Optics and photonics Research update Reconfigurable metasurface steers incoherent light in less than a picosecond Research could benefit self-driving cars and virtual reality displays Read article: Reconfigurable metasurface steers incoherent light in less than a picosecond
Telescopes and space missions Research update Membrane mirrors take off for use in large space telescopes High-quality, flexible mirrors could be rolled up for transport on a spacecraft Read article: Membrane mirrors take off for use in large space telescopes
Radiotherapy Research update Colour-resolved Cherenkov imaging improves the accuracy of radiotherapy dose monitoring Accounting for attenuation due to a patient’s blood volume or skin colour could make Cherenkov imaging a reliable indicator of delivered radiation dose Read article: Colour-resolved Cherenkov imaging improves the accuracy of radiotherapy dose monitoring
Quantum optics Research update Photon bound states pave the way to manipulation of ‘quantum light’ Observations of bound photons interacting with a quantum dot could advance quantum-enhanced measurements and computing Read article: Photon bound states pave the way to manipulation of ‘quantum light’
Astronomy and space Research update ‘Goldilocks zone’ may not be a good metric for whether life exists on exoplanets, say astrobiologists New study suggests that the presence of liquid water as well as sufficient light is essential for plant life on other planets Read article: ‘Goldilocks zone’ may not be a good metric for whether life exists on exoplanets, say astrobiologists
Diagnostic imaging Research update Mouse brain imaging reaches record-breaking resolution Spectacular MR images of the entire mouse brain could improve our understanding of brain disorders Read article: Mouse brain imaging reaches record-breaking resolution
Astronomy and space Research update First stars in the universe formed in groups, machine-learning study reveals Study focussed on elements inherited from supernovae Read article: First stars in the universe formed in groups, machine-learning study reveals
Diagnostic imaging Research update Machine-learning framework classifies pneumonia on chest X-rays A novel machine-learning model could help radiologists rapidly and reliably diagnose pneumonia Read article: Machine-learning framework classifies pneumonia on chest X-rays
Materials for energy Research update Lithium-ion batteries break energy density record New design of lithium-ion battery could benefit applications such as electric aviation Read article: Lithium-ion batteries break energy density record
Condensed matter Research update Giant magnetoresistance spotted in near-pristine graphene Room-temperature effect could find use in magnetic sensors Read article: Giant magnetoresistance spotted in near-pristine graphene