Researchers have developed a highly sensitive method for detecting hotspots in the environment, such as bushfires or military threats, by harnessing the focussing power of meta-optical systems.

The key to the approach is innovative lens technology thinner than a human hair, which can collect and process infrared radiation from fires and other heat sources with much improved efficiency. Crucially it does not need cryogenic cooling, unlike current sensors.

The result is sensor technology that promises to enhance devices in both the civilian and military spheres, said Dr Tuomas Haggren, lead researcher on the project.

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) offer a promising solution for all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries (ASSLMBs). However, conventional nanofillers with Lewis-acid–base surfaces make limited contribution to improving the overall performance of CPEs due to their difficulty in achieving robust electrochemical and mechanical interfaces simultaneously. Here, by regulating the surface charge characteristics of halloysite nanotube (HNT), we propose a concept of lithium-ion dynamic interface (Li⁺-DI) engineering in nano-charged CPE (NCCPE). Results show that the surface charge characteristics of HNTs fundamentally change the Li⁺-DI, and thereof the mechanical and ion-conduction behaviors of the NCCPEs. Particularly, the HNTs with positively charged surface (HNTs⁺) lead to a higher Li⁺ transference number (0.86) than that of HNTs⁻ (0.73), but a lower toughness (102.13 MJ m⁻³ for HNTs⁺ and 159.69 MJ m⁻³ for HNTs⁻). Meanwhile, a strong interface compatibilization effect by Li⁺ is observed for especially the HNTs⁺-involved Li⁺-DI, which improves the toughness by 2000% compared with the control. Moreover, HNTs⁺ are more effective to weaken the Li⁺-solvation strength and facilitate the formation of LiF-rich solid–electrolyte interphase of Li metal compared to HNTs⁻. The resultant Li|NCCPE|LiFePO₄ cell delivers a capacity of 144.9 mAh g⁻¹ after 400 cycles at 0.5 C and a capacity retention of 78.6%. This study provides deep insights into understanding the roles of surface charges of nanofillers in regulating the mechanical and electrochemical interfaces in ASSLMBs.

Amidst the decline of reefs worldwide, UC Riverside scientists have launched a $1.1 million project to uncover how coral regains life-giving algae after suffering from heat stress.

Researchers at Okayama University of Science have discovered that bitter taste receptors—the same type found on the human tongue—exist inside cancer cells and play a key role in multidrug resistance (MDR). These receptors sense anticancer drugs within the cell and activate molecular pumps that expel the drugs, preventing them from working effectively. This groundbreaking finding reveals a new biological function for taste receptors beyond the tongue and skin, where they normally serve as a defense system against harmful substances. The study, published in Scientific Reports (Nature Research), suggests that blocking these receptors could stop cancer cells from developing drug resistance. Because MDR is one of the biggest challenges in chemotherapy, this discovery opens a promising new path for improving cancer treatment. The research team believes that combining bitter taste receptor blockers with conventional anticancer drugs could enhance treatment outcomes and help advance chemotherapy into a new era of precision medicine.

UC Riverside engineers have discovered a pontentially new method of solar desalination that uses deep ultraviolet (UV) light to separate salt from water without heat. Led by Luat Vuong, associate professor of mechanical engineering, the team showed that high-frequency UV light around 200 nanometers can break salt-water bonds more effectively than visible light. Using aluminum nitride ceramic wicks, the researchers achieved significantly faster evaporation of salt water under UV light compared to other wavelengths. Reported in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, the finding reveals an unexplored “deep UV channel” that could make desalination more energy-efficient and sustainable.