Reviews & Analysis

The performance of metal electrodes used for studying brain function and relieving the symptoms of medical conditions can be significantly improved by coating them with carbon nanotubes.

Electron interferometry can be used to measure strain with nanoscale resolution in electronic devices by exploiting a simple idea found in physics textbooks.

Hybrid devices that rely on the movement of both electrons and ions might one day challenge conventional silicon electronics by exploiting both classical and quantum electron transport.

Rising production and use of engineered nanomaterials increases the likelihood of environmental exposure. A preliminary modelling study shows that quantitative risk assessment is possible but a large knowledge gap still exists.

The patterning of self-assembled monolayers can be controlled on subnanometre length scales by careful design of the molecular components.

Membranes made of manganese oxide nanowires can be used to selectively absorb oil from water through a combination of superhydrophobicity and capillary action.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes tend to be produced in polydisperse mixtures with different lengths, diameters and electronic properties. This review article surveys the various techniques that have been developed for producing monodisperse samples from these mixtures. Selective growth techniques are also covered.

In the past, nanoelectromechanical resonators have been passive devices that required external oscillators to keep them working, so the development of a self-sustaining resonator powered only by a d.c. voltage is a major advance.

Green plants have an in-built protection system that prevents their photosynthetic machinery from being damaged by excessive levels of light. Researchers have now demonstrated a similar mechanism in an artificial molecular system.

A new generation of scanning transmission electron microscopes will allow researchers to study the composition and bonding of all the atoms in a solid material.

Environmental toxicologists, chemists and social scientists have identified three priorities for research into the impact of engineered nanoparticles on the environment.

Techniques for creating ultrathin films of reduced graphene oxide with large areas could prove useful in flexible electronics and other applications.

Could a mechanical principle familiar from the playground be the key to a new means of computation? Research on tiny gallium arsenide bridges points in that direction.

The atomic force microscope has evolved from an imaging technique to a powerful tool for many areas of nanobiotechnology, including fundamental research, medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Atomic force microscopes have exploited the properties of DNA to 'cut-and-paste' molecules on surfaces with an accuracy of 10 nm.

The toxicity of carbon nanotubes is the subject of ongoing debate. A preliminary study using a small number of mice shows that they may be safe, but the results should be treated with caution.