If nanotechnology has one clear image in the collective pop-culture consciousness, it is that of nanorobots, nanoscale machines capable of performing mechanical functions. When considering the potential of such a technology, the more astute may ask themselves: How would you manage to direct the movements of these nanorobots?
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a physical phenomenon in the way that semiconductor nanoparticles interact with light when under the influence of an electric field that may answer that question.
In research described in the journal Science Advances, the University of Texas scientists discovered that the strong interactions of light, semiconductor nanoparticles, and electric fields lead to the efficient reconfigurable operation of semiconductor nanomotors, or nanodevices.
Using only optical microscopy, the researchers could distinguish between semiconductor silicon and gold nanoparticles by observing their mechanical responses to light. This method is contactless and cheap compared with traditional measurement techniques.

Image Credit: Illustration: University of Texas at Austin/Science Advances
News This Week
A cell-killing strategy to slow aging passed its first test this year
A red-hot anti-aging strategy quietly passed its first test earlier this year after 14 volunteers took drugs meant to kill off old, toxic cells in their bodies. The small study in people with [...]
Laboratory’s nanopore research hits a nerve
Since the discovery of biological ion channels and their role in physiology, scientists have attempted to create man-made structures that mimic their biological counterparts. New research by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists and [...]
Warm-cold-textile developed – fibers with nano-coating
Sometimes it is too cold for us and then too warm again - annoying dressing-undressing of sweaters and co. Is therefore required. However, that may change: researchers have developed a sophisticated textile that can [...]
Nanotechnology, Nanomedicine, and AI: What is Global Health Care Equivalency (GHCE)
What is Global Health Care Equivalency (GHCE)? Looking ahead over the next 10-30 years, with the rapid emergence of, and synergies between, the disciplines of nanotechnology, nanomedicine, and AI, we can envisage a future [...]
What keeps spiders on the ceiling?
Hunting spiders easily climb vertical surfaces or move upside down on the ceiling. A thousand tiny hairs at the ends of their legs make sure they do not fall off. Like the spider’s [...]
Nanoparticles may promote cancer metastasis
Nanoparticles can be found in processed food (e.g. food additives), consumer products (e.g. sunscreen) and even in medicine. While these tiny particles could have large untapped potential and novel new applications, they may [...]
Meet the quantum fridge – at three atoms in size, it’s much smaller than a minibar
Researchers in Singapore have built a refrigerator that’s just three atoms big. This quantum fridge won’t keep your drinks cold, but it’s cool proof of physics operating at the smallest scales. The work is [...]
Video – Johannes Lierfeld ‘The control problem of Artificial Intelligence as an ethical challenge’
Note: This videoblog is in German. It was produced by the Institute of Art & Art Theory of the University of Cologne. Humanity faces epochal challenges in the age of digitization. In particular, [...]
Frank Boehm (NA CEO) signs with IOP for Book on Nanomedical Brain/Cloud Interface
NanoApps Medical Inc. CEO Frank Boehm has signed with IOP Publishing to produce Nanomedical Brain/Cloud Interface: Explorations and Implications - a book that will explore the notion of a nanomedically enabled Brain/Cloud Interface (B/CI). [...]
Ultra-Sensitive Sensor with Gold Nanoparticle Array
Scientists from the University of Bath (UK) and Northwestern University (USA) have developed a new type of sensor platform using a gold nanoparticle array, which is 100 times more sensitive than current similar [...]
Smart microrobots that can adapt to their surroundings
Scientists have developed tiny elastic robots that can change shape depending on their surroundings. Modeled after bacteria and fully biocompatible, these robots optimize their movements so as to get to hard-to-reach areas of the [...]
Gene Therapy Promotes Nerve Regeneration
Researchers from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) and the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have shown that treatment using gene therapy leads to a faster recovery after nerve damage. By combining a surgical [...]
A Pea-Sized Device Is Approved to Close Holes in Hearts of Tiny Infants
A pea-sized device used to seal tiny but potentially deadly holes in the hearts of premature infants has been approved by U.S. regulators, making it one of the smallest complex medical devices ever invented [...]
Tumors not as addicted to glucose as previously thought
Scientists have discovered that squamous cell skin cancers do not require increased glucose to power their development and growth, contrary to a long-held belief about cancer metabolism. The findings could bring about a better [...]
Hacking Humans with Nanotechnology
Hacking humans with nanotechnology may sound like a concept from a futuristic science fiction novel or movie, but the truth is, it's not that far off and it could be the next big [...]
Nanomaterials are changing the world – but we still don’t have adequate safety tests for them
Nanotechnology may well be one of the most talked about industries of the last few years. Predicted to value US$173.95 billion globally by 2025, this fast-moving sector is already delivering major sustainability, health and [...]
Leave A Comment