By substituting a single atom in a molecule commonly used to purify water, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a more effective decontamination and greater shelf life than current products on the market.

The clean material contaminating bacteria, viral and other organic and inorganic, the river water for human consumption, and waste water treatment plants before being returned to the environment.

Human consumption of water of questionable safety is increasing in all parts of the world to the increasing global water scarcity. Technological advances such as this can help solve the problems faced by water treatment facilities in both developed and developing nations. (more…)

A team of Yale University researchers have discovered a force of “push” in the light that can be used to manipulate components on silicon microchips, which means that future nanodevices may be controlled by using light instead of electricity.

The team had previously discovered a force of “attraction” in the light and had shown how they could manipulate to move components in certain micro and nano systems (small mechanical switches on a chip). Scientists have now uncovered an additional repulsive force. (more…)