Researchers Takuma Nakamura, Kazuki Hashimoto, and Takuro Ideguchi of the Institute for Photon Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo have increased by a 100-fold the measurement rate of Raman spectroscopy, a common technique for measuring the “vibrational fingerprint” of molecules in order to identify them. As the measurement rate has been a major limiting factor, this improvement contributes to advancements in many fields that rely on identifying molecules and cells, such as biomedical diagnostics and material analytics. The findings were published in the journal Ultrafast Science.

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a promising approach in cancer therapy, offering a 'magic bullet' strategy that combines the precision of monoclonal antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic drugs. The evolution of ADCs has seen significant advancements from first-generation Mylotarg, which was initially approved and later withdrawn due to stability and toxicity issues, to second- and third-generation ADCs that have optimized linker technology and improved stability and efficacy. To date, fifteen ADCs have been approved by regulatory agencies worldwide, with many more in various clinical trial phases, showcasing the rapid progression in this field.