By modifying the synthesis protocol for gold nanorods, scientists at Rice University in Houston have produced gold particles 100 nm across with multiple tips that display multidirectional polarized scattering characteristics and a high dielectric sensitivity. Reported in the March 28 online issue of Nano Letters, the star-shaped nanoparticles may have applications in sensors and as microscopic labels in biological research. Courtesy of Jason H. Hafner. ©2006, American Chemical Society.