A nano -nano -size art gallery – Nautilus

IFrom the past decades, scientists have become more and more zoomed in tiny technologies in their laboratories. This small world of research on a nanometric scale implies manipulating materials measuring only a billionth of meters, and has led to a myriad of breakthroughs: super effective water purification systems, new generation solar panels and ultra light tennis rackets. Researchers in this field also work on futuristic quantum materials, solar energy capture clothes and deviation robots in medication.

To celebrate some of these mini wonders, the experimental atomic and nanometric characterization center of the Northwestern University (nuance) organizes an annual image competition “Art of Science”, which accepts the votes of the public until September 28.

“When you can take what you have learned thanks to your scientific analysis and transform it into an accessible work of art with an excellent color, composition and lighting, science jumps from the page and turns into something that anyone – not alone researchers – can appreciate and appreciate,” explains Nicholas Gogola, a microscopist at the nuance Center.

Here are some amazing competitions of the competition, which have been broken with a microscope that draws electron beams:

“Nanoearth”

At first glance, it may seem to be a spatial snapshot, but it is actually a cup view of a plastic material film called polylactic acid (PLA). The film is surmounted by a digitally improved particle improved to look like our planet. The APL is often made from fermented plant starch, including cassava, sugar cane or corn. Tiny plaque -shaped structures incorporated into thin movies help scientists make these materials solid and durable, known as Gogola, and they can be used for food packaging, drug delivery and wound healing.

“”Nanopines“”

Here, which looks like a handful of pine needles is an electrode on a glass brochure covered with gold structures on a nanometric scale. Gold has become these thorny configurations when stimulated by electricity. This type of device can be used to test blood and saliva samples, explains Luis Fernando Ayala Cardona, doctoral student in biomedical engineering at the Northwestern University. Similar gold electrodes can be implanted in the body of patients to monitor their health, in particular by detecting signs of inflammation.

“PAC-MOF”

Fans of retro video games could recognize the icon represented here on a nanometric scale. A forged crystal of the metallic ions linked by organic molecules – known as an organic metal frame material (MOF) – has been published to underline its resemblance to PAC -Man. These porous materials are promising for use in water purification and carbon capture, according to Gogola, among other applications.

“The rainbow fish”

This image, which echoes a beloved children’s book character, also captures a MOF crystal with digitally added shades. The material of this image is made of metallic zirconium. MOFs are particularly useful because of their repetitive cage -shaped structures and their relatively spacious internal surface, explains Duaa Ansari, doctoral student in chemistry at the Northwestern University. Ansari designs MOF crystals to capture and decompose compounds of chemical weapons, which could protect the members of the military on the ground.

Image of lead: Nicholas Gogola

• Molly Glick

  Published on September 25, 2025

  Molly Glick is the editor of the newsletter of Nautilus.