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Robots can’t feel; these sensors could change that

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive electronic 'skin' using tiny devices that can measure force applied over an area. This technology has the potential to improve prosthetic limbs and robotic manipulation, allowing robots to accurately track hand movements and grasp delicate objects.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Why do seals whisk their whiskers?

Seal whiskers are highly sensitive, but the benefit of active whisking was unclear until new research revealed that it improves sensing. Seals keep their whiskers pulled back and actively move them to detect subtle water vibrations.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

A novel soft biosensor with printable responsive hydrogel interfaces for detection and differentiation of blood circulation complications

A novel soft biosensor with printable responsive hydrogel interfaces was developed for precise detection and differentiation of blood circulation complications in postoperative free flaps. The biosensor achieved high adhesion and high-fidelity signal acquisition while exhibiting low adhesion after monitoring to avoid wound damage.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2026

Comparison of pre-procedure lignocaine spray vs. spray-as-you-go for topical airway anesthesia in flexible bronchoscopy

This study compared pre-procedure lignocaine spray (PPL) and spray-as-you-go (SAYG) airway anesthesia in fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The results showed no significant differences in patient-reported pain, discomfort, coughing, or procedure duration between the two groups. However, operator comfort was slightly higher with the PPL protocol.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateNov 25, 2025

Highly sensitive, next-generation wearable pressure sensors inspired by cat whiskers

Researchers developed novel biomisic fiber/sodium alginate aerogels for flexible pressure sensors, mimicking cat vibrissae and FSCs to achieve excellent sensitivity, durability, and rapid response. The sensors demonstrated promising applications in human physiological monitoring, motion analysis, and sports analytics.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Permeable inspection of pharmaceuticals goes in-line

A research group at Chuo University has developed a non-destructive in-line dynamic photo-monitoring system for pharmaceutical agent pills using carbon nanotube (CNT) photo-thermoelectric imagers. This system facilitates multi-wavelength photo-monitoring and identifies constituent materials and concealed foreign substances in a non-con...

SourceChuo University·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

DNA-inspired design for stronger, flexible sensors for wearables

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a double-helical fiber sensor design that places both electrodes on one end, addressing the mechanical challenges of traditional wearable sensors. The new design enables durable, flexible sensors suitable for tracking finger gestures, facial expressions, and gait movements.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Organic electronics lead to new ways to sense light

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a soft, flexible, and wireless optical sensor based on carbon nanotubes and organic transistors formed on ultra-thin polymer film. The sensor has high sensitivity over a wide range of wavelengths and can work even after being crumpled into a ball.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

HKUST researchers develop a versatile, reconfigurable, and damage-tolerant single-wire sensor array

Researchers from HKUST developed a sensor array design inspired by the human auditory system to optimize application in fields like robotics, aviation, healthcare, and industrial machinery. The design addresses traditional challenges such as complex wiring, limited reconfigurability, and low damage resistance.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Stretchy color-changing display points to future of wearable screens

Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a stretchable, transparent display that can change color in real-time, opening doors for potential uses in wearable devices and disposable applications. The device's low power consumption and cost-effectiveness make it attractive for integration into everyday devices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Insert an ID card into hair-thin optical fiber with femtosecond laser direct-writing fiber Bragg grating array

Fiber sensing scientists from Shenzhen University have developed an encrypted fiber optic tag that can be used for all-optical labeling and recognition of optical transmission channels. The team proposed a method using fiber Bragg grating arrays prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing to flexibly store different coding sequences.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 4, 2023

The Good Fight: Advance in flexible photodetector could improve monitoring of greenhouse gases

Researchers have developed flexible photodetectors that can detect visible to long-wave infrared radiation, covering the full spectrum of greenhouse gases without complex optical components. The new detectors are simple and cost-effective to make, with production at room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

KAIST team develops highly-sensitive wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring

A KAIST research team has developed a highly sensitive, wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring. The sensor's accuracy meets international standards, with errors within ±5 mmHg and a standard deviation under 8 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

New sensor grids record human brain signals in record-breaking resolution

The new sensor grids offer 100 times higher resolution than existing technology, allowing for more precise identification of seizure origins and preservation of healthy brain tissue. Longer term, the technology holds potential for permanent implantation to improve life quality for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Dartmouth receives $3 million NSF grant to expand PhD innovation programs and advance sensor technology entrepreneurship

Dartmouth has received a $3 million NSF grant to increase its PhD Innovation Programs by 50% and develop new multidisciplinary pathways for STEM graduate students focused on entrepreneurship and research translation. The funding will support 19 additional graduate students and enhance the development of sensor technology applications.