Researchers have created a microscopic device that can both detect and control the rapid “dance” of electron spins in antiferromagnetic materials — a leap that could enable a new generation of ultrafast, energy-efficient electronics. Until now, scientists could only detect this quantum behavior using bulky lab equipment — making it hard to imagine practical uses in everyday tech.

Intrinsic dispersion in periodic systems sets a fundamental bound for independent selectivity of resonant angles and wavelengths. This hinders applications requiring concurrent selectivity of angles and wavelengths, such as AR/VR, coherent thermal emission and light detection. Scientists in China proposed a method to on-demand tailor the angle-dependent resonant reflection via radiation directionality in misaligned bilayer metagratings. This strategy enables perfect reflection at a single angle and a single wavelength, overcoming the intrinsic dispersion locking.

The researchers discuss ECLDs based on the research framework of “material-process-application” synergistic optimization. It aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the research and application of ECLDs, and demonstrates the great potential in the field of flexible electronics.

A new study published in Engineering offers insights into how global land surface soil organic carbon (SOC) levels are being influenced by climate change. The research explores historical trends and projects future changes in SOC, highlighting the complex interplay of climate factors and vegetation cover. While the findings indicate an overall increase in SOC, they also underscore the limitations of relying solely on natural carbon sinks to meet global carbon neutrality goals. This report provides a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities in leveraging soil carbon sequestration as part of broader climate mitigation strategies.

As ice sheets retreat, glacial environments initially absorb greenhouse gases but soil development over long times creates a source of greenhouse gases.

To curb global plastic pollution and to make plastics safer and more sustainable, countries are currently negotiating a global treaty. A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. Moreover, the study also provides a scientific approach for identifying chemicals of concern. This allows scientists and manufacturers to develop safer plastics and policy makers to promote a non-toxic circular economy.