➀ Researchers from Columbia Engineering have developed new nanoscale force sensors using luminescent nanocrystals that change color and/or intensity in response to mechanical force. These sensors offer high sensitivity and a wide dynamic range, capable of measuring piconewtons to micronewtons. ➁ The sensors utilize the photon-avalanching effect in nanocrystals, which releases multiple photons when a single photon is absorbed. This allows for highly sensitive force measurement. ➂ The sensors can operate in environments previously inaccessible, enabling high-resolution force measurements in biological and engineered systems.