Quanta Books is delighted to announce two new upcoming books by mathematician Terence Tao and theoretical physicist David Tong. Six Math Essentials will be Tao’s first math book written for a popular audience. Tong’s book, Everything Is Fields, will illuminate quantum field theory — the physics that explains the fundamental makeup of the universe — drawing from Tong’s distinguished track record as a quantum field theorist and public communicator.

Dr. Nevill Gonzalez Szwacki from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw has developed a groundbreaking model that explains the diversity of boron nanostructures—from hollow molecular clusters to ultrathin 2D layers. His research, published in the prestigious “2D Materials”, shows that the key to the stability and electronic properties of these structures lies in the atomic coordination, the number of neighboring atoms. This discovery not only makes it possible to understand existing boron nanostructures, but also to predict and design new materials with desirable properties.

Recently, a collaborative team from multiple institutions, including CIOMP, published a review article in Light: Science & Applications, systematically expounding on the cutting-edge developments in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)-integrated optical waveguide technology. By reviewing two major technical pathways—remote sensing probes and microfluidic sensing platforms—the study thoroughly analyzes key innovations such as optical fiber structure design, SERS substrate modification, and the integration of emerging technologies. It clarifies the core advantages of this technology in improving detection sensitivity, simplifying operational procedures, and enabling miniaturization. The research not only summarizes the technological breakthroughs and application achievements in this field but also identifies future challenges such as large-scale fabrication and specificity optimization. It provides important academic references for the development of ultra-sensitive trace liquid detection technologies and is expected to drive innovations in detection technologies in fields such as biomedicine and environmental monitoring.

The research team led by Associate Professor Lin-Lin Bu from Wuhan University School and Hospital of Stomatology, has published a comprehensive review entitled “Triaptosis and Cancer: Next Hope?” in the journal Research. This article systematically elaborates the triaptosis pathway from molecular mechanism to therapeutic application, detailing its signaling cascade, discussing the central role of oxidative stress homeostasis in cancer, and offering a forward-looking perspective on future directions—collectively underscoring the compelling potential of triaptosis as a novel anticancer strategy.

Researchers from the Physical Chemistry and Theory departments at the Fritz Haber Institute have found a new way to image layers of boron nitride that are only a single atom thick. This material is usually nearly invisible in optical microscopes because it has no optical resonances. To resolve this issue, the team uses nonlinear microscopy with infrared light, making the material shine very brightly and even reveal its crystal orientation. The work has important implications for the vibrant field of designing new (opto-)electronic devices from stacking 2D materials.