Color-shifting electronic skin could have wearable tech and prosthetic uses

Researchers have developed a new type of user-interactive electronic skin, with a colour change perceptible to the human eye, and achieved with a much-reduced level of strain.

Getting closer to porous, light-responsive materials

A new flexible material changes its porous nature when exposed to light.

Solar scientists rough up silicon panels to boost light capture

A research team modifies the surface texture of both the front and back of silicon solar cells to cheaply enhance light harvesting and boost power conversion efficiency.

On-chip optics find their groove

Clever design of rail-like waveguides makes it simpler to miniaturize photonic components on to silicon wafers.

Hybrid zinc battery beats its rivals

A new low-cost battery offers a hefty voltage and sustained energy capacity.

Hard drive boost comes in layers of iron and cobalt

Thin layers of iron and cobalt show promise as material for fast, low-energy hard drives.

Microscale lens realizes nanoscale imaging

A microscope with a specially engineered lens overcomes a fundamental limitation.