Scientists brew “quantum ink” to power next-gen night vision

Toxic metals are pushing infrared detector makers into a corner, but NYU Tandon researchers have developed a cleaner solution using colloidal quantum dots. These detectors are made like “inks,” allowing scalable, low-cost production while showing impressive infrared sensitivity. Combined with transparent electrodes, the innovation tackles major barriers in imaging systems and could bring infrared technology to cars, medicine, and consumer devices.

Read more

The phantom heat of empty space might soon be detectable

A Hiroshima University team has designed a feasible way to detect the Unruh effect, where acceleration turns quantum vacuum fluctuations into observable particles. By using superconducting Josephson junctions, they can achieve extreme accelerations that create a detectable Unruh temperature. This produces measurable voltage jumps, providing a clear signal of the effect. The breakthrough could transform both fundamental physics and quantum technology.

Read more

New crystal camera lets doctors see inside the body like never before

Scientists have created a perovskite-based gamma-ray detector that surpasses traditional nuclear medicine imaging technology. The device delivers sharper, faster, and safer scans at a fraction of the cost. By combining crystal engineering with pixelated sensor design, it achieves record imaging resolution. Now being commercialized, it promises to expand access to high-quality diagnostics worldwide.

Read more

Ordinary ice found to have shocking electrical powers

Scientists have discovered that ordinary ice is a flexoelectric material, capable of generating electricity when bent or unevenly deformed. At very low temperatures, it can even become ferroelectric, developing reversible electric polarization. This could help explain lightning formation in storms and inspire new technologies that use ice as an active material.

Read more

This stunning X-ray advance could help detect cancer earlier

Sandia scientists developed a new type of X-ray that uses patterned multi-metal targets to create colorized, high-resolution images. The technology promises sharper scans, better material detection, and transformative applications in security, manufacturing, and medicine.

Read more

Pacifier biosensor could help monitor newborn health

Wearable biosensors that non-invasively monitor health and fitness are growing in popularity among adults. But adapting this technology for use with babies is difficult because the devices are often bulky or have rigid surfaces that could harm infants' delicate skin. Now researchers say they have developed a pacifier-based biosensor that tracks real-time glucose levels in saliva. It could ultimately help diagnose and treat diabetes in the smallest of patients.

Read more

Extending Wi-Fi range for smart-home devices

A group of researchers has created a protocol that significantly extends the distance a Wi-Fi enabled device can send and receive signals. The engineering innovation requires no new hardware to enhance the signal range for 'Internet of things' devices, like a door sensor or motion detector, but can extend the distance these devices can be installed from a Wi-Fi access point by more than 60 meters, according to test results.

Read more