In a study published in Journal of the American Chemical Society, a team led by Prof. SONG Li from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences synthesized monolayer WS₂ lateral homojunctions via in situ domain engineering, and enabled controllable direct chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of these structures.

This work integrates phase gradient control with Floquet periodicity, systematically revealing the "missing" harmonic dynamics in the Generalized Snell’s Law (GSL). Through deterministic Floquet-engineered momentum compensation, target harmonics are selectively activated, transforming spatial harmonic components into independently tunable degrees of freedom—culminating in the Spatial Harmonic-expanded Generalized Snell’s Law (SH-GSL). This paradigm shifts traditional gradient metasurface research from "avoiding inter-unit coupling" to "precisely regulating strong inter-unit coupling". The work systematically elucidates the dynamics of high-order spatial harmonics in gradient metasurfaces, shaping the core physics of "full-channel metasurfaces," and provides theoretical and engineering pathways for ultra-dense beamforming, reconfigurable multichannel sensing, and generalized metasurface device design under strong coupling paradigms.

A study published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts reports the design of multifunctional nanocellulose-based aerogels as sustainable alternatives to synthetic insulation materials. Through directional freeze-drying and chemical crosslinking, researchers fabricated aerogels with hierarchical porous structures, achieving low thermal conductivity, remarkable flame retardancy, and mechanical resilience. These aerogels address growing demand for eco-friendly insulation in energy-efficient construction and fire-safe applications. The work demonstrates nanocellulose’s potential to replace petroleum-based foams, advancing green materials innovation for sustainable building and energy technologies.

A study published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts explores the potential of converting pineapple peel waste into nanocellulose fibers to enhance sandy soils. Using mechanochemical processes, researchers obtained fibers that improved soil water-holding capacity, reduced evaporation, and increased nutrient retention. Tested in United Arab Emirates desert sands, the amendments enhanced soil mechanics and supported tomato plant growth at optimal concentrations. The findings highlight a scalable and sustainable strategy to repurpose food waste for soil restoration and agricultural productivity in arid environments.

A new review study has revealed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely known as “forever chemicals,” are increasingly entering farmland soils through waste recycling and wastewater reuse. Once in the soil, PFAS can migrate into crops, raising urgent concerns for food safety and human health.

Researchers have developed an innovative way to turn steel industry waste into a low-cost material that can clean antibiotics out of water, offering a promising solution to one of today’s growing environmental challenges.

In a groundbreaking study that explores the ecological consequences of forest fragmentation, researchers are examining the degradation of edge forests and the associated carbon loss. The study, titled "Degradation in Edge Forests Caused by Forest Fragmentation," is led by Prof. Wei Li from the Department of Earth System Science at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and the Ministry of Education Ecological Field Station for East Asian Migratory Birds. This research offers a detailed analysis of how forest fragmentation impacts edge forests, highlighting the importance of understanding these effects for effective conservation strategies.