Imagine a computer that does not rely only on electronics but uses light to perform tasks faster and more efficiently. Collaboration between two research teams from Tampere University in Finland and Université Marie et Louis Pasteur in France, have now demonstrated a novel way for processing information using light and optical fibers, opening up the possibility to build ultra-fast computers.

UCLA researchers have introduced a framework for synthesizing arbitrary, spatially varying 3D point spread functions (PSFs) using diffractive processors. This approach enables unique imaging capabilities—such as snapshot 3D multispectral imaging—without relying on spectral filters, axial scanning, or digital reconstruction methods. The proposed framework could open up transformative possibilities for computational imaging, optical sensing and spectroscopy, as well as 3D optical information processing.

The research group at the ISM-MCC Frontier Materials Design Laboratory (a joint research division of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) and the Institute of Statistical Mathematics (ISM)) has discovered a phenomenon known as the "scaling law^*a of Sim2Real transfer learning^*b" in the integrated analysis of large-scale computational materials property databases and experimental data, in collaboration with research groups from the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS).

Chemists in Nebraska are developing a new synthetic skin that could be used for next generation soft machines, robots and other devices. Like the skin of cephalopods such as squid, octopus and cuttlefish, the skin would have the ability to change color in response to changes in the environment. As an autonomous materials, the skin would have the ability to interact, sense and react with the environment without user input.  It could be used for environmental sensors and informational displays, perhaps replacing existing display technologies that  are electrically powered and require rigid, inflexible componenets like computer screens. 

The University of Cincinnati will play host to a workshop on the future direction of high-energy physics research. The fifth periodic New Physics Opportunities at Neutrino Facilities workshop runs Wednesday through Friday at UC's Clifton Court Hall.

Physicists at the University of Liège (Belgium) have succeeded in sculpting the surface of water by exploiting surface tension. Using 3D printing of closely spaced spines, they have combined menisci to create programmed liquid reliefs, capable of guiding particles under the action of gravity alone. This is a promising advance for microscopic transport and sorting, as well as marine pollution control.