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Tech & Engineering

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-Jun-2026 09:16 ET (8-Jun-2026 13:16 GMT/UTC)

Direct Raman detection of ångström-scale ultrathin molecular layers at interfaces

National Institutes of Natural Sciences
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Conventional spontaneous Raman spectroscopy of interfacial molecules typically requires plasmonic or electronic enhancement, limiting accessible systems. A nonlinear coherent Raman method now enables direct, high sensitivity detection without such requirements. A time-frequency engineered optical design suppressed strong substrate background signals by four orders of magnitude, allowing Raman detection of ångström scale ultrathin interfacial molecular layers. This method opens new opportunities for real-time operando observations in electrochemistry, catalysis, adhesion, and molecular devices.

Journal: Nano Letters
Funder: JSPS KAKENHI, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A), JSPS KAKENHI, Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory), JSPS KAKENHI, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), ATLA Japan Innovative Science and Technology Initiative for Security, JST-FOREST, JST-CREST, JST-K Program, Amada Foundation General Research and Development Grant, Joint Research by the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), Special Project by Institute for Molecular Science

Atomic lattice-matched hexagonal WO3/TiO2 S-heterojunction enables high-efficiency selective glycerol-to-DHA photoelectrocatalysis

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The research team proposes a lattice-matching engineering strategy to fabricate hexagonal WO₃/TiO₂ S-scheme heterojunctions with an ultra-low 0.027% lattice mismatch. The strong built-in electric field optimizes charge transfer, realizing 35% dihydroxyacetone selectivity, 40% improved glycerol conversion and over 40 h catalytic stability for efficient biomass valorization.

Journal: Chinese Journal of Catalysis

Carbene bridging Ag-Cu sites for enhanced *CO pooling and C-C coupling in CO2 reduction

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Carbenes were self-assembled onto the Ag-Cu₂O surface via the in-situ deprotonation of imidazolium cations by generated OH^- ions. The synthesized Ag-Cu₂O-carbene catalyst exhibited a remarkable C₂₊ Faradaic efficiency. The improved performance is attributed to the enhanced tandem synergy induced by carbene bridging. Carbene modification enhances *CO spillover from Ag to Cu sites, increasing *CO coverage, while simultaneously lowering the *CO hydrogenation energy barrier to boost *COCHO formation.

Journal: Chinese Journal of Catalysis

KAIST identifies multiple viruses and variants simultaneously by controlling the “speed” of CRISPR gene scissors

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

As the spread of infectious diseases accelerates, technologies that can accurately distinguish multiple viruses in a single test are becoming increasingly important. KAIST and an international research team have developed a new diagnostic technology that simultaneously identifies various viruses and variants by controlling the “speed” of gene scissors. This technology is expected to transform responses to emerging infectious diseases, as it can detect multiple infections at once while reducing the complexity of testing procedures.

Journal: Nature Biomedical Engineering
Funder: U.S. National Institutes of Health, KAIST’s New Faculty Settlement Research Fund

Defect-engineered Pt/Nb2O5 for efficient radical-mediated benzimidazole synthesis and H2 evolution

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A novel defect-engineered Pt/Nb₂O₅ photocatalyst achieves record-breaking efficiency for the co-production of 2-methylbenzimidazole and hydrogen through a hydroxyethyl radical-mediated pathway. By engineering oxygen vacancies and decorating with Pt nanoparticles, researchers demonstrate selective activation of the α-C–H bond in ethanol, bypassing conventional aldehyde intermediates to enhance both catalytic activity and selectivity under mild reaction conditions.

Journal: Chinese Journal of Catalysis

Technion establishes new International Prize for Transformative Innovation in Aerospace

Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Grant and Award Announcement

The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology has established the Max and Desiree Blankfeld Endowed Prize for Transformative Innovation in Aerospace, supported by a philanthropic gift from Max and Desiree Blankfeld of Houston, Texas. Administered by the Stephen B. Klein Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, the prize will recognize outstanding contributions to the field while promoting international collaboration and academic exchange. It will alternate annually between a Distinguished Leader Award for senior researchers and an Early Career Award that includes an extended research residency at the Technion. The first call for nominations is expected in summer 2026, with the inaugural award ceremony planned for June 2027. Through lectures, joint research, and mentorship, recipients will contribute to advancing innovation and strengthening global scientific partnerships in aerospace engineering.

Overcoming data scarcity with physics for automatic visual inspection of complex surfaces

HEP Data Cooperation Journals
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A systematic approach to physically synthesized data generation and its application is proposed for automatic visual inspection of aerospace alloys with complex geometries. Furthermore, the underlying reason why this approach significantly improves defect segmentation accuracy is revealed.

Journal: Journal of Materials Informatics

Study assesses impacts of drones on whale sharks

Murdoch University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In the first study to use biotelemetric data to assess the effects of drones on the natural behaviour of water-breathing marine species, researchers found drones flown above the ocean are unlikely to disturb whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.

Journal: Ecosphere
Funder: Estate of Winifred Violet Scott and The Jock Clough Marine Foundation, RAC Parks and Resorts, Three Islands Whale Shark Dive

Tunnel workers report being exposed to significant silica dust risks: research survey

University of Sydney
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The responses to a national survey published today have revealed tunnel construction workers across Australia say they face significant exposure to silica dust, a hazardous dust that can cause incurable diseases like silicosis and lung cancer.

Journal: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health