Berkeley Lab's SINGLE provides images of individual nanoparticles in solution

North Carolina State University researchers have developed an effective and environmentally benign method to combat bacteria by engineering nanoscale particles that add the antimicrobial potency of silver to a core of lignin, a ubiquitous substance found in all plant cells. The findings introduce ideas for better, greener and safer nanotechnology and could lead to enhanced efficiency of antimicrobial products used in agriculture and personal care.

Researchers funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering have designed a nanoparticle transport system for gene delivery that destroys deadly brain gliomas in a rat model, significantly extending the lives of the treated animals. The nanoparticles are filled with genes for an enzyme that converts a prodrug called ganciclovir into a potent destroyer of the glioma cells.

Experimental therapy restores normal fat metabolism in animals with atherosclerosis.

Treatment worked better than cancer drugs alone in mice.

Scientists alter attractive and repulsive forces between DNA-linked particles to make dynamic, phase-shifting forms of nanomaterials.

Soldiers who suffer internal trauma from explosions might one day benefit from a new treatment now under development.

Nano-coated mesh could clean oil spills for less than $1 per square foot.

Popular beverage could have an application in the medical imaging world.

Tomorrow’s doctors could use this technology to obtain a super-clear picture of patients’ organs and tissues.