A team of scientists has created the first near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanosensor capable of detecting indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the primary bioactive auxin hormone in plants, in real time and without causing harm to the plant. Auxins, such as IAA, are essential for regulating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stress. Traditional methods for measuring IAA are often destructive, time-consuming, and limited to specific species. The new nanosensor, described in a study published in ACS Nano, offers a universal, non-invasive, and species-agnostic approach. By using NIR fluorescence, the sensor can monitor hormone levels continuously in living plants, providing valuable data for plant biologists and agricultural researchers. This advancement could facilitate improved crop management, better understanding of plant physiology, and the development of stress-resistant plant varieties. The research underwent editorial review for credibility and was published with graphical abstracts in a peer-reviewed journal.