https://phys.org/ en-us Phys.org internet news portal provides the latest news on science including: Physics, Nanotechnology, Life Sciences, Space Science, Earth Science, Environment, Health and Medicine. The direction in which the electromagnetic field of circularly polarized light rotates can be easily reversed by applying a voltage, RIKEN researchers have demonstrated. This could enable a new generation of optical devices based on circularly polarized light. The work is published in two papers in the journal Advanced Materials. https://phys.org/news/2026-04-helical-liquid-crystals-flip-chirality.html Condensed Matter Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:10:01 EDT news694273141 Fans of DSC Arminia Bielefeld experience matchday excitement far more intensely in the stadium than in front of the television when watching football (soccer). A study from Bielefeld University demonstrates clear differences in heart rate and stress levels during the 2025 cup final of the German Football Association (DFB). According to the study, being physically present in the stadium significantly amplifies reactions to goals and match events. Researchers recorded vital signs from 229 fans over a 12-week period using smartwatches. The study is published in Scientific Reports. https://phys.org/news/2026-02-smartwatch-stadium-atmosphere-spikes-heart.html Social Sciences Fri, 06 Feb 2026 11:40:01 EST news689599483 The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology behind flexible cell phones, curved monitors, and televisions could one day be used to make on-skin sensors that show changes in temperature, blood flow, and pressure in real time. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-nanomaterial-flex-mxene-electrodes-oled.html Nanophysics Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:00:12 EST news687520165 Wearable health devices, such as smartwatches, have become commonplace, enabling the continuous monitoring of physiological signals at the skin's surface. A research team in Japan has developed a biohybrid approach that works inside the body—transforming engineered skin into a visible indicator of internal biological states. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-sensor-display-skin-biological.html Cell & Microbiology Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:10 EST news687176641 Stanford researchers have developed a flexible material that can quickly change its surface texture and colors, offering potential applications in camouflage, art, robotics, and even nanoscale bioengineering. https://phys.org/news/2026-01-flexible-material-mimics-octopus-skin.html Nanophysics Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:20:04 EST news687017423 A breakthrough development in nanofabrication could help support the development of new wireless, flexible, high-performance transparent electronic devices. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-laser-nanowire-networks-material.html Nanophysics Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:44:33 EST news685367041 Imagine wearable health sensors, smart packaging, flexible displays, or disposable IoT controllers all manufactured like printed newspapers. The same technology could underpin communication circuits, sensors, and signal-processing components made entirely from solution-processed 2D materials. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-framework-2d-materials-printable-electronics.html Nanophysics Sun, 14 Dec 2025 09:20:04 EST news684166621 Biosensors are helping people with chronic conditions worldwide live better lives. However, their measurement accuracy has often been relatively low, limiting the range of possible applications. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have now discovered a way to boost the accuracy of common oxidase biosensors from 50% to 99%, paving the way for new uses. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-oxygen-scavenger-biosensor-accuracy-medical.html Biochemistry Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:31:32 EST news684585061 Researchers at UNIST have unveiled a simple, yet effective method to replace the insulating coating—known as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)—that covers silver nanowires (AgNWs), enabling significantly better electrical conductivity and enhanced durability. This innovation paves the way for the development of flexible, foldable, and rollable electronic devices using AgNW transparent electrodes. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-silver-nanowire-electrodes-surge-coating.html Nanomaterials Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:13:03 EST news681999181 Mechanoluminescent (ML) materials are attractive for haptic interface sensors for next-generation technologies, including bite-controlled user interface, health care motion monitoring, and piconewton sensing, because they emit light under mechanical stimulation without an external power source. However, their intrinsically broad emission spectra can degrade resolution and introduce noise in sensing applications, necessitating further technological development. https://phys.org/news/2025-11-mechanoluminescent-sensors-dual-function-polymer.html Polymers Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:57:43 EST news681742659 A new nanostructure acts like a wire and switch that can, for the first time, control and direct the flow of quantum quasiparticles called excitons at room temperature. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-nano-gated-excitons.html Nanophysics Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:56:03 EDT news676821361 A research team has developed a next-generation display core material with excellent stretchability and superior color reproduction. The team developed a high-performance color-conversion layer that is more flexible and vivid than conventional ones. This layer was successfully applied to the development of a stretchable micro-LED display, drawing significant attention. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-quantum-dot-polymer-linking-enables.html Nanomaterials Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:14:03 EDT news676563241 The nostalgic "glow-in-the-dark" stars that twinkle on the ceilings of childhood bedrooms operate on a phenomenon called phosphorescence. Here, a material absorbs energy and later releases it in the form of light. However, recent demand for softer, phosphorescent materials has presented researchers with a unique challenge, as producing organic liquids with efficient phosphorescence at room temperature is considered difficult. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-liquid-efficient-phosphorescence.html Analytical Chemistry Wed, 03 Sep 2025 05:00:06 EDT news676043713 Researchers at the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a supramolecular co-assembly platform that produces chiral soft materials with strong and stable full-color circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) across the visible spectrum, including in red, which has historically been a difficult target. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-strategy-robust-circularly-polarized-luminescence.html Condensed Matter Fri, 15 Aug 2025 12:38:59 EDT news674480331 In materials science, defects are usually seen as problems, unwanted microscopic features that degrade performance, reduce efficiency or shorten the lifespan of devices. But a recent breakthrough published in Advanced Materials is challenging that mindset. The study reveals that a specific structural "flaw" in crystals, known as the Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) fault, could be the key to developing brighter and more robust light-emitting materials. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-rethinking-imperfections-defects-powering-brighter.html Analytical Chemistry Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:19:48 EDT news674133578 Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a novel organic molecule that simultaneously exhibits two highly sought-after properties: efficient light emission suitable for advanced displays and strong light absorption for deep-tissue bioimaging. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in molecular design, paving the way for next-generation multifunctional materials. https://phys.org/news/2025-08-molecule-strong-emission-absorption-displays.html Analytical Chemistry Fri, 08 Aug 2025 12:08:04 EDT news673873681 Using 3D holograms polished by artificial intelligence, researchers introduce a lean, eyeglass-like 3D headset that they say is a significant step toward passing the "Visual Turing Test." https://phys.org/news/2025-07-3d-headset-holograms-ai-lifelike.html Optics & Photonics Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:44:08 EDT news672918242 In the race to develop faster and more flexible wireless communication technologies, researchers are turning to an unexpected source: the same organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) found in smartphone screens and TVs. https://phys.org/news/2025-07-oleds-faster-longer-distance-wireless.html Optics & Photonics Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:50:02 EDT news672043263 Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have transformed display and lighting technology with their vivid colors, deep contrast, and energy efficiency. As demand grows for lighter, thinner, and more energy-saving devices—especially in wearables, foldables, and portable electronics—there's increasing interest in OLEDs that can operate at lower voltages without compromising performance. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-nanometer-thin-spacer-boosts-blue.html Optics & Photonics Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:00:01 EDT news670148774 A research team led by SUTD has created nanoscale glass structures with near-perfect reflectance, overturning long-held assumptions about what low-index materials can do in photonics. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-glass-nanostructures-visible-photonics-assumptions.html Nanophysics Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:12:04 EDT news669906721 Taking a cue from ocean-dwelling species, University of Nebraska–Lincoln researchers are developing synthetic skins that will support the emergence of next-generation "soft" machines, robots and other devices. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-cephalopod-synthetic-skins-enable-soft.html Polymers Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:24:54 EDT news669378286 A newly discovered silicone variant is a semiconductor, University of Michigan researchers have discovered—upending assumptions that the material class is exclusively insulating. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-silicone-electricity.html Polymers Thu, 22 May 2025 17:18:04 EDT news667153082 Neuroscientists and materials scientists have created contact lenses that enable infrared vision in both humans and mice by converting infrared light into visible light. Unlike infrared night vision goggles, the contact lenses, described in the journal Cell, do not require a power source—and they enable the wearer to perceive multiple infrared wavelengths. Because they're transparent, users can see both infrared and visible light simultaneously, though infrared vision was enhanced when participants had their eyes closed. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-infrared-contact-lenses-people-dark.html Bio & Medicine Thu, 22 May 2025 11:00:04 EDT news667121607 Saying one thing while feeling another is part of being human, but bottling up emotions can have serious psychological consequences, such as anxiety or panic attacks. To help health care providers tell the difference, a team led by scientists at Penn State has created a stretchable, rechargeable sticker that can detect real emotions—by measuring things like skin temperature and heart rate—even when users put on a brave face. https://phys.org/news/2025-04-high-tech-sticker-real-human.html Bio & Medicine Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:19:05 EDT news664467541 Sit down, relax and get your nails done at the sustainability salon. In a new study, a team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder's ATLAS Institute has designed a new kind of press-on nails that are biodegradable, colorful and endlessly customizable. https://phys.org/news/2025-04-biodegradable-manicures-sustainable.html Environment Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:05:04 EDT news662814301 Nature is full of masters of disguise. From the chameleon to arctic hare, natural camouflage is a common yet powerful way to survive in the wild. But one animal might surprise you with its camouflage capabilities: the squid. https://phys.org/news/2025-03-squid-nature-camouflagers-explanation.html Biochemistry Thu, 06 Mar 2025 13:27:04 EST news660490021 Stretchable display materials, which are gaining traction in the next-generation display market, have the advantage of being able to stretch and bend freely, but the limitations of existing materials have resulted in distorted screens and poor fit. https://phys.org/news/2025-02-transparent-stretchable-substrate-image-distortion.html Nanomaterials Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:35:21 EST news659975701 Microscale light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) are emerging as a next-generation display technology for optical communications, augmented and virtual reality, and wearable devices. Metal-halide perovskites show great potential for efficient light emission, long-range carrier transport, and scalable manufacturing, making them potentially ideal candidates for bright LED displays. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-perovskite-growth-method-ultrahigh-resolution.html Nanophysics Tue, 21 Jan 2025 14:46:03 EST news656693161 As the demand for thinner, lighter, and more flexible electronic devices grows, the need for advanced manufacturing processes has become critical. Polyimide (PI) films are widely used in these applications due to their excellent thermal stability and mechanical flexibility. They are crucial for emerging technologies like rollable displays, wearable sensors, and implantable photonic devices. https://phys.org/news/2025-01-graphene-technique-ultrathin-flexible-electronics.html Nanomaterials Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:19:03 EST news655561141 Wearable devices and smart sensors are transforming how we monitor health and activity, from tracking heartbeats to detecting body movements. However, traditional tools like stethoscopes and fitness trackers often face challenges. They require user training, struggle with accurately capturing subtle signals, and are limited in flexibility and ease of use. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-sensor-track-motion-stress.html Nanomaterials Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:20:05 EST news653581202