2024 Yearly Wrap-up: Research

As we reflect on the scientific achievements of 2024, we are proud to present the latest research spotlights that showcase the diversity, innovation, and societal impact of INL’s research. From addressing global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance and Parkinson’s disease to advancing quantum technology, sustainable solutions, and AI energy efficiency, this compilation highlights the exceptional work of our researchers and collaborators.

These research updates represent just a fraction of our accomplishments this year but capture the essence of our commitment to advancing science for a better world. Join us in celebrating these remarkable milestones!

Phages – A dual solution to the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Crisis – Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as one of the most pressing global health threats of our time, directly causing and contributing to millions of deaths worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Nanoscale analysis with DNA-graphene origami – In a recently published study in Advanced Materials Interfaces, INL researchers have developed a new sensor that merges DNA origami with graphene to achieve unique accuracy in detecting molecular motion. Nieder’s group at INL, together with Alpuim’s group (INL) and Thorsten-Lars Schmidt  (Kent State University), developed this innovative sensor that could have significant potential for applications in medicine and environmental monitoring.

Nanodiamonds bring new hope for Parkinson’s research with advanced neuronal sensing – Researchers at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory from Nieder research group, in collaboration with ICVS and iBiMED, are pioneering the use of functionalised nanodiamonds. This innovative approach offers a highly precise method to monitor neuronal activity at the cellular level, advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s disease.

A recent breakthrough in quantum materials research, published in Nature Nanotechnology, introduces a powerful platform for exploring and controlling topological phases in quantum systems. This study was performed by scientists at INL, Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, the Technical University of Dresden and Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics. INL researchers played a crucial role by providing the theoretical calculations essential to this advance.

Diana Alves, a researcher at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, is working in the GreenAuto Agenda, and is working towards the development of super-hydrophobic coatings, specifically tailored for the automotive industry. These coatings possess unique properties that repel water. Instead of spreading, droplets form into spheres and roll off the surface, preventing the accumulation of moisture.

A recent breakthrough in photonics-based randomness manipulation has been achieved by a strong collaboration with Ernesto Galvão from INL and scientists from Milan’s Polytechnic and Sapienza University of Rome. The group’s findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature Photonics, where they presented a new protocol known as a Bernoulli factory,demonstrating advanced capabilities in manipulating probability distributions encoded in photonic quantum bits.

A research team at INL is using ionizing light to “smell” volatile compounds emitted by multidrug-resistant bacteria – Antibiotic resistance is a serious global threat with widespread implications, contributing to an estimated 5 million deaths annually due to drug-resistant infections. This occurs as bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, leading to new bacterial strains that are resistant to treatment. As a result, infections become harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death.

Nanotechnology as a strategy for plastics in a circular economy – Supported by the EU, projects such as FlexFunction2Sustain and Convert2Green are creating a sustainable open innovation ecosystem. This ecosystem helps small industries bring innovative products to market faster, with a focus on new polymer formulations, such as bio-based and biodegradable plastics.

Revolutionising micro optics: INL researchers develop open-source software for advanced design and modelling – INL researchers, in collaboration with Bosch Car Multimedia and Bosch Security Systems, recently published an article on Computer Physics Communications, where they introduce a new open-source Python software that democratises the design and modelling of micro optical elements and flat optics.

Advanced electron microscopy to investigate magnetic layered materials – In a recent study published in Nature Communications, INL researchers Loukya Boddapati and Francis Leonard Deepak, along with an international team from Korea, Spain, the U.S., and the U.K., used cutting-edge electron microscopy, including low-temperature Cryo-TEM, to explore the structural phase transitions of CrI₃. CrI₃ is a novel magnetic material which has attracted significant attention for its unique ferromagnetic properties and potential applications in spintronics.

Researchers achieve quantum breakthrough with novel quantum-to-quantum Bernoulli factory design – INL researcher Ernesto Galvão, in collaboration with Sapienza Università di Roma (Rome) and Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie (Milan), recently published a groundbreaking study in the journal Science Advances, where they describe a new set-up for a quantum-to-quantum Bernoulli factory.

Can we cut the energy consumption of current AI technologies? INL researchers are studying advanced materials and devices aimed at revolutionising AI systems. Carlos Rosário, ERA fellow at INL (Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA)), focuses his research on reducing the substantial energy consumption required by current AI technologies.

INL researchers are part of the consortium behind BIOCELLPHE, a pioneering project focused on advancing cancer diagnostics and personalised medicine. This innovative European-funded project is at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation, introducing a groundbreaking technology for identifying proteins as diagnostic biomarkers at the single-cell level. This new approach offers multiplexing capabilities, portability and enhanced sensitivity.

The achievements highlighted in this wrap-up represent the tireless dedication, creativity, and collaboration of INL’s researchers, partners, and supporters. As we close the chapter on 2024, we are reminded of the power of innovation to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Thank you for joining us in celebrating these milestones. To explore all our research spotlights from 2024, visit this webpage.

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to breaking new ground in science and technology, driving forward the mission of building a sustainable, healthier, and more innovative future. Thank you for joining us on this journey—stay connected for more discoveries to come.