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Terahertz biophotonics: Understanding the path towards practical applications for biological imaging

Biophotonics is a multidisciplinary field that involves the development and application of light-based technologies to study, monitor and treat biological systems. The ability to directly image cells and molecules has led to many fundamental discoveries in the past century. More recently, the terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum has attracted growing interest as a promising frontier for advancing biological research.

The THz frequency range is associated with several fundamental biological processes. Although THz radiation is strongly absorbed by water—traditionally viewed as a limitation—this property can enable sensitive characterization of hydration states and water content. Compared with visible light, THz waves can also penetrate certain biological tissues more effectively.

However, despite steady advancements, the adoption of THz biophotonics still lags behind visible light-based techniques in directly observing cellular and molecular dynamics. This is largely due to several challenges, including relatively low spatial resolution (a consequence of the longer THz wavelengths), high sensitivity to water that complicates measurements, slower imaging speeds and bulky instrumentation. Fortunately, recent developments suggest strong future potential.

Lunar orbiter concept could reveal five key elements across moon in two years

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have used simulations to show that a newly developed, compact X-ray telescope could be used to map the chemical composition of the entire lunar surface, a vital breakthrough for understanding its geological evolution. Detailed modeling of the detector and a realistic satellite mission show that two years would be enough to map five key elements, while an array of 5-by-5 detectors could improve resolution and get results faster.

The geological evolution of the moon remains a mystery to scientists. This reflects how challenging it is to get accurate information, such as a complete map of the geochemistry of the lunar surface. Since we cannot readily go and collect samples from anywhere, scientists use a technology known as X-ray fluorescence imaging, in which detectors directed at the moon are used to pick up X-rays released by specific elements when they are hit by solar rays.

While observations during the Apollo and Chandrayaan missions have successfully yielded partial maps, we are nowhere near a comprehensive map that might illuminate lunar geology. This is due to significant technical challenges, including a lack of sufficient illumination by solar rays during the lifetime of a mission and degradation of the detector. The illumination issue is particularly pronounced in polar regions, where solar X-rays are much weaker.

Superheated magma may explain why similar volcanoes erupt in very different ways

Scientists have shed light on a thermal process in magma that may help explain why similar volcanic systems can produce very different eruptive behaviors.

An international team, led by The University of Manchester, studied magma from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, Spain, and found that “superheating”—a state in which magma is heated above the temperature at which crystals are stable—can strongly delay the formation of crystals as magma rises towards Earth’s surface.

Published in Nature Communications, the study shows that high temperatures can dissolve tiny pre-existing crystal “seeds” that normally help new crystals begin to form. Superheating also changes the internal structure of the magma, making it more uniform, and less able to support the formation of new crystals. This influences how quickly magma rises and how easily volcanic gases can escape, both of which play an important role in determining how explosive the eruption will be.

Newly discovered view of brain blood flow during surgery could prevent debilitation, save lives

Tracking the brain’s blood flow during neurosurgery represents one of the most critical and challenging parts of the operation. A brief interruption can mean the difference between permanent damage and full recovery, but it’s difficult to track blood flow across the surgical field.

Now, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have developed a new way to monitor blood flow with standard camera hardware. The method, called sinusoidal intensity modulation speckle imaging (SIMSI), uses the physics of dynamic light scattering to image blood flow noninvasively, across a wide field of view and without high-speed cameras. The paper is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[Qstr Seminar series] Kosuke Ito 20260508

Qualia structure of musical scale notes.

Western tonal music gives each scale note a distinctive qualia, defined by its relationship to the tonic (Do). We measured these qualia using Arthur’s (2018) rating scheme to characterise their structure and how it changes with music training. Term 1 yielded three findings: relative-pitch training modifies the qualia structure; absolute pitch breaks key-invariance, making qualia depend on the absolute key; and the auditory P2 component tracks the tonic’s special status as the referece pitch. Term 2 will consolidate these results, extend the work to music-major students, and open a new question — the qualia structure of triads.

Major surgery may accelerate memory loss in 1 in 7 older adults

Going through surgery can take a significant toll on a patient’s physical health and capabilities, especially if they are elderly. A recent study found that the effects extend far beyond mobility and pain management, as the operation may also lead to a significant loss of overall cognitive sharpness.

Researchers tracked 560 adults over 70 with no signs of dementia for six years after major surgeries such as hip replacements and abdominal procedures, watching how their memory and thinking skills changed over time. They found that nearly 15% of participants experienced a sharp decline in memory and thinking abilities shortly after surgery, with their condition continuing to deteriorate over time.

The three biggest warning signs that made a person more likely to fall into a severe decline were: being older, having lower mental test scores before the surgery, and developing postoperative delirium, which is a mental state where a person has episodes of confusion and disordered thinking that can develop over hours or days after the surgery.

PLA Block Polymers: Versatile Materials for a Sustainable Future

Block polymers present an almost endless realm of possibilities to develop functional materials for myriad applications. The established self-assembly of block polymers allows researchers to access properties that are inaccessible in homopolymers. However, there is a need to develop more sustainable options than the current commodity block polymers. Derived from renewable resources and industrially compostable, poly(lactide) (PLA) is at the forefront of technological advancements in sustainable block polymers. Its material properties including high stiffness, relatively high glass transition temperature, and semicrystallinity in isotactic versions lend themselves to many applications, and its ease of synthesis provides a well-established platform for developing high-performance materials. This Perspective highlights recent advancements associated with PLA-containing block polymers, including their syntheses, mesostructural considerations, and mechanical properties, from resilient elastomers to tough plastics. We also give our perspective on the subfield of PLA block polymers, our outlook on the future, and our assessment of exciting developments yet to come.

Autism may have two distinct subtypes based on brain connectivity patterns

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), commonly referred to as autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social interactions, communication, behavior and the processing of sensory stimuli. Notably, the experiences, aptitudes and needs of autistic people can vary significantly.

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