Two-dimensional materials such as graphene are not only ultrathin, but also extremely sensitive. Researchers have therefore been trying for years to develop highly sensitive biosensors that utilise this property. Graphene-based field-effect transistors, for example, could register the tiniest changes in the electronic properties caused by the molecules when they interact with this atomically thin layer. However, the hypersensitivity of the material has so far stood in the way of the practical realisation of this idea. Scientists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany have now developed a solution to overcome this obstacle, potentially paving the way for a revolution in diagnostics. They have published their findings in the research journal "Advanced Materials".

Inside a neutron star, protons and electrons combine into uncharged neutron matter. Researchers have now calculated spin and density correlations in neutron matter using realistic nuclear interactions at higher densities of neutrons than previously explored. They also developed a new algorithm that greatly reduces the computational effort needed to calculate observables involving multiple particles.

An Osaka Metropolitan University research team has found a way to make more efficient the desorption of water-adsorption polymers used in atmospheric water harvesting and desiccant air conditioning.

Researchers have developed the first-ever stretchable and self-healable lithium-ion battery with all-in-one configuration. The battery can steadily provide power for a timer even after being stretched. Additionally, after being damaged and subsequently healed, the battery can still steadily serve as a power source to light up an LED.

In a ground-breaking new development, researchers have created conductive films by mixing conductive polymers with two-dimensional carbon materials. These films can be used as electrodes to monitor a wide range of body signals when pasted on the surface of human skin, including cardiac, myoelectric, and ocular signals.