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Scientists in China say they have developed a laser that can observe tiny text and other fine details at a higher resolution from a distance of 1.36 kilometres. In a study published in the journal Physical Review Letters, researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China tested a new laser-based system that they say can pick up small details from nearly a mile away. The researchers took a new approach based on the way light hits a surface, rather than focusing on the image itself. This method is called active intensity interferometry. The Chinese scientists demonstrated that the method could be used to detect objects that, unlike stars, are not self-luminous. 

According to Science Alert, the researcher tested an instrument that emits eight infrared laser beams fired across a specific point in the distance. Two telescopes were then used to capture the intensity of the light reflections. Through a careful calibration of the eight laser beams lighting up the target, the image can be reconstructed by comparing variations between the readings from the two telescopes, researchers explained. “Through outdoor experiments, we have successfully imaged millimetre-scale targets located at 1.36 km away, achieving a resolution enhancement by about 14 times over the diffraction limit of a single telescope,” the study authors wrote. 

The researchers believe this method is “promising for high-resolution optical imaging and sensing”.

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The Chinese scientists revealed that through their setup, they were able to accurately read letters at a resolution of 3mm, smaller than the width of a pencil. That’s a 14-fold improvement in spatial resolution compared to what a single telescope could achieve, they said. “Through outdoor experiments, we have successfully imaged millimetre-scale targets located at 1.36 km away, achieving a resolution enhancement by about 14 times over the diffraction limit of a single telescope,” the study authors wrote. 

The researchers believe this method is “promising for high-resolution optical imaging and sensing”.

Also Read | Anti-Ageing Drug Combo Extends Mouse Lifespan By 30%, Sparks Hope For Human Longevity

The Chinese scientists revealed that through their setup, they were able to accurately read letters at a resolution of 3mm, smaller than the width of a pencil. That’s a 14-fold improvement in spatial resolution compared to what a single telescope could achieve, they said. “Through outdoor experiments, we have successfully imaged millimetre-scale targets located at 1.36 km away, achieving a resolution enhancement by about 14 times over the diffraction limit of a single telescope,” the study authors wrote. 

The researchers believe this method is “promising for high-resolution optical imaging and sensing”.

Also Read | Anti-Ageing Drug Combo Extends Mouse Lifespan By 30%, Sparks Hope For Human Longevity

The Chinese scientists revealed that through their setup, they were able to accurately read letters at a resolution of 3mm, smaller than the width of a pencil. That’s a 14-fold improvement in spatial resolution compared to what a single telescope could achieve, they said. 

Mental well-being has become a crucial concern in today’s fast-paced world, with rising stress and lifestyle demands impacting nearly every aspect of life. Now, researchers have developed a groundbreaking temporary tattoo that can measure mental strain by decoding brainwaves, offering a lightweight, wireless alternative to bulky headgear.

Published May 29 in the Cell Press journal Device, the study introduces a non-permanent wireless forehead e-tattoo that decodes brainwaves to measure mental strain without bulky headgear. This technology may help track the mental workload of workers like air traffic controllers and truck drivers, whose lapses in focus can have serious consequences.

“Technology is developing faster than human evolution. Our brain capacity cannot keep up and can easily get overloaded,” says Nanshu Lu, the study’s author, from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) in a statement. “There is an optimal mental workload for optimal performance, which differs from person to person.”

Humans perform best in a cognitive Goldilocks zone, neither overwhelmed nor bored. Finding that balance is key to optimal performance. Current mental workload assessment relies on the NASA Task Load Index, a lengthy and subjective survey participants complete after performing tasks.

The e-tattoo offers an objective alternative by analysing electrical activity from the brain and eye movement in processes known as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrooculography (EOG). Unlike EEG caps that are bulky with dangling wires and lathered with squishy gel, the wireless e-tattoo consists of a lightweight battery pack and paper-thin, sticker-like sensors. These sensors feature wavy loops and coils, a design that allows them to stretch and conform seamlessly to the skin for comfort and clear signals.The researchers tested the e-tattoo on six participants who completed a memory challenge that increased in difficulty. As mental load rose, participants showed higher activity in theta and delta brainwaves, signalling increased cognitive demand, while alpha and beta activity decreased, indicating mental fatigue. The results suggest that the device can detect when the brain is struggling.

The device didn’t stop at detection. It could also predict mental strain. The researchers trained a computer model to estimate mental workload based on signals from the e-tattoo, successfully distinguishing between different levels of mental workload. The results show that the device can potentially predict mental fatigue.

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) test that can predict which men with prostate cancer will benefit most from a drug that reduces the risk of dying. The life-extending drug called abiraterone has been called a ‘gamechanger’ treatment for the disease, but some countries are not offering it to men whose disease has not spread yet.

The new AI test, built by a team from the US, UK and Switzerland, shows which men would most likely benefit from abiraterone. The breakthrough will help doctors to prescribe the drug to more men and avoid spending on other unnecessary treatments.

“The natural history of advanced and aggressive prostate cancer is highly variable and now with better treatments, the risk of cancer relapse can be significantly reduced,” said Professor Gert Attard, co-lead of the study.

“This study shows, in a very large cohort of patients, that novel AI algorithms can be used to extract information from routinely available pathology slides to tailor these treatments to specific patients and minimise overtreatment whilst maximising the chance of cure.”

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The test uses AI to study images of tumours and examine features invisible to the human eye. The team trialled the test on biopsy images from more than 1,000 men with high-risk prostate cancer that had not spread.

Using the new AI test, researchers found that abiraterone given alongside standard hormone therapy almost halves the risk of death for approximately 25 per cent of men with prostate cancer.Notably, abiraterone works by inhibiting the production of testosterone in all tissues throughout the body, including the tumour.

“This research shows that we can pick out the people who will respond best to abiraterone, and those who will do well from standard treatment alone – hormone therapy and radiotherapy,” said Professor Nick James, co-lead of the trial.

“I truly hope that this new research, showing precisely who needs the drug to live well for longer will lead to NHS England reviewing their decision to fund abiraterone for high-risk prostate cancer that has not spread.”

The trial results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting 2025.

India’s active coronavirus cases have risen to nearly 3,000, with Kerala fighting the latest resurgence of infections – followed by Maharashtra, and Delhi. Official data shows a quick rise in the cases within four days. While India recorded a total of 1,010 cases by May 26, the official data by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows a total of 2,710 infections as of May 30.

According to the data, Kerala has recorded 1,147 cases, Maharashtra 424, Delhi 294, and Gujarat 223. Tamil Nadu has recorded a total of 148 cases so far, while Karnataka and West Bengal have reported 148 and 116 cases, respectively.

Rajasthan has reported 51 cases, Uttar Pradesh 42, Puducherry 25, Haryana 20, Andhra Pradesh 16, Madhya Pradesh 10, Goa seven, and Odisha, Punjab, and Jammu Kashmir four each. Three states – Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh have reported three cases each, while Mizoram and Assam have two people detected with the infection each so far.

No active case has been reported from Andaman and Nicobar, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh. The official data for Bihar is not yet available.Data suggested at least seven died in recent weeks across India. Two people who died in Maharashtra (1) and Delhi (1) had other severe ailments along with Covid-19. However, it is not yet clear whether others died due to the infection.

All people who died, except for the one in Punjab, were senior citizens, officials said.

However, officials have said that the coronavirus cases are mild in nature and there is no need to panic.

Earlier this week, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl said the agencies are watching what is unfolding, and stressed the need to be vigilant.

“The public need not worry about this new variant of Covid-19. We just need to be vigilant. The government and all the agencies are watching what is unfolding. According to me, the basic precautions should be taken. We are not talking about enhanced precautions right now. But if someone is a cancer patient or has immunity problems, then we generally advise them to avoid any infection. Precautions need to be taken,” he said.

In India, the most common Covid-19 variant remains JN.1, comprising 53 per cent of samples tested, followed by BA.2 (26%) and other Omicron sublineages (20%), according to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG). However, the recent cases have seen at least one case of the new highly contagious NB.1.8.1 variant, and at least four cases of the LF.7 variant, the report said.

As of this month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies LF.7 and NB.1.8 subvariants as Variants Under Monitoring (VUMs), not as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). But these variants are reportedly driving the rise in Covid cases in China and some other parts of Asia.

The mighty Mumbai Indians handled the nerves better on the big stage to outlast Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2025 Eliminator despite a classy effort from Sai Sudharsan in Mullanpur on Friday. Rohit Sharma (81 off 50) rode his luck to play a fine knock after Jonny Bairstow (47 off 22) made instant impact on his Mumbai Indians debut to push them to an imposing 228 five in 20 overs. Titans, who were sloppy in the field and with the ball, were able to take the game down to the wire with sensational batting from Sudharsan (80 off 49) before falling short at 208 for six to exit the tournament.In the end, it was Mumbai Indians who won the key moments to advance in the competition. The victory took them to Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on Sunday when they take on Punjab Kings.

Despite heavy dew, overcoming a such a steep target in a knock-out game needed a special effort which came from Sudharsan who put his team on course for an improbable chase until his dismissal in the 16th over.

Bumrah removed Washington Sundar (48 off 24) with his trademark yorker before Sudharsan missed scoop against Richard Gleeson to see his stumps dislodged, bringing Mumbai Indians back into the game.

While it lasted, it was a delight to see Sudharsan go about his business. In a game of pure muscle, Sudharsan was a picture of elegance and found gaps all around the park with pinpoint precision.The equation came down to 36 from 12 balls with two left-handers Rahul Tewatia and Sherfane Rutherford in the middle. Mumbai Indians debutant Richard Gleeson bowled the final over with Titans needing 24 runs and he bowled three immaculate deliveries to ensure victory before hobbling out due to hamstring issue. In fact, Suryakumar Yadav, the vice-captain was marshalling resources in the final over and it was a brave punt to bring Gleeson in for three deliveries knowing that he is in considerable discomfort. Once the target was out of reach, Surya took him off and asked left-arm seamer Ashwini Kumar to complete formalities.

Earlier, on a surface which had less grass compared to the one used on Thursday, Mumbai Indians decided to bat first and the batters ensured the team goes into the break with an upper-hand.

Titans dropped three crucial catches — two of Rohit (81 off 50 ) and one of Suryakumar Yadav (33 off 20) – and produced another ordinary effort with the ball in the knock-out fixture.

Rohit was dropped twice in the powerplay befre veteran made the opposition pay dearly for their on-field errors. On the first occasion, Gerald Coetzee dropped him in the deep and Kusal Mendis’ GT debut went all awry when he bungled a regulation take behind stumps off Mohammed Siraj.

“Definitely not easy when we drop 3 sitters. Wasn’t easy for the bowlers to control and doesn’t help when you drop 3 catches,” said Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill after the game.

It was Bairstow (47 off 22), who gave Mumbai Indians the momentum in the powerplay with some sublime hitting.

The out of favour England batter, who joined the mighty Mumbai Indians days after collecting back-to-back fifties in county cricket for Yorkshire, took his chances early on and was well rewarded.He targeted Titans’ best pacer of the season, Prasidh Krishna, plundering him for 26 runs in the fourth over of the innings that included three sixes. The first hit was a pull that comfortably sailed over square leg fence before picking the pacer for a clean hit down the ground.

Rohit too got into the act when spinner Sai Kishore was introduced inside the powerplay. The former MI captain employed the sweep shot to perfection to collect two fours and a massive six to take his team to 79 for no loss in six overs, the team’s best powerplay of the season.

Most batters prefer to see out Rashid Khan but having found his rhythm, Rohit even went after the star Afghanistan spinner. He first went for the inside out aerial drive before slog sweeping Rashid for a six. At 113 for one in 10 overs, Mumbai Indians looked unstoppable.

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