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A team of researchers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation has successfully made self-growing microlenses using bacteria and enzymes found in sea sponges. Because the microlenses are created by bacterial cell factories that function at standard temperatures and pressures, they are less expensive to produce — and they are exceptional at focusing light into very bright beams. The microlenses could allow for higher-resolution image sensors that go beyond current capabilities, potentially allowing doctors to more clearly see tiny structures inside cells.
In nature, sea sponges mineralize silica-based glass at a cellular level to create their intricate and strong glass skeletons. The researchers replicated that mechanism in a lab setting. Their research was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
“This research is the first to engineer light-focusing properties into bacteria cells, and I am excited to explore the different possibilities that our work has opened up,” says one of the study’s authors and University of Rochester researcher Anne S. Meyer.
RSS feed source: National Science Foundation
In-brief analysis
April 7, 2025
U.S. propane consumption reached 1.48 million barrels per day (b/d) in January 2025, the most January consumption on record since January 2005 and the most for any month since February 2007, as severe cold drove up heating demand across much of the country.
U.S. propane consumption, which we measure as product supplied, is closely correlated with temperatures during the winter because propane is primarily used for space heating in the United States. January is typically the coldest month of the year. January 2025 was the coldest month recorded in the United States since January 2014, measured by heating degree days (HDDs).
January 2025 had 946 HDDs, just 26 fewer than in January 2014. Strong heating demand this winter due to cold weather caused propane prices to increase slightly, contributing to higher
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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation
CDC is aware of the second measles death in Texas, and our thoughts are with the family.
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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation
NSF Financial Assistance awards (grants and cooperative agreements) made on or after October 1, 2024, will be subject to the applicable set of award conditions, dated October 1, 2024, available on the NSF website. These terms and conditions are consistent with the revised guidance specified in the OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024.
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