The NEAL team at the University of South China has successfully developed HARMONY2.0, an upgraded version of their higher-order modes diffusion code HARMONY1.0. By adopting a hybrid two-step methodology combining MC(Monte Carlo) homogenization and deterministic higher-order modes calculation, this advancement addresses the limitations of deterministic methods in handling complex geometries and energy spectrum adaptation, while avoiding the computational inefficiency inherent to MC approaches. The integration of OpenMP-based parallel computing further accelerates the process, significantly enhancing the capability for reactor higher-order modes analysis. This progress provides critical technical support for key applications such as reactor reactivity measurements and online monitoring.

Here, researchers from Laval University, Harbin Institute of Technology, University of Toronto, University of L’ Aquila, and University of Rome proposed a frequency multiplexed photothermal correlation tomographic (FM-PCT) technique. This approach overcomes the limitations of 2D imaging modes in infrared thermography, as well as the challenges of low imaging speed, narrow field of view, and low resolution in photothermal imaging.

The leading researcher, Dr Andreas Mandelis, commented: “It is these conditions that, for the first time, make FM-PCT a leading candidate for implementation in fast-turn-around quality control situations, such as industrial manufacturing environments.”

Modern unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits have led to a yearly increase in the incidence of metabolism-related liver cancer. A research team from the LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), in collaboration with Peking University (PKU), found that fats in liver cancer can reprogramme immune cells, causing them to malfunction and driving resistance to current first-line liver-cancer treatments. The findings were published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

In a paper published in Astronomical Techniques and Instruments, the Solar Close Observations and Proximity Experiments (SCOPE) mission will send a spacecraft into the solar atmosphere at a low altitude of just 5 R☉ from the solar center. It aims to elucidate the mechanisms behind solar eruptions and coronal heating, and to directly measure the coronal magnetic field.

New enzyme motif shows how ocean microbes are evolving to digest plastic — and could help future cleanup efforts.

In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences, a team of researchers performed comparative analyses of the microbial ectoenzyme activities under atmospheric and in situ pressure conditions in the water column of the Mariana Trench, by conducting pressure-retaining sampling, isobaric transfer, and enzymatic assays in the Challenger Deep. It highlights the importance of pressure-retaining sampling and isobaric enzymatic assays and provides valuable insights into microbial ectoenzymatic activities in the deep ocean.

Researchers comprehensively summarize existing multi-modal fusion technologies, detailing their technical specifics and applications in several key fields. Through in-depth analysis, the study highlights current technical bottlenecks and offers guiding recommendations for the future development of multi-modal research.