Chloride-based solid electrolytes are considered promising candidates for next-generation high-energy–density all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). However, their relatively low oxidative decomposition threshold (~ 4.2 V vs. Li⁺/Li) constrains their use in ultrahigh-voltage systems (e.g., 4.8 V). In this work, ferroelectric BaTiO₃ (BTO) nanoparticles with optimized thickness of ~ 50–100 nm were successfully coated onto Li_2.5Y_0.5Zr_0.5Cl₆ (LYZC@5BTO) electrolytes using a time-efficient ball-milling process. The nanoparticle-induced interfacial ionic conduction enhancement mechanism contributed to the preservation of LYZC’s high ionic conductivity, which remained at 1.06 mS cm⁻¹ for LYZC@5BTO. Furthermore, this surface electric field engineering strategy effectively mitigates the voltage-induced self-decomposition of chloride-based solid electrolytes, suppresses parasitic interfacial reactions with single-crystal NCM811 (SCNCM811), and inhibits the irreversible phase transition of SCNCM811. Consequently, the cycling stability of LYZC under high-voltage conditions (4.8 V vs. Li⁺/Li) is significantly improved. Specifically, ASSB cells employing LYZC@5BTO exhibited a superior discharge capacity of 95.4 mAh g⁻¹ over 200 cycles at 1 C, way outperforming cell using pristine LYZC that only shows a capacity of 55.4 mAh g⁻¹. Furthermore, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that Metal-O-Cl by-products from cumulative interfacial side reactions accounted for 6% of the surface species initially, rising to 26% after 200 cycles in pristine LYZC. In contrast, LYZC@5BTO limited this increase to only 14%, confirming the effectiveness of BTO in stabilizing the interfacial chemistry. This electric field modulation strategy offers a promising route toward the commercialization of high-voltage solid-state electrolytes and energy-dense ASSBs.

Diethyl ether (DEE, C4H10O) has emerged as a promising renewable alternative to conventional diesel fuels, offering potential solutions for sustainable energy development. This review systematically examines the fundamental combustion characteristics of DEE, including pyrolysis and oxidation behaviors, kinetic modeling, and actual combustion characteristics. It comprehensively summarized the key research progress and main findings in this field. Research has indicated that DEE demonstrates excellent ignition performance, whether used alone or as an additive, and significantly reduces soot formation during combustion by limiting the discharge of C3-C4 hydrocarbon species. However, a complete mechanistic understanding of DEE combustion still remains limited by the lack of key coupling reaction pathways, which directly restricted the accuracy of the reaction kinetic model. At the actual combustion level in devices, the effects of DEE on engine performance, combustion behavior, and emissions has been investigated. Although a large number of experiments have confirmed that DEE has a significant improvement effect in the above aspects, certain performance degradation phenomena and their internal mechanism still require further elucidation. Based on these insights, this review also analyzes the key challenges facing DEE in practical applications and discusses possible solutions, aiming to build a complete research framework spanning from fundamental studies to engineering application future development.

Mode-division multiplexing based on few-mode optical fiber is a promising technology to increase the transmission capacity of optical communication systems, where multi-input multi-output (MIMO) digital signal processing (DSP) is employed to (de)multiplex the signals from different mode channels. Since the group velocity of each mode is different, the signals are separated in the time domain when they reach the receivers. Therefore, it is necessary to compensate for the mode-group-velocity delay of the interval modes to reduce the complexity of the MIMO-DSP algorithm. In this work, we demonstrated an on-chip differential-mode group delay (DMGD) manipulating device based on 3D multilayer cladding waveguides. The proposed device supports compensating the DMGD of about 10.0 ps/m with a device formed with a low refractive index difference. In the meanwhile, the value of DMGD can be greatly improved to be 1878.6 ps/m by forming the device with high refractive index difference material such as thin-film lithium niobate with silicon dioxide cladding. The proposed device provides a feasible design for on-chip DMGD manipulation, which can find various applications in the mode division multiplexing system.

Okayama University of Science (OUS) in Japan and Minghsin University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Taiwan have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to establish a double degree program in semiconductor studies. The agreement, building on a 40-year partnership between the two institutions, will allow students to earn bachelor’s degrees from both universities. Under the program, students begin at OUS to learn semiconductor fundamentals and language skills before advancing to MUST, home of the world’s first Semiconductors School. The initiative aims to cultivate globally minded engineers and strengthen industry–academia collaboration in Okayama and Taiwan. At the signing ceremony held on October 23 at OUS, leaders from both universities and semiconductor companies expressed strong support for developing a joint talent base that will contribute to regional and global semiconductor innovation.

Researchers have developed miniature magnetic robots that mimic fish behavior, working together as coordinated swarms to deliver drugs precisely and efficiently to tissue. The breakthrough could transform treatment of conditions where individual tiny robots lack sufficient coverage area for effective therapy.

With the rapid advancements in computer technology and bioinformatics, the prediction of protein-ligand binding sites has become a central component of modern drug discovery and development. Traditional experimental methods are often constrained by long experimental cycles and high costs; therefore, the development of accurate and efficient computational methods is of paramount significance for conserving time and cost. This review comprehensively summarizes the methodological advancements and current applications in the field of screening for druggable protein target sites, systematically comparing the fundamental principles, advantages, and disadvantages of four main categories of methods: structure- and sequence-based methods, machine learning-based methods, binding site feature analysis methods, and druggability assessment methods. Subsequently, by integrating classic case studies, this paper elaborately discusses the technical support and theoretical guidance afforded by the screening of protein druggable target sites for drug discovery and drug repositioning. Finally, this paper thoroughly explores the current challenges inherent in the field of protein-ligand binding site prediction, with a particular focus on future technological trends, systematically elucidating the developmental prospects and potential applications of these predictive methods.

Writing in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, researchers describe a continuous, glue-assisted winding line that converts flattened bamboo splits into 8-, 10- and 12-mm drinking straws with compressive strength (16–19 MPa) and wet strength (15.6 N vs 3.6 N for paper) that out-perform polypropylene, PLA and coated paper rivals. Soaking plus 60 °C ultrasonic treatment leaches colour bodies and starch, cutting later mould risk by >90 % and water absorption by roughly 40 %. Consumer acceptance among 1 500 café users topped 90 %; raw-material cost per straw is US$0.0007 and factory-gate price US$0.014—about half that of commercial paper straws. Life-cycle data suggest 0.32 g CO₂-e per straw, one-tenth the burden of PP. Authors say the route is ready for 100-million-piece annual lines serving bubble-tea chains and airlines under new plastic-ban timetables.