A nanodevice developed at EPFL produces an autonomous, stable current from evaporating saltwater by using heat and light to control the movement of ions and electrons.

Nanosized crystals easily form in nature through chemical weathering, while their formation requires a long time. In contrast, laboratory solid-state synthesis enables their rapid formation under ambient conditions, provided that suitably predesigned molecular building blocks or crystal frameworks are employed. Still, the effectiveness of precise control of the nanocrystals formation on the molecular level is far from desired, making it a challenging riddle to be solved. Recent studies, demonstrated by researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, and Warsaw University of Technology, led by Prof. Lewiński deliver a solution – a new route of transformation of molecular crystals to quantum dot monoliths.

Smartphone cameras are becoming smaller, yet photos are becoming sharper. Korean researchers have elevated the limits of next-generation smartphone cameras by developing a new image sensor technology that can accurately represent colors regardless of the angle at which light enters. The team achieved this by utilizing a “metamaterial” that designs the movement of light through structures too small to be seen with the naked eye.

New research from the University of Waterloo suggests that more than creativity is at play. Behind many great melodies, researchers found something surprisingly powerful: symmetry. Their work shows that advanced algebra can reveal deep musical patterns that are not always obvious by ear or even on a written score. 

The findings could help composers better understand what makes melodies work, as the study offers a recipe for generating new melodies that follow specific symmetry rules, opening new creative possibilities for composers and researchers.