a blog by the NSF Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology
Coffee. Not only can it be used in scientific experiments, but every day the delectable flavors derived from the humble coffee bean wake up and fuel a substantial proportion of the population. But just how do those delicious flavors get from the bean into your cup? It all comes down to a process called extraction. …
Here is a picture of the REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduate) students and I sailing in Lake Michigan earlier this summer. It was slightly cold that day at 59℉ with 15 mph winds but also surprisingly sunny, which meant we needed to whip out the sunscreen. Did you know many sunscreens contain nanoparticles? Well, they …
What inspires people to do science? Perhaps you, Dear Reader, are interested in understanding how the physical world works. Maybe you saw a rainbow, or ocean waves on the beach, when you were a kid, and therefore have a love for optics, physics, or oceanography. Human-made objects can also inspire scientists. Quite a few people …
Not too long ago, a team of frustrated scientists glanced up from their computer screens and saw the untapped potential beyond their lab doors. They had spent years trying to unravel the mysteries of protein folding, but some just couldn’t seem to be solved. Why not harness the brainpower of the public? The biochemists disguised …
Continue reading “Citizen nanoscientists: Can you design nanomaterials from the couch?”
Nanodiamonds are far too small to be seen by the naked eye, but everything changes if you make them glow! We at the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology have developed a new way to make nanodiamonds absorb and then release light—a property known as fluorescence (see this explainer post). I just made these fluorescent nanodiamonds and …
I was talking to my mom the other day, about nanoparticles of course, and she said: “Wait a second! Are there different sizes of nanoparticles?? I thought nano was just nano! You know?” Thanks for the question mom! 🙂 Refresher: nanoparticles are just spherical or nearly-spherical nanomaterials. To answer my mom’s question: There are LOTS of different …
Continue reading “In which my Mom questions the size of my nanoparticles”
You’re looking at an electron micrograph of gold nanoparticles; a snap shot of tiny gold crystals that are 1/10,000th the diameter of a human hair. Nanoparticles just these like may soon transform every aspect of our day to day lives, from the size of our personal electronic devices to the way diagnose and treat cancer; …
Today we’ve got some important things to talk about. I’m not talking about the how or why we’re here on this planet, or settling the great cake vs. pie debate (because clearly pie is the correct choice). No, today we’re thinking big thoughts on small things. First things first though. Gone are the days when …
Continue reading ““Why all the nano-hype?” or “Do nanoparticles fall in love?””
Prepare to embark on a colorful and illuminating journey. Before we begin: Did you know that there is a secret world that exists right in front of your eyes? Did you know that we scientists have tapped into this secret world and are exploiting it to push the boundaries of knowledge? Do you have a …
…and what does that have to do with sustainable nanotechnology? As with all good meals of information, let’s start this one off with ice cream! In an effort to grow out of my “slim fit” clothes, I’ve begun an ice-cream-after-every-dinner diet. Even the cat likes my diet! An added bonus is that I go through …
Sustainable Nano 