Inspired by Pavlov’s classical conditioning, researchers propose a bio-inspired optical neural network trained via associative learning. Using a dual-color photoresist, sequential UV and visible light exposure encodes memory directly into the material’s fluorescence response, enabling in-situ, computation-free training for pattern recognition—bypassing conventional backpropagation and offering a scalable route to low-cost, edge-compatible photonic AI hardware.

Active environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling via water filtration is a powerful tool for biodiversity monitoring, particularly in aquatic environments with low DNA concentrations. However, its practical performance is often constrained by low capture efficiency, poor molecular selectivity, and contamination risks arising from the weak DNA affinity of conventional membrane materials. A research team led by City University of Hong Kong (CityU) developed a tailored MoS₂ membrane that can “grab” DNA more effectively and species detection sensitivity. This new strategy unlocks new opportunities for the application of two-dimensional material in environmental biotechnology.

Researchers at the Center of Advanced Lubrication and Seal Materials, Northwestern Polytechnical University, proposed an interface engineering strategy to construct a boronized layer on metal surfaces, coupled with hydroxyl-rich polyol lubricants, to achieve macroscale superlubricity from room temperature to above 200 ℃.

This study cross-applies d-band center theory from catalysis to stabilize zinc anodes in aqueous electrolytes. By adding oxalic acid, the d-band center of Zn is downshifted, fundamentally weakening hydrogen adsorption and suppressing hydrogen evolution. Concurrently, it optimizes the Zn²⁺ solvation sheath, minimizing byproduct formation. The Zn||I₂ battery enables a high Coulombic efficiency of and retaining 92.8% capacity after 10,000 cycles. This work pioneers a new paradigm for stabilizing metal anodes via surface electronic structure modulation.

A rambutan-inspired tri-layer composite has been rationally designed to tackle the unstable cycling issues of high-capacity electrodes with large volume changes. This design leverages the high capacity of Si while effectively regulating its volume effect and lithium transport. The resultant composite achieves an optimized balance among strain accommodation, transport kinetics, and interfacial stability, leading to ultrastable and high-capacity lithium storage. These findings are published in Science Bulletin.