Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) possess advantages of high thermal stability, high flexibility, lightweight, easy controllable doping level. Their thermoelectric properties are almost comparable to those of conducting polymers and their composites, however there are few studies on them as thermoelectric materials alone and the mechanism of molecular doping remains to be well understood. Researchers based at University of Chinese Academy of Sciences improve the thermoelectric properties of p-type and n-type SWCNTs by 2 times and 3 times with solution processing methods.

A research article published by the Beijing Institute of Technology presented a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) weighing only 46 milligrams. By matching the thoracic vibration frequency and optimizing the center of gravity distribution of bees, the device achieved high energy output (5.66 V and 1.27 mW/cm³), with experimental verification showing minimal interference with normal flight behaviors.

High-entropy materials (HEMs) have emerged as a promising frontier in electrochemical energy storage systems due to their unique compositional versatility and tunable physicochemical properties. By incorporating multiple principal elements with distinct chemical functionalities, HEMs exhibit tailored electronic/ionic configurations, enabling unprecedented structural adaptability and application potential. This review systematically analyzes the fundamental principles underpinning the entropy-driven optimization of electrochemical performance in battery materials, with a focus on the interplay between compositional disorder and functional enhancements. For the first time, recent advances in NASICON-type HEMs spanning cathodes, solid-state electrolytes, and anodes were comprehensively reviewed. Through investigations, the profound impact of high-entropy strategies on critical material parameters were elucidate, including lattice strain modulation, interfacial stability reinforcement, charge-transfer kinetics optimization, and ion transport pathway regulation. Furthermore, the current challenges in high-entropy NASICON-type battery design are evaluated, and actionable strategies for advancing next-generation high-entropy battery systems are proposed, with emphasis placed on rational compositional screening, entropy-stabilized interface design, and machine learning-assisted property prediction.

Researchers from the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed and validated a coupled xenon-transport and reactor dynamics model for molten salt reactors. This model enables simulations of dynamic and frequency response of liquid-fueled MSRs, which is validated against a broad spectrum of experiment data from the MSRE. The new simulation framework reveals the unique power-to-flowrate and power-to-void frequency responses of the MSRE. In addition, plant responses during the unique initiating events of off-gas system blockage and loss of circulating voids are simulated.

Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient for all living organisms, and its deficiency can adversely impact crop yield and quality. Despite its importance, the regulatory mechanisms underlying Zn signal perception and transduction in plants remain inadequately understood. In a recent publication in Science Bulletin, Professor Cun Wang and colleagues from Northwest A & F University presented their study, " Plasma membrane-associated calcium signaling modulates zinc homeostasis in Arabidopsis." The researchers elucidated the critical role of the Ca²⁺-CBL1/4/5/8/9-CIPK3/9/23/26-ZIP12 signaling pathway in regulating Zn homeostasis in plants. This study provides a theoretical foundation and novel insights for the molecular breeding of crops with enhanced tolerance to Zn deficiency and the development of hyperaccumulator crops for beneficial trace elements.

Two-dimensional porphyrin-based COFs show great promise for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, yet their π-π stacking often impedes active site exposure and charge transfer. Researchers developed a series of porphyrin COFs with tunably twisted linkers. The N-N-linked twisted unit in NN-Por-COF creates a remarkably undulating layered structure that enhances mass transport and exposes more active sites, while simultaneously modulating the electronic structure of cobalt-porphyrin to reduce reaction barriers. This dual structural and electronic optimization yields outstanding photocatalytic performance, achieving CO production rates of 22.38 and 3.02 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ under pure and 10% CO₂, respectively, surpassing most porphyrin-based photocatalysts.

 A new study categorizes corporate climate risks into physical, transition and perceived categories. Researchers propose an integrated assessment framework combining exposure data, management capabilities and market perceptions. The work highlights supply chain vulnerabilities in physical risks, ESG limitations in transition risks, and AI applications for perceived risks. Findings help firms navigate climate challenges while identifying green energy opportunities.

A groundbreaking study of Chittagong City exposes how governance gaps and infrastructure failures exacerbate urban flooding, proposing 10 key strategies combining engineering solutions with community engagement to build climate-resilient cities.

Excess submental fat is a common facial aesthetic concern. It not only makes people look less attractive and overweight, but it has negative impact on feeling/emotional well-beings. This study developed and validated a 5-point Chinese version of clinician-reported SMF rating scale.