Researchers have developed a fiber neural network system that performs intelligent processing of optical communication signals directly in the light domain. This approach integrates optical transmission with optical computing, significantly improving processing efficiency and reducing power consumption for tasks like modulation format recognition.

Their results could guide the development of healthier and more productive wheat lines.

In the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, researchers reported a multi-material, multi-module microrobot to overcome this limit. Using femtosecond laser direct writing to pattern and integrate different materials at the micrometer scale, their three-dimensional, hand-shaped microrobot can grab, carry and release microscopic objects that single-material systems cannot achieve.

What if we could design a material that acts like a molecular “sniper,” zeroing in on a single harmful antibiotic in water—while ignoring everything else?

That’s no longer science fiction. Thanks to researchers at Universiti Sains Malaysia, a new class of smart adsorbent is turning this idea into reality.