In-depth articles written by our editorial team focusing on the latest developments in materials science and technology
Recent work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has shown that it is possible to use an affordable, portable microscope for the detection of microRNAs.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
17 Nov 2021
Researchers are moving to the next step in light-based information transfer using quantum encryption. Researchers from Toshiba Europe Limited and the University of Leeds have recently demonstrated the longest distance communications transfer encrypted using the twin-field quantum key distribution protocol.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
17 Nov 2021
To eliminate COVID-19, a wide range of public settings from hospital and healthcare facilities to shopping malls and airports are considering ultraviolet (UV) sterilization devices to decontaminate frequently touched surfaces and circulating air.
By Benedette Cuffari
16 Nov 2021
A novel approach to design and fabricate thin-film infrared light sources with near-arbitrary spectral output has been developed by engineers from Vanderbilt and Penn State Universities, and could transform molecular sensing technologies.
By Kerry Taylor-Smith
16 Nov 2021
An important part of detecting and understanding the types of microplastics in our oceans so that measures can be taken to tackle the problem is having tools for the identification and classification of microplastics. Methods such as infrared spectroscopy and Raman have proved effective for particle size classification and identification.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
15 Nov 2021
With the creation of afocal three-mirror anastigmats, greater computational processing availability, and the need for miniature digital viewfinders, freeform optics have undergone a period of rapid development.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
15 Nov 2021
Lehigh University researchers have received a $3.5 million grant to develop rapid waste sorting using advanced spectroscopy and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The aim of this research is to make waste-to-energy plants more cost-effective, therefore increasing capacity in the waste-to-energy industry as investment rises to meet demand.
By Ben Pilkington
12 Nov 2021
Optical sensors have helped to identify and quantify contaminants as well as mineral components of soil, reducing our reliance on hazardous reagents.
By Dr. Priyom Bose
9 Nov 2021
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of therapy that involves the use of light to activate a drug to trigger a cytotoxic effect. PDT has been used with great success in the treatment of a variety of cancer types, particularly those that are resistant to chemotherapy, as well as for the treatment of skin diseases such as acne and inflammatory rosacea.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
8 Nov 2021
Recent research at the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL) facility has shown that it is possible to achieve conditions in an experiment similar to those at the center of planets.1 The European XFEL project is a unique facility capable of producing incredibly intense pulses of high-energy X-ray radiation.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
5 Nov 2021