Research Appraisals
Evidence-based critical appraisals of the latest medical research, systematically evaluated using Oxford CEBM methodology.
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Science advances
Multispectral infrared-to-full-color upconversion expanding human vision
The human visual system is inherently blind to infrared radiation due to the insufficient energy of infrared photons to trigger the photoisomerization of the retinal chromophore, resulting in the loss of over half of the solar spectrum. Here, we report a colloidal quantum dot (CQD)-based infrared-to-visible upconverter that enables ultrasensitive upconversion of multispectral infrared light radiation as full-color visible vision. The photon-energy-selective excitonic transitions in quantum-confined states and the photon flux, respectively, enable infrared wavelength- and intensity-dependent number of photogenerated carriers. A dual-emissive-layer organic architecture with the strategically engineered hole-injection barrier could route these carriers into distinct color emission channels, resulting in correlated wavelength/intensity-to-color/luminance mapping. This paradigm shift yields a discrimination sensitivity for subtle infrared variations exceeding more than two orders of magnitude higher than conventional single-color modes, capitalizing on the human eye's intrinsic superiority in chromatic differentiation over only brightness contrast. The resulting upconverter exhibits broadband detection extending beyond 2 μm, luminance exceeding 700 cd m-2, and a photon-to-photon conversion efficiency of 3.85%. The upconverter could be applied as a lightweight, semi-transparent wearable eyeglass that projects multispectral infrared as full-color vision directly onto the retina. Besides, upconverters bound to light-sensitive proteins, potentially as an implantable retinal photoreceptor, confer innate infrared vision. By surpassing the evolutionary constraints of natural vision, this work establishes a versatile foundation for next-generation visual prosthetics and human-integrated sensory expansion.
1 Aug 2026
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Multidimensional additive manufacturing micro/nanorobots: from elaborate design to smart cargo delivery
Micro/nanorobots have attracted much attention because of their potential to perform complex tasks with high precision under controlled actuation within the human body, such as targeted cargo delivery, lesion exploration, and minimally invasive surgery. Among the various emerging fabrication technologies, multidimensional additive manufacturing (MAM) technology can enable the design and fabrication of complex structures with multifunctional characteristics. Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, MAM significantly reduces production complexity and time while enhancing design flexibility and customization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MAM technologies for constructing micro/nanorobots, along with their applications and associated challenges in the biomedical field. In addition, emerging MAM approaches, including 4D, 5D, and 6D printing assisted by physical intelligence, machine learning, and artificial intelligence show great potential for designing and fabricating more sophisticated and intelligent micro/nanorobots, thereby advancing their clinical translation in the near future.
8 July 2026
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