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'Seeing' black holes with a home-use telescope

A Kyoto-led team reports that black hole activity can be observed through visible light during outbursts, and that optical rays provide reliable data for black hole activity. The study used a 20 cm telescope to observe V404 Cygni, detecting repetitive patterns with timescales of several minutes to a few hours.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2016

Going beyond the surface

Researchers developed a new technology that can generate visible light deep within the body, activating drugs and destroying tumors. This approach could greatly expand photodynamic therapy's effectiveness, offering fewer side effects and precise targeting of cancer cells.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 15, 2014

Scientists crack the spiders' web code

Researchers observed that spiders increase decorating activity in response to severe web damage but not light damage, suggesting the purpose of silk decorations is to make webs more visible to predators. This study helps unravel the mystery of why orb-weaving spiders decorate their webs.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 31, 2011

Improved spectrometer based on nonlinear optics

A new highly sensitive infrared spectrometer has been developed using nonlinear optics, offering 100 times higher sensitivity than current commercial devices. The device eliminates the need for cryogenic cooling, making it practical for various industrial applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateNov 12, 2008

Switchable lotus effect

A new compound in the diarylethene family is synthesized and produces a microcrystalline film that becomes super-water-repellent when exposed to UV light, and returns to its original state with visible light. The material's surface undergoes changes in molecular structure, leading to reversible formation of microfibrils.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 5, 2006

Colour profile exposes stolen gems

Researchers use microspectrometry to map the unique color patterns of individual gems, revealing differences even among same-type stones. This technique could provide valuable information for gemstone authentication and potential recovery of stolen stones.

Light turns on anticancer agents

Virginia Tech researchers have developed light-activated therapy agents that are oxygen independent, overcoming a limitation in photodynamic therapy. The new agents are activated by visible light and have been studied in cell cultures, showing promising results.