Metalenses, compact alternatives to bulky optical systems, suffer from off-axis aberrations that restrict resolution and field of view (FOV). In a recent study, researchers from China developed a novel metalens microscope using a metalens doublet configuration and annular illumination. Their design achieved unprecedented resolution and a wide FOV in an extremely compact format. Notably, a prototype could successfully image cervical cancer cells, highlighting its promise for portable, high-performance biomedical imaging and miniaturized optical devices.

In a major leap forward for genetic and biomedical research, two scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a powerful new artificial intelligence tool that can predict the 3D shape of chromosomes inside individual cells — helping researchers gain a new view of how our genes work.

A new study shows how using drones with advanced cameras, ones that detect both heat and light, can help scientists better measure how field-grown wheat plants cope with climate change. By flying these drones over hundreds of wheat varieties, researchers could estimate key traits like how efficiently the plants breathe through their leaves, how leafy they are, and how much chlorophyll they have. They then matched these traits to specific genes in the wheat, identifying genetic markers linked to better performance under normal and dry conditions. This approach makes it easier to find and develop wheat varieties that are more resilient to climate challenges, helping to secure future food security.

A team of international researchers led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has developed a new composite material made of acrylate that enhances the performance of solar cells. Adhering the composite material to solar cells deployed in Saudi Arabia for weeks significantly raised the power output and longevity while reducing the electricity consumed by the cells.

The SDG accelerator leverages circular economy solutions to drive efficient and sustainable consumption, emphasizing long-lasting, reusable, and recyclable products to reduce resource strain and waste. By shifting from a linear to a circular model, it aims to eliminate waste, circulate materials, and regenerate nature, fostering economic growth, job creation, and environmental benefits. The approach is central to achieving SDGs-especially responsible consumption and production-by optimizing resource use, supporting innovation, and enabling inclusive, resilient economies through collaboration among businesses, governments, and communities.

A review article published by the Fudan University presented the most recent progress for these purposes, with an emphasis on material properties such as foreign body response, on integration schemes with biological tissues, and on their use as bioelectronic platforms.

The new review paper, published on Apr. 29 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems, summarized an envisioned applications involve advanced implants for brain, cardiac, and other organ systems, with capabilities of bioactive materials that offer stability for human subjects and live animal models.

A study published in Forest Ecosystems reveals that bark beetle-induced logging in Central Europe follows a 9 to 12-year cycle tied to solar activity and weather patterns. Researchers analyzed nearly 50 years of forestry and climate data from Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia, linking low solar activity to hotter, drier weather and severe beetle outbreaks, with implications for climate-informed forest management.