The Shockley–Queisser (S-Q) model sets a theoretical limit on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single-junction solar cells at around 33%. Recently, a PCE of 50%-60% was achieved for the first time in n-type single-junction Si solar cells by inhibiting light conversion to heat at low temperatures. Understanding these new observations opens tremendous opportunities for designing solar cells with even higher PCE to provide efficient and powerful energy sources for cryogenic devices and outer and deep space explorations.

A multinational research team has discovered a mysterious tubular structure — previously unknown in any organism — within Profftella, a symbiotic bacterium associated with a major global citrus pest. This discovery, made using advanced microscopy, may lead to breakthroughs in both pest control and the study of life’s evolution.

A German-Austrian team led by Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Leibniz-HKI has been able to biochemically demonstrate for the first time that different types of mushrooms produce the same mind-altering active substance, psilocybin, in different ways. Both Psilocybe mushrooms and fiber cap mushrooms of the genus Inocybe produce this substance, but use completely different enzymes and reaction sequences for this process. The results were published in the renowned journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

27th September 2025 marks the centenary of the birth of Sir Robert Edwards, the reproductive biologist who with colleagues was responsible for the birth of the world’s first IVF baby in 1978. This briefing, drawing on reports from the journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online, which Edwards founded and edited from the year 2000, measures his achievements in terms of an estimated 20 million so far born as a result of IVF and the possibility that the technique may play some part in addressing the steep decline in world fertility rates.

The role of the arts in narrating environmental stories, nighttime cooling in urban parks and more from ESA's journals.