Diverse set of Turing nanopatterns coat corneae of insects

In 1952, the legendary British mathematician and cryptographer Alan Turing proposed a model, which assumes formation of complex patterns through chemical interaction of two diffusing reagents. Russian scientists managed to prove that the corneal surface nanopatterns in 23 insect orders completely fit into this model.

Laser pulses for ultrahigh molecular sensitivity

Scientists have developed a worldwide unique broadband and coherent infrared light source. The record peak brilliance of the light source makes it an ultrasensitive detector for the infrared molecular finger print region, ideal to detect minute changes in the spectral features from cells or tissue which are tell-tale signs of DNA mutation or the presence of cellular malfunctions such as cancer.

Permanent data storage with light

Researchers have developed the first all-optical permanent on-chip memory. This is an important step on the way towards optical computers.

Pushing the limits of lensless imaging

Researchers describe a custom-built ultrafast laser that could help image everything from semiconductor chips to cells in real time.

Researchers create fatigue-free, stretchable conductor

Material moves foldable electronics, new implantable medical devices a step closer.

Physicists determine the three-dimensional positions of individual atoms for the first time

Scientists have used a powerful microscope to image the three-dimensional positions of individual atoms to a precision of 19 trillionths of a meter, which is several times smaller than a hydrogen atom.

Engineers invent transparent coating that cools solar cells to boost efficiency

The quandary: The hotter solar cells get, the less efficiently they convert sunlight to electricity; The fix: A new transparent overlay allows light to hit the cells while shunting heat away.