable development goal six: achieving clean and available water and sanitation for all. Why is South Africa not already using nanotechnology to clean water? The main challenges are the costs of setting up nanotechnology systems, building technology that can work on a huge scale, and integrating it into existing water treatment systems. Some nanomaterials are very expensive. We aren't sure yet how durable nanomaterials are in water. Over time, chemicals and changes in acidity levels and water temperature affect the materials, making them less effective at removing pollutants. If nanomaterials break apart, more tiny particles could be released into the water, which would be another form of environmental pollution. The technology is being used successfully in India and China's water systems, however. They are leading in research and development in this field, with some commercialisation already underway. The United States, Germany, Switzerland and France are also exploring the use of nanotechnology in water. What needs to happen next? Ideally South Africa would have decentralised water treatment systems that use nanotechnology. This would reduce the need for costly piping and infrastructure. It could benefit rural areas. But first we need to be able to make nanomaterials on a large scale and cost effectively. My research group is currently researching how to make them out of abundant and low-cost raw materials such as agricultural waste and plastic waste. We have used the ash from coal-fired power plants and sugarcane bagasse (the fibre left over after the juice is extracted) to prepare nanomaterials that are dotted with tiny holes to absorb pollution. We've used old acid mine drainage to make magnetic nanoparticles that attract and absorb heavy metal pollution. These efforts are paving the way for the rollout of nanotechnology in South Africa's water systems. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers (HALS) Market worth $2.32 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.01%, says MarketsandMarkets™
Delray Beach, FL, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In terms of value, the HALS Market is estimated to grow from USD 1.54 billion in 2024 to USD 2.32 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.01%, as per the recent study by MarketsandMarkets™. The market is expanding due to the rising trend of durable and weather-resistant materials in the automotive industry. HALS plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of vehicles exposed to harsh climates. Advanced polymers enhanced with HALS are preferred to enhance the crystallization rate and mechanical strength of materials Recent developments in HALS technology have enabled the creation of high-performance light stabilizers with greater efficiency and lifespan. Some developments include the incorporation of nanotechnology to produce nano-HALS, which provides superior dispersion and stability in polymer matrices. Also, implementing reactive HALS that chemically anchors into the polymer chain provides resistance to extraction and migration under harsh environmental conditions. Such technologies not only enhance the resistance and UV-stability of materials but also meet sustainability objectives by lowering the frequency of replacement or maintenance, thus changing the competitive conditions for manufacturers. Story Continues Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market for HALS and is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This dominance is mainly led by rapid urbanization and industrialization across China, India, and Southeast Asian countries. The automotive and building & construction industry growth has contributed to the rising demand for UV-resistant, durable materials. HALS are widely used in automotive components and construction materials to increase longevity and performance in harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, the favorable economic policies and growing manufacturing base drive HALS market within the region. The HALS market is segmented as polymeric, monomeric, and oligomeric based on type. Among these types, polymeric HALS accounted for the largest market share in terms of value in 2023 and will continue to dominate during the forecast period. This dominance is attributed to their lower volatility, long-term UV protection, and superior thermal stability. These properties make them highly suitable for the automotive, building & construction, packaging, and agriculture industries. Reduced migration of polymeric HALS during processing and their compatibility with a wide range of polymers contribute to their rising demand across end-use industries. Polymeric HALS are finding greater application in automotive coatings due to their better resistance to UV degradation and thermal stress. For example, BASF's Tinuvin product line features polymeric HALS specifically formulated for automotive exterior components and coatings, ensuring long-term protection and color retention in high-exposure conditions. In addition, SABO's SABOSTAB portfolio, featuring high-performance HALS for agricultural films, provides increased stability under long-term UV exposure with retained mechanical properties. These developments reflect the segment's transition toward long-life, application-specific stabilization solutions that pass rigorous durability requirements in key end-use markets. Get Customization on this Report: The HALS market is segmented into automotive, building & construction, packaging, agriculture, and others based on industry. The automotive industry was the largest end-use industry in terms of value in 2023, mainly driven by the increasing industrial need for high-performance materials that endure long exposure to UV radiation, heat, and environmental stress. HALS are used across various applications, such as plastic parts, coatings, and interior components, to improve durability, maintain appearance, and prolong service life. The lightweight vehicle trend and rising uses of polymers in exterior and interior automotive components also drive the demand for HALS in the industry. For example, Arkema provides its SpeedBlock line of HALS products specifically developed to provide long-term color stability and protection under harsh environmental exposure. These applications illustrate how HALS technology enables contemporary vehicle components' durability and visual integrity to meet OEM demands for extended service life and material sustainability. The HALS market is opening up with increasing opportunities fueled by strategic expansions, collaborations, and geographical diversification. Major players are consolidating their international presence and supply base to cater to high-demanding geographies effectively. For instance, SABO S.p.A.'s formation of SABO International Americas in Florida and a distribution facility in Georgia indicates a focused strategy to address increasing demand within North America through a diversified product portfolio of USDA bio-preferred certified offerings. Similarly, Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.'s exclusive distribution agreement with Krahn Italia S.p.A. highlights the need for localized alliances to support expanded market access and improved service quality, especially in Europe. To leverage these trends, industry players need to emphasize regional expansion, customized product offerings, and strategic collaborations congruent with regulatory changes and customer performance expectations. These actions will facilitate long-term growth and competitive differentiation in an increasingly application-specific HALS market. Browse Adjacent Markets Specialty Chemicals Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: CONTACT: About MarketsandMarkets™ MarketsandMarkets™ has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets™ is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. 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