Researchers observed an anomalous splitting of image-potential states on higher-order topological Bi(111). By tuning film thickness and substrate screening, they linked the splitting to a radial active electric field and the development of Bi(111) surface states. The anomaly provides a possible spectroscopic signature of a monopole-like topological magnetoelectric response.

Announcing a new publication from Opto-Electronic Sciences; DOI   10.29026/oes.2026.260019.

A new review traces the development of carbohydrate-based medicines originating from marine organisms, from early bioactivity studies to approved products and current clinical trials. It links structural features such as sulfation, molecular weight and branching with therapeutic use, and outlines the production, quality-control, mechanistic and pharmacokinetic challenges that still limit clinical translation.

In the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, researchers have solved a rigid manufacturing compromise between geometric complexity and magnetic performance by laser 3D-printing, successfully weaving metal powders into intricate and highly responsive magnetic devices.

Deep fast-charging capability has become the core pursuit for practical applications of aqueous zinc metal batteries, yet it is critically impeded by unfavorable interfacial field evolution at the electrode/electrolyte interface under high-current–density conditions. The coexistence of sluggish Zn²⁺ desolvation, competitive H₂O reduction corrosion, uneven electric field, and concentration field collectively leads to poor rate performance. To tackle these issues, a bolstered interfacial field chemistry strategy was developed via sulfosuccinic acid to precisely regulate the physicochemical and electrochemical properties within the inner Helmholtz plane. The tuned interfacial field comprises a homogeneous distribution of interfacial ions and electric fields, promoting fast desolvation and interfacial electron transfer. Consequently, the modified Zn||Cu asymmetric cells deliver an outstanding average Coulombic efficiency of 99.48% over 1600 cycles at 2 mA cm⁻² and 1 mAh cm⁻². Furthermore, the modified Zn||Zn symmetric cells demonstrate exceptional stability under challenging conditions of 5 mA cm⁻², 2 mAh cm⁻² (over 1600 h), and 10 mA cm⁻², 10 mAh cm⁻² (over 675 h, depth of discharge = 17.08%). Impressively, a substantial cumulative capacity of 3500 mAh cm⁻² is attained at 10 mAh cm⁻² and a 56.93% Zn utilization rate. Besides, the enhanced Zn (10 µm) ||I₂ (10.87 mg cm⁻²) full cell sustains over 1490 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹ with 77.13% capacity retention and a harsh N/P ratio of 2.31. Remarkably, the Zn (10 µm) ||I₂ pouch cell achieves over 680 cycles with an ultralow N/P ratio of 2.04.

Roughly one-third of the food produced worldwide is wasted, and researchers at Kyushu University are turning to packaging for a solution. Their review brings together intelligent sensing materials, self-healing films, and AI-driven prediction to expand packaging's role from passive protection to active, real-time sensing. Through a closed loop of recognition, judgment, actuation, and feedback, the team aims to make packaging a trusted, responsive part throughout the food system, from producers to consumers.