Metal and dielectric nanostructures have traditionally offered different optical advantages, but combining both functions usually requires complex hybrid designs. Now, researchers demonstrate that a single MoOCl₂ nanostructure can independently support metallic and dielectric resonance modes controlled by orthogonal light polarizations. The two nonhybrid modes coexist without crosstalk, enabling precise light manipulation and opening new opportunities for compact photonic devices, optical communication, sensing, and multifunctional metasurfaces for future integrated photonic technologies and devices. 

Chemical bonding can strongly influence the structure and electronic properties of transition-metal materials. In layered vanadium chalcogenide (Li₀.₅VS₂) electron-deficient bonding configurations reorganize from zigzag-chain networks to a more localized dimer-like states as temperature goes down. It also exhibits a magnetic state crossover, while retaining metallic conductivity. The findings highlight electron-deficient bonding as an emergent electronic degree of freedom and provide a framework for understanding competing electronic states in correlated materials. 

Kyocera Corporation and Tohoku University have developed a new technology that integrates optical isolators directly onto silicon photonics chips using laser annealing. Building on their previous collaboration, the two organizations will continue working toward commercialization and more efficient, sustainable information technologies. 

Understanding how interfacial water governs photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is essential for rational photocatalyst design. Here, we directly characterize the adsorption state and hydrogen-bonding structure of interfacial water and correlate them with hydrogen evolution activity. We reveal that relatively weaker water-TiO₂ interactions and more flexible hydrogen-bond networks favor higher interfacial water reactivity. These findings provide a molecular basis for engineering water-catalyst interfaces to enhance photocatalytic performance.

A Japanese research team discovered that giant-nucleus cells survive iron-induced oxidative stress and resist ferroptosis. These cells, which become more common with BRCA1 mutations, could signal the beginning of early-stage cancer.

An international team of researchers has developed a protein language model that unites information from protein sequences and structures within a single representation. The new model, CLSS, produces detailed maps of relationships across the protein universe and can accurately represent both full-length protein domains and their pieces. The approach could help researchers uncover distant evolutionary relationships between proteins and better understand how today's enormous diversity of proteins emerged.

Study finds that children aged 8-12 diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) retell stories less completely and coherently than their neurotypical counterparts, potentially putting them at a disadvantage in social and educational settings. Visual aids help narrow the gap, but more attention should be given to children’s narrative ability to create more supportive education and social environments for children with ADHD-associated difficulties.

The book, titled Theatre at Messene: An Architectural Study has been awarded the prestigious Herend Award, and the volume offers a comprehensive architectural study tracing the evolution of Greek into Roman theatre architecture and ancient engineering practices.

It was not fully understood how deep-sea microorganisms maintain their structure and function under high-pressure conditions. A research team from Kyushu University, conducted an experimental study focusing on PoXeR, a protein from a deep-sea bacterium. As increasing pressure was applied to the protein, the researchers found that it assembled itself into groups of three, called a trimeric structure to stabilize itself. This adaptive strategy revealed how deep-sea proteins remain stable under extreme pressure.