Synchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has now published an overview on synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs.

Electrochemists Rutha Jäger of the University of Tartu and Eneli Härk of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin mapped the atomic structure of this iron-nitrogen-carbon catalyst, demonstrating how it might compete with costly precious metals in fuel cell technology. The article “Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Monitoring of Porosity Evolution in Iron–Nitrogen–Carbon Electrocatalysts” was published in ACS Nano, a ranked in the top 5 in the Nanoscience & Nanotechnology and the Multidisciplinary Materials Science.

To achieve compact yet high-quality imaging, scientists in Tongji University and Stanford University, have developed a neural array meta-imaging system that overcomes long-standing optical trade-offs. The 2.76-mm single-metalens camera captures real-time full-color video at 25 Hz with image quality comparable to commercial lenses. This breakthrough paves the way for ultrathin, high-performance, and intelligent imaging systems, advancing next-generation optical technologies for mobile, industrial, and aerospace applications.

Researchers review how hydrogel-based wearable devices can collect and analyze sweat to monitor health biomarkers like glucose, lactate, and electrolytes. These flexible, biocompatible sensors offer a non-invasive alternative to blood tests for real-time health tracking.

Scientists have designed a new type of gas sensor that can tell apart “mirror image” versions of the same smell molecule, even at very low concentrations. By coating carbon nanotubes with custom-built sugar-based receptors, the sensor can spot tiny structural differences in common volatile compounds like terpenes. This approach could help power future “electronic noses” for non-invasive medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and quality control in food, beverages, and fragrances.

The proliferation of rooftop solar panels and distributed batteries in residential neighborhoods has created new challenges for power grid operators. Blockchain technology is emerging as a promising solution for enabling secure energy trading among these networked communities. However, designing a blockchain system that can handle the real-time operational requirements and cybersecurity concerns of actual power systems remains a critical challenge. To address this issue, researchers at Illinois Institute of Technology developed and tested a permissioned blockchain system on networked microgrids connecting the IllinoisTech campus with the Bronzeville community in Chicago, demonstrating significant cost savings and revenue increases for participating neighborhoods.

In a study published in Nature Chemistry, Rutgers chemist Yuwei Gu and a team of Rutgers scientists have shown that by borrowing a principle from nature, they can create plastics that break down under everyday conditions without heat or harsh chemicals.