Researchers at Imperial and Exeter investigated why ultrafast optical switching in indium tin oxide reaches saturation – and identified a distinct high-intensity regime not captured by the conventional two-temperature model

To settle inherent irreversible phase transition and motivate re-dissolution of deposited “dead” MnO₂ without acid and redox mediator addition, we introduced atomic-dispersed Co atoms with high-spin state into layered MnO₂, denoted as Co–MnO₂, via an in situ topological phase transformation strategy, thereby unlocking reversible multi-electron transfer chemistry for superb Zn–Mn batteries. Specifically, atomic-distributed Co atoms within Co–MnO₂ effectively modulate [MnO₆] octahedral symmetry and reduce Co–O bond covalency along with enhanced lattice oxygen activity. Based on this, high-spin Co (t_2g⁴e_g²) greatly mitigates the Jahn–Teller distortion as well as promotes electrolytic MnO₂ deposited onto the cathode surface completely converted from adsorbed Mn²⁺ for inhibited “Mn dendrites”, achieving reversible MnO₂/Mn³⁺ and electrolytic MnO₂/Mn²⁺ reactions with highly thermodynamical favorability. Benefiting from the “two-step, three-electron” mechanism triggered by high-spin Co, Zn//Co–MnO₂ battery delivers an outstanding capacity of 658 mAh g^–1 and ultra-long lifespan over 15,000 cycles. This work reveals the critical role of transition-metal spin state modulation for energy-dense and durable Zn-MnO₂ batteries with reversible multi-electron storage mechanisms.

A long-overlooked particle may explain how matter defeated antimatter to build our universe after the Big Bang

Nitrogen fertilizers are essential for crop production, but much of the nitrogen applied to agricultural soils is lost before plants can use it. These losses not only waste valuable nutrients but also contribute to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists have now discovered that adding manganese to biochar can help soil retain more nitrogen by strengthening a natural microbial process.

Agricultural residues, wood waste, and other discarded plant materials could become valuable resources for cleaner energy and environmental technologies. Yet producing consistently high-performing carbon materials from these renewable resources remains a major challenge. Scientists now highlight a critical reason: the properties of the original biomass can determine how well the final carbon material performs.

Researchers at Arizona State University and their collaborators have developed a palladium-coated membrane that uses hydrogen to break down highly persistent PFAS “forever chemicals.” The system successfully treated six PFAS of regulatory concern, removing more than 90% of each compound in continuous operation while chemically stripping away much of their fluorine. The approach could eventually complement existing PFAS-removal technologies by destroying contaminants rather than simply concentrating or storing them.

An ultrasonic tube developed at the University of Helsinki can guide gas, powders and plasma as well as liquids. The tube is formed by ultrasound from 256 small speakers, and it can be turned while material is flowing through it.

Nikki Thiele, a staff scientist in the Chemical Sciences Division of the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has received a 2026 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award. The five-year National Institutes of Health grant supports innovative research with the potential for broad impact on biomedical and behavioral science. Thiele will develop innovative chelator designs to improve targeted radiopharmaceuticals.