A recent review outlines major advances in hydrogel-based strategies for musculoskeletal therapy. Through refined material design and strengthened mechanical performance, hydrogels can mimic key extracellular matrix features while enabling localized and controlled delivery of drugs, cells, and other bioactive cues. They can also be engineered into clinically relevant formats, including injectable systems, scaffolds, patches, and adhesive sealants, supporting applications across bone and cartilage repair, osteoarthritis management, disc regeneration, tendon healing, and dural repair. 

A research team set out to discover how the apparent temperature, or “feels like” temperature, over the ocean differs from the apparent temperature on land and found that a pronounced land-sea contrast is evident.

We study the ground state of the spin-1/2 XXZ antiferromagnet on the triangular lattice in the easy-axis regime using density-matrix renormalization group with spiral boundary conditions. The ordered state remains a nontrivial three-sublattice Y-like structure over a wide anisotropy range. Extrapolation shows incomplete sublattice polarization even in the Ising limit. Energy comparisons demonstrate that the Y state is favored over the up-down-down state, stabilized by quantum fluctuations from the degenerate Ising manifold.

Many vitreoretinal disorders, including retinal detachment (rhegmatogenous, exudative, or tractional), macular holes, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, and vitreous hemorrhage, often require vitrectomy with retinal repair, followed by intraocular tamponade to stabilize the retina and preserve ocular integrity. The tamponade agents most used in clinical practice are expansile gases and silicone oil. Although these materials can effectively support postoperative retinal reattachment, they remain limited in terms of long-term stability and biosafety. Complications such as cataract formation, elevated intraocular pressure, intraocular inflammation, and retinal injury associated with silicone oil emulsification may still occur. To address this challenge, Prof. Jianhai Yang and Prof. Wenguang Liu (Tianjin University), together with Prof. Xiaorong Li and Prof. Xiaoli Xing (Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital) developed an injectable zwitterionic polymer hydrogel based on poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC).

Photodetectors are the “eyes” of modern electronic systems, playing a vital role in fields ranging from optical communication and imaging to sensing. As technology advances, there is a growing demand for photodetectors that are not only highly sensitive but also capable of detecting a broad spectrum of light, responding rapidly, and distinguishing complex optical information. However, traditional photodetectors often face inherent limitations, such as low light absorption efficiency in thin materials, slow response speeds due to carrier trapping, and limited spectral ranges dictated by material bandgaps.

This article collection features papers published in Environmental Surfaces and Interfaces since 2023 on the theme of materials‑driven environmental pollutant removal. It focuses on the development of novel materials and their practical applications in environmental pollutant remediation. All articles are freely available for reading.

A new formulation of CO₂ foams could help address one of the energy industry’s main challenges, specifically regarding the injection of CO₂ underground: controlling CO₂ mobility in reservoir porous media. This advancement has the potential to improve reservoir sweep, enhance oil recovery, and increase geological CO₂ retention. A recent study demonstrates that a polymer-reinforced CO₂ foam can multiply the flow resistance of CO₂, preventing it from moving inefficiently through the reservoir.

Oxford researchers have demonstrated the first wireless quantum key distribution (QKD) system in the ultraviolet-C (UV-C) band, enabling secure wireless communication in direct sunlight. Published in Optica Quantum, the system uses UV-C micro-LEDs and single-photon detectors to operate in the "solar-blind" spectrum, achieving secure key rates over 1 Mbit/s with minimal ambient noise. Future work will focus on outdoor daylight testing and extending the communication range.