As part of Malaysia’s pilot initiative to implement standardised national number plates, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ) have officially launched the JPJePlate system. The rollout begins with electric vehicles (EVs), and the system is expected to expand to other vehicle categories.

Following the new (EU) Regulation 2023/2055, which took effect on 17 October 2023, bioglitter might become the only sparkling powder available in Europe. The regulation restricts the sale of products containing intentionally added microplastics, including non-biodegradable plastic glitter; however, it allows exceptions for biodegradable, soluble, or natural glitter. This opens the door for eco-friendly alternatives like cellulose-based or mineralbased glitters and holographic biodegradable glitters.

Researchers at Bilkent University in Turkey have advanced the field of nanotechnology through the application of holographic techniques to fabricate nanostructures deep inside silicon wafers.

XRD Nano (XRD), a technology company based in the UK, is driving breakthrough innovations in the world of UV replication, focusing on nano and microstructures. Its solutions are being recognised globally, particularly in holographic packaging, transfer films, brand protection labels, shrink sleeves, security documents, and functional films. This article explores the key innovations from XRD that are transforming these industries.

The emergence of AI has marked the dawn of a new chapter in human history, enabling the generation of text, images, and videos from simple text prompts without requiring prior artistic or technical skills. Recent research shows that holographic technologies can also benefit from advances in AI.

In recent years, quantum physics has revolutionised various fields, from computing to cryptography. Now, holography is entering the quantum world, introducing the concept of quantum holograms that not only allow secure communication but could also improve medical imaging.

Austrian-based film and foil specialist Hueck Folien is taking a number of steps to put its products at the forefront of sustainability and reach its goal of ecologically neutral production by 2035. This article describes two of those steps.

Recent advances in holography have enabled significant progress in molecular biology, particularly in the culture and study of primary cells. A new study by Prof Li Fei and Zheng Hairong from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) and Prof Mao Yilei and Yang Huayu from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital introduces an innovative approach using holographic acoustic tweezers (HAT) for culturing primary mouse liver cells (hepatocytes).

At the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) 2024 conference held in Lisbon earlier this year, Dr Sajan Ambadiyil from the Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), Government of Kerala, India, unveiled a new liquor tax stamp, the THTT (Taggant, Hologram, Track and Trace). The THTT represents a significant advancement in the State Excise Department’s efforts to combat illicit trade and protect excise revenue within the liquor industry.

As the boundaries between holography and other 3D imaging technologies become increasingly blurred, we take a look at one technique where it is the light that is blurred to give higher quality 3D printed optical components.