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Peering into Materials Down to the Nanoscale in the COCOON Lab

The COCOON Lab provides a coordinated suite of microscopes that work together to connect macro-scale observations to findings at the nanoscale. This allows researchers to study biological and industrial materials in unprecedented detail, from the macroscale down to the molecular scale.

SourceTufts University·DateJul 9, 2026

Cells under the spotlight reveal their inner secrets

Scientists discovered a method to predict cellular protein makeup from Raman light measurements, leveraging the power of Raman spectroscopy. The technique reveals globally coordinated abundance ratios across various conditions, with a core of proteins maintaining stability while smaller groups adapt to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026
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.

Pill bugs don't just use the minerals they eat—they rebuild them inside their bodies

Researchers found that pill bugs do not simply incorporate ingested CaCO3 minerals as building blocks. Instead, they actively restructure CaCO3 within their bodies to form their tergite cuticles. This study highlights the biological control underlying mineral formation and provides new insights into biomineralization mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Structural Biology·DateApr 21, 2026

Metabolic clues emerge from new molecular map of Alzheimer’s

Rice University scientists create a detailed map of the Alzheimer's brain using hyperspectral Raman imaging and machine learning. The findings show that chemical changes are unevenly distributed across the brain and extend beyond amyloid plaques, revealing broader metabolic differences between healthy and diseased brains.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 11, 2026
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.

From waste to wonder: Universiti Sains Malaysia engineers a precision adsorbent to capture antibiotic pollutants

A team of engineers at Universiti Sains Malaysia has developed a novel surface-imprinted polymer grafted onto ordered mesoporous silica, which achieves high selectivity for chloramphenicol removal. The adsorbent demonstrated excellent reusability and thermodynamic properties, making it an efficient solution for water purification.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2025

New Raman imaging system detects subtle tumor signals

Researchers developed a new compact Raman imaging system that can differentiate between tumor and normal tissue, offering a promising route to earlier cancer detection. The system uses special SERS nanoparticles to detect faint signals from tumor markers, highlighting spots likely to contain tumor tissue.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 18, 2025

Empress cicada wings help illuminate molecular structure

Researchers use empress cicada wings as a ready-made nanostructure template to enhance surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) performance. The cylindrical nanostructures separated by five-nanometer gaps amplify Raman scattering signals by a factor of a million compared to non-coated cicada wings.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateDec 16, 2025
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.

Noninvasive imaging could replace finger pricks for people with diabetes

Researchers at MIT have developed a shoebox-sized device that can measure blood glucose levels using Raman spectroscopy, potentially replacing finger pricks for people with diabetes. The device's accuracy is similar to that of commercially available continuous glucose monitoring sensors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2025
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.

Breakthrough in development of small-diameter, high-density carbon nanowires

Scientists at Meijo University developed a new method to synthesize small-diameter single-walled carbon nanowires with a high density of long linear carbon chains. The breakthrough enables researchers to probe the properties of these unstable carbon chains, which have outstanding theoretical mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.

SourceMeijo University·JournalChemical Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2025

Portable spectroscopy enables detection of vaginal microbes

Researchers use surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze vaginal fluid biochemical fingerprints, detecting specific bacterial species like Lactobacillus iners. The portable device produces comparable results to high-end lab equipment, suggesting its potential for point-of-care monitoring.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateAug 12, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coulomb attraction driven spontaneous molecule-hotspot pairing

Researchers propose a Coulomb attraction-driven spontaneous molecule-hotspot pairing mechanism to achieve synergistic enhancement of electromagnetic and chemical mechanisms in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. This synergy enables efficient detection of single molecules with improved universality, uniformity, robustness, and stability.

SourceOpto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalElectronics·DateAug 4, 2025

Dual-mode optical imaging system offers new noninvasive approach to skin cancer diagnosis

Researchers develop compact, noninvasive imaging system combining LC-OCT and Raman microspectroscopy to examine skin cancer structures and chemical composition. The AI model achieves high classification accuracy for basal cell carcinoma and other types, offering new insights into cancer development and behavior.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 30, 2025

Researchers realize in situ formation of functional materials in living systems

Scientists discovered a novel method to synthesize gold-polymer nanocomposites within living E. coli bacteria, creating natural microreactors for complex nanostructure formation. The approach enables spatially controlled and eco-friendly synthesis of functional materials.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2025

New technique can dramatically improve laser linewidth

Researchers at Macquarie University developed a new technique to narrow laser linewidth by factors exceeding 10,000 using diamond crystals and Raman scattering. This breakthrough could revolutionize quantum computing, atomic clocks, and gravitational wave detection with improved spectral purity.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalAPL Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025
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.

Picometric spectroscopy of hydrogen molecules in atomic-scale cavities

A team successfully observed hydrogen and deuterium molecules confined within a picocavity, revealing unprecedented detail about their vibrational modes. The study demonstrates a pronounced isotope-dependent effect, highlighting the potential for advanced molecular spectroscopy and nanoscale sensing.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2025

Machine learning powers new approach to detecting soil contaminants

A team of researchers at Rice University developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil using light-based imaging and machine learning algorithms. The approach can detect toxic compounds like PAHs and PACs even when no experimental data is available, addressing a critical gap in environmental monitoring.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025
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.

New method for detecting nanoplastics in body fluids

Researchers at TU Graz have developed a new method for detecting nanoplastics in transparent body fluids, including urine, tear fluid, and blood plasma. The method uses optofluidic force induction and Raman spectroscopy to determine the size and chemical composition of particles.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2025

Spectroscopy technique could improve surgery for pediatric epilepsy patients

A new study reports that Raman spectroscopy, a noninvasive technique, can distinguish between abnormal FCD type II tissue and healthy brain cells with remarkable accuracy. This method could provide real-time guidance for surgeons to more accurately identify and remove affected tissue during surgery.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateMar 11, 2025

Rice-BCM research enables detection of hazardous chemicals in human placenta with unprecedented speed and precision

The new method enables accurate detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) in placental samples, providing critical insights into maternal and fetal health. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and improve fetal and maternal health outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025
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.

Deep learning streamlines identification of 2D materials

Researchers developed a deep learning-based method for identifying 2D materials using Raman spectroscopy, achieving high classification accuracy and reducing manual intervention. The new approach generates synthetic data to enhance datasets, enabling precise material characterization even with scarce experimental data.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateNov 14, 2024
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.

Taking the “vibrational fingerprints” of molecules got 100 times faster

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have developed a new system that increases the measurement rate of Raman spectroscopy, a technique used to identify molecules. This improvement enables faster identification of molecules and cells, with applications in biomedical diagnostics and material analytics.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalUltrafast Science·DateOct 23, 2024

Discovery of glass-forming liquid electrolytes as a new liquid category

Researchers from Niigata University have developed novel glass-forming liquid electrolytes with high ion conduction and efficiency. These materials offer unique advantages in terms of efficiency and application-specific adaptability, paving the way for next-generation energy storage devices.

SourceNiigata University·JournalFaraday Discussions·DateSep 2, 2024

Nanoparticle array implantation for sensitive and reusable detection

A new SERS microfluidic system was developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers, achieving a detection limit lower than 10 ppt of harmful substances. The system uses femtosecond laser-induced nanoparticle implantation into flexible substrate for sensitive and reusable microfluidics detection.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 18, 2024
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.

Gold membrane coaxes secrets out of surfaces

Researchers developed a thin gold membrane with pores to selectively amplify Raman signals from surfaces, enabling the study of surfaces for the first time. This breakthrough improves the efficiency and degradation behavior of batteries, catalysts, and solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2024

NHM scientists discover first-ever mineral-based treatment for widespread disease using the structure of crystals

Researchers develop innovative treatment to alleviate deleterious effects of hyperkalemia, a disease affecting 350 million people worldwide. The new mineral-based therapy uses ion transfer to flush excess potassium from the body, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Bar-Ilan University researchers develop cost-effective method to detect low concentrations of pharmaceutical waste and contaminants in water

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a highly sensitive plasmonic-based detector for detecting piperidine residue in water, posing a significant health risk. The device uses nanometer-sized holes on a metal surface to amplify light, enabling the detection of low concentrations.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEnvironmental Science Nano·DateMar 21, 2024

New excitation method of stimulated Raman scattering achieves natural-linewidth-limit spectral lines

A new excitation method called transient stimulated Raman scattering (TSRS) has been developed to achieve natural-linewidth-limit spectral lines with sub-mM sensitivity. TSRS uses broadband femtosecond laser pulse trains to manipulate vibrational wave packets in the time domain, enabling high-density Raman probes and barcode imaging.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMar 14, 2024

Hyper spectral resolution stimulated raman spectroscopy with amplified fs pulse bursts

Scientists develop innovative approach for hyper-spectral resolution and high-speed spectral acquisition using amplified femtosecond-pulse bursts. The technique offers high spectral resolution and motion-free scanning, promising applications in gas sensing, chemical analysis, and molecular dynamics tracking.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 3, 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.

Enhanced 3D chemical imaging with phase-modulation

A new method for phase-modulated stimulated Raman scattering tomography enables rapid, label-free 3D chemical imaging of live cells and tissues. This technique improves lateral resolution and imaging depth compared to conventional methods.

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

Government Chief Scientific Adviser opens ground-breaking lab facility

The UK Centre for Multimodal Correlative Microscopy and Spectroscopy (CoreMiS) will enable researchers to analyze environmental samples with unprecedented detail. CoreMiS has already been used to study ancient artifacts, detect pollutants in drinking water, and investigate antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·DateFeb 1, 2024

Water as a nonlinear medium for ultrabroadband white laser

Researchers use water as a nonlinear medium to create a supercontinuum white laser covering an impressive spectral range from UV to far infrared. The resulting ultrabroadband source has potential in ultrafast spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and scientific research.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 16, 2024

Whispering gallery microprobe for 2D mapping of enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Researchers developed a novel WGM microprobe to enhance Raman signals by combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microresonators. The platform enables 2D hyperspectral imaging with signal enhancement, opening opportunities for material analysis and chemical imaging.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 10, 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.

Study explains role of certain types of oxide in structure and development of specialty glass

Researchers found that adding niobium oxide to silicate glass increases bond density and connectivity, enhancing mechanical and thermal stability. This discovery could lead to the development of innovative glass formulations for various applications, including optics, medicine, and data transmission.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalActa Materialia·DateSep 6, 2023

Using gemstones’ unique characteristics to uncover ancient trade routes

Researchers employed laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze gemstones from the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The study distinguished natural gems from synthetics and isolated elements contributing to their quality, shedding light on ancient trade routes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 1, 2023

Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

Novel spectroscopic technique for exploring relaxor–ferroelectric materials

Researchers developed a polarization-angle-resolved Raman microscope to visualize disorder effects on ferroelectric polarization. The study reveals slow response of nanometer-scale electric polarization, enabling significant charge storage and enhanced dielectric properties.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

New imaging technique is no last resort

Researchers created a new method, RESORT, to image and analyze living systems in unprecedented detail. The technique combines benefits of super-resolution fluorescence and vibrational imaging, allowing for high spatial resolution and analysis of complex interactions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 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.

Molecular teamwork makes the organic dream work

Cooperative transitions occur when molecules shift their structure in synchrony, like a row of dominoes flowing seamlessly to the floor. The collaborative method is fast, energy-efficient, and easily reversible, helping living systems operate quickly and efficiently.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 21, 2023

Coherent Raman microscopy could be expanded through fusion of instruments and computers

Researchers review combination of instrumentation and computational approaches to coherent Raman scattering (CRS), enhancing signal amplification and breaking cross-section limits. Hyperspectral CRS offers potential for deciphering chemical compositions in complex environments, but requires algorithms for information extraction.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateMar 19, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Technology development could bring Raman microscopy to the clinic

Researchers developed high-throughput Raman microscope for rapid large-area imaging hundreds of times faster than traditional approach. The new technique enables label-free molecular analysis and multiplex chemical imaging, holding promise for efficient medical diagnoses and drug development.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 7, 2023

CO molecular tilting detected by red-shifted TERS

Researchers use red-shifted TERS to track tip-induced molecular configurational changes of a single CO molecule on Cu(100) surface, revealing the weakening of C−O bond and tilting angle.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJan 15, 2023
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.

Super-resolved coherent Raman spectroscopy with quantum light

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting ultrafast electronic processes using entangled photons, enabling high-resolution Raman spectroscopy. The technique overcomes the diffraction limit and allows for sensitive detection of molecular excitations on the femtosecond scale.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateSep 19, 2022

Nanorattles shake up new possibilities for disease detection

Researchers at Duke University developed nanorattles that amplify signals from separate biomarkers, allowing for accurate detection of head and neck cancers without biopsies. The technology uses machine learning algorithms to tease apart multiple biomarker signals, making it possible to target multiple diseases simultaneously.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Raman Spectroscopy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022