Fabrication and process Research update Plasmonic nanocubes make an ultrafast thermal camera New multispectral photodetector could find applications in medicine, food safety and precision agriculture Read article: Plasmonic nanocubes make an ultrafast thermal camera
Biomedical devices Research update Microneedle patch delivers long-acting reversible contraception An easy-to-use effervescent patch slowly releases contraceptive hormone via microneedles under the skin Read article: Microneedle patch delivers long-acting reversible contraception
Astronomy and space Research update ‘Extraordinary’ black hole weighs in at 70 solar masses Object is heaviest known stellar-mass black hole in the Milky Way Read article: ‘Extraordinary’ black hole weighs in at 70 solar masses
Materials Research update Bread machines get a much-kneaded physics makeover Devices with a more highly curved spiral arm or two spiral arms that mimic hand kneading could produce a better-quality dough Read article: Bread machines get a much-kneaded physics makeover
Diagnostic imaging Research update MRI safety: an urgent issue for an increasing crowd Titti Owman from Lund University Hospital discusses the safety risks of MRI and how to minimize MRI accidents Read article: MRI safety: an urgent issue for an increasing crowd
Artificial intelligence Research update Machine learning stabilizes synchrotron beams Complex 3D maps of chemical reactions could soon be acquired using better light sources Read article: Machine learning stabilizes synchrotron beams
Mathematics and computation Research update Quantum computers could mark their own homework Protocol estimates the accuracy of quantum calculation without knowing the correct result Read article: Quantum computers could mark their own homework
Nuclear medicine Research update Cyclotron-based gallium-68 generator breaks production records ARTMS' solid-target based production system uses a low-energy cyclotron to generate the diagnostic isotope 68Ga at record breaking levels Read article: Cyclotron-based gallium-68 generator breaks production records
Climate Research update Sea ice snowscape is surprisingly complex Analysis of snow thickness suggests that deposition and reshaping of snow dunes by the wind account for two distinct patterns of measurement noise Read article: Sea ice snowscape is surprisingly complex
Lasers Research update Laser combo opens up futuristic terahertz technology A compact, widely tunable terahertz laser could enable development of futuristic communications, security, biomedical and astronomical imaging systems Read article: Laser combo opens up futuristic terahertz technology
Optics & Photonics Briefing This issue explores lasers and detectors, solar power, medical imaging and high-resolution displays