Conjugated polymers (CPs) have emerged as an interesting class of materials in modern electronics and photonics, characterized by their unique delocalized π-electron systems that confer high flexibility, tunable electronic properties, and solution processability. These organic polymers present a compelling alternative to traditional inorganic semiconductors, offering the potential for a new generation of optoelectronic devices. This review explores the evolving role of CPs, exploring the molecular design strategies and innovative approaches that enhance their optoelectronic properties. We highlight notable progress toward developing faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly devices by analyzing recent advancements in CP-based devices, including organic photovoltaics, field-effect transistors, and nonvolatile memories. The integration of CPs in flexible sustainable technologies underscores their potential to revolutionize future electronic and photonic systems. As ongoing research pushes the frontiers of molecular engineering and device architecture, CPs are poised to play an essential role in shaping next-generation technologies that prioritize performance, sustainability, and adaptability.

Could the future of clean energy hinge on the spin of a single electron? A new scientific review suggests it might. Researchers are turning to the quantum world—specifically, electron spin—to unlock new possibilities for high-performance electrocatalysts that drive green energy reactions. By fine-tuning how electrons spin within catalyst materials, scientists are finding ways to accelerate reactions such as oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, carbon dioxide conversion, and nitrogen fixation. The study introduces emerging strategies—from atomic doping to magnetic field modulation—that allow precise control over catalytic behavior. This marks a bold step toward engineering smarter, faster, and more sustainable catalysts for tomorrow’s energy solutions.

Yang Zhao, associate professor of animal science and University of Tennessee AgResearch Guthrie Endowed Professor in Precision Livestock Farming, is the winner of the regional 2025 Agricultural Research Innovation Award of Excellence.

The award was presented at the Southern Mini Land-Grant Conference on June 10 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, a meeting for agInnovation South, the coalition of directors of state agricultural experiment stations in Southern states. The group is a regional coalition of the national Association for Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).