Scientists confirm role of nano-hairs in self-cleaning lotus leaf

User rating: 4.3 / 5 after 120 vote(s)

Due in part to the micro- and nano-scale structures of the lotus leaf and the air trapped in between only 2-3 of a raindrop actually contacts the leaf surface and then rolls off. Image source: Wolf Friedmann.
Due in part to the micro- and nano-scale structures of the lotus leaf and the air trapped in between, only 2-3% of a raindrop actually contacts the leaf surface, and then rolls off. Image source: Wolf Friedmann.

Today, thousands of buildings boast self-cleaning paint and self-cleaning roofs; self-cleaning textiles, glass windows and sprays have already sprung onto the market. German botanist Wilhelm Barthlott has even owned a patent, copyright and trademark on this self-cleaning phenomenon since 1997. But despite the development of these practical applications, scientists still have a lot to learn about the specific mechanisms behind self-cleaning – or the so-called “Lotus Effect.”


Full story »
All News summaries from Nanotechnology news
All News summaries for February 17, 2006

Molecular memory a game-changer

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
A team at Rice University has determined that a strip of graphite only 10 atoms thick can serve as the basic element in a new type of memory, making massive amounts of storage available for computers, handheld media players, ...

Carbon Nanotubes Detect Lung Cancer Markers in the Breath

Nov 20, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
(PhysOrg.com) -- Using an array of nanotube devices, each coated with a different organic material, researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology have developed diagnostic system that may be able to diagnose lung cancer ...

Carbon Nanotubes Improve Protein Array Detection Limits

Nov 20, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
(PhysOrg.com) -- To detect cancer as early as possible, dozens of research groups are developing methods to detect trace levels of cancer-related proteins and genes in blood or other biological samples. Those efforts should ...

Caltech 4-D microscope revolutionizes the way we look at the nano world

Nov 20, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
More than a century ago, the development of the earliest motion picture technology made what had been previously thought "magical" a reality: capturing and recreating the movement and dynamism of the world ...

Nontoxic nanoparticle can deliver and track drugs

Nov 18, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
A nontoxic nanoparticle developed by Penn State researchers is proving to be an all-around effective delivery system for both therapeutic drugs and the fluorescent dyes that can track their delivery.
Goto Archive PhysOrg Forum Goto Archive Video Goto Archive Editorials Goto Archive Free Magazines Goto Archive Newsletter

News Archive