Add BrightSurf on Google Email

From sweat to signal: A wearable optical system for glucose detection

A portable optical system detects glucose in human sweat with high sensitivity and selectivity, suitable for real-world daily glucose monitoring. The system uses nanostructured plasmonic materials and molecular recognition chemistry to achieve reliable detection without enzymes or fluorescent labels.

Drones with low-cost air quality sensors can improve air quality monitoring

A drone equipped with low-cost air quality sensors has revealed unexpectedly high concentrations of particulate matter at around 100 meters above ground level in Delhi. The findings suggest that current model simulations underestimate PM2.5 mass concentrations during morning haze episodes, highlighting the need for better mitigation st...

SourceDelft University of Technology·Journalnpj Clean Air·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

MAPPI: a new system to learn how a plant's leaves, stem and roots mutually communicate under environmental stress

Researchers developed MAPPI, a system that enables real-time visualization of how a plant's leaves, stem, and roots communicate with each other in response to environmental stress. The system reveals bi-directional communication between leaves and roots, overcoming limitations of traditional microscopy.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 11, 2026

Seeing the unseen: Scientists demonstrate dual-mode color generation from invisible light

Researchers develop a rigid organic crystal that emits red light under UV irradiation through excimer formation and generates green light through second harmonic generation under near-infrared exposure. The dual-mode optical behavior operates independently within the same crystal without interference.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2026

Tiny nanosheets, big leap: A new sensor detects ethanol at ultra-low levels

Researchers developed a chemiresistive gas sensor that dramatically improves ethanol detection by integrating ultrathin catalytic nanosheets onto a conventional metal-oxide sensing film. The resulting device responds strongly to ethanol concentrations spanning from parts per million down to a few parts per billion.

ABATaRs, sensitive molecular probes for multiplexed bio-imaging in live cells

Researchers have developed molecular probes called ABATaRs to detect biomolecules using standard Raman microscopes. These new sensors can detect biomolecules at low micromolar concentrations and function as ratiometric sensors, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple molecules in live cells.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2026

Enabling electronic skin to “read” more accurately and reliably — low-crosstalk tactile arrays empower highly reliable braille recognition

A new low-crosstalk iontronic e-skin design suppresses mechanical strain propagation while maintaining sensitivity, enabling stable and reliable multi-point spatial perception. This system achieves efficient Braille recognition with auditory feedback, providing a promising technological pathway for assistive tactile sensing applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Hierarchically converged defect engineering with 2-dimensional black phosphorus/MXene sequence for sensitive photoelectrochemical-electrostatic sensors

Researchers propose a hierarchically converged defect-engineering strategy to construct a multidimensional ZnO/Bi₂O₃/BiOCl/BP/MXene heterojunction photoelectrode framework. This targets modulation increases the electrochemically active surface area, optimizes energy-level alignment, and establishes efficient carrier transport pathways.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJan 18, 2026

How can robots learn from humans?

Researchers developed a new approach to teach robots to learn human grasping skills, enabling adaptive and universal grasping to diverse objects. The framework captures multimodal tactile data and encodes it into high-level semantic grasping states, allowing robots to recognize general states of interaction.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers develop novel virtual sensor grid method for low-cost, yet robust, infrastructure monitoring

A team of researchers from Chonnam National University has developed a novel superpixel-based virtual sensor framework for full-field vibration measurement. The approach offers robust and accurate motion estimation without the need for physical markers or contact sensors, making it suitable for large-scale infrastructure monitoring.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

Portable biosensor may enable on-site PFAS detection

A portable biosensor developed at La Trobe University can rapidly detect toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. The device provides a simple yes or no result, allowing for quick and easy screening of water samples, particularly in regional and remote areas where monitoring is challenging.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers propose innovative voltage-loop control for power factor correction

Researchers from Chonnam National University propose a novel delay-compensated control strategy that eliminates current sensors in boost PFC converters. This simplifies circuitry, reduces hardware failure points, and enhances power quality, leading to smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective power adapters.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalIEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Can an electronic nose detect indoor mold?

Researchers developed an electronic nose that can detect and identify two common indoor mold species using nanowires. The e-nose measures changes in electrical resistance to gas molecules interacting with a sensing material, proving its potential for fast and objective monitoring of indoor air quality.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·DateDec 17, 2025

Penn and UMich create world’s smallest programmable, autonomous robots

Researchers at Penn and UMich created microscopic swimming machines that can independently sense and respond to their surroundings, operate for months, and cost just a penny each. The robots are powered by light and can be programmed to move in complex patterns, sense local temperatures, and adjust their paths accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Engineering smarter care for ALS patients

University of Missouri researchers are combining in-home sensor technology with artificial intelligence to monitor daily changes in ALS patients' health. The system uses machine learning to estimate a patient's score on the ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised, predicting potential problems before they occur.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Digital Health·DateDec 2, 2025

Reconfigurable omnidirectional triboelectric whisker sensor array for adaptive tactile intelligence

A reconfigurable omnidirectional triboelectric whisker sensor array (RO-TWSA) enables multidirectional force sensing, portable deployment, and adaptive interaction across complex environments. The system combines an untethered hydro-sealing suction mechanism with a high-sensitivity MXene-enhanced triboelectric whisker structure.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

Deep learning-assisted organogel pressure sensor for alphabet recognition and bio-mechanical motion monitoring

A new organogel pressure sensor, developed by Prof. Sang-Jae Kim's team, demonstrates sub-zero toughness, self-healing, and AI-grade pattern recognition. The device achieves 98% accuracy in handwritten English letter classification and tracks bio-mechanical motion with high sensitivity.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Two-dimensional MXene-based advanced sensors for neuromorphic computing intelligent application

Researchers have developed MXene materials that act as ultra-sensitive sensors and neuromorphic synapses, enabling self-powered edge-intelligent systems. The devices deliver femto-joule per spike consumption and perform weighted summation and activation without external ADC or DRAM.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Skin-inspired ultra-linear flexible iontronic pressure sensors for wearable musculoskeletal monitoring

Researchers developed a bioinspired dual-mechanism iontronic pressure sensor (FIPS) that mimics human skin structure, achieving high sensitivity and full-range linearity for real-time musculoskeletal load monitoring. The FIPS platform opens new avenues for wearable biomechanics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation robotics.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2025

Successful visualization of the odor discrimination process in an AI-assisted olfactory sensor

The study reveals how chemical sensors discriminate among various odorant molecules using explainable AI, enabling the selection of receptor materials for high-performance sensors. This breakthrough advances understanding of human olfaction and paves the way for practical application of artificial olfaction technology.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2025

Sweat-powered sticker turns your drinking cup into a health sensor

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed an electronic sticker that monitors vitamin C levels using sweat from fingertips, providing a convenient and low-cost alternative to current methods. The system is battery-free and can be manufactured at a low cost, making it potentially disposable and widely accessible.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateNov 10, 2025

Hanyang University researchers develop of novel high-resolution mechanoluminescent platform technology

The researchers developed a chromatic filtration strategy to narrow the emission spectrum of mechanoluminescent materials, resulting in high spectral resolution and reduced noise. The new technology has significant potential for applications such as wearable sensors and healthcare motion monitoring.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2025

Biosensor identifies protein linked to depression and schizophrenia in saliva

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a low-cost, portable biosensor that can quickly identify altered levels of BDNF associated with psychiatric disorders. The device detects extremely low concentrations of BDNF in human saliva, which is crucial for growth and maintenance of neurons and development of brain functions.

Time crystals could power future quantum computers

Researchers at Aalto University have successfully connected a time crystal to an external system, enabling the development of highly accurate sensors and memory systems for quantum computers. This breakthrough could significantly boost the power of quantum computing by harnessing the unique properties of time crystals.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2025

An aircell hydrogel for ultra-sensitive human-machine interaction

Researchers developed an ultra-sensitive hydrogel for human-machine interaction, achieving high-accuracy collaboration in remote surgical operations and virtual reality. The AirCell Hydrogel boasts a smooth surface and porous interior structure, allowing it to detect various human motions with exceptional accuracy.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 16, 2025

Quantum radio antenna

A team from the University of Warsaw developed a new type of all-optical radio receiver based on Rydberg atoms, providing extreme sensitivity and internal calibration. The antenna is powered by laser light, enabling precise control over the lasers and electron dance.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2025

Highly sensitive monitor can detect vitamin B6, glucose in sweat

A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a new sensor that can detect vitamin B6 and glucose in sweat with high sensitivity. The sensor uses molecularly imprinted polymers to target these biomarkers, allowing for continuous monitoring of patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.

SourcePenn State·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2025

Freely levitating rotor spins out ultraprecise sensors for classical and quantum physics

A macroscopic device has been designed to reduce eddy-current damping, allowing for precise measurements of physical phenomena like gravity. The system uses a graphite disk and rare earth magnets, enabling ultra-precise sensors that can be used in classical and quantum physics research.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2025

Portable sensor detects synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarettes and biological fluids

Researchers developed a portable sensor to detect synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette liquids and biological fluids, allowing for early intervention and harm reduction. The device shows high selectivity and sensitivity, detecting concentrations as low as 0.2 µM and identifying specific peaks that quantify substances present.

Back to the future: Is light-speed analog computing on the horizon?

Scientists have developed a programmable electronic circuit that harnesses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to perform complex parallel processing at light-speed. This breakthrough has the potential to power next-generation wireless networks, real-time radar, and advanced monitoring in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2025

DGIST professor Cheol Song’s research team successfully developed an optical interference sensor system for simultaneous ultra-precise force and depth measurement

The researchers successfully developed an optical interferometer-based sensor system that can simultaneously measure ultra-precise force and depth information. The sensor system uses principles of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Fabry–Pérot interferometry, enabling stable measurements even with inconsistent speed.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics·DateSep 29, 2025

Thermally drawn flexible fiber sensors: Principles, materials, structures, and applications

Researchers have developed a comprehensive review on thermally drawn flexible fiber sensors, which provide excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, and scalability. The thermal drawing process enables the mass production of multifunctional fiber sensors for various applications, revolutionizing wearable technology and biomedical devices.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2025

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop 3D-printed carbon nanotube sensors for smart health monitoring

Seoul National University researchers create highly stretchable, electrically conductive carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites using vat photopolymerization type 3D printing. The new material is optimized for smart health monitoring applications, enabling real-time pressure distribution detection.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalComposite Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025