Researchers at the University of Oulu, Finland, have developed a pine‑bark–based water‑treatment medium that efficiently removes antibiotics as well as residues of blood‑pressure and antidepressant medicines from wastewater treatment plant effluent. A new doctoral thesis reports promising results with a simple and low‑cost method in which pine bark was modified with iron.

To overcome the lack of wavelength-selective extraction in existing on-chip metasurfaces, Chinese scientists developed a novel approach by leveraging a nonlocal on-chip design based on symmetry-broken quasi-bound states in the continuum (q-BICs) physics, enabling precise wavelength-selective extraction and color routing of guided waves. Beyond free-space spatial-multiplexing schemes, these on-chip cascaded-multiplexing architectures achieve a significant improvement in the energy utilization efficiency, offering a new pathway for high-efficiency spectral control and routing on chip-integrated metadevices.

For many years, cesium atomic clocks have been reliably keeping time around the world. But the future belongs to even more accurate clocks: optical atomic clocks. In a few years' time, they could change the definition of the base unit second in the International System of Units (SI). It is still completely open which of the various optical clocks will serve as the basis for this. The large number of optical clocks that the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), as a leading institute in this field, has realized could be joined by another type: an optical multi-ion clock with ytterbium-173 ions. It could combine the high accuracy of individual ions with the improved stability of several ions. This is the result of a cooperation between PTB and the Thai metrology institute NIMT. The team led by Tanja Mehlstäubler reports on this in the current issue of the journal Physical Review Letters. The results are also interesting for quantum computing and, with a new look inside the atom, for fundamental research.

A new study by researchers in Japan offers new insights into how protocells may have inherited and enriched genetic material before modern biology emerged. By exposing mixed phospholipid vesicles to repeated freezing and thawing, the team found that vesicles with more unsaturated lipids grew more efficiently and became selectively enriched. This membrane-level selection also increased the fraction of selectively neutral genetic material trapped inside.

MXene derivatives are notable two-dimensional nanomaterials with numerous prospective applications in the domains of energy development. MXene derivative, MBene, diversifies its focus on energy storage and harvesting due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, structural flexibility, and mechanical properties. This comprehensive review describes the sandwich-like structure of the synthesized MBene, derived from its multilayered parent material and its distinct chemical framework to date. The fields of focus encompass the investigation of novel MBenes, the study of phase-changing mechanisms, and the examination of hex-MBenes, ortho-MBenes, tetra-MBenes, tri-MBenes, and MXenes with identical transition metal components. A critical analysis is also provided on the electrochemical mechanism and performance of MBene in energy storage (Li/Na/Mg/Ca/Li–S batteries and supercapacitors), as well as conversion and harvesting (CO₂ reduction, and nitrogen reduction reactions). The persistent difficulties associated with conducting experimental synthesis and establishing artificial intelligence-based forecasts are extensively deliberated alongside the potential and forthcoming prospects of MBenes. This review provides a single platform for an overview of the MBene’s potential in energy storage and harvesting.

Space exploration is significant for scientific innovation, resource utilization, and planetary security. Space exploration involves several systems including satellites, space suits, communication systems, and robotics, which have to function under harsh space conditions such as extreme temperatures (− 270 to 1650 °C), microgravity (10^-6 g), unhealthy humidity (< 20% RH or > 60% RH), high atmospheric pressure (~ 1450 psi), and radiation (4000–5000 mSv). Conventional energy-harvesting technologies (solar cells, fuel cells, and nuclear energy), that are normally used to power these space systems have certain limitations (e.g., sunlight dependence, weight, degradation, big size, high cost, low capacity, radioactivity, complexity, and low efficiency). The constraints in conventional energy resources have made it imperative to look for non-conventional yet efficient alternatives. A great potential for enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and mission duration in space exploration can be offered by integrating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with existing energy sources. Recently, the potential of TENG including energy harvesting (from vibrations/movements in satellites and spacecraft), self-powered sensing, and microgravity, for multiple applications in different space missions has been discussed. This review comprehensively covers the use of TENGs for various space applications, such as planetary exploration missions (Mars environment monitoring), manned space equipment, In-orbit robotic operations /collision monitoring, spacecraft's design and structural health monitoring, Aeronautical systems, and conventional energy harvesting (solar and nuclear). This review also discusses the use of self-powered TENG sensors for deep space object perception. At the same time, this review compares TENGs with conventional energy harvesting technologies for space systems. Lastly, this review talks about energy harvesting in satellites, TENG-based satellite communication systems, and future practical implementation challenges (with possible solutions).