Geothermal energy is clean and renewable, derived from the heat stored within accessible depths of the Earth’s crust. The adoption of a single-well system for medium-deep and deep geothermal energy extraction has attracted significant interest from the scientific and industrial communities because it effectively circumvents issues such as downhole inter-well connections and induced seismicity. However, the low heat transfer capacity in geothermal formations limits the heat extraction performance of single-well systems and hinders their commercial deployment. This review covers various enhancement concepts for optimizing the heat transfer within single-well systems, emphasizing critical parameters such as heat transfer area, heat transfer coefficient, and temperature difference. Additionally, it presents the thermo-economic evaluation of different configurations of single-well borehole heat exchangers and superlong gravity heat pipes (SLGHPs). The SLHGP, utilizing phase-change heat transfer, is recognized as a highly effective and continuously productive technology, capable of extracting over 1 MW of heat. Its pumpless operation and ease of installation in abandoned wells make it cost-effective, offering a promising economic advantage over traditional geothermal systems. It also highlights the challenges and potential research opportunities that can help identify gaps in research to enhance the performance of single-well geothermal systems.

A study published in Frontiers in Energy by researchers from Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen University, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, and Nanyang Technological University addresses these challenges. They developed a multi-physical model to analyze and optimize the operation of large-area SOFCs.

In a study published in Frontiers in Energy, Frederik Wiesmann and collaborators from TU Wien, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg introduced a refined oxidation mechanism for OME_1-6. The new SJTU mechanism modifies key reaction rates in the Niu mechanism based on sensitivity analysis and validation against jet-stirred reactor (JSR) experiments and shock tube IDT data from the literature. This mechanism improves the prediction of intermediate species and ignition behavior while maintaining compatibility with CFD frameworks.

A review paper by scientists at Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication presented  a thorough review of the existing research landscape, encapsulating the notable progress in swiftly expanding field.

A research paper by scientists at Beijing Friendship Hospital develop a systematic approach for automated ossicular-chain segmentation and measurement using ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT).

Enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs), which generate electricity through electrochemical reactions between metabolites and O₂/air, are considered a promising alternative power source for wearable and implantable bioelectronics. However, the main challenges facing EBFCs are the poor stability of enzymes and the low electron transfer efficiency between enzymes and electrodes. To enhance the efficiency of EBFCs, researchers have been focusing on the development of novel functional nanomaterials. This mini-review first introduces the working principles and types of EBFCs, highlighting the key roles of nanomaterials, such as enzyme immobilization and stabilization, promotion of electron transfer and catalytic activity. It then summarizes the recent advancements in their application in wearable and implantable devices. Finally, it explores future research direction and the potential of high-performance EBFCs for practical applications.

A study published in Frontiers in Energy by researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, led by Zulipiya Shadike and Junliang Zhang, introduces a novel boron-based electrolyte additive—tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) borate (TTFEB)—to enhance the cyclic stability of NMC811 cathodes. The work systematically compares TTFEB with other boron-based additives and identifies its superior ability to form a stable, LiF-rich CEI.

With climate change posing an unprecedented global challenge, the demand for environmentally friendly solvents in green chemical processes and carbon dioxide capture has surged. Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as promising "designer solvents" due to their negligible volatility, broad liquid temperature range, and exceptional thermal stability. However, the immense chemical space of ILs—with theoretically up to 10¹⁸ possible cation-anion combinations—has created a critical bottleneck in efficient screening and design. Traditional experimental methods are costly and time-consuming, while theoretical calculations like molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry remain computationally prohibitive for large-scale screening. This urgent need for accelerated discovery has set the stage for a transformative technological leap.

Understanding how plant architectural traits change over time is essential for improving crop breeding efficiency and production management. 

Effective hydrophobic barriers were essential for plants to survive on land, yet how these barriers became specialized across different tissues has remained unclear.