Teacher emotion recognition (TER) is crucial for classroom dynamics, yet limited by scarce multimodal data and feature modeling. We present a multimodal TER dataset with 102 lessons and 2,170 video segments, annotated with interaction-based emotional tags. We propose an Emotion Dual-Space Network (EDSN) with a Commonality Space (ECSC) using central moment differences to align modalities, and a Discrimination Space (EDSC) using gradient reversal and orthogonal projection to extract unique features. EDSN achieves 77.0% accuracy and 0.769 F1-score on the dataset, outperforming state-of-the-art models, demonstrating its effectiveness in educational emotion recognition. 

Researchers have developed a photonic transformer chip that runs on optical interference instead of electronic multiplication. The chip introduces a novel Kramers-Kronig attention mechanism, eliminating the need for SoftMax activation and supporting fully dynamic inputs. It achieves 94% accuracy on MNIST, with potential throughput exceeding 200 POPS and energy efficiency over 500 TOPS/W—ushering in a new paradigm for energy-efficient, high-speed AI.

A new study published in the open-access journal Nature Conservation assesses the threat status of bird species from Vietnam, underscores the country’s critical conservation needs.

This study determined cryo-EM structures of midnolin-proteasome complexes, providing mechanistic insights to midnolin-catalyzed substrate degradation. Based on structural and mechanistic understanding, authors have engineered the midnolin system for targeted degradation of desired substrates, and provide the first proof-of-principle for degrading a non-native therapeutically high-profile target that is otherwise undruggable.

The reticular architecture of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) enables not only systematic but also creative tuning of their functionalities. A recent study involving forty structurally related MOFs demonstrated how to precisely integrate and regulate two types of electrochromic cores within the MOF architectures through mild linker modifications and straightforward crystal engineering. The underlying logic is reminiscent of a conventional color palette—yet elevated to molecular-level precision, offering promising prospects for future electronic applications.

Human health is the Achilles heel of space travel. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now succeeded in printing complex muscle tissue in zero gravity, via parabolic flight experiments. Their work paves the way for beyond-Earth health solutions and testing for future space missions.

Flavanols are plant-derived compounds with an astringent taste, exhibiting pro- or antioxidant properties depending on the environment. Due to poor bioavailability, their health-promoting mechanism remains unclear. A new study identified their action via the brain-gut axis.  A single oral intake of flavanols stimulated brain regions involved in memory and sleep-wake regulation, and increased sympathetic nervous activity, a stress response. These findings may lead to future applications, such as the development of next-generation foods.