Bidirectional scattering microscope detects micro- and nanoscale structures simultaneously

09 Jan 2026 Isabelle Dumé

Two techniques in one Conceptual illustration of the bidirectional quantitative scattering microscope, which detects both forward and backward scattered light from cells. This dual detection enables visualization of structures ranging from whole-cell morphology to nanoscale particles. (Courtesy: Horie et al 2025)

A new microscope that can simultaneously measure forward- and backward-scattered light from a sample could enable researchers to image micro- and nanoscale objects simultaneously. The device could be used to observe structures as small as individual proteins, as well as the environment in which they move, say the researchers at the University of Tokyo who developed it.

“Our technique could help us link cell structures with the motion of tiny particles inside and outside cells,” explains Kohki Horie of the University of Tokyo’s department of physics, who led this research effort. “Because it is label-free, it is gentler on cells and better for long observations. In the future, it could help quantify cell states, holding potential for drug testing and quality checks in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.”

 

Light pollution from satellite mega-constellations threatens space-based observations

04 Dec 2025 Michael Banks

Obstructed view: The study finds that 96% of images from planned telescopes could be compromised by satellite constellations. (Courtesy: CTIO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/DECam DELVE Survey)

Almost every image that will be taken by future space observatories in low-Earth orbit could be tainted due to light contamination from satellites. That is according to a new analysis by NASA researchers, who emphasize that satellite-induced light pollution must be reduced to ensure that astronomical research is not affected.

The number of satellites orbiting Earth has increased from about 2000 in 2019 to 15 000 today. Many of these are part of so-called mega-constellations that provide global Internet coverage, including in areas previously unable to access it. Examples of such constellations include SpaceX’s Starlink, as well as Amazon’s Kuiper and Eutelsat’s OneWeb.

 

New cosmic map will put dark-matter theories to the test

03 Feb 2026

Cosmic web Created using data from the JWST, this map shows how dark matter acts as the hidden framework on which visible galaxies are built. The overlaid contours mark regions of equal dark-matter density, highlighting where this invisible matter (shown in blue false colour) is most strongly concentrated. (Courtesy: Gavin Leroy/COSMOS-Webb collaboration)

Astronomers have created the most detailed map to date of the vast structures of dark matter that appear to permeate the universe. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the team, led by Diana Scognamiglio at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, used gravitational lensing to map the dark matter filaments and clusters with unprecedented resolution. As a result, physicists have new and robust data to test theories of dark matter.

Dark matter is a hypothetical substance that appears to account for about 85% of the mass in the universe – yet it has never been observed directly. Dark matter is invoked by physicists to explain the dynamics and evolution of large-scale structures in the universe.

Cosmology Lecture 10

Cosmology Lecture 10

Cosmology Lecture 9

Cosmology Lecture 9

Cosmology Lecture 8

Cosmology Lecture 8

Cosmology Lecture 7

Cosmology Lecture 7