Historically seen as a limitation, grain boundaries (GBs) within polycrystalline metal halide perovskite (MHP) films are thought to impede charge transport, adversely impacting the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, we employ home-built confocal photoluminescence microscopy, combined with photocurrent detection modules, to directly visualize the carrier dynamics in the MHP film of PSCs under real operating conditions. Our findings suggest that GBs in high-efficiency PSCs function as carrier transport channels, where a notable enhancement in photocurrent is observed. Femtosecond transient absorption and Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements further validate the existence of a built-in electric field in the vicinity of GBs, offering additional driving force for charge separation and establishing channels for swift carrier transport along the GBs, thereby expediting subsequent charge collection processes. This study elucidates the pivotal role of GBs in operational PSCs and provides valuable insights for the fabrication of high-efficiency PSCs.

A group of researchers from Northeastern University of China developed a novel FeCrVNiAl eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEA) that exhibits a remarkable combination of mechanical strength and high corrosion resistance for marine environments. The alloy integrates hierarchical nanoscale precipitates of B2 (NiAl) and L2₁ (Fe₂CrV) phases within its matrix, which are precisely controlled through solid solution and aging treatments. These precipitates induce multistage strengthening mechanisms, including dislocation interactions, strain hardening, and the formation of misfit dislocations at coherent interfaces. The result is an alloy capable of bearing compressive stresses up to ~3.05 GPa, while simultaneously maintaining outstanding ductility and strain-hardening capabilities. Additionally, the microstructure promotes the formation of a stable passive film comprising chromium oxide, which reduces corrosion current density and enhances resistance in saline, marine-like environments. This dual achievement addresses a key challenge faced by traditional marine materials, which often fail in harsh conditions either by lacking sufficient strength or corrosion resistance. The study offers a new microstructural design that not only achieves these demanding properties but also provides insights into the underlying mechanisms contributing to this synergy.

Solid-state batteries are widely recognized as the next-generation energy storage devices with high specific energy, high safety, and high environmental adaptability. However, the research and development of solid-state batteries are resource-intensive and time-consuming due to their complex chemical environment, rendering performance prediction arduous and delaying large-scale industrialization. Artificial intelligence serves as an accelerator for solid-state battery development by enabling efficient material screening and performance prediction. This review will systematically examine how the latest progress in using machine learning (ML) algorithms can be used to mine extensive material databases and accelerate the discovery of high-performance cathode, anode, and electrolyte materials suitable for solid-state batteries. Furthermore, the use of ML technology to accurately estimate and predict key performance indicators in the solid-state battery management system will be discussed, among which are state of charge, state of health, remaining useful life, and battery capacity. Finally, we will summarize the main challenges encountered in the current research, such as data quality issues and poor code portability, and propose possible solutions and development paths. These will provide clear guidance for future research and technological reiteration.

The advancement of fibre electronics is crucial for developing wearable smart textiles. However, traditional single-function fibres are typically limited to basic sensing and data collection capabilities, lacking effective computational and multimodal signal processing abilities, thus significantly restricting their potential in human activity recognition. Recently, Gupta et al. introduced an innovative single-fibre computer embedding eight microelectronic devices, integrating sensing, communication, and computation into a single fibre. Establishing a distributed cooperative fibre network substantially enhanced human activity recognition accuracy from 67% (single-fibre scenario) to 95%. This novel approach effectively addresses the limitations of conventional smart fibres, paving the way for multi-point sensing, edge-based inference, and real-time human–computer interactions in future intelligent textiles.

Metamaterials with unique properties beyond natural materials are now being advanced through multi-material 4D printing, enabling thermo-, photo-, electro-, and magneto-responsive shape memory polymer composites. New research in IJEM allows for highly programmable, in-situ reconfigurable structures with customizable mechanical functions, encryption-enabled information carriers, and logic gate devices. These innovations pave the way for smart, adaptable manufacturing systems that integrate sensing, actuation, and decision-making in a single structure.

Vascular aging is a silent but powerful driver of many age-related diseases, from heart attacks to dementia. Over time, our arteries lose elasticity, accumulate damage, and struggle to deliver oxygen and nutrients where they are needed most. This review reveals how a network of biological processes—endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and cellular senescence—converge to weaken blood vessels. By mapping the key biomarkers that flag early vascular decline and exploring strategies to counteract it, the findings offer a blueprint for interventions that could slow, halt, or even reverse this decline. Such advances may help extend not just lifespan, but the number of years lived in good health.

For decades, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research has focused on its visible villains—amyloid plaques and tau tangles. But beneath the surface, another player may be quietly steering the disease’s course: lipid metabolism. Lipids, the essential substances that build and fuel the brain, are proving to be powerful influencers of disease progression. When their balance falters, harmful proteins accumulate, synapses weaken, and inflammation spreads. This new review pulls together cutting-edge findings that link genetic risk factors, like APOE4, to disrupted cholesterol transport, faulty fat storage, and poor lipid clearance—unveiling a hidden layer of AD biology and pointing toward untapped therapeutic strategies.

Passive daytime radiative cooling materials are promising for energy-free cooling as global energy consumption rises. SrZrO₃ crystals, with their wide band gap and infrared photon lattice vibration absorption, are potential candidates for such applications. Most importantly, Zn doping has been shown to enhance both solar reflectivity and atmospheric window emissivity, which are critical for cooling performance. Despite the recognized potential of SrZrO₃-based materials, the systematic understanding of how specific dopants like Zn synergistically modify the spectral radiative characteristics, and ultimately the passive cooling performance through combined effects on electronic structure, grain morphology, and lattice symmetry has yet to be comprehensively established. Filling this research gap is imperative for the rational design of high-performance radiative cooling materials.