When it is ground into nanoparticles it can still block harmful ultraviolet radiation, but it allows visible light to pass straight though, which means modern sunscreens can appear completely transparent, while offering the same protection as the old white stuff.

ECONOMIST: The risk in nanotechnology

Unlike visible light, which cannot penetrate thick smoke and flames, the IR rays pass through largely unhindered.

ENGADGET: Infrared holography lets rescuers see people through walls, fire, walls of fire (video)

Richer said that up to half of the stars in the universe were obscured by space dust and would soon be visible for the first time, thanks to ALMA's ability to pick up sub-millimeter radiation waves that pass through the dust unchecked.

CNN: Telescope set to reveal 'Big Bang'