DNA Strand Patterns on Aluminium Thin Films

A new patterning method using Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA) strands capable of producing nanogaps of less than 100 nm is proposed and investigated in this work. DNA strands from Bosenbergia rotunda were used as the fundamental element in patterning DNA on thin films of aluminium (Al) metal without the need for any lithographic techniques. The DNA strands were applied in buffer solutions onto thin films of Al on silicon (Si) and the chemical interactions between the DNA strands and Al creates nanometer scale arbitrary patterning by direct transfer of the DNA strands onto the substrate. This simple and cost-effective method can be utilized in the fabrication of various components in electronic chips for microelectronics and Nano Electronic Mechanical System (NEMS) applications in general

Challenges in nurturing HFASD teens: Emotional crises and expectations of mothers in Malaysia

The transition to young adulthood brings distinctive challenges for high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) children and their families, especially post-formal education. This qualitative case study research aims to explore hurdles faced by mothers navigating HFASD adolescents. The result shows that financial strain, stigma, and loneliness loom large, compounded by emotional crises tied to uncertainty and stress about their children's future. Mothers advocate for multiple work opportunities and independence, underscoring a notable gap between HFASD teens' needs, available services, and community resources. The study enlightened mothers and inspired proactive measures, emphasizing the imperative for a collective, interdisciplinary effort to align services comprehensively—addressing residential, employment, and social aspects—to enhance the quality of life for HFASD individuals

Electrical Characterization of Gold-DNA-Gold Structures in Presence of an External Magnetic Field by Means of I–V Curve Analysis

This work presents an experimental study of gold-DNA-gold structures in the presence and absence of external magnetic fields with strengths less than 1,200.00 mT. The DNA strands, extracted by standard method were used to fabricate a Metal-DNA-Metal (MDM) structure. Its electric behavior when subjected to a magnetic field was studied through its current-voltage (I–V) curve. Acquisition of the I–V curve demonstrated that DNA as a semiconductor exhibits diode behavior in the MDM structure. The current versus magnetic field strength followed a decreasing trend because of a diminished mobility in the presence of a low magnetic field. This made clear that an externally imposed magnetic field would boost resistance of the MDM structure up to 1,000.00 mT and for higher magnetic field strengths we can observe an increase in potential barrier in MDM junction. The magnetic sensitivity indicates the promise of using MDM structures as potential magnetic sensors

Enhanced mechanical properties of chitosan/EDTA-GO nanocomposites thin films

Nanocomposite thin films of chitosan/graphene oxide (CS/GO) and chitosan/ EDTA-GO (CS/EDTA-GO) were prepared by environmental friendly method and the properties were compared. The experimental results showed fine dispersion of GO and EDTA-GO in CS matrix and some interaction occur between the filler and the CS matrix that leads to better distribution of stress transfer. At 0.5 wt. %, both CS/GO and CS/EDTA-GO experienced maximum tensile stress by 51 and 71% compared with CS. Moreover, the elongation at break for both nanocomposites increases and the amount of filler increases