Focused ion beam technology: a single tool for a wide range of applications

From physics, materials science and chemistry to life sciences and even archaeology

15-Jan-2024 - Processing materials on the nanoscale, producing prototypes for microelectronics or analysing biological samples: The range of applications for finely focused ion beams is huge. Experts from the EU collaboration FIT4NANO have now reviewed the many options and developed a roadmap for the future. ...

Using computer game technology to develop new materials and new active substances against diseases

Bringing molecular relationships to the big screen of virtual reality

16-Nov-2023 - Bio-chemical research is increasingly dependent on accurate computer modeling and analysis. This requires different disciplines such as natural sciences, computer science and engineering to work hand in hand. A research group has been established at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences ...

On the way to cell-type materials

Physicists decode the dynamic interaction between molecular machines in metal-organic frameworks

05-Jul-2022 - Molecular machines control a sizeable number of fundamental processes in nature. Embedded in a cellular environment, these processes play a central role in the intracellular and intercellular transportation of molecules, as well as in muscle contraction in humans and animals. In order for the ...

Natural super glue from mistletoe berries

A promising discovery

21-Jun-2022 - A team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) and McGill University in Canada discovered strong adhesive properties of white-berry mistletoe. The mistletoe berry's flexible fibers adhere to both skin and cartilage as well as to various synthetic materials ...

Exciting light emission and measuring temperature with ultrasound

Scientists develop mechanoluminescent material systems: Application in photodynamic therapy

21-Jun-2022 - If mechanoluminescent materials are subjected to external mechanical stress, they emit visible or invisible light. Such excitation can occur due to bending or gentle pressure, for example, but also completely contact-free through ultrasound. In this way, the effect can be triggered remotely and ...

New AI algorithm generates innovative substances on the basis of desired properties

Function determines form

23-Feb-2022 - Whether in medicine, battery research, or materials science, researchers everywhere are seeking innovative substances. In the process, they can often predict the desired chemical and physical properties in great detail, right down to atomic level. However, the range of all potential chemical ...

Machine Learning Speeds up Simulations in Material Science

Faster and More Accurate Methods Come in Useful in Various Applications from Energy Storage to Medicines

17-Jun-2021 - Research, development, and production of novel materials depend heavily on the availability of fast and at the same time accurate simulation methods. Machine learning, in which artificial intelligence (AI) autonomously acquires and applies new knowledge, will soon enable researchers to develop ...

Analysis system enables targeted investigation of antiviral surfaces for material developers

Use of real-time polymerase chain reaction to test antiviral effectiveness

28-Oct-2020 - The need for everyday objects with antiviral surfaces is high due to the COVID 19 pandemic. It is known that the material composition of an object has an influence on the viability of viruses on surfaces. This is where the work of the Fraunhofer IFAM comes in: In cross-disciplinary research ...

Curious Mind Researcher Award Granted

31-Oct-2019 - Merck and the German business journal manager magazin presented the Curious Mind Researcher Award in Berlin. Ulrike Kramm (40), a materials scientist, received the prize worth €7,500 in the category “Mobility and Energy”. Computer scientist Xiaoying Zhuang (36) was also awarded € 7,500 for her ...

Stiff fibres spun from slime

Nanoparticles from the secretion of velvet worms form polymer fibres that can be recycled in water

18-Oct-2017 - Nature is an excellent teacher – even for material scientists. Researchers, including scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, have now observed a remarkable mechanism by which polymer materials are formed. In order to capture prey, velvet worms shoot out a sticky ...