Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR), based on Rayleigh scattering, offers an innovative diagnostic approach for superconducting magnets. In addition to its high spatial resolution, electromagnetic immunity, and distributed sensing capability, OFDR allows continuous and quantitative mapping of thermomechanical states throughout the magnet's lifecycle -- from initial winding pre-stress and cooldown to excitation and quench. For critical performance monitoring, particularly in tracking the combined strain-temperature behavior under cryogenic and high-field conditions, OFDR provides a level of accuracy and spatial detail that is difficult to match with existing sensing methods. Although engineering challenges remain, including cryogenic calibration, strain transfer, signal decoupling, and system integration, most can be resolved as the technology matures. Looking ahead, OFDR is poised to become a core technology for next-generation “smart” superconducting structures, redefining diagnostic strategies in high-energy physics and fusion magnet systems.

A nonfused ring electron acceptor (NFREA), designated as TT-Ph-C6, has been synthesized with the aim of enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). By integrating asymmetric phenylalkylamino side groups, TT-Ph-C6 demonstrates excellent solubility and its crystal structure exhibits compact packing structures with a three-dimensional molecular stacking network. These structural attributes markedly promote exciton diffusion and charge carrier mobility, particularly advantageous for the fabrication of thick-film devices. TT-Ph-C6-based devices have attained a PCE of 18.01% at a film thickness of 100 nm, and even at a film thickness of 300 nm, the PCE remains at 14.64%, surpassing that of devices based on 2BTh-2F. These remarkable properties position TT-Ph-C6 as a highly promising NFREA material for boosting the efficiency of OSCs.

Thermoelectric (TE) materials, being capable of converting waste heat into electricity, are pivotal for sustainable energy solutions. Among emerging TE materials, organic TE materials, particularly conjugated polymers, are gaining prominence due to their unique combination of mechanical flexibility, environmental compatibility, and solution-processable fabrication. A notable candidate in this field is poly(2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT), a liquid-crystalline conjugated polymer, with high charge carrier mobility and adaptability to melt-processing techniques. Recent advancements have propelled PBTTT’s figure of merit from below 0.1 to a remarkable 1.28 at 368 K, showcasing its potential for practical applications. This review systematically examines strategies to enhance PBTTT’s TE performance through doping (solution, vapor, and anion exchange doping), composite engineering, and aggregation state controlling. Recent key breakthroughs include ion exchange doping for stable charge modulation, multi-heterojunction architectures reducing thermal conductivity, and proton-coupled electron transfer doping for precise Fermi-level tuning. Despite great progress, challenges still persist in enhancing TE conversion efficiency, balancing or decoupling electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity, and leveraging melt-processing scalability of PBTTT. By bridging fundamental insights with applied research, this work provides a roadmap for advancing PBTTT-based TE materials toward efficient energy harvesting and wearable electronics.

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) are regarded as strong contenders in secondary battery systems due to their high safety and abundant resources. However, the cycling performance of the Zn anode and the overall performance of the cells have often been hindered by the formation of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of parasitic side reactions. In this paper, a surface electron reconfiguration strategy is proposed to optimize the adsorption energy and migration energy of Zn²⁺ for a better Zn²⁺ deposition/stripping process by adjusting the electronic structure of ceric dioxide (CeO₂) artificial interface layer with copper atoms (Cu) doped. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the Cu₂Ce₇O_x interface facilitates rapid transport of Zn²⁺ due to the optimized electronic structure and appropriate electron density, leading to a highly reversible and stable Zn anode. Consequently, the Cu₂Ce₇O_x@Zn symmetric cell exhibits an overpotential of only 24 mV after stably cycling for over 1600 h at a current density of 1 mA/cm² and a capacity of 1 mAh/cm². Additionally, the cycle life of Cu/Zn asymmetric cells exceeds 2500 h, with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.9%. This paper provides a novel approach to the artificial interface layer strategy, offering new insights for improving the performance of ZMBs.

This perspectives article underscores the importance of elucidating surface reconstruction mechanisms to guide the rational design of efficient and stable OER electrocatalysts.

In a paper published in Science Bulletin, a Chinese team of scientists estimated carbon sequestration rates of urban forests in China from 1995 to 2060 under three climate scenarios.

A multicenter study across Japan found that ICU patients receiving more intensive rehabilitation regained independence faster after critical illness. Among 121 patients on mechanical ventilation, higher rehabilitation dose and mobility levels were linked to a lower risk of delayed recovery. The findings highlight that purposeful, early mobilization can improve outcomes and shorten recovery for ICU survivors.

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that rapid, large-scale fluctuations in temperature from one day to the next have intensified under global warming, representing a distinct climate hazard with significant impacts on human health. 

The challenge of photosynthesizing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) from water and oxygen lies in the high O–H bond dissociation energy in water molecules, which leads to sluggish kinetics in hydrogen donor reactions. This study presents a novel catalytic strategy by constructing single-atom palladium sites (Pd–CNO₂) within a keto-form anthraquinone-based covalent organic framework (KfAQ-Pd), effectively promoting water oxidation reactions and achieving efficient H₂O₂ photosynthesis in neutral aqueous environments, with a high yield of 3828 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹. Experimental evidence and theoretical simulations reveal that the Pd–CNO₂ sites enhance the hydrophilicity of KfAQ, disrupt the hydrogen-bond network in surface-adsorbed water clusters, and facilitate the cleavage of O–H bonds. The generated H₃O⁺ can be reduced by photoexcited electrons, promoting the anthraquinone hydrogenation reaction and enabling the efficient H₂O₂ synthesis cycle. This study provides a new approach for solar-driven green hydrogen peroxide synthesis under neutral conditions.