Research
The real deal
Researchers from ITMO have recently joined efforts with the State Russian Museum on a solution to the ages-old issue of painting authenticity and identification of forgeries. Using infrared spectroscopy, the specialists devised a new method capable of quickly analyzing a wide array of physical properties of paint in order to pinpoint the time of an artwork’s creation and the methods used to produce it.
MOFs reimagined
Researchers at the School of Physics and Engineering have revealed their latest invention – a microchip-based method of synthesizing metal-organic frameworks (or MOFs for short). At its core is the microfluidic method – the application of miniature chips that control the flow of fluids during reactions. Following further development, the method has the potential to be applied in targeted drug delivery.
No to melanoma
Among all cancer types, melanoma (or skin cancer) is one of the most difficult to detect. But this could change, in part thanks to the efforts of researchers at the School of Physics and Engineering. Their proposed solution uses gold nanoparticles to accurately target and destroy malignant cells. Producing these findings has required the scientists to overcome several challenges, but now they have successfully completed preclinical trials and are working on another paper that continues their endeavor.
Credit: Mockup Graphics (@mockupgraphics) via Unsplash
Patient care made easy
At last month’s St. Petersburg International Health Forum, a team representing ITMO University won the Smart Medical Technologies hackathon. Their project’s goal is to reduce the workload of nurses by producing a cheaper, simple-to-use electronic armband that can monitor patients’ health indicators and transmit the data into a database, facilitating information flow and ensuring a timely response to complications.
University
A win for ITMO holographers
For the 60th anniversary of the invention of holography, the journal Light: Advanced Manufacturing put out a special issue to celebrate the world’s top experts on the subject. Among them were the staff of ITMO University, whose work with vortex beams and pulse holography earned their inclusion in the publication.
In the spotlight
Do you ever wonder how much light affects our perception of spaces? This is a question all too familiar to participants of the recent international conference Lighting Design. Speakers at the event came together to discuss the intricacies of using light in museums, concert venues, and beyond to engage audiences in subtle yet crucial ways.
Food for thought
Credit: ITMO University
Those in St. Petersburg who are starved for knowledge should breathe a sigh of relief. ITMO University and the bakery chain Bushe have unveiled a mystifying collaboration: customers of nearly 20 branches around the city can have some fun with their order by asking for a Schrodinger's Croissant. The science-inspired treat not only comes in one of two enigmatic flavors – Dark Matter or Big Bang – but also gives the gourmand the opportunity to learn about quantum physics from the university’s top experts.
