In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences, a team led by Professor Chuanfeng Zhao from Peking University presents a comprehensive review of global sea-land breeze research. The study systematically synthesizes recent advances in identification methods, key observational benchmarks, and the complex meteorological and non-meteorological factors that govern these coastal wind systems. The authors highlight that future breakthroughs will depend on improving spatiotemporal precision and clarifying how aerosols influence sea-land breeze dynamics through micro-physical mechanisms.

Researchers have developed a real-space topological strategy to stabilize fractional orbital angular momentum modes, which are normally unstable in free space. Inspired by quark confinement, the team used optical conformal mapping to stitch fractional phase structures into stable composite wave states. The mechanism was experimentally demonstrated on an elastic flexural wave platform and may offer new opportunities for wave manipulation in acoustics, photonics and on-chip information systems.

To support the continued development of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology (ENCECO), the journal is launching its Youth Talent Program. The initiative aims to bring together outstanding early career researchers in environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology, foster collaboration and knowledge exchange with leading international experts, and cultivate the next generation of editorial talent to help shape the journal's future.

A research team at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has proposed a method for optimizing superconducting integrated circuits based on “time scaling”. By constructing a dual-active-device layer within a single wafer, the researchers successfully transformed key logic paths from planar structures into vertically compressed ones, significantly reducing pulse propagation time and paving a new path for superconducting computing in the post-Moore’s Law era.

A nationwide study in China has shown that serious lower respiratory infections are not driven by the same pathogens at every age. Analyzing 695,142 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from hospitalized patients, researchers identified eight life-stage pathogen profiles, 124 significant co-detecting pathogen pairs grouped into three networks, and marked sex disparities. The findings could help refine vaccination strategies, diagnostic panels, and clinical risk assessment.

We are pleased to announce that the International Conference on Advanced (Nano)composites 2027 (ICAN 2027 Adelaide) will be held from 1–4 February 2027 at Adelaide University, Australia.

Researchers have identified key physiological and biochemical traits that help wheat maintain productivity under sodic (salt-affected) soil conditions. The study found that proline accumulation, potassium retention, and a favorable potassium-to-sodium ratio are strongly associated with grain yield under stress. These findings provide valuable tools for breeding salt-tolerant wheat varieties and improving food security in regions affected by soil salinity.