The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS, President Lee Ho Seong) has successfully developed a length measurement system that achieves a level of precision approaching the theoretical limit allowed by quantum physics.

Efficient stoves not only reduce CO₂ emissions and conserve valuable resources, but their use also leads to better indoor air quality and potentially reduces health risks, especially for women. This is shown in a study conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS), Buana e.V., and Safer Rwanda, which has now been published in the journal Scientific Reports from the Nature Portfolio. The study compares air quality and health effects of efficient stoves and traditional cooking methods in rural communities in Rwanda. It was supported by atmosfair, a German non-profit organization supporting offsetting of CO₂ with projects such as the production and distribution of improved cookstoves. The study was funded by Chiesi Onlus Foundation.

Temporary tattoos aren’t just for kids anymore — semi-permanent versions have become a favorite among adults who don’t want the commitment of the real thing. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Sensors have created their own temporary tattoo sticker that has a hidden, but possibly lifesaving, purpose: detecting the presence of one drug used to “spike” alcoholic beverages and facilitate sexual assault. The sticker responds within 1 second to even low concentrations of the drug γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

The Helfrich theory of membrane bending, supported by molecular dynamics simulations, is a promising approach for evaluating mechanical properties of graphene nanosheets, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo. This hybrid approach allows direct evaluation of bending rigidities of graphene nanosheets, even with lattice defects, without requiring experimental tests, offering valuable insights for designing novel two-dimensional materials with tailored mechanical properties.

In a step toward smarter materials, researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo collaborated with researchers from Switzerland to develop a smart hinge-like molecule that can indicate mechanical stress in polymeric materials through fluorescence. Using a framework of [2.2]paracyclophane and two pyrene-based luminophores (light-emitting compounds), the developed molecule exhibits excellent stress-sensing with high durability—offering a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of mechanical damage.

The international CTAO LST Collaboration released remarkable findings from observations of GRB 221009A—the brightest gamma-ray burst (GRB) ever recorded. The results were published on 23 July by the renowned journal The Astrophysical Journal Letters (ApJ Letters). The publication presents in-depth observations conducted in 2022 with the Large-Sized Telescope (LST) prototype, the LST-1, during its commissioning phase at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory on the CTAO-North site in La Palma, Spain. The observations revealed a hint of an excess in the gamma-ray flux, which help provide new insights into the enigmatic and complex nature of GRBs at very high energies. The results support theoretical models in which these bursts generate structured, multi-layered jets where particles are accelerated.

Platinum diselenide (PtSe₂) is a two-dimensional multilayer material in which each layer is composed of platinum (Pt) and selenium (Se). It is known that its excellent crystallinity and precise control of interlayer interactions allow modulation of various physical and chemical properties. Due to these characteristics, it has been actively researched in multiple fields, including semiconductors, photodetectors, and electrochemical devices. Now, a research team has proposed a new design concept in which atomically dispersed platinum on the surface of platinum diselenide can function as a catalyst for gas reactions. Through this, they have proven its potential as a next-generation gas-phase catalyst technology for high-efficiency carbon dioxide conversion and carbon monoxide reduction.

KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on July 22 that a joint research team led by Endowed Chair Professor Jeong Young Park from the Department of Chemistry, along with Professor Hyun You Kim's team from Chungnam National University and Professor Yeonwoong (Eric) Jung's team from the University of Central Florida (UCF), has achieved excellent carbon monoxide oxidation performance by utilizing platinum atoms exposed on the surface of platinum diselenide, a type of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD).

To maximize catalytic performance, the research team designed the catalyst by dispersing platinum atoms uniformly across the surface, departing from the conventional use of bulk platinum. This strategy allows more efficient catalytic reactions using a smaller amount of platinum. It also enhances electronic interactions between platinum and selenium by tuning the surface electronic structure. As a result, the platinum diselenide film with a thickness of a few nanometers showed superior carbon monoxide oxidation performance across the entire temperature range compared to a conventional platinum thin film under identical conditions.