A team of scientists from the University of Illinois and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have advanced the sensitivity of nanoscale sensors that can be used used to analyze chemicals, DNA and proteins. And an ancient artifact is their inspiration. The chemical makeup of the Lycurgus Cup -- a 4th century artifact on exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago through mid-August -- allows it to appear to be a different color when light is shone through it. Similar properties are reflected in the team's sensor research. The results and future related advances have implications for making diagnostics quicker and simpler by putting them in handheld electronics such as smartphones.

This groundbreaking advancement is the cover story of the January 2013 issue of Advanced Optical Materials and is featured in WIRED magazine.