Nanomaterials Breakthrough (IMAGE) University of Wyoming Caption TeYu Chien, a UW assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, uses a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope in his lab to observe nanomaterials. Chien is the lead author of a paper that appears in the journal Scientific Reports. His research determined that the electric field is responsible for the alteration of the fracture toughness of nanomaterials, which are used in state-of-the-art electronic devices. Credit University of Wyoming Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.