Science Cafe on nanostructures at Red9 April 26

            The Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present a Science Cafe at Red9, 322 S. Ninth St., at 6:30 p.m. April 26. Axel Enders, assistant professor of physics and astronomy at UNL, will speak about the use of molecules and atoms as building blocks, similar to Legos, for a new class of adaptive, pre-programmed materials.

            Enders' research explores surface-supported self-assembled nanostructures. He works to improve control over their self-assembled growth. Advanced materials, including metal nanostructures and molecular architectonic on metal surfaces, are engineered, almost atom-by-atom, to achieve superior properties for various applications such as magnetic data storage, molecular electronics, sensors, catalysts, bioengineering techniques, actuators on surfaces, photoswitchable systems and more.

            Research at a nano level is done in many areas, including physics, chemistry, material sciences, engineering, biology and medicine. Nanoscientists study and make new applications that improve computers, medical treatments and energy efficiency.

            The Science Cafe is intended for all audiences and is free and open to the public.

The Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience is on the forefront of research in one of the highest-priority national programs, the National Nanotechnology Initiative. The center supports more than 85 research scientists from several UNL science and engineering departments. The center also works with state and national industries in support of Nebraska's overall economic development. A new building to house the center has just been completed at 16th and W streets.

            Nebraska's Science Cafes share science research with the public from faculty at the University of Nebraska. Part of a worldwide grassroots movement, the Science Cafe objective is to engage the public in conversations about science with a casual, open format, using plain language, inclusive conversation and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with little or no science background -- or for those with science expertise looking to discover more about new topics.

Writer: Terese Janovec