A modification to conventional microscopes pushes the limits of their resolution and enables high-precision observation of difficult-to-observe pathogens.
Artificial fingerprints could dramatically enhance biometric security
Liquid crystals that generate unclonable fingerprint-like patterns could make the sale of counterfeit goods and theft of personal data much more difficult.
Carbon capture using biomass offers new hope in reducing emissions
A renewable, carbon-based absorbent is challenging MOFs in carbon capture technology, offering sustainable solutions for emissions reduction.
Spinning sound waves that move matter
Using a specialized design approach, scientists create acoustic waves that behave as twisted, ultrasonic motors capable of rotating particles in space.
Kirigami-inspired gripper handles drops of water
A kirigami-inspired gripper that can pick up water droplets, microfibers 40 times thinner than a human hair, and objects 16,000 times its own weight.
Up in the air: Modular robots assemble mid-flight
It may sound like something straight out of an anime, but TRADY is a rotor-based flying robot that can combine to boost its strength and capabilities.
Heat and cold tolerant sensors to help robots in extreme climates
Inspired by sea asparagus, scientists design a conductive hydrogel that is stronger than natural rubbers and adapted for extreme environments.
How shape-shifting gratings and lenses are changing optical devices
Tuneable micro-structured surfaces could overcome the limitations of current unchangeable components that result in “static” optical devices.
Inspired by the butterfly, deep learning sheds new light on nanoscale colors
Manipulating light on the nanoscale allows scientists to create specific structural colors that do away with the need for potentially harmful dyes.
Topological insulators could herald a new future for electronics
Promising candidates for efficient future electronics, researchers are exploring these exotic materials for better computer memory, hard drives, even quantum computers.