california institute of technology

Caltech researchers have developed an ultrasound-activated drug-delivery system for cancer treatment, promising targeted therapy with minimal side effects. This breakthrough combines gas vesicles and mechanophores to precisely activate drugs, reducing harm to healthy tissues. Credit: SciTechDaily.comInnovative cancer treatment from Caltech utilizes ultrasound-activated drugs for targeted therapy, reducing side effects and improving effectiveness.Chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer is one of the major medical success…

Caltech researchers have developed a revolutionary medical imaging technology, photoacoustic vector tomography (PAVT), that noninvasively images deep blood vessels and analyzes blood flow. This groundbreaking method surpasses traditional imaging techniques by providing detailed insights into both the presence and dynamics of blood vessels. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comCaltech’s new photoacoustic vector tomography (PAVT) technology enables groundbreaking noninvasive imaging of deep blood vessels and detailed…

Scientists have engineered an enzyme to break down silicon-carbon bonds in siloxanes, marking a significant step towards making these widespread and environmentally persistent chemicals biodegradable. This innovation, achieved through directed evolution, paves the way for more effective management of silicone waste. Above is an artist’s depiction of an artificially evolved enzyme breaking a silicon-carbon bond. Credit: Caltech/DowScientists have successfully engineered an enzyme capable of breaking down the stubborn…

Research on φX174, a bacteriophage, unveils potential in treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Historically significant in phage therapy and molecular biology, φX174’s unique cell-lysing mechanism could pave the way for innovative antibiotics.φX174, a bacteriophage studied for its potential in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, offers new insights into developing alternative antibiotics.In the age of COVID-19, the word “virus” stirs up thoughts of contagion, sickness, and even death. But what if there were a…

The latest advancements in Brain-Machine Interfaces feature functional ultrasound (fUS), a non-invasive technique for reading brain activity. This innovation has shown promising results in controlling devices with minimal delay and without the need for frequent recalibration. Credit: SciTechDaily.comFunctional ultrasound (fUS) marks a significant leap in Brain-Machine Interface technology, offering a less invasive method for precise control of electronic devices by interpreting brain activity.Brain–machine interfaces…

Caltech Professor Paul Bellan’s two-decade research on plasma jets reveals unexpected behaviors in ‘cold’ plasmas. Initially theorizing a collision-avoidance mechanism for electron acceleration, Bellan later disproved this through simulations, discovering that some electrons, by rarely losing energy in near-ion passes, continuously accelerate and produce X-rays. This finding, significant for understanding solar flares and fusion experiments, challenges conventional plasma theories. Credit: SciTechDaily.comCaltech’s plasma…

It’s time to look back at spaceflight in 2023, a real “two steps forward, one step back” kind of year, filled with highs, lows, and everything in between.China's Plan to Land Astronauts on the MoonThe New Space Race is in full swing, and with both public and private entities pushing the limits of what’s possible, failures are an inevitability, as is progress. 2023 was no exception, with some notable achievements like historic deep space missions and advancements in satellite and rocket technology, alongside setbacks such…

An artist’s concept of the frequency microcomb developed by Caltech’s Kerry Vahala and his collaborators. Credit: Yuan, Bowers, Vahala, et al.Researchers at Caltech have advanced the technology of frequency microcombs by using ultra-low-loss silicon nitride, overcoming challenges in dispersion through innovative design. This development could lead to the integration of microcombs in compact devices, benefiting from cost-effective manufacturing processes.When we last checked in with Caltech’s Kerry Vahala three years ago,…

Researchers from Caltech have developed a quantum eraser to correct “erasure” errors in quantum computing systems. This technique, which involves manipulating alkaline-earth neutral atoms in laser light “tweezers,” allows for the detection and correction of errors through fluorescence. The innovation leads to a tenfold improvement in entanglement rates in Rydberg neutral atom systems, representing a crucial step forward in making quantum computers more reliable and scalable.Researchers have successfully demonstrated the…

Recent research at Caltech has made significant improvements to a photoacoustic imaging technology called PATER, now evolved into PACTER. This new version simplifies the technology by reducing the need for multiple sensors, enables three-dimensional imaging, and eliminates the necessity for calibration before each use. These advancements make the technology more practical and efficient for medical imaging applications. Credit: CaltechCaltech’s improved photoacoustic imaging technology, PACTER, simplifies procedures,…