Graphene, a free-standing two-dimensional crystal with one-atom thickness, exhibits distinct properties that are highly attractive for biosensing and bioimaging, such as a high electrical conductivity, a large planar area, and an excellent ability to quench fluorescence. This article selectively reviews recent advances in the field of graphene-based materials for biosensing and bioimaging. In particular, graphene-based enzyme biosensors, DNA biosensors, and immunosensors are summarized in detail. Graphene-based biotechnology for cell imaging is also described. Future perspectives and possible challenges in this rapidly developing area are also discussed.

Over the next few decades, the challenge of water scarcity is expected to grow more acute as water demands from the power generation, agriculture, industrial, and municipal sectors all increase. Energy production requires copious amounts of water, with the volume of water used by power generation ranking second only to that used for agriculture. This article reviews options for managing the water requirements associated with power generation. Although the effects of both existing and emerging modes of power generation on water use trends are explored, the primary focus is on thermal systems, which account for the majority of existing capacity.

Whereas efforts toward graphene commercialization are still in their early stages, lessons from the commercialization of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) might be applicable, given the similarities between the two materials (specifically, a single-walled CNT can be thought of as a monolayer of graphene wrapped into a cylinder). This article reviews the commercialization of CNT materials (with a special emphasis on single-walled CNTs) in selected electronics applications, including specific examples of successes, failures, and promising opportunities. Two application areas are reviewed: (1) alternatives to silicon for fabricating transistors used in display backplanes, radio-frequency identification, and smart cards, for example, and (2) alternatives to indium tin oxide for transparent conductive films used in displays, electronic paper for e-readers, touch sensors, light-emitting diode lighting, photovoltaics, and electrochromic windows. Some important lessons learned from these commercialization experiences can potentially help accelerate the commercialization of other exciting nanomaterials such as graphene.

Preparing the next generation of materials scientists and engineers requires more than teaching them knowledge of material properties and behaviors. Materials science and engineering must also take into account materials sustainability in the context of society and the environment, as discussed throughout this issue. Including topics such as sustainability in a materials curriculum is not new. Issues of ethics, costs, and so on have long been an integral part of our education. Although detailed treatment of all such topics cannot be included in a general materials education curriculum, the concepts of sustainable development and the role of materials in a sustainable future can be introduced. Indeed, many materials science programs are beginning to include these topics in their curricula. This article discusses three such programs that the authors have helped design and implement in the United States, each taking a different approach to engaging students in these topics. The intention is not to provide an exhaustive overview of education in sustainable development, but rather to describe a range of strategies that are currently being applied and to raise pertinent issues in materials science education.