All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are widely viewed as a safer and more powerful alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, but their promise is often limited by unstable interfaces inside the cell. A new study shows that carefully introducing oxygen into a sulfide-based solid electrolyte (SE) can stabilize this vulnerable interface while keeping lithium ions moving rapidly. Using lithium sulfate (Li₂SO₄) as an oxygen source, the researchers reshaped the internal lithium pathways of an argyrodite electrolyte and activated cage-to-cage ion conduction. The result is a solid electrolyte that supports high capacity, fast charging and discharging, and long cycling stability, offering a practical strategy for next-generation batteries.

Clean hydrogen production depends on catalysts that can split water efficiently while using precious metals more wisely. A new catalyst design addresses one of the long-standing barriers in alkaline water electrolysis: the slow breakdown of water molecules on platinum (Pt) surfaces. By placing Pt clusters on a symbiotic oxide support made from titanium dioxide quantum dots and cobalt oxide (TiO₂ QDs/Co₃O₄), the study reshapes the electronic state of Pt and creates paired active sites. These sites separately accelerate water dissociation and hydrogen adsorption, enabling faster hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity, stronger stability, and a clearer path toward more efficient alkaline electrolyzers.

Researchers have developed a super-hydrated supramolecular hydrogel that combines high mechanical strength with persistent low friction. Inspired by natural articular cartilage, the material leverages zwitterionic units to form a stable hydration layer and microphase-separated structure, achieving a friction coefficient as low as 0.057 and maintaining lubrication over 100,000 sliding cycles.

Natural biomass hydrogels are emerging as promising building blocks for intelligent sensors because they combine softness, water-rich structures, tunable networks, and abundant functional groups. A new review brings together recent progress in turning materials such as cellulose, chitosan, sodium alginate, gelatin, starch, hemicellulose, proteins, and lignin into responsive sensing platforms. By focusing on the correlation between crosslinking networks and sensor behavior, the review connects material design with practical performance, including sensitivity, response speed, durability, and environmental stability. The work offers a clearer roadmap for developing sustainable sensors for wearable electronics, healthcare monitoring, environmental sensing, and smart human–machine interfaces.

Researchers from Zhejiang Normal University and collaborating institutions in China have revealed how crown architecture mediate neighborhood interactions and growth strategies across a shade tolerance gradient. By analyzing nearly 3,600 trees in a subtropical forest, they show that light-demanding species compete mainly through crown trait dissimilarity among neighbors, while shade-tolerant species are more influenced by neighbor density, offering new insights for forest dynamics models.

A study of 52 college students found that VR mindfulness meditation improved emotion regulation, relaxation, and mindful attention more than audio-only practice. The strongest results came from a self-developed EEG-interactive VR forest that changed in response to users' brain signals, while lavender scent improved relaxation but appeared to reduce concentration.

PS‑NPs/TPhP alter gut microbiota, impair gut structure and disturb oxidative, inflammatory, detoxifying metabolism via distinct pathways; their antagonistic co‑exposure disrupts lipid metabolism, clarifying gut‑liver-axis risks for salamanders.