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Broadband distributed amplifier for data centers, measurement systems and sensors

Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF have developed a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) with a gain of 11 ± 2 dB in the frequency range between 4 and 420 GHz. The MMIC achieves low noise and high output power, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as optical data transmission.

SourceFraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics·JournalIEEE Microwave and Wireless Technology Letters·DateSep 24, 2026

Injectable nanoparticles make blind retinas respond to light

A team of researchers has developed nanoparticles that can activate nerve cells in degenerated retinas, potentially leading to a new type of retinal prosthesis. The nanoparticles, made from graphitic carbon nitride, trigger electrical and chemical processes that activate nerve cells and prompt signals towards the brain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 22, 2026

KAIST extends lifespan of graphite-free anode-free batteries that could make EV batteries smaller and lighter

Researchers at KAIST have developed a technology to extend the lifespan of anode-free batteries by applying nanofabrication techniques to create uniform sites for lithium deposition and a robust protective layer. This technology enables smaller and lighter EV batteries with improved energy density.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 21, 2026

KAIST technology behind toothbrushes and sportswear advances into high-performance graphene fiber research

Recent advances in high-performance graphene fibers based on graphene oxide liquid crystals have improved strength and thermal conductivity. Researchers at KAIST and worldwide have developed technologies to overcome limitations, leading to applications in consumer products and emerging fields.

Building big with DNA gets a software upgrade

Researchers have developed a computational framework to design and fabricate crisscross DNA megastructures, expanding accessibility to DNA nanotechnology. This breakthrough enables the construction of complex structures with precise control, opening up new avenues for applications in fields like optics, immunology, and tissue engineering.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2026

New low-temperature coating strategy for tougher and conductive lightweight magnesium

Researchers developed a low-temperature steam-assisted process to create durable, conductive spinel coatings on magnesium alloys for harsh acidic environments. The coating achieved ultralow corrosion current density and high sheet resistance, making it suitable for next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSurface and Coatings Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

Making polymers fluoresce with stress

A simple blending strategy enables reversible fluorescence in block copolymers, allowing visualization of mechanical stress without altering material properties. The approach preserves mechanical properties and offers a practical route for stress-sensing functions in existing polymer materials.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2026

“Soft crosslinking” strategy makes brittle glassy plastics tougher

Scientists from Tokyo University of Science developed a new strategy to create glassy plastics that are both stiff and tough. They achieved this by using a combination of a comb-shaped architecture and bulky counterions, resulting in materials that are approximately four times tougher and twice as stiff as conventional glassy polymers.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMacromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

Magnetic fields put a new spin on surface chemistry

A groundbreaking study reveals that electron spin influences chemical reactions at surfaces, and controlling spin orientation with magnetic fields can dramatically change reaction rates. The study demonstrates the potential for spin-based control of surface chemistry, opening up new possibilities for selective catalysis and reactivity.

Recent progress on cobalt-based electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction to ammonia

Cobalt-based electrocatalysts have shown high efficiency in reducing nitrate to ammonia, with some achieving 100% Faradaic efficiency. Researchers have discovered alloying cobalt with other metals and engineering crystal structures can fine-tune the reaction pathway to favor ammonia production.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Surfaces and Interfaces·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 31, 2026

Breathable smart sensor developed for real-time hazardous gas detection on masks

Researchers developed a hierarchical graphene nanowall nanomesh that enhances sensing performance and enables long-term gas monitoring on wearable masks. The 'nano-on-nano' structure confines gas molecules, increasing interactions with the graphene surface, and maintains breathability and flexibility.

A new kind of polymer with two faces and a twist

A team from the University of Osaka has created a new family of chiral semiconducting polymers that can generate highly spin-polarized electric currents. The polymers' unique molecular structure enhances the material's ability to selectively transmit electrons with a particular spin orientation, paving the way for future energy-efficie...

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

'Thinner lenses, brighter colors': Metalens research clears 2 hurdles for AR·VR glasses

A research team at Pohang University of Science and Technology developed technologies for producing sharp full-color images using metalenses, addressing two major challenges: high optical performance and scalable manufacturing. The team solved the issue of achromatic performance by controlling the height of nanoscale pillars, enabling ...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2026

The dynamic duo: “Weaving” hierarchical DNA materials with two classes of biomolecular nanomachines

Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo and Kyoto University created hierarchical DNA networks using DNA polymerase and kinesin nanomachines. The study demonstrates the importance of active molecular motion in network formation, a step toward materials that assemble and organize themselves like living systems.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Supramolecular nanofibers paired with nanohole substrate improve exciton transport in organic solid

Researchers at Science Tokyo have developed anthracene-based self-assembling nanofibers that enable excitons to migrate hundreds of nanometers, doubling exciton diffusivity. This breakthrough overcomes the limited diffusivity of singlet excitons in organic semiconductors, offering a new strategy for improving optoelectronic technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Scientists ‘see’ nanoscale forces, providing evidence of electric fields at the air‑water interface

Researchers used 3D electron microscopy to capture direct evidence of electric fields at air-water interfaces, opening a path to rationally designed clean-energy materials. The study found a repulsive force holding thinnest films together, reaching 10 megapascals, and provided chemical evidence for the electric field's existence.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Dopamine helps wearable drug-delivery electrodes last longer

Researchers developed a dopamine-enhanced electrode that overcame common failure causes, operating for up to 15 hours and supporting effective electrically assisted delivery through skin. The dopamine-enhanced electrode combined improved electrical stability, structural durability, and wet-state adhesion in a simple polymer-based design.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWearable Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

A flash of light creates high-performance materials without heating the surface beneath

Researchers developed a technique to control internal structure of semiconductor materials using ultra-fast flashes of light, producing materials with up to 50 times more electrical current from light. The method works on transparent conducting glass, preserving useful properties that conventional heating methods cannot easily achieve.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalSmall Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal reviews explore blood–brain barrier-aware nanomedicines for glioblastoma

Recent research explores the use of nanomaterial-based drug delivery to increase treatment efficacy for glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor with poor prognosis. Stimuli-responsive and biomimetic nanomedicines are designed to overcome the blood–brain barrier and deliver drugs selectively within tumors.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 12, 2026

KAIST develops high-efficiency, eco-friendly hydrogen separation membrane that filters hydrogen through a molecular “network”

The KAIST research team has successfully developed a new, eco-friendly hydrogen separation membrane that filters hydrogen through a molecular network. The membrane achieved a high bridge connectivity degree of 73% and showed significant improvements in hydrogen permeability and selectivity.

Pusan National University researchers develop 3D printing method for switchable soft actuators

A new study developed a 3D printable liquid crystal elastomer that switches molecular alignment to produce opposite motions on demand from a single material. This breakthrough enables the creation of programmable shape-changing materials for various applications, including soft robotics and wearable technologies.

SourcePusan National University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2026

Just 50°C decides whether an ultrathin magnetic film stays flat or falls apart

A new study from the University of Toyama found that a 50°C difference in heating temperature significantly affects the structure and stability of ultrathin FePd films. Films heated to 150°C maintained their flat surface, while those at 200°C exhibited controlled solid-state dewetting, enabling self-organized magnetic structures.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

SNU–KAIST–KBSI joint research team identifies “hidden reaction sites” of silver nanocatalysts

A joint research team has discovered that silver nanocatalysts operate at different reaction sites depending on whether generating electricity or producing hydrogen in solid oxide cells. The study proposes a new design principle to accelerate high-efficiency green hydrogen production and clean power generation by optimizing the catalys...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

Natural insecticide made by nanoemulsification of compounds found in garlic and spearmint found to be effective on adzuki bean beetles with low non-target impacts

Researchers developed a new environmentally friendly insecticide using nanoemulsions of diallyl disulfide and carvone, which showed enhanced toxicity against the adzuki bean beetle while having relatively low impact on parasitic wasps. The nanoemulsions were also safe on seeds and enhanced root growth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

Silicon metasurfaces unlock ultrafast modulation of wide-bandwidth optical pulses

Researchers developed a new design strategy to overcome limitations in metasurface-based approaches, creating a response that enables strong, fast modulation across a wider range of colours. This advance provides a pathway for compact, high-speed optical devices with potential applications in faster data transmission and future light-b...

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Noisy bubbles hinder ultrasound-boosted chemical reactions: Sonochemistry model shows

Researchers have developed a numerical model that explains how increasing ultrasonic power reduces chemical reaction rates in sonochemistry. The model shows that oscillating bubbles emit their own sound waves, generating unwanted noise that distorts the ultrasonic field and limits reaction efficiency.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2026

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop new strategy for designing ultra-fast charging batteries

Seoul National University researchers have developed an off-stochiometric anode material that enables safe, ultra-fast charging of lithium-ion batteries. The new design strategy overcomes kinetic limitations and preserves the NASICON structure against irreversible damage.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Pusan National University researchers have developed a hybrid quantum network with indistinguishable quantum sources

Pusan National University researchers have successfully developed a hybrid quantum network with indistinguishable quantum sources. The team demonstrated two-photon interference between a warm atomic ensemble and quantum dots, achieving high-visibility two-photon interference without needing spectral or temporal modifications.

SourcePusan National University·JournalLight: Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2026