Photonic microchips can process data at extremely high speeds and are embedded in a wide variety of today’s technologies. Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) and Harvard University have now succeeded in developing three functional components for such chips that are up to 500 times smaller than conventional designs. The researchers used inverse design, a computer algorithm, to achieve this. The results were recently published in Nature Communications.

Researchers at the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) have developed a prototype imaging system that can simultaneously track the cornea's mechanical response at nine locations. The technology marks an important step toward more accurate, non-contact assessment of corneal biomechanics and could improve early detection and monitoring of disorders such as keratoconus.

A research paper by scientists at City University of Hong Kong presented a 3-level intelligent framework for multijoint upper-limb assistance based on electromyography (EMG) to support the daily living activities of older adults..

The research paper, published on Jul 15, 2026 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems.

With the widespread adoption of 5G communication and smart devices, electromagnetic radiation and interference have become critical issues affecting electronic equipment operation and human health. A research team led by Professor Guanglei Wu and Associate Professor Zirui Jia from Qingdao University has developed a novel CoS₂/NiS₂@HCNFs composite material. By employing an innovative strategy that combines bimetallic sulfide heterointerfaces with sulfur vacancies, they have successfully resolved the core challenge of balancing impedance matching and loss capability in traditional electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbing materials. This material achieves an ultra-wide absorption bandwidth of 10.08 GHz at a minimal thickness of 2.6 mm, representing a 61% performance improvement over single-metal systems. It offers a lightweight, high-efficiency solution for electromagnetic protection, stealth technology, and 5G device shielding.

What makes a diet healthy—or not? According to a new study, nutritional quality matters more than processing level when it comes to long-term health. The study of over 200,000 people found that the overall quality of a person’s diet was strongly associated with their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and death. However, these associations did not appear to substantially differ based on food processing levels.

Researchers from DICP and Kunming University of Science and Technology engineered two covalent organic framework isomers via Povarov cyclization. The optimized COF-DPPQ achieves a record photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 37.82 mmol g^-1 h^-1—nearly 100× higher than its isomer. Multiscale analyses reveal that linkage topology drastically lowers electron effective mass, extends carrier lifetimes 30-fold, and doubles proton diffusion. The work offers a universal design principle for high-performance solar-to-fuel conversion materials.

High-nickel batteries with manganese-rich protective shells are emerging as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative for electric vehicles. However, a study at Hanyang University reveals that exposing battery precursor materials to air alters manganese chemistry, creating reactive surface defects that accelerate electrolyte breakdown and cause battery degradation. A simple adjustment in lithium content during synthesis can suppress these defects and restore stability, helping manufacturers develop longer-lasting, high-energy batteries for future electric vehicles.