China builds 'spy' laser that can read text smaller than a grain of rice from a mile away
NeutralScience

Chinese researchers have developed a laser so precise it can read text smaller than a grain of rice from over a mile away—think of it like a super-powered spyglass, but with lasers. The tech uses a clever method called "active intensity interferometry" to cut through atmospheric blur, making it 14 times sharper than previous systems. While it sounds like something out of a sci-fi thriller, the potential uses are surprisingly practical, from uncovering ancient inscriptions to spotting cracks in bridges.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about spy movie gadgets—it’s a leap in imaging tech with real-world benefits. Archaeologists could scan ruins without disturbing them, engineers might inspect pipelines from a safe distance, and environmentalists could monitor fragile ecosystems without setting foot near them. Of course, the "spy" angle raises eyebrows (and ethical questions), but the underlying science could quietly transform how we study and maintain the world around us.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System