As spirometry requires coordinated deep breathing and can be challenging for children to perform, researchers from the USA, as part of the TRANSPIRE study investigating lung complications in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), explored the potential of oscillometry, a simple and child-friendly lung function test. Oscillometry detected subtle lung abnormalities before HSCT that conventional lung function testing may miss, suggesting that these children may be more vulnerable to future pulmonary complications.

Bridges naturally develop cracks, spalling, and water leakage as they age, making regular inspections essential. However, these inspections are often labor-intensive and costly. To address this, researchers in South Korea have developed an AI-powered computer vision framework. The system combines routine drone images, 3D reconstruction, and satellite positioning data to accurately track and measure structural damage over time. This enables more efficient bridge maintenance while supporting predictive management of aging infrastructure.

Robust single-mode operation is highly desirable for compact semiconductor lasers. Here, researchers demonstrate a robust single-mode laser by leveraging merging bound state in the continuum (BIC), enabling lasing up to 80 times the threshold power. They further realize an ultra-compact photonic crystal laser by combining BIC modes with edge engineering, achieving a 5×5 periodic array with a patterned area smaller than 15 μm². These results provide a promising pathway toward high-performance, miniaturized lasers for integrated photonics.

Researchers find that soil aging of polyethylene microplastics has only a limited effect on their interactions with organic contaminants. Scientists have long worried that aging microplastics in soil could become increasingly effective at interacting with organic contaminants. But a new study shows that this may not be the case for all plastic types. Researchers found that while polyethylene microplastics modify as they age in soil, those changes have little effect on how they interact with various organic contaminants.

A Swansea University researcher whose work could help create more inclusive icons and symbols for neurodivergent people has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to present her findings at a leading international psychology conference.