Researchers have developed a photonic transformer chip that runs on optical interference instead of electronic multiplication. The chip introduces a novel Kramers-Kronig attention mechanism, eliminating the need for SoftMax activation and supporting fully dynamic inputs. It achieves 94% accuracy on MNIST, with potential throughput exceeding 200 POPS and energy efficiency over 500 TOPS/W—ushering in a new paradigm for energy-efficient, high-speed AI.

Lipids are not just energy sources and structural components of cell membranes – they also act as molecules that transmit signals within and between cells. A new Koselleck Project at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Goethe University Frankfurt and the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research focuses on certain products derived from arachidonic acid. These products exhibit beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases as well as in Alzheimer’s dementia and chronic pain.

The reticular architecture of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) enables not only systematic but also creative tuning of their functionalities. A recent study involving forty structurally related MOFs demonstrated how to precisely integrate and regulate two types of electrochromic cores within the MOF architectures through mild linker modifications and straightforward crystal engineering. The underlying logic is reminiscent of a conventional color palette—yet elevated to molecular-level precision, offering promising prospects for future electronic applications.

Researchers at Yonsei University developed a fluoride-based solid electrolyte (LiCl–4Li₂TiF₆) that enables all-solid-state batteries to operate safely beyond 5 volts, overcoming a major voltage stability barrier. The innovation enhances ionic conductivity, prevents interfacial degradation, and achieves record energy density. Its compatibility with cost-effective materials makes it promising for next-generation electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, marking a paradigm shift in battery technology.

A semiconductor–metal synergistic interface design via in situ engineering of a Bi/BiOCl heterostructure on Zn anodes was presented. This dual–functional heterointerface enables unprecedented electrochemical performance, including: (i) stable cycling for 2500 h at 10 mA cm^–2 in symmetric cells; (ii) 1000 cycles at 10 A g^–1 for the Zn@Bi/BiOCl//dibenzo[b,i]thianthrene–5,7,12,14–tetraone (DTT) full battery, and 15,000 cycles at room temperature and 7500 cycles at –20 °C for the Zn@Bi/BiOCl//activated carbon (AC) hybrid ion capacitor (HIC), outperforming most reported AZIBs. This breakthrough originates from a dual–functional synergy: Bi nanoparticles serve as zincophilic nucleation guides to expedite homogeneous Zn²⁺ deposition, while the BiOCl semiconductor establishes a built–in electric field with Zn to redistribute interfacial ion/charge flux and elevate the hydrogen evolution barrier. This coordinated regulation simultaneously inhibits Zn dendrite formation, HER, and Zn corrosion, imparting promising applications for Zn anodes in AZIBs. Our work not only resolves the long–standing interfacial instability of Zn anodes but also pioneers a semiconductor–metal heterojunction strategy, offering a universal platform for designing dendrite–free metal batteries operable under extreme thermal and rate conditions.

A practical, evidence-based checklist developed by scientists at the University of Surrey is helping everyone from keen gardeners to local councils plan their next greening project with confidence.