Researchers at University of Tsukuba have discovered that a vortex-like molecular orientation forms on the surfaces of microspheres composed of chiral π-conjugated polymers (light-emitting molecules with alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds). Furthermore, the microspheres can emit laser light in a ring-like pattern reminiscent of Saturn's rings.

‘Collapsible scissored surfaces’ complete trilogy of metamaterial design principles

With the expansion of sustainable investments, understanding how green financial assets interact has become increasingly important. A quantile analysis of market data, under different market situations, revealed that green cryptocurrencies, particularly Cardano and Stellar, often act as major transmitters of risk, while traditional green assets tend to absorb rather than mitigate market shocks. This study highlights the evolving nature of risk management within sustainable finance.

The promise of quantum computing is to solve complex problems faster and more energy-efficiently than today’s supercomputers – from optimizing logistics processes to simulating molecules. This goal is coming within reach as the number of qubits – the computational units of quantum computing – increases. But in addition to technological challenges of scaling, there is another, less-considered issue: In the New Journal of Physics (DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/ae6e68), researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) demonstrate that in extreme cases, the so-called quantum Zeno effect can nearly halt computational processes as the number of qubits increases – a dreaded phenomenon comparable to a traditional computer “freezing”.

Researchers have developed a green separation process combining a tailor-made ionic liquid with heat pump technology that slashes energy consumption by 48.68% for separating dimethyl carbonate from methanol—a critical bottleneck in sustainable chemical production. Using a multi-scale strategy spanning molecular screening, experimental validation, and process optimization, the team identified an eco-friendly ionic liquid entrainer that breaks the stubborn azeotrope between these industrially important chemicals, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing.