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Light pollution disturbs moths even in the dark

Researchers found that light pollution disturbs moth behavior outside the illuminated area, causing them to fly in curvy paths. The study also revealed an interaction between artificial light and the moon's phase, affecting moths' orientation and flight patterns.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

Scientists mix sky’s splendid hues to reset circadian clocks

A novel LED device with alternating orange and blue wavelengths has been shown to effectively reset circadian clocks in humans. The study found that the light outpaced other devices in advancing melatonin levels, offering a new approach to counteract seasonal affective disorder.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A new advancement in photonic chips set to unlock an industry

Researchers have developed a new engineering approach to on-chip light sources, enabling the widespread adoption of photonic chips in consumer electronics. The innovation involves growing high-quality multi-quantum well nanowires using a novel facet engineering approach, which enables precise control over the diameter and length of the...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

Unlocking the last lanthanide

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory used X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study promethium, a rare and radioactive element. The team successfully observed promethium form chemical bonds with neighboring oxygen atoms in an aqueous solution, providing new insights into its complex chemistry.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2024

Tracking the color of light

Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method using tunable lasers, enabling precise tracking of the laser's color at every point in time. The technique offers higher power and spectral stability compared to existing methods, making it suitable for various applications including LIDAR and spectroscopy.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 12, 2024

Achieving quantum memory in the hard X-ray range

A team of researchers has demonstrated a novel way of storing and releasing X-ray pulses at the single photon level, enabling future X-ray quantum technologies. This breakthrough uses nuclear ensembles to create long-lived quantum memories with improved coherence times.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 8, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Atomic 'GPS' elucidates movement during ultrafast material transitions

Researchers successfully applied atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis at X-ray free-electron laser facilities to study ultrafast material transitions. They discovered a new material phase, resolving years-long scientific debate and paving the way for designing novel transitioning materials with commercial applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 26, 2024

Innovative photobiomodulation technique illuminates a new frontier in neurodegenerative disease treatment

A breakthrough near-infrared photobiomodulation technique has shown potential in suppressing neuroinflammation and promoting microglia cell proliferation. The study's findings suggest that LEDs with broadband NIR emission could offer a cost-effective, side-effect-free treatment option for millions suffering from neurodegenerative disea...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateJul 23, 2024

The nanotechnological revolution requires standardized ‘screws’ – here is a way to measure them

Scientists at the University of Bath discovered a new nonlinear optical property that measures the twist in tiny particles, similar to viruses and bacteria. This finding enables real-time particle size analysis and has significant implications for various fields like display technology, chemical catalysis, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Novel material shows potential to produce green hydrogen

Researchers have developed a novel material that can produce green hydrogen through photoelectrocatalysis, a process driven by sunlight. The material, composed of polyaniline nanostructures and carbon nanotubes, demonstrates enhanced light absorption and stability, making it an attractive candidate for the future of fuel production.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPolymer·DateMay 29, 2024

Nonlinear photochromic properties in a perylene-substituted rhodamine spirolactam

Researchers developed a novel compound with nonlinear photochromic properties, achieving enhanced contrast and spatial resolution. The compound exhibits improved coloration efficiency with higher-intensity light, enabling diverse applications in photolithography, 3D printing, and optical disks.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Streamlined microcomb design provides control with the flip of a switch

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2024

Discover optimal conditions for mass production of ultraviolet holograms

The study found that an 80% concentration of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and specific solvents leads to the highest pattern transfer efficiency. The conversion efficiency reaches impressive levels in the ultraviolet spectrum, paving the way for commercial viability of metasurfaces.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateMay 9, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

"Seeing the invisible": new tech enables deep tissue imaging during surgery

Researchers have developed a novel rigid endoscope system for visible-to-OTN hyperspectral imaging, enabling non-destructive imaging and visualization of lesions in normal tissues. The system demonstrated high accuracy in classifying molecular vibration information of various targets with an OTN wavelength range.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalOptics Express·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

How light can vaporize water without the need for heat

MIT researchers demonstrate that light can break water molecules away from the surface and float them into the air, causing evaporation in the absence of heat. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding cloud formation and precipitation, as well as designing new industrial processes such as solar-powered desalination.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2024

Will the convergence of light and matter in Janus particles transcend performance limitations in the optical display industry?

Researchers pioneer technique to control polaritons, unlocking potential for next-generation materials and surpassing performance limitations of optical displays. The breakthrough enables stable generation of polariton particles with enhanced brightness and color control.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 8, 2024

Portable swept-source Raman spectrometer for chemical and biomedical applications

Researchers developed a compact swept-source Raman spectroscopy system for identifying both chemical and biological materials. The portable system addresses limitations of bulky dispersive Raman spectrometers, providing accurate results comparable to conventional systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Researchers use smartphone screen to create 3D layered holographic images

A new approach uses a smartphone screen to create full-color 3D holographic images by leveraging computer-generated holography (CGH) and an optical component called a spatial light modulator. The method has the potential to enhance near-eye displays in virtual reality headsets, creating more realistic and interactive user experiences.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 2, 2024

Projection mapping leaves the darkness behind

Conventional projection mapping systems work only in dark environments due to surrounding illumination. Researchers from Osaka University developed a method to control both image and illumination, allowing for realistic projections in bright environments. This technology enables interactive displays with multiple viewers under natural ...

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Polarization-sensitive tomography made easy with T2oFu

The T2oFu method offers a new approach to quantitative phase and polarization-sensitive tomography, enabling high-contrast images of muscle fibers with implications for diagnosing skeletal myopathies. The technique has been successfully tested on heart tissue samples with cardiac amyloidosis, providing promising results.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 13, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Tiny wireless light bulbs for biomedical applications

Researchers have created tiny wireless light sources that could enable minimally invasive treatments for diseases. The devices combine organic light-emitting diodes with acoustic antennas to provide a compact, frequency-tuned power source for biomedical applications.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Lighting the way to noninvasive blood glucose monitoring using portable devices

A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMar 8, 2024
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Photon upconversion: Steering light with supercritical coupling

Researchers at National University of Singapore have developed supercritical coupling, a new approach that significantly enhances photon upconversion efficiency. This discovery challenges existing paradigms and opens a new direction in light emission control.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Researchers study role of post-transcriptional splicing in plant response to light

A study published in PNAS reveals that light controls the post-transcriptional splicing of genes regulating photosynthesis in mesophyll cells. This process is co-regulated by AtPRMT5 and COP1, allowing plants to adapt to changing light conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Optical computing boost with diffractive network advance

Researchers extend spatially incoherent diffractive networks to perform complex-valued linear transformations with negligible error, opening up new applications in fields like autonomous vehicles. This breakthrough enables the encryption and decryption of complex-valued images using spatially incoherent diffractive networks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 22, 2024

Glass packaging with a mix of thermoelectric in the vias

Researchers have developed a thermal management technique for photonic packages using glass substrates and thermoelectric vias, enabling precise temperature control. The technology, termed SimTEC, combines through glass vias partially filled with copper and thermoelectric materials to reduce thermal resistance between chips.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateJan 10, 2024
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Progress in the investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics using short light pulses

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding ultrafast electron dynamics by tracking the motion of electrons released from zinc oxide crystals using laser pulses. The research team combined photoemission electron microscopy and attosecond physics technology to achieve temporal accuracy, enabling them to study the interact...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalAdvanced Physics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Breaking the 10-petawatt limit with a new laser amplification

Researchers have developed a method to coherently tile multiple titanium:sapphire crystals together, breaking through the current 10-petawatt limit. This technology enables ultra-intense ultrashort lasers with high conversion efficiencies, stable energies, and broadband spectra.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 4, 2024

Boosting solar cell performance with a transparent spectral converter

A novel transparent spectral converter, GdPO4-GC:Eu3+/Pr3+, absorbs UV photons and re-emits them as visible light, increasing photovoltaic devices' conversion efficiency. This technology shields PCs from UV damage and enhances their sensitivity to UV photons.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 3, 2024

Electric light transmits data 100 times faster than Wi-Fi

Researchers have developed a novel light source that minimizes interference zones, enabling stable and accurate information transmission. The technology utilizes conventional lighting systems, such as LEDs, to facilitate the simultaneous transmission of large amounts of data.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 27, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Toward more precise and flexible targeted spectroscopy measurements in the retina

Researchers develop a versatile imaging system for targeted spectroscopy in the eye fundus, allowing for continuous color imaging and spectral measurements. The system enables users to select targets and move them to any location within the eye fundus region without realignment or fixation changes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateDec 15, 2023

How do plants determine where the light is coming from ?

Researchers discovered that plants create a directional light signal through air-filled channels, allowing them to position their organs for optimal light capture. This mechanism is crucial for photosynthesis and survival, and provides insights into the formation of air-filled intercellular channels with multiple functions.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023

Atomic dance gives rise to a magnet

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to transform a rare-earth crystal into a magnet by using chirality in phonons. Chirality, or the twisting of atoms' motion, breaks time-reversal symmetry and aligns electron spins, creating a magnetic effect.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Seeking stability to support sustainable outdoor solar cells

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed organic solar cells with record efficiencies and discovered a link between molecular structure and outdoor stability. The study found that fluorine-bearing functional end groups and long hydrocarbon side-chains enhance outdoor stability, protecting the cells...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·DateNov 5, 2023

Optical-fiber based single-photon light source at room temperature for next-generation quantum processing

Scientists create a low-cost, room-temperature single-photon light source by doping optical fibers with ytterbium ions, paving the way for affordable quantum technologies. The innovation overcomes cooling system limitations, enabling applications in true random number generation, quantum communication and high-resolution image analysis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Even low levels of artificial light disrupt ecosystems

Studies using controlled experimental-ecosystem chambers found that even low intensities of light pollution have profound effects on individual species' responses and ecological networks. Artificial light alters the timing of key behaviors in mosquito populations, which may carry wide-scale consequences for disease transmission.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 29, 2023

SLAC scientists shed light on potential breakthrough biomedical molecule

Scientists from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have gained valuable insights into producing nitroxide, a molecule with potential applications in the biomedical field. The team employed advanced X-ray spectroscopic techniques to understand the intricacies of the nitroxide production process and its bond-breaking mechanism.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 24, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Researchers fabricate chip-based optical resonators with record low UV losses

The new resonators exhibit a record low UV light loss, enabling the development of miniaturized devices for applications such as spectroscopic sensing, underwater communication, and quantum information processing. The researchers achieved this by combining optimized design and fabrication techniques with amorphous alumina materials.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 26, 2023

Conversations with plants: Can we provide plants with advance warning of impending dangers?

Scientists at University of Cambridge create Highlighter tool that uses specific light conditions to activate defense mechanisms in plants, allowing them to 'talk' to humans about impending dangers such as disease outbreaks and heatwaves. The system utilizes optogenetics technology to control biomolecular processes at the cellular level.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

New method makes microcombs ten times more efficient

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new method to increase the efficiency of microcombs, raising their efficiency from around 1 percent to over 50 percent. This breakthrough enables high-performance laser technology for various applications in space exploration, healthcare, and other industries.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Structure formation during freeze casting filmed in 3D and real time

Researchers used X-ray tomoscopy to study freeze casting processes, observing the formation of complex, hierarchically structured materials with large surface areas. The technique provided high spatial and temporal resolution, revealing the dynamics of directional ice crystal growth and the formation of organic-looking structures.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

Oxygen production from volcanic sulfur dioxide photochemistry: a possible trigger for earth's great oxidation event

Scientists discovered oxygen production from vacuum ultraviolet photodissociation of sulfur dioxide, a possible trigger for the Earth's Great Oxidation Event. The study found that this process contributed to transient oxygen accumulation in the primitive atmosphere.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChemical Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 31, 2023

Clever coating turns lampshades into indoor air purifiers

Scientists have designed catalyst-coated lampshades that transform indoor air pollutants into harmless compounds using waste heat from lamps. The technology targets volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which account for most indoor airborne pollutants, and has been shown to work with halogen and incandescent light bulbs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 16, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Chromium replaces rare and expensive noble metals

Chemists at the University of Basel have developed chromium compounds that can replace osmium and ruthenium in luminescent materials and catalysts. The new materials are nearly as effective as some osmium compounds and are about 20,000 times more abundant and cheaper than their noble metal counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 14, 2023