Accurately and swiftly characterizing the state of polarization (SoP) of complex structured light is crucial in the realms of classical and quantum optics. However, conventional strategies are bulky, complex, and run counter to integration. Here, the authors propose a general polarization metrology method capable of fully detecting SoP on any higher-order Poincaré sphere, featuring miniaturized size, simple detection process, and direct readout mechanism. It could open a new avenue for accurately SoP detection.

The Science White Paper of the Einstein Probe (EP) mission, led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and jointly developed with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), and the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), has been published online in the Science China: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy. EP is an interdisciplinary mission focused on time-domain and X-ray astronomy. It aims to explore transient X-ray sources and explosive phenomena in the universe using its advanced observational instruments. The mission seeks to expand the frontiers of astronomical research by providing new insights into these dynamic cosmic events.

In a recent publication in Cell Reports Medicine, a collaborative research team led by Chen-Yu Zhang and Huan Wang at Nanjing University, Hongkai Bi at Hainan Medical University, Hong Ling at Harbin Medical University and Chen Wang at Jiangsu University presents a significant discovery: exosomal siRNA-AGO2 complex silences the antibiotic-resistance gene in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through translational repression, thus improving the efficacy of antibiotics in treating MRSA-infected mice. This discovery provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of superbacterial infection.

A research team sheds light on the longstanding debate regarding sand topdressing and its role in managing organic matter in turfgrass systems.

In a paper published in Mycology, the team of Cheng-Lin Hou from the College of Life Science of Capital Normal University has made important progress in the study of species diversity and taxonomy of Rhytismatales. In this study, three new genera, eighteen new species, and three new combinations are proposed, increasing the knowledge of the fungal diversity of Rhytismataceae on species on Rhododendron, and demonstrating the use of an integrative taxonomic approach that combines morphological characteristics, multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, and ecological habits, which is of great significance for the classification and identification of Rhytismatales taxa.

Efforts to improve the performance of protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) have been hampered by the limited availability of cathode materials with high activity and durability. One potential approach to enhance electrocatalytic performance is by modifying the particle morphology of the cathode, which potentially reforms transport properties and active reaction sites. The team of material scientists led by Jie Hou from University of South China attempted to configure cathode particles through the controlled growth of cubes, aiming to improve the properties of perovskite-related Pr_1.5Ba_1.5Cu₃O₇ (PBC). This study demonstrates the potential of controlling particle growth to design highly-active electrodes with specialized properties, opening new avenues for material design in PCFCs and related electrocatalytic fields.