Revolutionizing Data Throughput: Hanyang University Unveils 108 Gb/s Energy-Efficient PAM-8 Receiver

   

About Topic In Short:
	Who: Hanyang University researchers, led by M.S./Ph.D. student Sangwan Lee and Associate Professor Jaeduk Han, developed the system
	What: A highly linear, energy-efficient 108 Gb/s PAM-8 receiver frontend system implemented in 28nm CMOS for high-speed data communication
	How: Through a multi-path architecture to enhance the linearity-power trade-off and a separated FFE path to compensate for channel loss without signal compression

 

Introduction: The Need for Speed and Efficiency

The accelerating demands of modern data infrastructure—including data centers, AI clusters, the metaverse, and supercomputers—require data transfer rates far exceeding 100 Gb/s. However, achieving high-speed data communication presents significant challenges: sending very fast PAM-8 signals often results in degraded signal quality, and conventional receivers consume excessive power while attempting to compensate for signal weakening over distance. To overcome these dual problems, researchers at Hanyang University have developed a novel solution: a highly linear, energy-efficient 108 Gb/s PAM-8 receiver frontend system implemented in 28nm CMOS.

{Hanyang University Researchers Propose 108 Gb/s PAM-8 Receiver Frontend System in

28nm CMOS}

The Technical Breakthrough

Effective processing of high-voltage, higher-order PAM-8 signals, which are essential for data rates above 100 Gb/s, necessitates an extremely linear receiver to maintain robust signal-to-noise ratios. The Hanyang University team, led by M.S./Ph.D. student Sangwan Lee and Associate Professor Jaeduk Han, achieved this breakthrough by designing a unique receiver that dramatically enhances the linearity-power trade-off. The resulting system is poised for immediate application as a core component in next-generation high-speed data communication infrastructure.

Key Architectural Innovations

The system’s exceptional performance is derived from two unique architectures tailored specifically for processing PAM-8 signals:

1. Multi-Path Architecture for Enhanced Linearity

The researchers dramatically improved the linearity-power trade-off by implementing a multi-path architecture. This architecture divides the signal path, allowing each separate path to manage a sub-range of the total dynamic range. This clever division reduces the number of required slicers or samplers, which, in turn, decreases the load on the final stage. The result is remarkable efficiency: the architecture successfully doubles the linearity with only a 20% increase in power.

2. Separated FFE Path for Loss Compensation

High-speed signals inevitably suffer from significant channel loss, making compensation via a Feed-Forward Equalizer (FFE) essential. Conventionally, the FFE must process large-voltage signals directly, often leading to signal compression. The Hanyang team solved this by designing a structure that completely separates the FFE path from the main signal path. This separated path calculates compensation values using only a small, attenuated signal, preventing compression and ensuring accurate channel loss compensation even when large input signals are handled. The system includes a two-tap FFE capability.

Performance Metrics

The novel highly linear receiver frontend system in 28nm CMOS exhibits impressive performance metrics:

• Data Rate: 108 Gb/s
• Input Range: 1.4 Vppd
• Total Power: 210.8 mW
• Energy Efficiency: 1.95 pJ/bit

Thus Speak Authors/Experts

The researchers emphasized the strategic design behind the new technology:

Mr. Sangwan Lee remarks: "In this research, we have maximized both power efficiency and signal processing capability through two unique architectures for processing 'PAM-8' signals, which are essential for next-generation high-speed communication."

Dr. Jaeduk Han concludes: "It will provide the backbone for complex AI services like real-time translation, advanced medical diagnostics, and autonomous driving systems to become faster and more universally available. Moreover, by providing the massive bandwidth required for immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences, it will help make a seamless virtual world a reality. Lastly, as global data demand continues to explode, our power-efficient approach will help reduce the energy footprint of data centers, contributing to sustainable technological growth."

Conclusion

This research is expected to accelerate the computational speed of supercomputers and dramatically increase communication speeds between servers in AI clusters, thereby facilitating the training of large-scale AI models and the processing of massive datasets. By providing the foundational technology for future 800G and 1.6T Ethernet networking equipment and contributing a power-efficient approach to sustainable data centers, the 108 Gb/s PAM-8 receiver is set to serve as the backbone for the next generation of applications over the next 5 to 10 years.

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Hashtag/Keyword/Labels List

#PAM8Receiver #108Gbps #HighSpeedData #EnergyEfficiency #28nmCMOS #DataCenters #AIClusters #JaedukHan #SangwanLee #MultiPathArchitecture #FFE

References/Resources List

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/more-efficient-high-speed-data-receivers  
2. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1107182  
3. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-11-frontend-gbs-pam.html 
4. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hanyang-university-researchers-propose-108-gbs-pam-8-receiver-frontend-system-in-28nm-cmos-302624634.html 

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Bio-Robotics Breakthrough: Artificial Tendons Unlock Greater Strength and Durability in Muscle-Powered Machines

   

About Topic In Short:
	Who: Engineers and researchers at MIT, including lead author Ritu Raman, developed this technology, with co-authors including Professor Martin Culpepper and Professor Xuanhe Zhao.
	What: They developed artificial hydrogel tendons to efficiently connect soft, lab-grown muscle tissue to rigid synthetic skeletons in biohybrid robots, forming a “muscle-tendon unit”. This design addresses the limitation of biohybrid robots' weak and slow muscle-powered motion.
	How: The hydrogel tendons bridge the mechanical mismatch between soft muscle and rigid skeletons, efficiently transmitting force. This resulted in a robotic gripper that pinched three times faster and with 30 times more force compared to muscle alone, while maintaining performance over thousands of cycles.

 

Overcoming the Mechanical Mismatch in Biohybrid Robotics

Biohybrid robotics, a burgeoning field, relies on combining synthetic mechanical parts with living actuators, typically lab-grown muscle tissue, to create crawlers, walkers, swimmers, and grippers. While muscle tissue offers unique benefits, such as the ability to grow stronger with use and naturally heal when damaged, traditional designs have faced significant limitations.

The primary challenge is the weak and slow motion generated by these bio-bots, as soft muscle tissue is difficult to efficiently attach to rigid synthetic skeletons. This mechanical mismatch causes force to be lost at connection points, and the soft tissue can tear or detach, restricting the robot's ability to perform tasks that require speed, durability, or repeated operation. Consequently, a large amount of muscle material often goes to waste, simply used for attachment rather than motion.

{Researchers have developed artificial tendons for muscle-powered robots. They attached the rubber band-like tendons (blue) to either end of a small piece of lab-grown muscle (red), forming a “muscle-tendon unit.” Photo Credit: Courtesy of the researchers; edited by MIT News}

The Hydrogel Solution from MIT Engineers

Engineers at MIT, led by Assistant Professor Ritu Raman, successfully addressed this challenge by incorporating artificial tendons into their biohybrid designs. Drawing inspiration from the body's natural architecture, the researchers utilized tough and flexible hydrogel—a polymer-based gel—to create rubber band-like tendons. These hydrogel tendons are designed to be "halfway in stiffness between muscle and bone," thereby bridging the mechanical gap between the soft muscle tissue and the rigid skeleton.

The design creates a robust “muscle-tendon unit,” where the tendons connect the central muscle tissue to the robotic skeleton, forming a "muscle-tendon-skeleton" system. By modeling the system as interconnected springs, the research team calculated the optimal stiffness required for the hydrogel tendons to ensure efficient force transfer while simultaneously protecting the soft tissue from tearing.

Dramatic Increases in Power and Efficiency

The performance of the tendon-assisted system dramatically exceeded previous biohybrid designs. In experiments involving a robotic gripper, the device equipped with the muscle-tendon unit pinched three times faster and generated 30 times more force compared to a gripper powered solely by muscle.

Furthermore, the new tendon-based design exhibited high durability, maintaining performance over 7,000 contraction cycles. The addition of artificial tendons increased the robot’s power-to-weight ratio by 11 times, signifying that the system requires far less muscle tissue to perform the same amount of work. This new architecture is highly modular and is envisioned as a universal engineering element that can be adapted to various biohybrid robot designs, including crawlers, walkers, swimmers, and grippers.

Thus Speak Authors/Experts

Ritu Raman, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) at MIT: “We are introducing artificial tendons as interchangeable connectors between muscle actuators and robotic skeletons”. Raman added that this modularity “could make it easier to design a wide range of robotic applications, from microscale surgical tools to adaptive, autonomous exploratory machines”. She also noted that the biological solution is "to have tendons that are halfway in stiffness between muscle and bone, that allow you to bridge this mechanical mismatch between soft muscle and rigid skeleton".

Simone Schürle-Finke, Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich: “The tough-hydrogel tendons create a more physiological muscle–tendon–bone architecture, which greatly improves force transmission, durability, and modularity”. She believes this development "moves the field toward biohybrid systems that can operate repeatably and eventually function outside the lab".

Conclusion

This advancement in integrating hydrogel tendons into biohybrid robotics marks a critical step toward practical, real-world applications. By stabilizing the connection between living actuators and synthetic skeletons, this technology overcomes key limitations of weak motion and low durability, enabling tendon-assisted muscle actuators to move larger structures safely and reliably. Potential applications include deploying muscle-bound bots as miniature surgical assistants or machines capable of tackling unforeseen tasks in hazardous or remote environments, leveraging the muscle’s inherent ability to heal and gain strength. MIT researchers are now developing protective casings and other components to ensure these robots can operate effectively outside the laboratory.

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Hashtag/Keyword/Labels List

#BiohybridRobotics #ArtificialTendons #Hydrogel #MITEngineering #MusclePoweredRobots #Actuators #RoboticsInnovation #MechE #PowerToWeightRatio #SurgicalRobots

References/Resources List

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/stronger-muscle-powered-robots  
2. https://news.mit.edu/2025/artificial-tendons-give-muscle-powered-robots-boost-1201  
3. https://meche.mit.edu/news-media/artificial-tendons-give-muscle-powered-robots-boost

 

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Molecular Engineering Breakthrough: Stabilizing Lithium Metal Batteries for Safer, Longer-Range EVs

 

About Topic In Short:
	Who: Researchers from POSTECH, Gyeongsang National University, and the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) developed this technology,
	What: They created a molecularly engineered separator for lithium metal batteries to significantly improve lifespan, safety, and energy density, This enhanced battery technology can store about 1.5 times more energy than current lithium-ion batteries,
	How: The separator, a single functional membrane, stabilizes both the anode and cathode simultaneously by chemically grafting fluorine (F) and oxygen (O) functional groups onto a conventional membrane,,,. This design prevents sharp, tree-like dendrites from forming on the anode and suppresses harmful hydrofluoric acid formation at the cathode,

 

Pushing Past the Limits of Lithium-Ion Technology

The global push toward sustainable transportation and large-scale energy storage has amplified interest in next-generation battery chemistries. Conventional lithium-ion batteries, which currently power electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems, are nearing their theoretical energy limits. In contrast, lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) offer a dramatic improvement, capable of storing about 1.5 times more energy within the same volume compared to traditional cells. This potential energy density leap could extend an EV’s driving range from approximately 400 km to around 700 km per charge.

However, the practical adoption of LMBs has been limited by serious safety concerns. During charging, lithium ions deposit unevenly on the anode, creating sharp, tree-like structures known as dendrites. These needle-like growths can pierce the separator between the electrodes, leading to internal short circuits, fires, or explosions.

{Schematic illustrations of a conventional polypropylene (PP) separator (top) and the molecularly engineered separator (MFS, bottom) in lithium-metal batteries. Credit: POSTECH}

The Dual-Action Molecularly Engineered Separator (MFS)

A joint research team, including scientists from POSTECH, Gyeongsang National University, and the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), addressed these critical safety issues by developing an ultra-thin, engineered separator. This innovative material, described metaphorically as an "ultra-thin bulletproof vest," stabilizes both the anode and cathode simultaneously.

The researchers engineered the separator at the molecular level by chemically grafting fluorine (F) and oxygen (O) functional groups onto a standard polyolefin membrane. These functional groups regulate interfacial reactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte.

The dual-action protection works as follows:

1. Anode Stabilization: The chemical design promotes the formation of a uniform layer of lithium fluoride (LiF) on the anode surface, which effectively suppresses the growth of hazardous dendrites.
2. Cathode Stabilization: Simultaneously, the design prevents the formation of harmful hydrofluoric acid (HF) at the cathode side, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the cathode.

This single functional membrane acts as a dual protective layer, stabilizing both electrodes within the battery simultaneously.

Demonstrating Superior Durability and Energy Density

The newly developed batteries were tested under challenging, realistic operating conditions, including high temperature (55 °C), low electrolyte content, and the use of a thin lithium anode. Even under these strenuous conditions, the cells maintained 80% of their initial capacity after 208 charge and discharge cycles.

In pouch-type full cells, the technology achieved exceptional energy densities of 385.1 Wh kg⁻¹ and 1135.6 Wh L⁻¹. These figures are approximately 1.5 to 1.7 times higher than those of current commercial lithium-ion batteries, which typically offer 250 Wh kg⁻¹ and 650 Wh L⁻¹.

Crucially, this molecular-level design stabilizes both electrodes while remaining compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes. Furthermore, computational analyses, including density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, were used to clarify the atomic-scale influence of the functional groups on electronic structures and interfacial reactions.

Thus Speak Authors/Experts

Professor Soojin Park of POSTECH: “This study demonstrates an innovative approach that stabilizes both electrodes of lithium-metal batteries through molecular-level design. It improves lifespan, safety, and energy density while remaining compatible with existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes”.

Professor Tae Kyung Lee of Gyeongsang National University: “Using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified how functional groups in the separator influence electronic structures and interfacial reactions at the atomic scale”.

Dr. Gyujin Song of the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER): “This technology offers high durability and safety suitable for large-scale energy storage systems (ESS) and represents a major step toward the commercialization of eco-friendly, high-energy batteries”.

Conclusion

This technological advancement—a molecularly engineered single functional membrane—significantly improves the lifespan, safety, and energy density of lithium metal batteries. By stabilizing both the anode and cathode simultaneously, this breakthrough offers the high durability necessary for widespread adoption in electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. The development represents a major and significant step toward commercializing high-energy, eco-friendly battery technology.

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Hashtag/Keyword/Labels List

#LithiumMetalBattery #EVTechnology #BatterySafety #EnergyDensity #MolecularEngineering #POSTECH #KIER #PolyolefinSeparator #DendriteSuppression #SustainableEnergy

References/Resources List

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/batteries-that-last-longer-and-charge-safer 
2. https://techxplore.com/news/2025-12-molecular-membrane-lithium-batteries-safer.html 
3. https://www.newsbreak.com/science-x-336891127/4374943383729-single-molecular-membrane-can-make-lithium-batteries-safer-and-longer-lasting 

 

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Revolutionizing AI Efficiency: University of Houston Engineers Unveil Ultra-Low-K Thin Film Material

 

About Topic In Short:
	Who: Engineers at the University of Houston (UH), led by Professor Alamgir Karim, along with students and researchers including Maninderjeet Singh, Saurabh Tiwary, Devin Shaffer, and Erin Schroeder, developed the material.
	What: A revolutionary two-dimensional thin film electric insulator (low-k dielectric) was invented to make AI devices significantly faster while dramatically cutting energy consumption. This specialized film is designed to replace traditional, heat-generating components inside integrated circuit chips.,
	How: The film works as an electrical insulator but does not store charge, allowing it to cut heat at the source and help hardware run with less energy. The material was created using a method called synthetic interfacial polymerization, where molecular building blocks link together to form ordered 2D sheets.

 

The Escalating Energy Demand of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are placing staggering demands on power and energy resources, primarily due to the intense heat generated by chips inside data center servers. This heavy heat production necessitates the use of vast cooling systems, which in turn consume large amounts of electricity to keep the thousands of servers running optimally, maintain high data processing speed, and extend chip lifetime. A major contributor to this problem is the material inside conventional integrated circuits, much of which stores charge and releases heat during high-speed operation.

{This is the two-dimensional thin film electric insulator designed in a University of Houston lab to make AI faster and reduce power consumption.}

The Low-K Dielectric Solution

Engineers at the University of Houston (UH) have developed a revolutionary new thin-film material designed to make AI devices significantly faster while dramatically cutting energy consumption. This breakthrough involves a specialized two-dimensional (2D) thin film dielectric—an electric insulator—that is intended to replace the traditional, heat-generating components within integrated circuit chips.

The material is a "low-k" dielectric, meaning it holds very little electrical energy. Low-k materials are base insulators that support integrated circuit conductors carrying high-speed and high-frequency electrical signals. Because this new material does not store charge, it functions as an electrical insulator that cuts heat at the source, allowing AI hardware to run faster and rely less on energy-hungry cooling systems.

The team constructed the material using lightweight covalent organic frameworks (COFs)—dielectric films made from light elements like carbon. The new material features carbon and other light elements forming covalently bonded, sheet-like films with highly porous crystalline structures. These properties enable the material to speed up signals, reduce delays, lower power use, and limit signal interference (cross talk), which are all crucial for high-speed AI computing. Testing confirmed that the 2D sheets exhibit an ultralow dielectric constant and an ultrahigh electrical breakdown strength needed for high-voltage operation in high-power devices, along with good thermal stability at elevated device operating temperatures.

{Reviewing the breakthrough material that promises to make AI faster and use less energy are Professor Alamgir Karim and doctoral student Saurabh Tiwary.}

Manufacturing Innovation via Interfacial Polymerization

The research team, led by Professor Alamgir Karim, employed Nobel-winning organic framework materials to develop these advanced dielectric films.

To create the thin films, a method known as synthetic interfacial polymerization was utilized. This process involves dissolving molecular building blocks into two liquids that do not mix; at the boundary (interface) of the liquids, the molecules link together to form strong crystalline layered sheets. This approach builds on earlier work in organic framework chemistry and provides a pathway toward scalable production. The methodology itself was discovered by 2025 Chemistry Nobel Prize winners, including UC Berkeley professor Omar M. Yaghi.

Thus Speak Authors/Experts

Alamgir Karim, Dow Chair and Welch Foundation Professor at UH’s William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering:

• “AI has made our energy needs explode”.

• “Many AI data centers employ vast cooling systems that consume large amounts of electricity to keep the thousands of servers with integrated circuit chips running optimally at low temperatures to maintain high data processing speed, have shorter response time and extend chip lifetime”.

• “Low-k materials are base insulators that support integrated circuit conductors carrying high speed and high frequency electrical signals with low power consumption (i.e. high-efficiency because chips can run cooler and faster!) and also low interference (signal cross talk)”.

Maninderjeet Singh, former doctoral student at UH and current postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University (who developed the materials):

• “These next-generation materials are expected to boost the performance of AI and conventional electronics devices significantly”.

Karim and Singh (jointly reporting on findings):

• “Incorporation of low-k materials into integrated circuit devices has the tremendous potential to greatly lower power consumption by the booming AI data centers growth. We discovered that the 2D sheets had an ultralow dielectric constant and ultrahigh electrical breakdown strength needed for high-voltage operation for high power devices, with good thermal stability even at elevated device operating temperatures”.

Conclusion

The development of this 2D thin film electric insulator by the UH engineering team, including Professor Alamgir Karim, Maninderjeet Singh, Devin Shaffer, Erin Schroeder, and Saurabh Tiwary, offers a powerful solution to the critical challenges of heat generation and escalating energy consumption associated with high-performance computing in AI. By enabling integrated circuit chips to run cooler and faster with significantly reduced power consumption, this innovation promises to enhance the performance and efficiency of AI and conventional electronic devices alike.

Step-by-Step: Mastering Basic Multimeter Measurements

 Gaining confidence in electronics starts with mastering simple measurements like voltage, current, and resistance. To ensure safety and accuracy, always select the correct setting on the rotary dial and use the proper ports for your test leads.

The Essential Setup

A digital multimeter (DMM) typically has three main ports:

• COM (Common Port): The black (negative/ground) probe is always connected here.
• VΩ (Volts/Ohms Port): The red (positive) probe connects here for measuring voltage or resistance.
• A or mA/µA (Amps/Milliamps/Microamps Port): The red probe connects here for measuring current, depending on the expected magnitude.

Measuring Voltage (DC and AC)

Voltage measures the potential difference across two points. The multimeter must be connected in parallel to the circuit.

Measurement Type	Rotary Dial Setting	Procedure
DC Voltage (V–)	Set the dial to V– (straight line symbol).	Place the red probe on the positive side and the black probe on the negative side of the device being tested.
AC Voltage (V~)	Set the dial to V~ (wavy line symbol).	Touch the probes to the two terminals of the AC source, such as a household outlet.

Tip: Start with the highest voltage range first, then lower it if necessary to get a more accurate reading, especially if using a manual-ranging DMM.

Measuring Resistance (Ω)

Resistance indicates how much a component impedes the flow of current.

• Crucial Safety Step: Always ensure the component is not connected to any power source before measuring resistance to prevent damage to the multimeter and ensure accuracy.
• Setup: Connect the black probe to COM and the red probe to VΩ.
• Setting: Turn the dial to the Ω symbol.
• Procedure: Place the probes on either side of the component. For the most accurate reading, it is usually better to remove the component from the circuit entirely, as nearby parts can affect the measurement.

Measuring Current (Amps)

Measuring current (I) is unique because the multimeter must be inserted in series with the circuit.

• Setup: Connect the black probe to COM. Connect the red probe to the A port (for higher currents) or the mA/µA port (for smaller currents).
• Procedure: You must physically open the circuit at the point of measurement and insert the multimeter so that the current flows through the device. Using the correct port is essential to avoid damaging the multimeter.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To stay safe and ensure effectiveness in your electronics work, regularly check your probes and leads for damage, always set the dial to the right function before measuring, and ensure the circuit you are testing is within the multimeter’s maximum input limits. Learning these core measurements and following safety procedures will help you efficiently troubleshoot and fine-tune your electronic projects.

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Innovation Buzz! Articles Index Page

 

Welcome to the world of InnovationBuzz! My collection of articles explores the latest scientific and technological advancements from around the globe. From groundbreaking research to cutting-edge technology, I've got it all covered. I scours the web to bring you the most fascinating and thought-provoking stories on innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific breakthroughs. Whether you're a scientist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who's passionate about technology and the future, you'll find plenty of inspiring ideas and insights in my articles. So, come along on this journey of discovery and be a part of the innovation revolution!

 

Eliminating the Prick: MIT’s Raman Spectroscopy Breakthrough for Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring

Revolutionizing AI Efficiency: University of Houston Engineers Unveil Ultra-Low-K Thin Film Material

Molecular Engineering Breakthrough: Stabilizing Lithium Metal Batteries for Safer, Longer-Range EVs

Bio-Robotics Breakthrough: Artificial Tendons Unlock Greater Strength and Durability in Muscle-Powered Machines 

Revolutionizing Data Throughput: Hanyang University Unveils 108 Gb/s Energy-Efficient PAM-8 Receiver

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Eliminating the Prick: MIT’s Raman Spectroscopy Breakthrough for Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring

  

About Topic In Short:
	Who: The noninvasive glucose monitoring system was developed by a team of scientists and biomedical engineers at the MIT Laser Biomedical Research Center (LBRC),. Key researchers involved include MIT research scientist and study co-author Jeon Woong Kang and postdoc Arianna Bresci,
	What: The device is a noninvasive blood-glucose monitoring system designed to replace painful finger pricks and under-the-skin sensors for people with diabetes,. Although the current prototype is about the size of a shoebox, the team aims to scale it down to a wearable device as small as a watch,
	How: The system uses Raman spectroscopy, a technique that identifies chemical composition by shining near-infrared or visible light on organic tissues and analyzing the scattered light,,. To shrink the device, researchers discovered they only needed to measure three spectral bands (one glucose and two background) instead of the nearly 1,000 bands in the full Raman spectrum,

 

The Challenge of Current Diabetes Management

For individuals managing diabetes, frequent glucose checks remain a major challenge. For decades, monitoring glucose levels required multiple daily finger pinpricks to obtain blood samples. Although wearable glucose monitors have grown in popularity, they still present issues, requiring a sensor wire to be inserted under the skin to analyze interstitial fluid. Furthermore, these under-the-skin sensors must be replaced every 10 to 15 days and frequently cause irritation. Because painful methods deter patients, many diabetic patients are under-testing their blood glucose levels, which can lead to serious complications.

Light-Based Innovation: The Power of Raman Spectroscopy

A team of scientists and biomedical engineers at the MIT Laser Biomedical Research Center (LBRC) has developed a new, noninvasive blood-glucose monitoring system to replace these methods. The approach utilizes Raman spectroscopy, a technique that identifies chemical composition by shining near-infrared or visible light on organic tissues, like skin, and analyzing how the light scatters from different molecules. Researchers at the LBRC have been working on this light-based approach for over 15 years, initially showing in 2010 that they could estimate glucose levels by comparing Raman signals from interstitial fluid to a reference blood glucose reading.

{The MIT team used Raman spectroscopy—a technique that reveals the chemical composition of tissues by shining near-infrared or visible light on them—to develop a shoebox-sized device that can measure blood glucose levels without using any needles. }

From Printer to Shoebox: Achieving Practicality

A significant hurdle in the early development of this technology was the size of the required equipment. Early successful measurements required equipment roughly the size of a desktop printer. However, the latest study focuses on shrinking the system. Researchers discovered they could significantly reduce the device’s footprint by targeting specific molecular features in the Raman spectrum. A full Raman spectrum generally contains about 1,000 spectral bands. The MIT team found that they could accurately determine blood glucose levels by measuring only three bands: one glucose band and two background measurements. This innovative approach allowed them to remove bulky components and produce a cost-effective prototype about the size of a shoebox.

Thus Speak Authors/Experts

Jeon Woong Kang, MIT research scientist and study co-author: “Nobody wants to prick their finger every day, multiple times a day,” emphasizing that many diabetic patients are under-testing their blood glucose levels, which can cause serious complications. Kang added, “If we can make a noninvasive glucose monitor with high accuracy, then almost everyone with diabetes will benefit from this new technology”.

Arianna Bresci, MIT postdoc, researcher, and study co-author: Bresci explained the efficiency of the new method, stating, “By refraining from acquiring the whole spectrum, which has a lot of redundant information, we go down to three bands selected from about 1,000”. She continued, “With this new approach, we can change the components commonly used in Raman-based devices, and save space, time, and cost”.

The Path to Wearable Comfort

The shoebox-sized prototype demonstrated promising accuracy in initial tests with a healthy volunteer, producing readings comparable to two commercially available, invasive glucose monitors. Each measurement scan takes slightly more than 30 seconds to complete.

While the current prototype is not wearable, the research team is actively focused on scaling down the device. They have already developed a smaller, cellphone-sized prototype that is currently undergoing testing as a wearable monitor in a small clinical study involving healthy and prediabetic volunteers. Ultimately, the team plans to shrink the device to the size of a watch. Researchers are also working to ensure the technology's feasibility by focusing on additional clinical tests, larger studies (including people with diabetes next year), and its ability to scan accurately across all skin tones.

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 All Images Credit: from References/Resources sites [Internet]

Hashtag/Keyword/Labels List: #DiabetesManagement #NoninvasiveGlucoseMonitoring #RamanSpectroscopy #MITBreakthrough #NeedleFree #WearableTech #HealthTech #MedicalDevices #AnalyticalChemistry #LBRC

References/Resources List:

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/needle-free-glucose-check 
2. https://news.mit.edu/2025/noninvasive-imaging-could-replace-finger-pricks-diabetes-1203 
3. https://www.popsci.com/health/diabetes-noninvasive-glucose-monitor/  

 

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Selecting Your First Multimeter: Accuracy, Safety, and Budget

Choosing the right digital multimeter (DMM) can seem daunting due to the extensive range of available products. For students and hobbyists, focusing on a few key factors—safety, accuracy, and budget—will help narrow the selection.

1. Prioritize Safety Ratings

Safety is a critical factor that should influence your purchasing decision. Every multimeter is assigned one of four safety ratings (Categories I through IV), which define the environments where the device can be safely used:

Category	Intended Use
Category I	Circuits not directly connected to MAINS (e.g., small electronics projects).
Category II	Circuits directly connected to a low voltage installation (e.g., portable tools, household appliances).
Category III	Measurements performed in a building installation (e.g., circuit breakers, distribution boards, industrial equipment).
Category IV	Measurements performed at the source of a low-voltage installation (e.g., electricity meters).

If you plan on performing professional tasks or suspect you may measure higher voltages in the future, it is advisable to select a higher category safety rating, such as CAT III 600V or higher.

2. Understanding Accuracy and Resolution

A multimeter’s accuracy is crucial, as it determines how closely the reading matches the actual value. Accuracy is measured as a percentage, which can be taken from the measured value or the final value of the set measuring range. For important projects, aiming for an accuracy of ±0.5% or higher is advised. Keep in mind that alternating current (AC) measurements are generally much less precise than direct current (DC) measurements.

Resolution refers to the smallest measurement differential the multimeter can recognize. Usually, the resolution is high enough to provide good results within the basic accuracy range.

3. Auto-Ranging vs. Manual Ranging

When taking measurements, you must set the appropriate range. Multimeters offer two methods for setting the range:

• Auto-ranging: The device automatically adjusts to the correct measurement range for the input. This saves time, minimizes measurement error, and is often quicker and easier—making it great for beginners.
• Manual Ranging: Requires the user to manually set the measurement range. This method offers more control, which is advantageous for skilled professionals.

4. Price and Functionality for Students

The price range for multimeters is extensive. Students and hobbyists typically look for basic functionality and might spend between ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (or EUR 10-100). Multimeters in this range should ideally include auto-ranging and, increasingly, the True-RMS feature. True-RMS is vital for accurately measuring non-sinusoidal alternating currents, which are common in modern electronic systems like variable-speed motor drives and computers.

For basic test and measurement needs without breaking the budget, brands like RND offer compact, handheld models with True-RMS and autoranging capabilities.

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