Research

  A major breakthrough in targeted cancer treatment utilizes an innovative therapy of light-activated molecules to destroy malignant cells, while leaving normal skin tissue intact. The study centers on a new photodynamic therapy (PDT) approach that employs microscopic flakes of tin, called “SnOx nanoflakes,” in which “Sn” refers to the chemical symbol for tin. These [...]

  Astronomers have discovered an extraordinary celestial object in the galaxy NGC 4945, located about 12 million light-years from Earth. This object, dubbed “Punctum” (Latin for “point”), is a highly compact radio beacon emitting a uniquely clean and stable signal, distinguished by an almost unprecedented degree of linear polarization—about 50% at millimeter wavelengths near 100 [...]

  Peacock feathers contain reflective microstructures that can amplify light into laser beams when dyed and energized, representing the first example of a natural laser cavity in the animal kingdom. Discovery of Laser Potential Scientists at Florida Polytechnic University explored whether the intricate ordered structures responsible for the feathers’ well-known structural color—vivid blues and greens [...]

  Researchers have identified a new cancer treatment approach using molecules dubbed molecular jackhammers (MJHs), which are aminocyanines capable of mechanically disrupting cancer cell membranes through vibronic-driven action (VDA) when activated by near-infrared light. Key Concept: Vibronic-Driven Action VDA operates through subpicosecond whole-molecule vibrations of aminocyanines bound to cell membranes, initiated by targeted light exposure [...]

  Circadian lighting in hospital wards was found to significantly reduce falls among patients, by 50%, according to a retrospective observational study published in Healthcare (Basel), in July 2025. Study Context and Purpose Falls in hospitalized patients remain a major safety and health concern, often leading to complications, increased length of stay, and greater healthcare [...]

  Cornell University researchers have pioneered a groundbreaking method to watermark videos using light, addressing the urgent problem of video manipulation in an era dominated by generative artificial intelligence and rapidly spreading misinformation. Their innovation, named “Noise-Coded Illumination for Forensic and Photometric Video,” involves embedding a secret, unique code directly into the light emitted by [...]

  UC Davis researchers at The Color Lab have discovered that amber lighting has significant soothing effects on stress and anxiety, and they are now working on implementing human-centric lighting designs aimed at optimizing well-being in real-world settings. This innovative research is the product of an interdisciplinary collaboration between the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) [...]

The accelerating demand for electricity is reshaping the energy landscape, presenting both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for the electrical distribution industry. As one of the pivotal sectors positioned to drive this transformation, electrical distributors are tasked with supplying the critical services, products, and innovative solutions that will power the future. To guide its members through [...]

  Researchers from the University of St Andrews and the University of Cambridge have achieved a breakthrough in wireless optical communications by using OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes)—commonly found in smartphone screens and televisions—as fast, long-distance transmitters for visible light communication (VLC), also known as Li-Fi. VLC uses light waves rather than radio frequencies to send [...]