A research team led by Associate Prof. WANG Anting from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) proposed a method for multidimensional manipulation of polarization and phase based on a single geometric phase element. They managed to generate and control high-order vector vortex beams (VVBs). The study was published in Laser & Photonics Reviews.

In a study published in National Science Review, a research team led by Professor YAO Huajian from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) revealed the significant impact of tidal forces on the changes in seismic wave speeds in the fault fracture zone by monitoring the temporal changes in seismic wave speeds.

A research team led by Prof. WENG Jianping from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with the team led by Academician John R Speakman from the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology of CAS, discovered that HF can regulate appetite and energy metabolism by increasing the levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), effectively reducing body weight and improving metabolic health. The study was published in Science Advances.

A research team led by Prof. ZHANG Haijiang from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), in collaboration with Dr. Robert Myhill from the University of Bristol, utilized tele-seismic double-difference tomography technology to uncover the morphological changes of the Pacific subducting slab in the mantle transition zone beneath Northeast China. In addition, they also reported its controlling effects on Changbaishan volcanic field (CVF) volcanism and deep earthquakes. This study was published in Nature Communications.

A research team led by Prof. KANG Yanbiao from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has developed a supercapacitor (SC)-assisted electrophotocatalysis for the efficient defluorination of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) at low temperatures. They incorporated the strength of both electrochemical and photochemical energy, providing more possibilities for solving environmental problems caused by PTFE and PFASs. The study was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

With the rapid development of the space industry, enhancing the stealth and survivability of spacecraft has become a critical challenge. Professor Qiang Li’s team at Zhejiang University has developed an innovative multilayer thin-film camouflage device, enabling invisibility across H, K, MWIR, and LWIR bands while efficiently radiating heat to address thermal control issues in space. This technology achieves precise management of solar and thermal radiation, offering significant support for future space exploration.

Complex light modulation—controlling light’s amplitude and phase—is key to many laser applications such as optical tweezers and holographic displays. To achieve such modulation at high speeds, amplitude-based electronic modulators use multi-pixel clusters called ‘superpixels’. Now, binary phase-engraved superpixels implemented with a Texas Instruments phase light modulator are reported, showing significant improvements over previous methods. The new approach demonstrates accurate high-speed complex light modulation, paving the way for applications to beam shaping and augmented reality display.

The wearable smart photonic wristband proposed in this work achieves precise assessment of cardiorespiratory function and effective biometric identification. It not only excels in response speed, long-term stability, and durability but also maintains high-precision monitoring across various application scenarios and individual differences, demonstrating its practicality and adaptability. Additionally, the demonstration of biometric identification capabilities opens up new possibilities for personal health services. This research finding holds broad application prospects in the prevention, treatment, and daily health management of cardiorespiratory diseases, and is expected to have a positive impact on people's healthy lives.