➀ Researchers have discovered room-temperature ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and resistive switching behaviors in single-element tellurium (Te) nanowires. ➁ These properties are attributed to the unique structural and electronic characteristics of Te nanowires. ➂ The findings open up potential applications in next-generation memory devices and sensors.

1. The article discusses the unexploited piezoelectric properties of semiconductors, particularly those of gallium arsenide and cadmium sulphide. 2. By forming a depletion layer, these properties can be utilized to maintain high electric field strengths required for observing piezoelectric effects. 3. Resonant frequencies ranging from 300Mc/s to over 1,000 Mc/s are achievable, with ongoing research at Bell Telephone Laboratories aimed at increasing frequency and bandwidth.