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Color-changing indicator predicts algal blooms

Researchers developed a color-changing indicator that detects rising levels of alkaline phosphatase, forecasting phytoplankton growth and impending algal blooms. The portable system reliably detected enzyme activity using smartphone scanning apps, potentially enabling real-time field monitoring and prediction.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateNov 3, 2021

Novel peroxide-based material emits fluorescence in response to stress

Researchers have synthesized a novel organic peroxide mechanophore that releases fluorescence in response to mechanical stress. The compound, bis(9-methylphenyl-9-fluorenyl) peroxide (BMPF), was incorporated into a polymer network and found to retain its ability to release a fluorescent molecule when subjected to grinding or compression.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

More effective cell studies using new AI method

A new study from the University of Gothenburg introduces an AI-based method to develop faster, cheaper, and more reliable information about cells using microscopy. This approach eliminates the drawbacks of traditional fluorescence microscopy by providing accurate results without damaging cells or inhibiting processes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBiophysics Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 12, 2021

New study sheds light on molecular motion

Scientists have developed a synthetic fibre that guides molecular movement fueled by light over long distances, paving the way for new sustainable energy sources and applications in medicine and chemical tasks. The system emulates cellular fibres, allowing for controlled transport of molecules using light as energy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Study reveals gophers’ biofluorescence

Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that pocket gophers are biofluorescent, emitting a colored glow when illuminated with ultraviolet light. The phenomenon has been documented in flying squirrels and opossums before, but this is the first time it has been observed in pocket gophers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe American Midland Naturalist·DateSep 16, 2021

Pusan National University scientists report single-step synthesis of solid-state sensors for detecting explosives

Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDyes and Pigments·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Chain length determines molecular colour

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an approach to generate a broad palette of colours by adjusting the chemical structure of molecules themselves. By varying the chain length of fluorescent organic polymers, they can produce polymers with different colours, including yellow, green, and blue.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 7, 2021

How photoblueing disturbs microscopy

Researchers discovered that photobleaching can transform fluorescent dyes into new molecules with altered fluorescence spectra, affecting microscopy results. Simple buffer additions can prevent or even exploit this effect for targeted tracking of specific particles.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 26, 2021

Inverted fluorescence

Researchers have discovered a new class of fluorescent dyes that can convert visible light into ultraviolet light, overcoming one of the biggest challenges to harnessing sunlight for energy. This breakthrough could enable more efficient solar-powered water splitting and other high-energy reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2020

Taking a shine to polymers: Fluorescent molecule betrays the breakdown of polymer materials

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to measure polymer breakdown using a fluorescent molecule, enabling the estimation of resistance to mechanical stress. This breakthrough allows for the evaluation of polymer performance and specificity, paving the way for improved material design.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 24, 2020

Smart fluorescent molecular switches based on boron-based compounds

Scientists have created extremely stable fluorescent molecular switches that can be controlled electrochemically, using a particular redox active anion. These systems show large reversible fluorescence modulation and are soluble in many organic solvents, making them suitable for applications in biosensing, imaging, and drug delivery.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateOct 28, 2020

Getting the full scope

Researchers aim to understand how electrical stimulation affects glia and vasculature in the brain, with potential implications for treating neurological diseases. They'll use two-photon microscopy and optogenetics to investigate inner workings of the brain.

Fluorescence bioimaging

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame created a new class of near-infrared fluorescent dyes by introducing a voluminous shield to protect against photobleaching. The dye, called s775z, provided stable fluorescence and was quickly cleared from the body, making it suitable for biomedical imaging applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 4, 2020

Ghost imaging speeds up super-resolution microscopy

Researchers used ghost imaging to enhance the speed of super-resolution microscopy, achieving nano-scale resolution in just 10 image frames. The new approach resolves structures with spatial and temporal resolutions at which biological processes take place.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 12, 2019

Corals light the way to a healthy partnership

Researchers discovered that corals use green fluorescent light to signal the presence of Symbiodinium, a type of mobile microalgae critical to the establishment of a healthy partnership. The study found that this 'positive phototaxis' mechanism enables corals to attract Symbiodinium, which provide essential nutrients via photosynthesis.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2019

Ultrathin endoscope captures neurons firing deep in the brain

Scientists have created an ultra-thin fiber-based endoscope that can image neurons firing in living mice, offering new insights into brain function. The device is five times thinner than the smallest commercially available microendoscopes and allows for deeper brain imaging without damaging tissue.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMar 26, 2018