Diagnostic imaging Research update Dark-field CT edges ever nearer to clinical applications Integrating a Talbot-Lau interferometer into a clinical CT scanner could enable dark-field CT in humans Read article: Dark-field CT edges ever nearer to clinical applications
2D materials Research update Dynamic control over exciton transport achieved at room temperature Surface acoustic waves can induce an exciton drift velocity of up to 600 m/s in a transition metal dichalcogenide Read article: Dynamic control over exciton transport achieved at room temperature
Lasers Research update Holographic plasma lenses could focus ultrahigh-intensity lasers Interference patterns create robust lenses, simulations suggest Read article: Holographic plasma lenses could focus ultrahigh-intensity lasers
Biophysics and bioengineering Research update Controlling cells with sound: scientists pioneer sonogenetics Activating mammalian cells with sound could pave the way for non-invasive versions of deep brain stimulators and cardiac pacemaker Read article: Controlling cells with sound: scientists pioneer sonogenetics
Everyday science Research update Magnetic ‘stop sign’ helps songbirds return to breeding sites New analysis of data on Eurasian reed warblers reveals an unconventional mechanism for long-distance navigation Read article: Magnetic ‘stop sign’ helps songbirds return to breeding sites
Nanomaterials Research update Plants accumulate nanoplastics mainly in roots, not shoots New study used a lanthanide tracer to follow the uptake of tiny plastic particles through lettuce and wheat Read article: Plants accumulate nanoplastics mainly in roots, not shoots
Emerging therapies Research update Immunotherapy plus a burst of radiation treats brain tumours in mice A combination therapy tested in mice may halt glioblastoma growth, activate immune response and improve survival Read article: Immunotherapy plus a burst of radiation treats brain tumours in mice
Telescopes and space missions Research update Whistler waves disappear close to the Sun New analyses could shed more light on the physics of the solar wind Read article: Whistler waves disappear close to the Sun
Climate Research update Large-scale solar farms could increase rainfall in some arid regions Freshwater supplies could be boosted on the Arabian Red Sea coastal plain, study suggests Read article: Large-scale solar farms could increase rainfall in some arid regions
Biomedical devices Research update Skin tone impacts photoacoustic measurements of blood oxygenation Photoacoustic oximetry measurements are less accurate for individuals with darker skin tones, proof-of-concept study shows Read article: Skin tone impacts photoacoustic measurements of blood oxygenation