Articles by Chuck Seegert

  1. Laser-Propelled Microbullets Illustrate Graphene's Toughness 12/4/2014

    By firing microbullets, a new laser-based system has shown that graphene is much tougher than steel. Previously, static testing had shown graphene in a positive light, but these new results demonstrate that the material could be useful for body armor or even coating spacecraft.

  2. Enabling The Next Generation Of Terahertz Devices 11/25/2014

    A newly developed, single-component terahertz source was recently developed by researchers at Northwestern University. The device covers the full spectrum of terahertz radiation, comes in a small package, and is capable of functioning at room temperature. The device may enable new medical diagnostics and improve security measures at airports.

  3. X-Ray Laser Imaging Advances To Nanometer Scale 11/24/2014

    Using an X-ray laser to create diffraction patterns, scientists were recently able to visualize individual carboxysomes without crystallizing them. At about 115 nanometers, carboxysomes are the smallest biological specimen studied by an X-ray laser to date.

  4. New Nanosecond Laser Treatment Alleviates Macular Degeneration 11/21/2014

    Using a new low-energy, high-speed laser, the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration were reduced. In addition to effectively treating the disease, the new laser treatment spared retinal tissue, where current laser treatments tend to damage it.

  5. “NanoFlares” Illuminate Individual Cancer Cells 11/20/2014

    Recently, a team from Northwestern University developed nanoparticles with a built-in fluorescent tag that are capable of identifying genetic biomarkers specific to cancer. Deemed “NanoFlares,” these particles operate inside the cell and can identify cancer cells in the bloodstream, potentially providing an early warning of metastasis.

  6. Advanced Imaging System Glimpses The Physical Basis Of Memory 11/20/2014

    Recently, a team from Kyoto University developed an imaging system that leverages optogenetics to identify the memory-storing neurons of a worm. This advance may help improve the understanding of memory loss that accompanies certain diseases.

  7. Dual-Energy Fluoroscopy Could Improve Lung Tumor Visualization 11/20/2014

    A new dual-energy fluoroscopic technique has improved lung cancer tumor imaging. The beauty of the approach is that it works with existing X-ray equipment and could be rapidly implemented using only software.

  8. Dual-Action Nanoparticle Allows Fluorescence Imaging And MRI 11/20/2014

    A hybrid nanoparticle has been developed that is compatible with both fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The new agent may allow a better real-time understanding of tumor biochemistry and drug delivery.

  9. Artificial Retina Could Aid The Visually Impaired 11/17/2014

    Researchers recently developed a composite structure has been shown to detect light and transmit signals to retinal neurons. The carbon nanotube and semiconductor nanorod film could serve as a compact replacement for damaged retinas.

  10. Philae Lander Sends First-Ever Images From A Comet 11/17/2014

    The Philae lander, the first human spacecraft to ever land on a comet, has sent back initial images from the surface. After a touch-and-go landing, the probe settled on the surface of the comet that it has been chasing since 2004.