Researchers have detected the quantum fluid of electrons in graphene, an unusual property that can help explore unknown quantum phenomena

The European Space Agency-led Solar Orbiter mission has split the flood of energetic particles flung out into space from the Sun into two groups, tracing each back to a different kind of outburst from our star.

Scientists at The University of Osaka and Tohoku University have developed a groundbreaking technique for creating nanoscale magnetic thin films with embedded functionality. By leveraging the stretchability of flexible substrates, they can precisely control the atomic spacing within these nanofilms, effectively “programming” desired magnetic properties directly into the material. This innovative approach, published in Applied Physics Letters, overcomes limitations of conventional deposition methods and paves the way for advancements in various fields, from electronics to fundamental materials science.

Gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃) is a semiconductor material that could make electronic devices much more energy-efficient than current silicon-based technology. Electronic diodes require two types of semiconductor layers to function properly, negative-type (n-type) and positive-type (p-type) layers. Scientists could reliably produce n-type gallium oxide layers but struggled to create stable p-type layers because gallium oxide's crystal structure naturally resists the atoms needed for these layers. This limitation resulted in gallium oxide semiconductors with poor performance and reliability issues. Now, researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have solved this manufacturing challenge and created the first functional pn diodes using gallium oxide. Their method, published in the Journal of Applied Physics, enables the use of gallium oxide for improved semiconductors and energy efficient devices. In addition, these new pn diodes can carry twice as much electrical current as previous gallium oxide diodes. 

This research provides theoretical and practical references for the application of SOECs in CO₂ conversion. By efficiently converting CO₂ into syngas, methane, and ethylene, SOECs not only accommodate renewable energy but also facilitate carbon resource utilization, playing a significant role in promoting carbon neutrality and establishing a circular carbon economy.

Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts reports an amino-functionalised cellulose hydrogel that harvests motion energy at 732 mW m⁻², retains 97 % output after 24 000 bends, and drives wireless handwriting and fatigue-alert systems without external power.

Led by Univerisity of Maryland researchers, this novel experiment reveals how thunderstorms affect our climate and how Earth’s atmosphere breaks down pollution.