Technology

By putting theory into practice, Prof. Pi-Tai Chou’s research team has repeatedly broken the world record for NIR organic luminophores, overcoming the energy gap law. In 2017, we developed a material with an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 24% at 740nm, followed by a molecule with an EQE of 10% at 800nm in 2018. In 2020 and 2022, through deuterium substitution, we successfully developed unprecedented OLEDs with an EQE of 4% at 1000nm. However, developing new cutting-edge materials is challenging. Alternatively, in terms of device engineering, we have been continuously exploring new techniques to further enhance efficiency using existing materials. This paper, published in Nature Communications (2024, 15 (1), 4664), marks the first time internationally that transfer technology has been successfully utilized to break the energy gap law through energy transfer, achieving record-breaking efficiency.

Clean energy products could be made from metal-organic frameworks

A catalyst that significantly enhances ammonia conversion could improve wastewater treatment, green chemical and hydrogen production.

- DGIST-Sungkyunkwan University research team successfully develops a next-generation bioelectronic suture that can monitor inflammation around wounds in real time - Maintains the functionality of traditional surgical sutures while monitoring inflammation... Expected to contribute to advances in wound care and related medical fields

- Recipient Associate Professor Lena Ho spearheads groundbreaking research to develop first- in-class therapeutics to target inflammatory diseases; Collaboration between 65LAB and Duke-NUS aims to advance promising innovation from academic institutions with potential to build new therapeutic companies from Singapore; S$1.85 million funding comprises US$1.5 million from 65LAB and US$350,000 from Duke- NUS' newly established incubator, LIVE Ventures

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are the smallest and lightest drone that can pave the way for new models, how good intentions may have provoked a heatwave, and how eating fruit can stave off depression.

Using optical vortex enhances printing technology, shows promise in creating well-formed single ferrite crystals

Detailed analysis of bone density changes and stem-femur contact after total hip replacement

Researchers at Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University report in Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X a novel approach for detecting a particular biomolecule associated with several diseases. The results show good sensitivity and selectivity, and may lead to the development of a low-cost, rapid detection device useful in cancer prognosis.

Inexperienced users of voice-controlled smart speakers face challenges due to lack of system feedback

This study presents a method to record the temperature of materials with exceptional temporal resolution, using a Doppler broadening effect in neutron resonance absorption. Using a high-powered laser to generate pulses of neutrons 100 nanoseconds long, a test on samples of silver and tantalum successfully returned characteristic information for both materials and their temperatures.

- Insert electrodes inside the luminescent layer to luminate stably even in harsh environments - Strong brightness and durability even in variations... Expected to be used across many different applications, such as outdoor displays and luminous banners

- Professor Jin-ho Chang’s team at DGIST developed high-performance ultrasound-assisted photothermal therapy (ULTRA-PTT) technology using proprietary ultrasound-induced optical clearing technology. - The team developed a handpiece based on ULTRA-PTT technology, demonstrating exceptional therapeutic effects in animal experiments. - The related research is published in the prestigious international journal “Advanced Optical Materials.”

Approach could have applications for microchemistry, quantum dots

Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are how changing cloud patterns might be promoting a warmer climate and technology to see through walls or part of the invisible light spectrum.

The NSF Center for Molecularly Optimized Networks team, of which Professor Jian Ping Gong of the Faculty of Advanced Life Science and the Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD) at Hokkaido University is a member, has won a Horizon Prize from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Silicone-based elastomeric 3D microchannel networks were created using direct ink writing 3D printing with simultaneous incorporation of electronic components into the microchannel. By injecting liquid metal into the coil-shaped multilayered microchannel, flexible and stretchable microfluidic antenna coils with a high Q factor were developed.

Blue energy future, Off switch for brain cells, New Japanese lily species, Generative AI in motion, Economies take off with new airports and Braille-shaped electrodes for retinal implants. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice. Plus SciCom Coffee with Catriona Child.

Rapidus and Hokkaido University Sign Comprehensive Collaboration Agreement aiming to enhance scientific and technological capabilities and develop human resources through the semiconductor industry.

The traditional optimal audio experience depended on the interplay between space, speakers and music carriers, such as CDs or vinyl records. Invisible Tech, a local start-up specialising in acoustic design, uses recycled wine crates, wood waste and reclaimed furniture to produce a range of speakers. With the support of HK Tech 300 of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), Invisible Tech worked with CityUHK audio technology researchers to develop a sound system tailored for the modern living environment and habits. The system is designed to provide users with immersive surround sound music enjoyment.

A research group at Osaka University developed a mixed reality (MR) system to intuitively share flooding forecasts, which can be visualized on mobile devices via server rendering. This system addresses the challenge of displaying detailed flood risks, enhancing understanding among both experts and the public. By offloading computational tasks to servers, the system allows for real-time MR visualization over large city areas, potentially integrating advanced features like deep learning to improve disaster resilience and public safety.

Expected to enable rapid and accurate verification of videos collected and distributed online. - Professor In-kyu Moon’s research team received about 4.8 billion KRW over 2 years and 9 months from the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the project commenced in April 2024.

An SUTD professor and his collaborators propose a new tree-inspired one-time password scheme that provides security and privacy while supporting changing user environments.

Springer Nature’s latest survey, focused on Japan, shows a high proportion of Japanese researchers have access to research integrity training and builds on results from previous surveys that highlight data training as the greatest unmet need.

ITEX 2024 Sets the Stage for Innovation and Investment

New research employs shutter speed analogies to validate 55-year-old theory about chemical reaction rates.

Walking and running is notoriously difficult to recreate in robots. Now, a group of researchers has overcome some of these challenges by creating an innovative method that employs central pattern generators - neural circuits located in the spinal cord that generate rhythmic patterns of muscle activity - with deep reinforcement learning. The method not only imitates walking and running motions but also generates movements for frequencies where motion data is absent, enables smooth transition movements from walking to running, and allows for adapting to environments with unstable surfaces.

Using image-based deep learning and dynamic shape classification techniques, SUTD researchers developed a novel method of checking red blood cell deformability that is less invasive, more cost-effective, more sensitive, and has higher throughput.

- A research team led by DGIST Professor Sohee Kim has touted the electrodes’ potential for large-area retinal stimulation given that they closely adhere along the retinal curvature to ensure a wide field of view. - The electrodes are expected to be used in retinal implants to restore partial visual function to patients with blindness.