World's first confocal light microscope to study chiral molecules

This discovery is a major breakthrough that will allow researchers to analyse previously unexplored parts of biology and chemistry

03-Feb-2022 - Scientists from Durham University’s Chemistry Department have developed the world’s first laser scanning confocal microscope that can harness Circularly Polarised Light (CPL) to differentiate left and right-handed molecules, also known as chiral molecules. The microscope, known as CPL Laser ...

'Evolving electronics' could lead to new electrical devices

06-Sep-2016 - Researchers have taken their inspiration from nature to teach materials to form new electrical pathways. They say the finding could eventually lead to new electronic devices. Scientists in Durham University’sSchool of Engineering & Computing Sciencestrained tiny carbon nanotubes, suspended in a ...

The unbearable lightness of helium may not be such a problem after all

21-Aug-2015 - Helium gas may not be on the verge of running out after all. Previous studies had raised concerns that we were getting close to a world shortage of helium, but a new study shows that in many areas of North America, there is the potential for undiscovered quantities of helium to be associated with ...

Carbon nanotube computing?

Single-walled carbon nanotube composites show great promise for many things - including use as a material in 'unconventional' computing

09-Apr-2015 - As we approach the miniaturization limits of conventional electronics, alternatives to silicon-based transistors--the building blocks of the multitude of electronic devices we've come to rely on--are being hotly pursued.Inspired by the way living organisms have evolved in nature to perform ...

Public must be involved in nanotech policy debate demands groundbreaking

29-Sep-2009 - Decision-making on science – especially emerging technologies such as nanotechnology – must become more democratic, a new report on science policy argues. The group of leading European academics behind the 'Reconfiguring Responsibility' report argue forcefully that current governance activities ...

From Enzymes to MOFs

17-Oct-2008 - UK scientists have used dioxygenase enzymes to create enantiopure organic molecules, which in turn have been used to create chiral metal-organic frameworks. Dioxygenase enzymes were sourced from modified bacterial whole cells (mutants), isolated from the environment. These were then used as ...