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It takes two combs to tango

Dual-comb spectroscopy enables precise, rapid, and broadband measurements using two optical frequency combs with slightly different repetition frequencies. This technique has been implemented across the electromagnetic spectrum, from terahertz to visible range, with ongoing efforts towards ultraviolet range.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalNature Reviews Methods Primers·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2026

Tiny sensors with the power to detect cancer

Researchers have developed tiny sensors capable of detecting multiple biomarkers simultaneously, including temperature and chemical changes. These sensors have the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and monitoring by providing reliable and clear information about disease presence in a minimally invasive way.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

New sensor to detect scopolamine

A new sensor developed by the Universitat Politècnica de València can quickly detect scopolamine, a substance commonly used in chemical submission crimes, with high sensitivity. The sensor uses a molecular cage to trap specific molecules and generates a fluorescent signal proportional to the amount of scopolamine present.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 8, 2026

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

Realizing on-site carbon nanotube photo-thermoelectric imaging

Researchers at Chuo University have developed chemically enriched photo-thermoelectric (PTE) imagers using semiconducting carbon nanotube (CNT) films, achieving enhanced response intensity and noise reduction. This enables efficient remote and on-site inspections with palm-sized wireless circuits.

SourceChuo University·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2025

Multiresonant fiber acoustic sensors with stabilized triple-phase demodulation for large dynamic ranges

Researchers develop multiresonant fiber acoustic sensor with stabilized triple-phase demodulation, achieving flat low noise floor and high sensitivity across a wide acoustic spectrum. The sensor detects weak sounds and exhibits outstanding performance in ecosystem monitoring, speech recognition, and high-intensity shock detection.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2025

Brighter nights and darker days could lead to an early grave

A study of over 13 million hours of data found that exposure to bright nights and dark days is associated with an increased risk of death. Those exposed to high levels of light at night had a 21–34% increased risk, while those exposed to high levels of daylight had a 17–34% reduction in their risk of death.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2024

Fight the late-night bright light

A Flinders University study found that exposure to brighter light at night is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research used data from approximately 85,000 people and tracked their light levels for nine years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring

A new, tuneable edge-detecting filter for flat-optic imaging systems can switch between an image of an object's outline and a detailed infrared image, enabling precise crop management and habitat restoration. The filter is compact, lightweight, and can be mass-manufactured.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

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

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

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

This ‘Harry Potter’ light sensor achieves magically high efficiency of 200 per cent

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a photodiode with sensitivity exceeding 200%, using green light and a double-layered cell design. This breakthrough enables the device to detect weak light signals, making it ideal for medical purposes, wearable monitoring, and machine vision applications.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023

VIMS research helps clarify role of water clarity in coastal management

Research by Dr. Jessie Turner and colleagues highlights the impact of water-clarity metrics on seagrass and light-loving organism restoration goals. The study suggests that different measurement methods can misrepresent underwater light climates, emphasizing the need for clear communication of methods used.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Solving the puzzle of 2D disorder

An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.

SourceNorthwestern University·Journal2D Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Optogenetics: Light regulates an enzyme

Researchers have developed a novel light sensor from two algae's rhodopsins that can produce the signaling molecule cGMP in response to UV or violet light, and inhibit its production with blue or green light. This breakthrough advances optogenetics by providing new tools for studying nerve cell function and other physiological processes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 29, 2021

The algae's third eye

Researchers have discovered a new light sensor in green algae that inhibits cGMP production, reducing its concentration. This finding is significant as it mirrors the human eye's response to light, and could lead to breakthroughs in optogenetics.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBMC Biology·DateJan 11, 2019

We have ignition!

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCN) emit a loud pop and then ignite when exposed to a conventional photographic flash. This phenomenon, known as the photo-acoustic effect, has been observed for decades but not previously associated with carbon nanotubes.