Achieved the first spectroscopic observation of hydrogen (H₂) and deuterium (D₂) molecules physically adsorbed within an atomic-scale space known as a picocavity.Employed picometric rotational/vibrational spectroscopy to elucidate their structure and dynamics at the single-molecule level.Observed distinct spectral responses for H₂ and D₂, and theoretically demonstrated that these differences arise from non-trivial isotope effects due to quantum nuclear effects.

This advancement in precision molecular spectroscopy within picocavities opens new possibilities for well-controlled studies of functional materials for energy applications, such as hydrogen storage systems and catalytic surfaces, as well as for developing single-molecule quantum control technologies.

Imagine drawing on something as delicate as a living cell — without damaging it. Researchers at the University of Missouri have made this groundbreaking discovery using an unexpected combination of tools: frozen ethanol, electron beams and purple-tinted microbes.

By advancing a method called ice lithography, the team was able to etch incredibly small, detailed patterns directly onto fragile biological surfaces.

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a rocket used for both human and nonhuman space missions, and since 2010, the rocket has been launched over 400 times. Motivated by noise concerns from residents in Ventura County, a team of researchers from BYU and California State University, Bakersfield collected 132 measurements from sonic booms over an area of 200 square miles during the summer of 2024. By collecting data on multiple qualities of the Falcon 9 sonic booms, researchers can help discern how different launch-day variables affect a boom’s impact.