A research team at Hosei University and the University of Tokyo has achieved the world’s first stable production of edamame in an artificial light-type plant factory. Using the NFT hydroponic method, yields surpassed open-field cultivation while enhancing sugar and isoflavone content. This breakthrough enables year-round production of high-quality, nutritious edamame in diverse environments from urban buildings to deserts and even outer space, marking a significant step toward sustainable food systems and healthier diets.

Flash memory is critical for data-centric systems. A novel floating-gate memory using Pt nanocrystals embedded in a h-BN/MoS₂ van der Waals heterostructure combines ultrafast (20 ns) operational speed with retention time exceeding 10⁵ s. Pt nanocrystals formed via rapid thermal annealing spatially isolate charges, suppressing leakage for stable operation. Configurable logic-in-memory circuits were realized based on the flash memory, demonstrating its potential for energy-efficient computing. This work was published in National Science Open (NSO).

Researchers from Lanzhou University developed a nanotube-based photocatalyst that mimics photosynthesis. By directing sunlight-driven electrons along a one-way path, it efficiently converts CO₂ into CO, offering a blueprint for clean fuel production.

Hypersonic planes can bring one from Sydney to Los Angeles in just an hour. What’s standing in the way of such ultra-fast planes becoming reality is our understanding of how the turbulence they generate as they fly at such high speeds impacts their design. Now, a new study suggests that building hypersonic planes may not require a significantly different design approach.

Researchers propose a novel closed-loop system merging brain-computer interfaces and peripheral nerve stimulation to enable real-time, adaptive therapy for neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and ADHD. This approach dynamically tailors treatment to individual brain signals, overcoming limitations of one-size-fits-all methods. The technology promises precision neuromodulation, targeting specific neural circuits without invasive surgery.