The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is again raising the bar in research excellence with the addition of eight exceptional researchers in fields ranging from precision health and advanced computing to nuclear energy and sustainable materials. These preeminent hires, tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing Tennessee and the nation, showcase UT’s bold commitment to attracting top-tier faculty and solidify its standing as a premier institution for groundbreaking innovation and discovery.

A force-responsive molecular system that reversibly switches circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) on and off at the single-molecule level has been developed, as reported by researchers from Japan. The team designed a platform consisting of a supramolecular mechanophore embedded in a polymer network gel, whose CPL emission is switched via swelling with a solvent. This approach provides an accurate way to evaluate force-induced CPL and expands the possibilities for next-generation mechanically responsive optical materials.

The rapid progress in electric vehicles and high-power electronics has increased the demand for ultra-fast charging lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. However, during fast charging, current Li-ion rechargeable batteries suffer from severe degradation in power and potential catastrophic failure, increasing safety risks. This is mainly due to electrochemical instability that occurs at the anode-electrolyte interface, causing hazardous Li metal plating on their surface and poor thermal stability.

Spatial light modulators in the terahertz (THz) band have lagged behind their visible and near-infrared counterparts, despite growing demands for miniaturized, integrable, and multifunctional THz systems. This raises the question of how to realize optically addressed phase-type THz modulators with efficient, independent pixel-level programmability. Researchers propose a compact VO₂-based programmable metasurface functioning as a 2-bit phase-type spatial THz modulator, enabling full 2π phase control per pixel and zoom meta-lensing, focused vortex beams, and holographic imaging.

Wearable electronics capable of sensing, processing, and storing information usually require multiple components, which increases size and complexity. Now, researchers from Korea have developed a stretchable organic electrochemical transistor that can be switched between distinct digital and analog memory operational modes by simply changing the electrolyte’s salt concentration. The transistor also changes color to visually reveal its operating state, opening new possibilities for adaptive wearable bioelectronics, advanced prosthetics, and neuromorphic devices.

As spirometry requires coordinated deep breathing and can be challenging for children to perform, researchers from the USA, as part of the TRANSPIRE study investigating lung complications in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), explored the potential of oscillometry, a simple and child-friendly lung function test. Oscillometry detected subtle lung abnormalities before HSCT that conventional lung function testing may miss, suggesting that these children may be more vulnerable to future pulmonary complications.

Bridges naturally develop cracks, spalling, and water leakage as they age, making regular inspections essential. However, these inspections are often labor-intensive and costly. To address this, researchers in South Korea have developed an AI-powered computer vision framework. The system combines routine drone images, 3D reconstruction, and satellite positioning data to accurately track and measure structural damage over time. This enables more efficient bridge maintenance while supporting predictive management of aging infrastructure.