Research fields
Using the tools of physics and design principles, AMOLF researchers study complex matter, such as light at the nanoscale, living matter, designer matter and nanoscale solar cells. These insights open up opportunities to create new functional materials and to find solutions to societal challenges.
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A low-tech way to create high-tech materials
AMOLF researcher Christiaan Van Campenhout has found a new, simple method to create a material with a regular pattern of crystalline bands. The pattern formed by the crystals is not a coincidence. With a simple setup, the researchers can precisely control the width of the bands and their spacing. This could be a straightforward and cost-effective way to produce optics, electronics, or sensors.
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How do stem cells choose their identity?
AMOLF researchers discovered that stem cells first specialize into a functional cell and then move to the proper location – rather than the other way around.
Researchers at AMOLF and the Hubrecht institute revealed a new model for how stem cells specialize into a functional cell. They found that their position in the organ is not as important as current models claim. Stem cells rather choose their identity first and only then move to the appropriate position. The discoveries were made using intestinal organoids and the new TypeTracker technique, which can now be used to understand other organs at the cellular level, and the effects of mutations and medications.
