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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
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.

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

How a failure to understand race leads to flawed health tech

A new study on wearable health monitors reveals that a failure to understand race leads to flawed technology, exacerbating existing racial health inequities. The researchers found significant challenges with 'race correction' in health technologies, which assumes biology over system racism.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHealth Equity·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2023

NASA’s Webb, Hubble telescopes combine to create most colorful view of universe

Astronomers combined the Webb and Hubble telescopes to capture a detailed portrait of the cosmos, revealing a galaxy cluster about 4.3 billion light-years from Earth. The image showcases magnified supernovae and individual stars, providing insights into the universe's first stars and the forces driving its expansion.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seeing the unseen: How butterflies can help scientists detect cancer

Researchers developed an imaging sensor capable of detecting UV light, using it to differentiate between cancer cells and normal cells with 99% confidence. The technology leverages the unique tiered structure of butterfly photoreceptors and perovskite nanocrystals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 3, 2023

One-stop solution for shaping and outlining objects

A team of researchers from POSTECH successfully engineered a dual metalens capable of switching between different imaging modes using a single lens. This innovation enables fast mode-switching and acquisition of high-resolution images for applications such as bio-imaging and cellular reactions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 30, 2023
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.

North China Electric Power University’s innovative solutions for Fukushima radioactive water crisis

Chinese researchers are exploring advanced porous nanomaterials and technologies to reduce radionuclide discharge into the environment. These materials possess high specific surface area, abundant pore structures, exceptional stability, and design flexibility, making them promising candidates for radionuclide removal.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEco-Environment & Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 24, 2023

Iris recognition technology with exclusive use of electron donor

A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology created a photomultiplication-type organic photodiode that recognizes colors without an electron receptor, improving stability and full-color capability in applications like biometric recognition technology and cameras.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 10, 2023

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
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Diamond materials as solar-powered electrodes - spectroscopy shows what's important

Researchers have found that diamond materials can release electrons in water and trigger chemical reactions when excited by light. The team used X-ray spectroscopy to precisely track the processes taking place on the surface of diamond materials, revealing that they are well-suited for use in aqueous solutions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals transform infrared light conversion

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can harness all-solar energy, including infrared light. The nanocrystals exhibit enhanced photothermal and photo-assisted water evaporation characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023
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.

New type of visible-light responsive photocatalyst is efficient, stable and very economical

Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

Fanning the flames

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

New tumour-selective light treatment could kill breast cancer cells with greater accuracy and improve tumour control

Researchers at NUS developed a new photodynamic therapy that selectively kills breast cancer cells without damaging surrounding tissues. The treatment uses a biocompatible silicone implant loaded with nanoparticles activated by near-infrared light, reducing the risk of toxicity and improving tumour control.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalACS Nano·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 19, 2023

Chemists develop new process for the production of ring-shaped molecules

An international team of chemists has successfully used structural editing to insert a four-membered molecular ring into an aromatic ring, creating a complex bicyclic ring system. The new process utilizes visible-light photocatalysis, providing environmentally friendly and atom-economical conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers demonstrate first visible wavelength femtosecond fiber laser

The team's breakthrough enables the production of bright visible-wavelength pulses in the femtosecond range directly with fiber lasers. This advance has significant implications for various fields, including high-precision ablation of biological tissues, two-photon excitation microscopy, and material processing.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 6, 2023

Ultrafast and tunable

A study by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf team demonstrates efficient conversion of high-frequency signals into visible light using graphene-based materials. The mechanism involves a thermal radiation process, and the conversion is ultrafast and tunable.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Smart in-memory light sensors perform image recognition

Researchers at KAUST developed smart digital image sensors that can recognize images with high accuracy, using a charge-trapping 'in-memory' sensor sensitive to visible light. The devices have an extremely long-lived retention time of up to 10 years and can perform optical sensing, storage, and computation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 6, 2023

Innovative endoscopic imaging system can detect multiple fluorescent tracers

Researchers developed a novel endoscopic imaging system with a bioinspired sensor that can detect multiple fluorescent probes, enabling more accurate fluorescence-guided cancer surgery. The system showed improved spatial resolution and sensitivity in detecting tumors, paving the way for the adoption of multi-tracer FGS.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMay 26, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Ligand-nanocrystal interactions under visible light irradiation

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University demonstrate quasi-reversible displacement of organic ligands on nanocrystal surfaces under visible light irradiation. This finding opens up new avenues for enhancing the tunability and functionality of inorganic materials with aromatic molecules.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Novel tin-based metal–organic frameworks for reducing carbon dioxide to formate

Researchers have developed a novel tin-based MOF that can selectively reduce CO2 to formate in the presence of visible light, achieving high selectivity and quantum yield. The material, called KGF-10, was found to be efficient, precious-metal-free, and single-component.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

Coastal lights trick coral reefs into spawning earlier than they should

A new study found that coastal light pollution causes corals to spawn one to three days closer to the full moon, reducing the likelihood of fertilized eggs surviving and producing new adult corals. This disrupts the natural spawning cycle, which is critical for reef recovery after mass bleaching events.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Generation of color-tunable high-performance LG laser beams via Janus OPO

A team from Nanjing University and Sun Yat-Sen University developed a two-facing Janus OPO scheme for generating high-efficiency, high-purity broadband LG modes with tunable topological charge. The output LG mode has a tunable wavelength between 1.5 μm and 1.6 μm, with a conversion efficiency above 15 percent.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 24, 2023

Chemists propose ultrathin material for doubling solar cell efficiency

Researchers at Colorado State University propose using ultrathin films of molybdenum disulfide to improve solar cell efficiency. The material displays unprecedented charge carrier properties that could lead to drastic improvements in solar technologies.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

An improved, visible light-harvesting catalyst to speed up reactions

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel visible light-driven single transition metal catalyst that combines high light harvesting abilities and broad applicability. The SFI-Rh(I) complexes overcome previous limitations, enabling versatile photocatalytic reactions with increased stability.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

What do the elements sound like? (video)

A researcher has converted elements' visible light into audio, creating complex sounds for each one. The project aims to create an interactive musical periodic table with potential value as an alternative teaching method in chemistry classrooms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 26, 2023

Colloids get creative to pave the way for next generation photonics

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have devised a way to fabricate a complex structure, previously found only in nature, to control light in the visible range. This new approach uses self-assembled colloidal particles to create chiral photonic crystals with tailored optical properties.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2023

New horizons for organoboron and organosilicon chemistry with triple elementalization

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new synthesis method that allows the introduction of multiple B- and Si-containing groups into aromatic nitrogen heterocycles. This breakthrough unlocks the creation of versatile platforms for organic compounds relevant to medicinal chemistry. The approach enables the production o...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 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.

‘Liquid windows’ inspired by squid skin could help buildings react to changing environments, save on energy costs

A multilayered fluidic system inspired by squid skin can optimize the wavelength, intensity, and dispersion of light reaching building interiors. This could lead to significant savings on heating, cooling, and lighting energy costs, with annual reductions of up to 50%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2023

Searching for the earliest galaxies in the universe

A team of astronomers discovered 87 galaxies that could be the earliest known galaxies in the universe using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This finding suggests a revision to our understanding of galaxy formation, indicating that more galaxies may have formed earlier than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 9, 2023

Organic X-ray excitement for innovative imaging

KAUST researchers have designed and built novel organic scintillator materials for detecting X-rays at low doses, overcoming stability issues with existing ceramic or perovskite materials. The new approach uses heavy atoms to improve X-ray absorption capability and exciton utilization efficiency.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 8, 2023

High-performance visible-light lasers that fit on a fingertip

Researchers at Columbia Engineering's Lipson Nanophotonics Group create tunable and narrow-linewidth chip-scale lasers emitting light of different colors, including green, blue, and violet. These inexpensive lasers have the smallest footprint and shortest wavelength of any tunable and narrow-linewidth integrated laser emitting visible ...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 4, 2023

Strengthening electron-triggered light emission

Scientists have developed a new method to enhance electron-photon coupling, resulting in a hundredfold increase in light emissions. The approach uses a specially designed photonic crystal to produce stronger interactions between photons and electrons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 4, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers shed (laser) light on emerging water treatment technique

A team of researchers from the University of Rhode Island has discovered new details about the chemical reaction that occurs when ferrate is exposed to visible and ultraviolet light. The findings could help optimize the use of ferrate in water treatment applications, making it a promising option for smaller systems.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2022

UV-to-red light converting films accelerate plant growth

A europium-based thin-film coating has been developed to convert UV light to red light, accelerating plant growth. The technology was tested on Swiss chard plants and Japanese larch trees, showing a 1.2-1.4 times greater plant height and biomass in winter conditions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Solvent study solves solar cell durability puzzle

Researchers at Rice University have created stable and efficient halide perovskite solar cells by finding the right solvent design to apply a 2D top layer on top of a 3D bottom layer. The new method achieves high power conversion efficiencies, comparable to commercially available solar cells, while maintaining stability.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
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.

Radical new treatment system lights up cancer therapy

A team from The Institute of Industrial Science at The University of Tokyo has developed a new platform that uses organorhodium(III) phthalocyanine complexes to achieve the combination of traits necessary for photodynamic therapy. The new system shows toxicity to HeLa cells, indicating its potential as a cancer treatment.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalChemical Communications·DateSep 20, 2022

Hydrogel glass: a novel glass design for energy saving in buildings

Researchers have developed a novel hydrogel-glass design that enhances indoor illumination while reducing cooling consumption, demonstrating potential for widespread energy savings in buildings. The study published in Frontiers of Optoelectronics shows significant reductions in energy use ranging from 2.37 to 10.45 MJ·m−2 ·year−1.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Light-based therapy weakens antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed a light-based therapy, photodynamic therapy (aPDT), to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The treatment showed promise in weakening bacteria, allowing lower doses of current antibiotics to effectively eliminate them.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2022
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.

New weapon targets antibiotic resistance

A new class of light-activated hemithioindigo molecules developed by Rice University scientists kill specific Gram-positive bacteria and their biofilms. The molecules induce reactive oxygen species that chemically attack and destroy drug-resistant cells, offering a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Demonstration of a highly efficient modulator using the organic electro-optic polymer for visible light

Researchers at NICT developed an organic electro-optic polymer for visible light, significantly improving efficiency and miniaturization. The new modulator has lower absorption loss and higher electro-optic coefficient in visible light compared to conventional optical modulators.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022
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.

Found: The ‘holy grail of catalysis’ — turning methane into methanol under ambient conditions using light

Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Organic water splitters get a boost

A KAUST-led team developed organic semiconductor-based photocatalysts to store solar energy as clean hydrogen fuel. These catalysts can absorb visible light and generate long-lived charges, improving efficiency for hydrogen evolution.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Energy·DateJun 9, 2022

Broadening the scope of epoxide ring opening reactions with zirconocene

Researchers at Waseda University demonstrate a novel zirconocene-catalyzed epoxide ring-opening reaction under visible light, expanding the reaction scope and regioselectivity. The approach enables accessible synthesis of elusive alcohol products with improved efficiency and environmental sustainability.

SourceWaseda University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Keeping buildings cooler with a wood-based foam

Researchers have designed a lightweight wood-based foam that reflects sunlight, emits absorbed heat, and is thermally insulating. The material could reduce buildings' cooling energy needs by an average of 35.4% depending on weather conditions, making it a promising solution for hot climates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 18, 2022

Light-controllable time-domain metasurface for dynamic harmonic manipulation

Researchers developed a light-controllable time-domain digital coding metasurface that can manipulate microwave reflection spectra by time-varying light signals. The metasurface platform produces harmonics based on phase modulation, generating symmetrical harmonics and white-noiselike spectra.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 22, 2022
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.