NanoSight Ltd, UK, has developed a method for accurately visualising individual nanoparticles for nanoscale cracks and deformities. The NanoSight LM20 uses a conventional optical microscope fitted with a specialised camera and dedicated analytical software that makes use of a technique called nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA).

The first ever liquid transistor has been created, according to a team of researchers at the University of Cincinnati, USA. The new device can directly convert charge-related information from the liquid state into conventional electronic signals, for advances in biotechnology and flat panel displays.

A material that has almost the same refractive index of air has been created, by positioning low-reflective silica nanorods onto a thin film of aluminium nitrate. The result is an innovative coating that reflects virtually no light allowing researchers to potentially reduce the negative effect on the performance of optical components and devices.

A new website, i-spark.org, has been launched to enable UK scientists, technologists and engineers to network with each other, exchange advice and information and provide mentoring to younger people interested in the professions, it is designed to reduce the number of engineers leaving the profession.

Researchers have created a new ‘extralibral' composite made from molten tin and the barium titanate mineral that may replace diamond as the world's stiffest material.

Europe's first state-of-the-art centre will explore waterjet machining as a viable alternative to using laser processing for 3D parts for the aerospace industry. Waterjet technology has erosive properties for cutting materials such as glass, polymers and metals, and uses grit and water rather than toxic chemicals.