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Molecular robots work cooperatively in swarms

Researchers developed micro-sized machines utilizing swarming strategy for cargo delivery, outperforming single robots with efficiency of up to five times. The team created a swarm of cooperating robots that can divide workload and respond to risks, expanding potential uses for microrobots.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Scientists develop indoor-active photocatalyst for antiviral coating against various variant types of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Researchers developed a solid-state photocatalyst using TiO2 and CuO nanoclusters to inactivate various variants of SARS-CoV-2. The material is effective under both darkness and indoor light, making it suitable for reducing COVID-19 infection risk in indoor environments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022

Flowers' unseen colors can help ensure pollination, survival

Research at Clemson University reveals that flowers use UV-absorbing chemicals to create a 'bulls-eye' effect for pollinating insects, aiding survival. Plants adapt to different environments by producing varying amounts of UV-blocking or absorbing chemicals.

SourceClemson University·JournalEvolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022
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.

Seeing through blood with a microscope

Researchers are developing a new SWIR surgical microscope system to detect and remove cholesteatomas, a type of chronic otitis media. The microscope uses short-wave infrared light to illuminate blood, bacterial biofilms, cartilage, and soft tissue, making them distinguishable from each other.

SourceBielefeld University·DateMar 4, 2022

Controlling how fast graphene cools down

Researchers have demonstrated control of graphene's relaxation time, allowing for novel functionalities in devices such as light detectors and modulators. This work paves the way for the development of ultrafast optical devices with potential applications in photonics and telecommunications.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalACS Nano·TypeObservational study·DateMar 4, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop long lasting anti-fogging coating for plastic surfaces that ‘self-cleans’

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a durable coating that prevents fogging and 'self-cleans' under sunlight exposure. The coating shows excellent adherence to the plastic surface and maintains durability in tests, offering an attractive long-term solution for various applications.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Satellites and light reflections help spot coastal plastic waste

Researchers have developed a method to detect tiny plastic scraps on remote beaches using satellite technology. This innovation enables the tracking of plastics within satellite images, allowing for more frequent and reliable observations.

SourceRMIT University·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Organic aggregates: new insights on white light

Research reveals organic aggregates can emit polychromic and white light with high efficiency, opening up new avenues for OLEDs and encryption. However, more work is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and improve performance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJan 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Colour-changing magnifying glass gives clear view of infrared light

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new concept for detecting infrared light by converting it into visible light, easily detectable by modern cameras. This innovation enables the detection of mid-infrared light using molecular frequency upconversion with dual-wavelength hybrid nanoantennas.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Molecular device turns infrared into visible light

Researchers developed a molecular device that converts infrared light to visible light, expanding detection capabilities. The device uses tiny vibrating molecules and metallic nanostructures to enhance conversion efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2021

Researchers light the way for organic glow-in-the-dark materials

Researchers from OIST and Kyushu University have developed a method to generate a glow-in-the-dark light using organic materials. The new method produces emissions that last for over one hour at room temperature, improving performance by tenfold compared to previous work.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

New device modulates visible light—without dimming it—with the smallest footprint and lowest power consumption

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a compact and power-efficient phase modulator that can control the phase of visible light waves. This breakthrough enables large-scale integration of devices for applications such as chip-scale LIDAR, AR/VR goggles, and quantum information processing chips.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

Quantum confinement discovered in porous nano-photocatalyst

A research team discovered a quantum confinement effect in a 3D-ordered macroporous structure of BiVO4, enabling hydrogen production under visible light. The study found that the 3DOM structure had higher photocatalysis efficiency and produced more oxygen than its plate-like counterpart.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

A novel way to generate visible light

A research team led by Professor Luca Razzari at INRS has successfully generated coherent, intense visible light pulses with femtosecond duration using a simplified setup. This innovation opens up new possibilities for studying various phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 29, 2021

SMART researchers discover new way to generate light through use of pre-existing defects in semiconductor materials

SMART researchers have discovered a practical method to overcome current challenges in the manufacture of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs with considerably higher indium concentration. The new approach uses intrinsic defects in semiconducting materials to form quantum dots that emit long-wavelength light.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

New technique paves the way for perfect perovskites

A new instrument at the Advanced Light Source enables simultaneous measurement of crystal structure and optical properties during perovskite synthesis. This allows for real-time monitoring of material quality and performance, leading to potentially more efficient solar cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Physicists make laser beams visible in vacuum

Researchers at the University of Bonn developed a method to visualize laser beams in a vacuum, allowing for precise alignment of individual atoms. This breakthrough enables faster and more accurate quantum optics experiments, potentially leading to advancements in computing and materials science.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateAug 25, 2021

Switched on IR-active organic pigments

Researchers developed a modular organic molecular system with customizable properties, creating a potent dye that absorbs light in the near-infrared range. The pigments' electronic switchability makes them suitable for studying electron transfer in photosynthesis and as efficient electron-transporting materials.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Chasing the light from elusive ‘milky seas’: CSU researchers light a path toward unraveling mysteries of the ocean from space

Using nearly a decade of satellite data, researchers at CSU have detected the elusive ‘milky seas’ – a rare display of bioluminescence in the ocean. The study reveals that milky seas are not adequately explained by previous hypotheses and proposes new theories for their formation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2021

Visibly transparent radiative cooler under direct sunlight

Researchers developed a transparent radiative cooler that transmits visible light while reflecting near-infrared light, radiating heat in the atmospheric window. The material lowered interior temperatures by up to 14.4°C and exterior temperatures by 10.1°C in outdoor experiments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 14, 2021
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.

Building a better LED bulb

A University of Houston research team creates a unique class of luminescent materials called phosphors that absorb violet LED's single-color emission and convert the light to cover the majority of the visible spectrum. The new LED bulb emits less blue light, reducing health concerns associated with overexposure.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 25, 2021

Out of thick air: Transforming CO2 into light-emitting carbon

A team of researchers at the University of Ottawa has developed a new pathway to transform CO2 gas into solid carbon forms that emit light, creating a low-energy alternative. The breakthrough uses visible light to initiate dissociation in carbon dioxide molecules on a nanostructured silver surface.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalOptica·DateMay 20, 2021

Move over heavy goggles, here come the ultra-high refractive index lenses

A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed ultra-high refractive index lenses using visibly transparent amorphous silicon. The new material allows for the control of all visible light colors, enabling more efficient and cost-effective virtual and augmented reality devices.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 14, 2021

Device refines analysis of materials for fuel cells and batteries

Researchers developed a novel spectroelectrochemical cell to study electrolyte behavior, improve fuel cell performance, and analyze catalyst efficiency. The device can perform in situ infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption/diffraction analysis.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemElectroChem·DateDec 21, 2020
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.

Tunable rainbow light trapping in ultrathin resonator arrays

Researchers develop novel design and fabrication techniques for rainbow light trapping, enabling extreme light confinement and versatile application in low concentration molecular sensing, enhanced photocatalysis, and super-resolution optics. The technique uses analytical modeling to optimize groove geometry for broadband electromagnet...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateDec 1, 2020

Detecting bacteria with fluorescent nanosensors

A new method for detecting bacteria and infections has been developed using fluorescent nanosensors. These sensors can track down pathogens faster and more easily than traditional methods, allowing for improved patient care and rapid diagnosis of sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2020

Light-controlled nanomachine controls catalysis

Researchers at FAU have developed a light-controlled molecular motor that can control catalysis reactions. The system uses visible light to trigger the release and bonding of catalysts, accelerating or decelerating desired chemical reactions.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 20, 2020

Turning excess noise into signal

Scientists have developed a simple method to comprehensively assess spectrometer performance within seconds using only incoherent excess noise. This approach enables high-quality visible light OCT imaging with improved spectral resolution uniformity, revealing new insights into the mouse photoreceptor layer.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateOct 14, 2020
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.

Post-Tropical Storm Teddy in NASA Newfoundland nighttime view

Post-tropical cyclone Teddy was located near latitude 51.0 degrees north and longitude 57.3 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a central pressure of 975 millibars. The storm moved closer to the northwestern Newfoundland coast overnight before merging with an extratropical low-pressure area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 24, 2020

Night-time exposure to blue light associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer

A new study published in Epidemiology found that night-time exposure to outdoor artificial light, especially blue light, may increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The research analyzed data from over 2,000 adults and found a 60% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer among those with the highest exposures to blue light.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEpidemiology·DateJul 29, 2020

New detection method turns silicon cameras into mid-infrared detectors

A new method detects MIR images using Si cameras through non-degenerate two-photon absorption, enabling simple and efficient imaging. The approach avoids alignment artifacts and utilizes the nonlinear optical properties of the Si chip itself to trigger photo-induced charge carriers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020
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.

New technology speeds up organic data transfer

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new type of organic LED that enables faster data transfer speeds, reaching 2.2 Mb/s. This breakthrough could enable the integration of portable and wearable organic biosensors into visible light communication links.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 17, 2020

Towards visible-wavelength passively mode-locked lasers in all-fibre format

Researchers have developed a visible-wavelength passively mode-locked all-fibre laser, generating picosecond pulses at 635 nm. The laser has a tunable duration and a narrow spectral bandwidth, opening up new possibilities for applications in optical communications, biomedicine, material processing, and scientific research.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

KIST develops foldable and washable luminescent film

A Korean research team has developed a multi-functional luminescent film that can visualize near-infrared light through wavelength conversion, increasing its application range. The film's high efficiency enables the use of infrared or ultraviolet light for displays or imaging devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 8, 2020

Film photosensitizer: High efficient singlet oxygen generation

Researchers developed a unique film-based photosensitizer that efficiently produces singlet oxygen with enhanced photochemical stability and visible light absorption, paving the way for practical applications in sterilization, water purification, and PDT.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateApr 8, 2020

A hidden electronic transition 'S0 → Tn' in heavy-atom-containing molecules

Scientists at Chiba University have discovered a previously overlooked electronic transition 'S0 → Tn' in heavy-atom-containing molecules exposed to visible light. The study reveals that this mechanism promotes radical reactions in photoreactions with visible light, which was not previously considered a main role.

SourceChiba University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 11, 2020
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.

Light-induced magnetism modulation

Researchers demonstrate a method to modulate magnetic information using visible light, reducing magnetization in a ferromagnetic film. This technique could enable rapid digital storage and retrieval using room temperature illumination.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

New 3D printing technique produces 'living' 4D materials

A new 3D printing technique harnesses the power of visible light to create 'living' 4D materials with controlled polymerisation, enabling objects to transform their shape in response to conditions. The technology has numerous potential applications, including recycling and biomedical uses.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 18, 2019

Optoceutics: A new technique using light for regenerative medicine

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have developed a new technique called Optoceutics, which uses visible light to specifically direct the fate of tissue cells. This breakthrough has significant potential for regenerative medicine and treating cardiovascular diseases.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 2019

One-atom switch supercharges fluorescent dyes

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a simple method to turn fluorescent tags on and off with visible light by switching one atom. This technique will enable high-resolution imaging and dynamic tracking of biological processes in living cells, tissues, and animals.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 9, 2019
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.

The birth of a new discipline: Low-energy Visible Light IoT Systems

The ENLIGHT'EM project is developing a new discipline in Low-energy Visible Light IoT Systems, integrating VLC and networked embedded systems. Researchers will be trained to spearhead the development of sustainable IoT networks, with potential applications in connected energy, light, living, and cities.

SourceIMDEA Networks Institute·DateJun 28, 2019

Fiber-optic probe can see molecular bonds

Engineers at the University of California, Riverside, have developed a new technology that tunnels light into the quantum realm with unprecedented efficiency. The device integrates a glass optical fiber with a silver nanowire condenser to squeeze visible light to the tip of the condenser and interact with molecules locally.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 10, 2019
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.

Researchers create artificial mother-of-pearl using bacteria

Scientists have developed an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to produce artificial nacre, a tough material found in mother-of-pearl, using bacteria. The novel material has the same mechanical properties as natural nacre and can be bendable, making it suitable for medical applications and construction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalSmall·DateApr 23, 2019

Dartmouth's Xia Zhou Wins 2019 ACM SIGMOBILE RockStar Award

Xia Zhou, an associate professor of computer science at Dartmouth College, has been awarded the 2019 ACM SIGMOBILE RockStar award for her groundbreaking research on unconventional wireless spectrum frequencies and visible light sensing. Her work has led to breakthroughs in next-generation wireless systems and human behavioral sensing.

SourceDartmouth College·DateMar 26, 2019

Nanotechnology makes it possible for mice to see in infrared

Scientists have developed a nanotechnology that enables mice to see infrared light, opening the door for potential applications in civilian encryption, security, and military operations. The technology involves injecting nanoparticles into the mouse's eyes, which capture infrared wavelengths and emit shorter visible light wavelengths.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 2019

UMMS scientists develop technology to give night vision to mammals

Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a technology that allows mammals to see infrared light using nanoantennae injections. The temporary vision enhancement enables animals to perceive near-infrared patterns and shapes without interfering with their visible light ability.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 2019
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.

Newly discovered adolescent star seen undergoing 'growth spurt'

Astronomers have discovered a young star, Gaia 17bpi, undergoing a rare 'growth spurt' - a FU Ori stellar outburst. The event reveals insights into the development of these distant stellar objects and helps solve longstanding mysteries surrounding star formation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 19, 2018

Study could lead to safer and cheaper 3D medical imaging

A new study has discovered a promising approach to significantly lower doses of X-rays in 3D medical imaging, making it cheaper and safer. The technique, known as ghost imaging, uses a sensor instead of an X-ray camera to create 3D images.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2018

Discovery of a simplest mechanism for color detection

Researchers from Osaka City University found a single kind of opsin in a photoreceptor cell achieves UV and visible light discrimination in the fish pineal organ. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that multiple kinds of color opsins are required for color detection.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2018

NASA finds Tropical Cyclone Luban crawling

Tropical Cyclone Luban is moving slowly towards Oman, expected to make landfall as a tropical storm before Oct. 14. The cyclone has strong winds and a ragged eye, but lacks thunderstorm development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 11, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

NASA finds Nadine a compact tropical storm

Tropical Storm Nadine is a small storm with tightly circling clouds, extending wind up to 80 miles from its center. The storm is forecast to move northwest and weaken by tomorrow, eventually dissipating over the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 10, 2018