A new study published in SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences reveals that the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) plays a dominant role in driving interdecadal changes of compound hot drought events in Northern East Asia. By analyzing observational datasets and conducting climate model experiments, researchers demonstrate that AMO-induced Rossby wave trains modulate the subtropical westerly jet, leading to decades-long fluctuations in heat and drought risks across the region. The findings offer critical insights for improving decadal climate prediction and disaster preparedness.

UMD astronomer Megan Weiner Mansfield co-led the creation of the first-ever 3D temperature map of WASP-18b, a gas giant located 400 light-years from Earth. The new technique lays the groundwork for more detailed future explorations of faraway planets.

Sporadic-E is a phenomenon that occurs in the ionosphere that can disrupt radio communications. Through simulations, researchers have found that rising CO₂ levels in our atmosphere could lead to sporadic-E becoming stronger, occur at lower altitudes, and persist longer at night.

Transparent solar cells can be integrated into windows, screens and other surfaces, with immense potential for them to revolutionise the renewable energy sector. However, there are challenges to overcome, one of which is balancing transparency with power conversion efficiency. Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (ST-OPVs) that offer the dual advantages of efficient energy generation and visually appealing design are thus attracting significant research interest.