Researchers from South Chian University of Technology have made a significant advancement in the field of water-based adhesives by developing a novel nanocomposite material that combines polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with 1-nm Keggin-type polyoxotungstate clusters (POTs) carrying four negative charges. This innovative POT-PVA nanocomposite offers a promising solution for creating eco-friendly, versatile, and durable water-based adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries.

A new study published in Forest Ecosystems explores how different management strategies affect beetle diversity in spruce plantations severely impacted by bark beetle outbreaks.

The add-on acoustic black hole (AABH), as a vibration reduction device with light weight, rich modal density, and high damping characteristics, has been extensively studied in the vibro-acoustic control of structures. However, there has been no research on application of AABH in the control of the typically aeroelastic instability phenomenon of a panel in supersonic flow. Meanwhile, the prediction of aerodynamic response and flutter boundary of panel structures with attached AABH presents a complex challenge, requiring a sophisticated numerical strategy. Therefore, establishment of a numerical method for coupled aeroelastic analysis of a panel in supersonic flow with AABH and the performance of AABH in suppression of the panel's aeroelastic instability is of great significance.The add-on acoustic black hole (AABH), as a vibration reduction device with light weight, rich modal density, and high damping characteristics, has been extensively studied in the vibro-acoustic control of structures. However, there has been no research on application of AABH in the control of the typically aeroelastic instability phenomenon of a panel in supersonic flow. Meanwhile, the prediction of aerodynamic response and flutter boundary of panel structures with attached AABH presents a complex challenge, requiring a sophisticated numerical strategy. Therefore, establishment of a numerical method for coupled aeroelastic analysis of a panel in supersonic flow with AABH and the performance of AABH in suppression of the panel's aeroelastic instability is of great significance.

Toughening glass matrix ceramics remains a challenge due to their intrinsic brittleness, yet high-toughness ceramics are crucial for various applications, especially dental restoration. Dental glass ceramics require a toughness above 5 MPa∙m¹/² to prevent fractures and extend lifespan. The key challenge is enhancing mechanical properties without sacrificing translucency. In this study, ZrO₂-SiO₂ glass ceramics were doped with amorphous Al₂O₃ at the nanointerface and nano-domains. This modification significantly improved mechanical performance, achieving a flexural strength of 960 MPa and a toughness of 8.05 MPa∙m¹/². Despite these enhancements, the material maintained excellent translucency, demonstrating its potential for dental restoration and other structural applications.

Thaxterogaster is the second largest genus within the family Cortinariaceae, comprising nearly 200 species worldwide. However, the diversity of the genus in China remains largely unknown. Based on morphological evidence and phylogenetic inference of a five-locus dataset, 112 species belonging to seven subgenera and 23 sections of Thaxterogaster, were analyzed. The authors describe 15 of those present in China, including eight species new to science, namely T. crassimultiformis, T. lavendulaceus, T. flavocapitatus, T. pallidopurpurascens, T. atricapitatus, T. cupreus, T. sordidus, T. alboparvus, and one species new to China, viz. T. indopurpurascens. Two new combinations, Thaxterogaster subgenus Vibratiles and Thaxterogaster tenuipes, are further introduced.

In a paper published in Mycology, the research team from the Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducted the study on the phylogeny and species diversity of Geoglossomycetes in China. In this study, the team examined 34 samples from China, representing four genera. Based on ecological comparisons, morphological studies, and phylogenetic analyses of combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), the research team proposes ten new species of Geoglossomycetes and identifies four known species. Additionally, they combined ITS and LSU sequences to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree of Geoglossomycetes. Furthermore, they summarized the sexual morph characteristics of the two largest genera in the class, Geoglossum and Trichoglossum.