Add BrightSurf on Google Email

BESSY II: High-resolution insights into individual biomolecules and catalysts

Researchers have developed a new technique for nanoscale infrared spectroscopy that allows for the analysis of individual biomolecules and catalysts in aqueous environments. The technique, called nanoscale infrared spectroscopy (s-SNOM), uses ultra-thin silicon-based membranes to protect the sample and allow for high-resolution measure...

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2026

Vacancy oscillating mode in amorphous binary oxide film by terahertz time domain spectroscopy

Researchers employed terahertz time-domain spectroscopy to investigate oxygen-vacancy migration in amorphous ZrO2 films, revealing its critical role in conductivity and polarization behavior. The study establishes a physical framework for understanding ferroelectric-like phenomena in amorphous oxide materials.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

Beyond heat: New infrared filter for thermal cameras could detect pollution and disease

Researchers have developed a tiny, electrically tunable infrared filter that can distinguish between different materials and gases based on their spectral 'fingerprints'. This technology has the potential to enable handheld pollution detectors, compact multispectral cameras, and next-generation chemical sensing devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

One protein, two light-activated states

Scientists have found that the ion channel GtACR1 can exist in two light-activated states, enabling quicker reopening and increased ionic conductivity. This discovery has significant implications for optogenetics, a method of controlling neuronal cells using light.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 20, 2025

The chemical basis for life can form in interstellar ice

Researchers at CNRS have discovered that chemical intermediates of the citric acid cycle can form spontaneously in interstellar ice. This finding suggests that the raw materials necessary for life could be present in space and potentially delivered to Earth.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2025

Tracking the atomistic structural transformations in chemical evolution via machine-learned infrared spectroscopy

The study utilizes infrared spectroscopy and a machine-learned protocol to map spectroscopic fingerprints to atomistic structures. The authors demonstrate the accuracy of their network in predicting local atomistic structures and energetic variations, enabling the tracking of dynamic C–C coupling on Cu surfaces.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 16, 2025