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Wednesday, 1st July 2009 (5536 views)

Scientists have used gold in an experiment that could create a new approach to how single molecules are studied.

Teams of researchers in Israel and the US have employed the precious metal in a demonstration of the differences between individual molecules adsorbed on small and large molecules, Spectroscopy Now reports.

The work may lead to a development in the area of Raman spectroscopy, which is used to examine the unique properties of individual molecules.

Scientists utilised gold to synthesise nanoparticles made of silver, as doing so enabled the growth rate and size of the objects to be controlled more precisely.

"Clear and systematic differences are observed between Raman spectra of individual molecules adsorbed on small versus large particles," the team explained.

US researchers at Vanderbilt University have also used gold to develop a new way of detecting the respiratory syncytial virus.

The work, recorded in the Analyst journal, could help to advance the treatment of such viruses as the new method can locate infections faster than current techniques.

 

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