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Mechanochromic photonic crystals are attractive due to their force-dependent structural colors; however, showing unrecordable color and unsatisfied performances, which significantly limits their development and expansion toward advanced applications. Here, a thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystal with a multicolor recordability-erasability was fabricated by combining non-close-packing mechanochromic photonic crystals and phase-change materials. Multicolor recordability is realized by pressing thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystals to obtain target colors over the phase-change temperature followed by fixing the target colors and deformed configuration at room temperature. The stable recorded color can be erased and reconfigured by simply heating and similar color-recording procedures respectively due to the thermoswitchable on-off mechanochromism of thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystals along with solid-gel phase transition. These thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystals are ideal rewritable papers for ink-freely achieving multicolor patterns with high resolution, difficult for conventional photonic papers. This work offers a perspective for designing color-recordable/erasable and other stimulus-switchable materials with advanced applications. Mechanochromic photonic crystals are extremely attractive due to their force-dependent structural colors yet are limited by unrecordable color and unsatisfactory performances. Here, the authors report a thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystal with multicolor recordability-erasability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex differences exist in many neurological and psychiatric diseases, but these have not always been addressed adequately in research. In order to address this, it is necessary to consider how sex is incorporated into the design (e.g. using a balanced design) and into the analyses (e.g. using sex as a covariate) in the published literature. We surveyed papers published in 2009 and 2019 across six journals in neuroscience and psychiatry. In this sample, we find a 30% increase in the percentage of papers reporting studies that included both sexes in 2019 compared with 2009. Despite this increase, in 2019 only 19% of papers in the sample reported using an optimal design for discovery of possible sex differences, and only 5% of the papers reported studies that analysed sex as a discovery variable. We conclude that progress to date has not been sufficient to address the importance of sex differences in research for discovery and therapeutic potential for neurological and psychiatric disease. Sex differences occur in many neurological and psychiatric diseases, and yet research is not always designed optimally to identify these. Here the authors perform a study of how sex was incorporated into the design and analyses of papers published six journals in neuroscience and psychiatry in 2009 compared with 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing effort to replace manual extraction of data from research papers with automated data extraction based on natural language processing, language models, and recently, large language models (LLMs). Although these methods enable efficient extraction of data from large sets of research papers, they require a significant amount of up-front effort, expertise, and coding. In this work, we propose the ChatExtract method that can fully automate very accurate data extraction with minimal initial effort and background, using an advanced conversational LLM. ChatExtract consists of a set of engineered prompts applied to a conversational LLM that both identify sentences with data, extract that data, and assure the data's correctness through a series of follow-up questions. These follow-up questions largely overcome known issues with LLMs providing factually inaccurate responses. ChatExtract can be applied with any conversational LLMs and yields very high quality data extraction. In tests on materials data, we find precision and recall both close to 90% from the best conversational LLMs, like GPT-4. We demonstrate that the exceptional performance is enabled by the information retention in a conversational model combined with purposeful redundancy and introducing uncertainty through follow-up prompts. These results suggest that approaches similar to ChatExtract, due to their simplicity, transferability, and accuracy are likely to become powerful tools for data extraction in the near future. Finally, databases for critical cooling rates of metallic glasses and yield strengths of high entropy alloys are developed using ChatExtract. Efficient data extraction from research papers accelerates science and engineering. Here, the authors develop an automated approach which uses conversational large language models to achieve high precision and recall in extracting materials data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rewritable paper has recently become prevalent in both academic research and marketplace due to the potential environmental advantages, including forest conservation, pollution reduction, energy saving and resource sustainability. However, its real-life applications are limited by a lack of effective strategy to realize multicolour and water-jet printing on rewritable paper with long legible image-lasting times. Herein, we report an effective strategy to construct rewritable paper based on colour or luminescence switching induced by dynamic metal-ligand coordination. This type of rewritable paper can be conveniently utilized for multicolour water-jet printing by using aqueous solutions containing different metal salts as ink. In addition, the printed images on the water-jet rewritable paper can be retained for a long time (> 6 months), which shows great progress compared to previous work. We believe that this type of rewritable paper could be considered as a prototype for multicolour water-jet printing to meet the practical needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose, as a component of green plants, becomes attractive for fabricating biocompatible flexible functional devices but is plagued by hydrophilic properties, which make it easily break down in water by poor mechanical stability. Here we report a class of SiO2-nanoparticle-decorated bacteria-cellulose meta-skin with superior stability in water, excellent machining property, ultrathin thickness, and active bacteria-repairing capacity. We further develop functional ultrasonic metasurfaces based on meta-skin paper-cutting that can generate intricate patterns of ~10 μm precision. Benefited from the perfect ultrasound insulation of surface Cassie-Baxter states, we utilize meta-skin paper-cutting to design and fabricate ultrathin (~20 μm) and super-light (<20 mg) chip-scale devices, such as nonlocal holographic meta-lens and the 3D imaging meta-lens, realizing complicated acoustic holograms and high-resolution 3D ultrasound imaging in far fields. The decorated bacteria-cellulose ultrasonic metasurface opens the way for exploiting flexible and biologically degradable metamaterial devices with functionality customization and key applications in advanced biomedical engineering technologies. The researchers report a class of silica-nanoparticle-decorated bacteria-cellulose ultrasonic metasurfaces that feature excellent stability in water and mechanical processability. They demonstrate it as holographic meta-lens and 3D imaging meta-lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoclasts are the primary target for osteoporosis drug development. Recent animal studies revealed the crucial roles of osteoblasts in regulating osteoclastogenesis and the longer lifespans of osteoclasts than previously thought with fission and recycling. However, existing culture platforms are limited to replicating these newly identified cellular processes. We report a demineralized bone paper (DBP)-based osteoblast culture and osteoclast assay platform that replicates osteoclast fusion, fission, resorption, and apoptosis with high fidelity and analytical power. An osteoid-inspired DBP supports rapid and structural mineral deposition by osteoblasts. Coculture osteoblasts and bone marrow monocytes under biochemical stimulation recapitulate osteoclast differentiation and function. The DBP-based bone model allows longitudinal quantitative fluorescent monitoring of osteoclast responses to bisphosphonate drug, substantiating significantly reducing their number and lifespan. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of humanizing the bone model. The DBP-based osteo assay platforms are expected to advance bone remodeling-targeting drug development with improved prediction of clinical outcomes. Here, authors report demineralized bone paper-based in vitro osteogenic culture and assay platforms that replicate essential bone tissue complexity, osteoclast processes, and drug responses with high fidelity and predictive power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution-processable 2D semiconductor inks based on electrochemical molecular intercalation and exfoliation of bulk layered crystals using organic cations has offered an alternative pathway to low-cost fabrication of large-area flexible and wearable electronic devices. However, the growth of large-piece bulk crystals as starting material relies on costly and prolonged high-temperature process, representing a critical roadblock towards practical and large-scale applications. Here we report a general liquid-metal-assisted approach that enables the electrochemical molecular intercalation of low-cost and readily available crystal powders. The resulted solution-processable MoS2 nanosheets are of comparable quality to those exfoliated from bulk crystals. Furthermore, this method can create a rich library of functional 2D electronic inks (>50 types), including 2D wide-bandgap semiconductors of low electrical conductivity. Lastly, we demonstrated the all-solution-processable integration of 2D semiconductors with 2D conductors and 2D dielectrics for the fabrication of large-area thin-film transistors and memristors at a greatly reduced cost. Electrochemical molecular intercalation and exfoliation are established methods to obtain 2D semiconductor inks, but they usually require costly bulk layered crystals as starting materials. Here, the authors report a facile and general liquid-metal-assisted method to synthesize >50 types of 2D material inks from low-cost crystal powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Origami, known as paper folding has become a fascinating research topic recently. Origami-inspired materials often establish mechanical properties that are difficult to achieve in conventional materials. However, the materials based on origami tessellation at the molecular level have been significantly underexplored. Herein, we report a two-dimensional (2D) porphyrinic metal-organic framework (MOF), self-assembled from Zn nodes and flexible porphyrin linkers, displaying folding motions based on origami tessellation. A combined experimental and theoretical investigation demonstrated the origami mechanism of the 2D porphyrinic MOF, whereby the flexible linker acts as a pivoting point. The discovery of the 2D tessellation hidden in the 2D MOF unveils origami mechanics at the molecular level. This work introduces a 2D porphyrinic metal-organic framework based on DCS origami tessellation, displaying unique folding behavior inspired by origami mechanics. This breakthrough paves the way for MOFs toward mechanical metamaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the degree to which impact in science and technology is associated with surprising breakthroughs, and how those breakthroughs arise. Identifying breakthroughs across science and technology requires models that distinguish surprising from expected advances at scale. Drawing on tens of millions of research papers and patents across the life sciences, physical sciences and patented inventions, and using a hypergraph model that predicts realized combinations of research contents (article keywords) and contexts (cited journals), here we show that surprise in terms of unexpected combinations of contents and contexts predicts outsized impact (within the top 10% of citations). These surprising advances emerge across, rather than within researchers or teams—most commonly when scientists from one field publish problem-solving results to an audience from a distant field. Our approach characterizes the frontier of science and technology as a complex hypergraph drawn from high-dimensional embeddings of research contents and contexts, and offers a measure of path-breaking surprise in science and technology. Here, using hypergraph modeling the authors show that surprising research (in terms of unexpected combinations of research contents and contexts) is associated with impact and arises from scientific outsiders solving problems in distant disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is the ideal substrate for the development of flexible and environmentally sustainable ubiquitous electronic systems, which, combined with two-dimensional materials, could be exploited in many Internet-of-Things applications, ranging from wearable electronics to smart packaging. Here we report high-performance MoS2 field-effect transistors on paper fabricated with a "channel array" approach, combining the advantages of two large-area techniques: chemical vapor deposition and inkjet-printing. The first allows the pre-deposition of a pattern of MoS2; the second, the printing of dielectric layers, contacts, and connections to complete transistors and circuits fabrication. Average ION/IOFF of 8 × 103 (up to 5 × 104) and mobility of 5.5 cm2 V−1 s−1 (up to 26 cm2 V−1 s−1) are obtained. Fully functional integrated circuits of digital and analog building blocks, such as logic gates and current mirrors, are demonstrated, highlighting the potential of this approach for ubiquitous electronics on paper. Paper is a promising substrate for flexible and environmentally sustainable electronic devices. Here, the authors combine chemical vapor deposition of MoS2 with inkjet printing of a hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) dielectric and silver electrodes, to fabricate flexible MoS2 field-effect transistors on paper, and then combine the latter with printed graphene resistors and silver interconnects to create inverters, logic gates and current mirrors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the 12th of April 2010, Nature Communications published its first editorial and primary research articles. The topics of these first 11 papers represented the multidisciplinary nature of the journal: from DNA damage to optics alongside material science to energy and including polymer chemistry. We have spoken with the corresponding authors of some of these very first papers and asked them about their experience of publishing in this then new journal and how they see Nature Communications now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular diagnostics for crop diseases can guide the precise application of pesticides, thereby reducing pesticide usage while improving crop yield, but tools are lacking. Here, we report an in-field molecular diagnostic tool that uses a cheap colorimetric paper and a smartphone, allowing multiplexed, low-cost, rapid detection of crop pathogens. Rapid nucleic acid amplification-free detection of pathogenic RNA is achieved by combining toehold-mediated strand displacement with a metal ion-mediated urease catalysis reaction. We demonstrate multiplexed detection of six wheat pathogenic fungi and an early detection of wheat stripe rust. When coupled with a microneedle for rapid nucleic acid extraction and a smartphone app for results analysis, the sample-to-result test can be completed in ~10 min in the field. Importantly, by detecting fungal RNA and mutations, the approach allows to distinguish viable and dead pathogens and to sensitively identify mutation-carrying fungicide-resistant isolates, providing fundamental information for precision crop disease management. On-site crop disease diagnostics is critical for precise application of pesticides. Here, the authors report an in-field molecular diagnostic tool for wheat pathogens using a nucleic acid amplification-free, gene mutation-resolved and smartphone-integrated genetic assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has an extremely high in-plane strength yet considerable out-of-plane softness. High crystalline order of graphene assemblies is desired to utilize their in-plane properties, however, challenged by the easy formation of chaotic wrinkles for the intrinsic softness. Here, we find an intercalation modulated plasticization phenomenon, present a continuous plasticization stretching method to regulate spontaneous wrinkles of graphene sheets into crystalline orders, and fabricate continuous graphene papers with a high Hermans' order of 0.93. The crystalline graphene paper exhibits superior mechanical (tensile strength of 1.1 GPa, stiffness of 62.8 GPa) and conductive properties (electrical conductivity of 1.1 × 105 S m−1, thermal conductivity of 109.11 W m−1 K−1). We extend the ultrastrong graphene papers to the realistic laminated composites and achieve high strength combining with attractive conductive and electromagnetic shielding performance. The intercalation modulated plasticity is revealed as a vital state of graphene assemblies, contributing to their industrial processing as metals and plastics. Strong but flexible graphene tends to wrinkle, which compromises some properties. Here the authors report a solid plasticization method to prepare continuous graphene papers with high crystalline order, achieving high strength, stiffness, electrical and thermal conductivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kirigami, a traditional paper cutting art, offers a promising strategy for 2D-to-3D shape morphing through cut-guided deformation. Existing kirigami designs for target 3D curved shapes rely on intricate cut patterns in thin sheets, making the inverse design challenging. Motivated by the Gauss-Bonnet theorem that correlates the geodesic curvature along the boundary with the Gaussian curvature, here, we exploit programming the curvature of cut boundaries rather than the complex cut patterns in kirigami sheets for target 3D curved morphologies through both forward and inverse designs. The strategy largely simplifies the inverse design. Leveraging this strategy, we demonstrate its potential applications as a universal and nondestructive gripper for delicate objects, including live fish, raw egg yolk, and a human hair, as well as dynamically conformable heaters for human knees. This study opens a new avenue to encode boundary curvatures for shape-programing materials with potential applications in soft robotics and wearable devices. Kirigami, a traditional paper cutting art, offers a promising strategy for 2D-to-3D shape morphing through cut-guided deformation. Here, authors report a simple strategy of cut boundary curvature-guided 3D shape morphing and its applications in non-destructive grippers and dynamically conformable heaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic sensors are widely used in our daily life for assessing the position and orientation of objects. Recently, the magnetic sensing modality has been introduced to electronic skins (e-skins), enabling remote perception of moving objects. However, the integration density of magnetic sensors is limited and the vector properties of the magnetic field cannot be fully explored since the sensors can only perceive field components in one or two dimensions. Here, we report an approach to fabricate high-density integrated active matrix magnetic sensor with three-dimensional (3D) magnetic vector field sensing capability. The 3D magnetic sensor is composed of an array of self-assembled micro-origami cubic architectures with biased anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensors manufactured in a wafer-scale process. Integrating the 3D magnetic sensors into an e-skin with embedded magnetic hairs enables real-time multidirectional tactile perception. We demonstrate a versatile approach for the fabrication of active matrix integrated 3D sensor arrays using micro-origami and pave the way for new electronic devices relying on the autonomous rearrangement of functional elements in space. State-of-the-art magnetic skins can only sense in one or two-dimensions, at small spatial resolutions. By combining the ancient art of paper folding, origami, with advanced semiconductor technology, here, authors present cutting edge three-dimensional magnetic sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early diagnosis of active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant barrier to the treatment of the disease and to preventing the associated significant morbidity and mortality seen, worldwide. Current testing is delayed due to the high cost, long turnaround times and high expertise needed in centralised diagnostic laboratories. Here we demonstrate a user-friendly, low-cost pan-genotypic assay, based upon reverse transcriptase loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). We developed a prototype device for point-of-care use, comprising a LAMP amplification chamber and lateral flow nucleic acid detection strips, giving a visually-read, user-friendly result in <40 min. The developed assay fulfils the current guidelines recommended by World Health Organisation and is manufactured at minimal cost using simple, portable equipment. Further development of the diagnostic test will facilitate linkage between disease diagnosis and treatment, greatly improving patient care pathways and reducing loss to follow-up, so assisting in the global elimination strategy. Current HCV nucleic acid-based diagnosis is largely performed in centralised laboratories. Here, the authors present a pan-genotypic RNA assay, based on reverse transcriptase loop mediated isothermal amplification and develop a low-cost prototype paper-based lateral flow device for point-of-care use, providing a visually read result within 40 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective implantation of conductive and charge storage materials into flexible frames has been strongly demanded for the development of flexible supercapacitors. Here, we introduce metallic cellulose paper-based supercapacitor electrodes with excellent energy storage performance by minimizing the contact resistance between neighboring metal and/or metal oxide nanoparticles using an assembly approach, called ligand-mediated layer-by-layer assembly. This approach can convert the insulating paper to the highly porous metallic paper with large surface areas that can function as current collectors and nanoparticle reservoirs for supercapacitor electrodes. Moreover, we demonstrate that the alternating structure design of the metal and pseudocapacitive nanoparticles on the metallic papers can remarkably increase the areal capacitance and rate capability with a notable decrease in the internal resistance. The maximum power and energy density of the metallic paper-based supercapacitors are estimated to be 15.1mWcm-2 and 267.3 μWh cm-2, respectively, substantially outperforming the performance of conventional paper or textile-type supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotypic plasticity, the ability to produce multiple phenotypes from a single genotype, represents an excellent model with which to examine the relationship between gene expression and phenotypes. Analyses of the molecular foundations of phenotypic plasticity are challenging, however, especially in the case of complex social phenotypes. Here we apply a machine learning approach to tackle this challenge by analyzing individual-level gene expression profiles of Polistes dominula paper wasps following the loss of a queen. We find that caste-associated gene expression profiles respond strongly to queen loss, and that this change is partly explained by attributes such as age but occurs even in individuals that appear phenotypically unaffected. These results demonstrate that large changes in gene expression may occur in the absence of outwardly detectable phenotypic changes, resulting here in a socially mediated de-differentiation of individuals at the transcriptomic level but not at the levels of ovarian development or behavior. Connecting genotypes to complex social behaviour is challenging. Taylor et al. use machine learning to show a strong response of caste-associated gene expression to queen loss, wherein individual wasp's expression profiles become intermediate between queen and worker states, even in the absence of behavioural changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature Communications published a correction notice for an article titled "A library of 2D electronic material inks synthesized by liquid-metal-assisted intercalation of crystal powders." The correction added a reference to previous work in 'Sci. Adv. 7, eabe3767 (2021)' that was initially omitted. The correction has been made in both the PDF and HTML versions of the article. [Extracted from the article]

Electrochemical CO2 reduction has emerged as a promising CO2 utilization technology, with Gas Diffusion Electrodes becoming the predominant architecture to maximize performance. Such electrodes must maintain robust hydrophobicity to prevent flooding, while also ensuring high conductivity to minimize ohmic losses. Intrinsic material tradeoffs have led to two main architectures: carbon paper is highly conductive but floods easily; while expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene is flooding resistant but non-conductive, limiting electrode sizes to just 5 cm2. Here we demonstrate a hierarchically conductive electrode architecture which overcomes these scaling limitations by employing inter-woven microscale conductors within a hydrophobic expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. We develop a model which captures the spatial variability in voltage and product distribution on electrodes due to ohmic losses and use it to rationally design the hierarchical architecture which can be applied independent of catalyst chemistry or morphology. We demonstrate C2+ Faradaic efficiencies of ~75% and reduce cell voltage by as much as 0.9 V for electrodes as large as 50 cm2 by employing our hierarchically conductive electrode architecture. Conventional electrochemical CO2 conversion electrodes are bound by a tradeoff which prevents electrodes from being both stable and scalable. Here the authors develop a composite electrode which achieves both, enabling scaling to a 50 cm2 electrode with low ohmic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced design strategies are essential to realize the full potential of engineered living materials, including their biodegradability, manufacturability, sustainability, and ability to tailor functional properties. Toward these goals, we present mechanically engineered living material with compostability, healability, and scalability – a material that integrates these features in the form of a stretchable plastic that is simultaneously flushable, compostable, and exhibits the characteristics of paper. This plastic/paper-like material is produced in scalable quantities (0.5–1 g L−1), directly from cultured bacterial biomass (40%) containing engineered curli protein nanofibers. The elongation at break (1–160%) and Young's modulus (6-450 MPa) is tuned to more than two orders of magnitude. By genetically encoded covalent crosslinking of curli nanofibers, we increase the Young's modulus by two times. The designed engineered living materials biodegrade completely in 15–75 days, while its mechanical properties are comparable to petrochemical plastics and thus may find use as compostable materials for primary packaging. Advanced design strategies are required for increased control of favourable characteristics of Engineered Living Materials. Here, the authors report the development of a material that has plastic-like stretchability and paper-like compostability and manufacturability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since synthetic crude oil production is reported monthly in inventories, we can scale flight measurements of CO SB 2 sb emissions (taken over several hours) to monthly estimates of CO SB 2 sb emissions and then correlate estimates of monthly CO SB 2 sb emissions to monthly synthetic crude oil production. Technical errors Fu and Legge assert that a single calculation error (not using the correct CO SB 2 sb /SO SB 2 sb molecular weight ratio) invalidates the results from the emissions estimation algorithm (TERRA). The CO SB 2 sb /SO SB 2 sb molecular weight ratio was used to provide a second and independent method for estimating/scaling up the CO SB 2 sb emissions from stacks to compare with the results using the TERRA algorithm. B replying to b L. Fu & A. H. Legge I Nature Communications i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40818-5 (2023) In our paper[1], we presented an aircraft measurement-based assessment of the CO SB 2 sb emissions from the oil sands surface mining sector in Alberta, Canada, and demonstrated that overall CO SB 2 sb emissions were 64% higher than reported by the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Inspired by the natural shape-morphing abilities of biological organisms, we introduce a strategy for creating energy-efficient dynamic 3D metasurfaces through spatiotemporal jamming of interleaved assemblies. Our approach, diverging from traditional shape-morphing techniques reliant on continuous energy inputs, utilizes strategically jammed, paper-based interleaved assemblies. By rapidly altering their stiffness at various spatial points and temporal phases during the relaxation of the soft substrate through jamming, we enable the formation of refreshable, intricate 3D shapes with a desirable load-bearing capability. This process, which does not require ongoing energy consumption, ensures energy-efficient and lasting shape displays. Our theoretical model, linking buckling deformation to residual pre-strain, underpins the inverse design process for an array of interleaved assemblies, facilitating the creation of diverse 3D configurations. This metasurface holds notable potential for tactile displays, particularly for the visually impaired, heralding possibilities in visual impaired education, haptic feedback, and virtual/augmented reality applications. This paper introduces a load-bearing 3D dynamic metasurface that alters the stiffness of interleaved assemblies at various spatial points and temporal phases through jamming. This approach does not require continuous energy input and was demonstrated as a tactile display for the visually impaired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This addendum to a research paper published in Nature Communications discusses a correction to the data presented in the original paper. The authors discovered an undersampling issue in the optical imaging of Fig. 2C, which led to unreliable results regarding the propagation velocity of Min protein patterns. The originally chosen frame rate was sufficient for capturing the velocity of patterns formed by MinE-wildtype, but not for patterns formed by MinE-L3E/I24N. The authors provide new data and analysis to support their conclusions and acknowledge the implications for their previous modeling. Further experimental and theoretical studies are needed to fully understand the observed discrepancies. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a reply to a comment made by Hartich and Godec on a previous paper. The authors clarify that the counterexample presented by Hartich and Godec does not invalidate their results but raises questions about the effect of coarse-graining on irreversibility. They explain that their equation is an exact expression and does not need to be tested. They also discuss the condition for their claim to be valid and acknowledge that their paper could have been clearer in its presentation. The authors provide additional explanations and justifications for their work. [Extracted from the article]

Molecular diagnostics for crop diseases can guide the precise application of pesticides, thereby reducing pesticide usage while improving crop yield, but tools are lacking. Here, we report an in-field molecular diagnostic tool that uses a cheap colorimetric paper and a smartphone, allowing multiplexed, low-cost, rapid detection of crop pathogens. Rapid nucleic acid amplification-free detection of pathogenic RNA is achieved by combining toehold-mediated strand displacement with a metal ion-mediated urease catalysis reaction. We demonstrate multiplexed detection of six wheat pathogenic fungi and an early detection of wheat stripe rust. When coupled with a microneedle for rapid nucleic acid extraction and a smartphone app for results analysis, the sample-to-result test can be completed in ~10 min in the field. Importantly, by detecting fungal RNA and mutations, the approach allows to distinguish viable and dead pathogens and to sensitively identify mutation-carrying fungicide-resistant isolates, providing fundamental information for precision crop disease management. On-site crop disease diagnostics is critical for precise application of pesticides. Here, the authors report an in-field molecular diagnostic tool for wheat pathogens using a nucleic acid amplification-free, gene mutation-resolved and smartphone-integrated genetic assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerating text input in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a long-standing area of research with bearings on the quality of life in individuals with profound motor impairments. Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) pose opportunities for re-thinking strategies for enhanced text entry in AAC. In this paper, we present SpeakFaster, consisting of an LLM-powered user interface for text entry in a highly-abbreviated form, saving 57% more motor actions than traditional predictive keyboards in offline simulation. A pilot study on a mobile device with 19 non-AAC participants demonstrated motor savings in line with simulation and relatively small changes in typing speed. Lab and field testing on two eye-gaze AAC users with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis demonstrated text-entry rates 29–60% above baselines, due to significant saving of expensive keystrokes based on LLM predictions. These findings form a foundation for further exploration of LLM-assisted text entry in AAC and other user interfaces. Individuals with severe motor impairments use gaze to type and communicate. This paper presents a large language model-based user interface that enables gaze typing in highly abbreviated forms, achieving significant motor saving and speed gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating statistically equivalent virtual microstructures (SEVM) for polycrystalline materials with complex microstructures that encompass multi-modal morphological and crystallographic distributions is a challenging enterprise. Cold spray-formed (CSF) AA7050 alloy containing coarse-grained prior particles and ultra-fine grains (UFG) and additively manufactured (AM) Ti64 alloys with alpha laths in beta substrates. The paper introduces an approach strategically integrating a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) for multi-modal microstructures with a synthetic microstructure builder DREAM.3D for packing grains conforming to statistics in electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps for generating SEVMs of CSF and AM alloy microstructures. A robust multiscale model is subsequently developed for self-consistent coupling of crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) for coarse-grained crystals with an upscaled constitutive model for UFGs. Sub-volume elements are simulated for efficient computations and their responses are averaged for overall stress-strain response. The methods developed are important for image-based micromechanical modeling that is necessary for microstructure-property relations. This paper integrates GANs with the DREAM.3D code to generate virtual microstructures for addressing structure-property relations in complex multi-modal cold spray formed microstructures. A robust multiscale model accounts for grains at two scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aqueous interface-rich system has been proposed to act as a trigger and a reservoir for reactive radicals, playing a crucial role in chemical reactions. Although much is known about the redox reactivity of water microdroplets at "droplets-in-gas" interfaces, it remains poorly understood for "bubbles-in-water" interfaces that are created by feeding gas through the porous membrane of the gas diffusion electrode. Here we reveal the spontaneous generation of highly reactive redox radical species detected by using electron paramagnetic resonance under such conditions without applying any bias and loading any catalysts. In combination with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, the redox feature has been further verified through several probe molecules. Unexpectedly, introducing crown ether allows to isolate and stabilize both water radical cations and hydrated electrons thus substantially increasing redox reactivity. Our finding suggests a reactive microenvironment at the interface of the gas diffusion electrode owing to the coexistence of oxidative and reductive species. The gas diffusion electrode interface can boost chemical reactions, yet its microenvironment properties are largely unexplored. Here, the authors report the spontaneous generation of reactive redox radical species at the interface using Janus hydrophobic/hydrophilic porous carbon papers to feed gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate extraction of physiological and physical signals from human skin is crucial for health monitoring, disease prevention, and treatment. Recent advances in wearable bioelectronics directly embedded to the epidermal surface are a promising solution for future epidermal sensing. However, the existing wearable bioelectronics are susceptible to motion artifacts as they lack proper adhesion and conformal interfacing with the skin during motion. Here, we present ultra-conformal, customizable, and deformable drawn-on-skin electronics, which is robust to motion due to strong adhesion and ultra-conformality of the electronic inks drawn directly on skin. Electronic inks, including conductors, semiconductors, and dielectrics, are drawn on-demand in a freeform manner to develop devices, such as transistors, strain sensors, temperature sensors, heaters, skin hydration sensors, and electrophysiological sensors. Electrophysiological signal monitoring during motion shows drawn-on-skin electronics' immunity to motion artifacts. Additionally, electrical stimulation based on drawn-on-skin electronics demonstrates accelerated healing of skin wounds. Designing efficient wearable bioelectronics for health monitoring, disease prevention, and treatment, remains a challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate an ultra-conformal, customizable and deformable drawn-on-skin electronics which is robust to motion artifacts and resistant to physical damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the social and economic benefits of diversity, we analyze over 9 million papers and 6 million scientists to study the relationship between research impact and five classes of diversity: ethnicity, discipline, gender, affiliation, and academic age. Using randomized baseline models, we establish the presence of homophily in ethnicity, gender and affiliation. We then study the effect of diversity on scientific impact, as reflected in citations. Remarkably, of the classes considered, ethnic diversity had the strongest correlation with scientific impact. To further isolate the effects of ethnic diversity, we used randomized baseline models and again found a clear link between diversity and impact. To further support these findings, we use coarsened exact matching to compare the scientific impact of ethnically diverse papers and scientists with closely-matched control groups. Here, we find that ethnic diversity resulted in an impact gain of 10.63% for papers, and 47.67% for scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a response to a critique of a scientific paper published in Nature Communications. The authors of the response address the criticisms made by Dr. Goldsmith and his colleagues regarding the enzyme activities described in their paper. They clarify that their results were measured using a different method than assumed by Dr. Goldsmith. The authors also present their own experiments that challenge the proposed substrate for one of the enzymes involved in the synthesis of β-ODAP, a compound found in grass peas that can cause a neurodegenerative disorder called lathyrism. They conclude that the synthesis of a key compound involved in β-ODAP synthesis is likely limited in the cytosol of grass pea plants. The article highlights the proposed mechanism for β-ODAP synthesis and provides experimental evidence to support it, while also addressing criticisms and emphasizing the importance of understanding this process for improving the crop. [Extracted from the article]

Skillful subseasonal forecasts are crucial for various sectors of society but pose a grand scientific challenge. Recently, machine learning-based weather forecasting models outperform the most successful numerical weather predictions generated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), but have not yet surpassed conventional models at subseasonal timescales. This paper introduces FuXi Subseasonal-to-Seasonal (FuXi-S2S), a machine learning model that provides global daily mean forecasts up to 42 days, encompassing five upper-air atmospheric variables at 13 pressure levels and 11 surface variables. FuXi-S2S, trained on 72 years of daily statistics from ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis data, outperforms the ECMWF's state-of-the-art Subseasonal-to-Seasonal model in ensemble mean and ensemble forecasts for total precipitation and outgoing longwave radiation, notably enhancing global precipitation forecast. The improved performance of FuXi-S2S can be primarily attributed to its superior capability to capture forecast uncertainty and accurately predict the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), extending the skillful MJO prediction from 30 days to 36 days. Moreover, FuXi-S2S not only captures realistic teleconnections associated with the MJO but also emerges as a valuable tool for discovering precursor signals, offering researchers insights and potentially establishing a new paradigm in Earth system science research. This paper introduces FuXi-S2S, a machine-learning model that outperforms conventional numerical weather prediction models at subseasonal timescales globally, extending the skillful Madden–Julian Oscillation prediction form 30 days to 36 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaculture is a rapidly growing food production technology, but there are significant concerns related to its environmental impact and adverse social effects. We examine aquaculture outcomes in a three pillars of sustainability framework by analyzing data collected using the Aquaculture Performance Indicators. Using this approach, comparable data has been collected for 57 aquaculture systems worldwide on 88 metrics that measure social, economic, or environmental outcomes. We first examine the relationships among the three pillars of sustainability and then analyze performance in the three pillars by technology and species. The results show that economic, social, and environmental outcomes are, on average, mutually reinforced in global aquaculture systems. However, the analysis also shows significant variation in the degree of sustainability in different aquaculture systems, and weak performance of some production systems in some dimensions provides opportunity for innovative policy measures and investment to further align sustainability objectives. Garlock and colleagues analyze 57 aquaculture systems worldwide on 88 metrics that measure social, economic, or environmental outcomes. They find significant variation in the degree of sustainability in different aquaculture systems, and weak performance of some production systems in some dimensions provides opportunity for innovative policy measures and investment to further align sustainability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abuse of antibiotics urgently requires rapid identification of drug-resistant bacteria at the point of care (POC). Here we report a visual paper sensor that allows rapid (0.25-3 h) discrimination of the subtypes of β-lactamase (the major cause of bacterial resistance) for precision antibiotic therapy. The sensor exhibits high performance in identifying antibiotic-resistant bacteria with 100 real samples from patients with diverse bacterial infections, demonstrating 100% clinical sensitivity and specificity. Further, this sensor can enhance the accuracy of antibiotic use from 48% empirically to 83%, and further from 50.6% to 97.6% after eliminating fungal infection cases. Our work provides a POC testing platform for guiding effective management of bacterial infections in both hospital and community settings. The rapid identification of drug-resistant bacteria is vital for effective treatment and to avoid antibiotic misuse. Here authors report a paper-based sensor which utilises chromogenic carbapenem and cephalosporin substrates for the identification and discrimination of β-lactamase subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present an innovative approach for transforming commonly available cellulose paper into a flexible and catalytic current collector for overall water splitting. A solution processed soak-and-coat method of electroless plating was used to render a piece of paper conducting by conformably depositing metallic nickel nanoparticles, while still retaining the open macroporous framework. Proof-of-concept paper-electrodes are realized by modifying nickel-paper current collector with model electrocatalysts nickel-iron oxyhydroxide and nickel-molybdenum bimetallic alloy through electrodeposition route. The paper-electrodes demonstrate exceptional activities towards oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, requiring overpotentials of 240 and 32 mV at 50 and -10 mA cm-2, respectively, even as they endure extreme mechanical stress. The generality of this approach is demonstrated by fabricating similar electrodes on cotton fabric, which also show high activity. Finally, a two-electrode paper-electrolyzer is constructed which can split water with an efficiency of 98.01%, and exhibits robust stability for more than 200 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While inequalities in science are common, most efforts to understand them treat scientists as isolated individuals, ignoring the network effects of collaboration. Here, we develop models that untangle the network effects of productivity defined as paper counts, and prominence referring to high-impact publications, of individual scientists from their collaboration networks. We find that gendered differences in the productivity and prominence of mid-career researchers can be largely explained by differences in their coauthorship networks. Hence, collaboration networks act as a form of social capital, and we find evidence of their transferability from senior to junior collaborators, with benefits that decay as researchers age. Collaboration network effects can also explain a large proportion of the productivity and prominence advantages held by researchers at prestigious institutions. These results highlight a substantial role of social networks in driving inequalities in science, and suggest that collaboration networks represent an important form of unequally distributed social capital that shapes who makes what scientific discoveries. While inequalities in science are common, most efforts to understand them treat scientists as isolated individuals, ignoring the network effects of collaboration. Here, the authors develop models that untangle the network effects of productivity and prominence of individual scientists from their collaboration networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colour of water-jet rewritable paper (WJRP) is difficult to be expanded via single hydrochromic molecule, especially black. Here, inspired by the amazing phenomenon of bound-water in cells enabling various biological transformations via facilitating synergistic inter-/intra-molecular proton transfer, we present a simple strategy toward WJRP based on binary systems containing less-sensitive acidochromic dyes and mild proton donors (or developers). With such a binary system containing commercial black dye as the colouring agent, benzyl 4-hydroxybenzoate as the developer, and biomimetic bound-water as proton-transferring medium, we successfully achieve the long-awaited black WJRP. Printed images on such WJRP have excellent performances and long retaining time (>1 month). In addition, the robustness, durability and reversibility of WJRP could be increased distinctly by using polyethylene terephthalate as substrate. This strategy significantly expands hydrochromic colours to entire visible range in an eco-friendly way, which opens an avenue of smart materials for practical needs and industrialization. Water based inks used for water-jet rewritable paper (WJRP) are an environmental friendly alternative to conventional printing, but black colour in WJRP could not be realized so far. Here the authors demonstrate black as well as other colour WJRP based on binary systems containing less-sensitive acidochromic dyes and mild proton donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much effort has been expended on building cellular computational devices for different applications. Despite the significant advances, there are still several addressable restraints to achieve the necessary technological transference. These improvements will ease the development of end-user applications working out of the lab. In this study, we propose a methodology for the construction of printable cellular devices, digital or analogue, for different purposes. These printable devices are designed to work in a 2D surface, in which the circuit information is encoded in the concentration of a biological signal, the so-called carrying signal. This signal diffuses through the 2D surface and thereby interacts with different device components. These components are distributed in a specific spatial arrangement and perform the computation by modulating the level of the carrying signal in response to external inputs, determining the final output. For experimental validation, 2D cellular circuits are printed on a paper surface by using a set of cellular inks. As a proof-of-principle, we have printed and analysed both digital and analogue circuits using the same set of cellular inks but with different spatial topologies. The proposed methodology can open the door to a feasible and reliable industrial production of cellular circuits for multiple applications. Synthetic biology circuits are finding application in a wide range of computational devices, such as contaminant detection. Here, the authors design 2D paper circuits in which the spatial orientation of the cellular components specifies function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive problem-solving benefits from cognitive maps aiding navigation and planning. Physical space navigation involves hippocampal (HC) allocentric codes, while abstract task space engages medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) task-specific codes. Previous studies show that challenging tasks, like spatial alternation, require integrating these two types of maps. The disruption of the HC-mPFC circuit impairs performance. We propose a hierarchical active inference model clarifying how this circuit solves spatial interaction tasks by bridging physical and task-space maps. Simulations demonstrate that the model's dual layers develop effective cognitive maps for physical and task space. The model solves spatial alternation tasks through reciprocal interactions between the two layers. Disrupting its communication impairs decision-making, which is consistent with empirical evidence. Additionally, the model adapts to switching between multiple alternation rules, providing a mechanistic explanation of how the HC-mPFC circuit supports spatial alternation tasks and the effects of disruption. How cognitive maps of physical and task space interact when executing cognitive tasks is not fully understood. This paper models how the hippocampal-prefrontal circuits solves memory-guided spatial alternation tasks, by bridging cognitive maps of physical and taskspace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavier group 14 carbene analogues, exhibiting transition-metal-like behavior, display remarkable capability for small molecule activation and coordination chemistry. However, their application in redox catalysis remains elusive. In this paper, we report the synthesis and isolation of a stannylene with carbodiphosphorane ligand. The nucleophilic reactivity at the divalent tin center is elucidated by computational and reactivity studies. Moreover, this stannylene exhibits catalytic activity in the hydrodefluorination reaction of fluoroarenes. Mechanistic investigations into the elementary steps confirm a SnII/SnIV redox cycle involving C–F oxidative addition, F/H ligand metathesis, and C–H reductive elimination. This low-valent SnII catalytic system resembles the classical transition metal catalysis. Notably, this represents metallomimetic redox catalysis utilizing carbene analogue with heavier group 14 element as a catalyst. Heavier group 14 carbene analogue display remarkable capability for small molecule activation but their application in redox catalysis remains elusive. Here, the authors report the synthesis and isolation of a stannylene with carbodiphosphorane ligand and characterize its catalytic activity in the hydrodefluorination reaction of fluoroarenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining has played an important role in the economies of South American countries. Although industrial mining prevails in most countries, the expansion of garimpo activity has increased substantially. Recently, Brazil exhibited two moments of garimpo dominance over industrial mining: 1989–1997 and 2019–2022. While industrial mining sites occupied ~ 360 km2 in 1985 but increased to 1800 km2 in 2022, a 5-fold increase, garimpo mining area increased by ~ 1200%, from ~ 218 km2 in 1985 to ~ 2627 km2 in 2022. More than 91% of this activity is concentrated in the Amazon. Where almost 40% of the sites are five years old or younger, this proportion increases to 62% within Indigenous lands (ILs). Regarding the legal aspect, at least 77% of the 2022 extraction sites showed explicit signs of illegality. Particular attention must be given to the Kayapo, Munduruku, and Yanomami ILs. Together, they concentrate over 90% of the garimpo across ILs. 91% of Brazil's garimpo activity is in the Amazon, where almost 40% of them are five years old or younger. This paper finds in 2022, 77% of the detected garimpos showed explicit signs of illegality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural polymer substrates are gaining attention as substitutes for plastic substrates in electronics, aiming to combine high performance, intricate shape deformation, and environmental sustainability. Herein, natural wood veneer is converted into a transparent wood film (TWF) substrate. The combination of 3D printing and origami technique is established to create programmable wood-based origami electronics, which exhibit superior flexibility with high tensile strength (393 MPa) due to the highly aligned cellulose fibers and the formation of numerous intermolecular hydrogen bonds between them. Moreover, the flexible TWF electronics exhibit editable multiplexed configurations and maintain stable conductivity. This is attributed to the strong adhesion between the cellulose-based ink and TWF substrate by non-covalent bonds. Benefiting from its anisotropic structure, the programmability of TWF electronics is achieved through sequentially folding into predesigned shapes. This design not only promotes environmental sustainability but also introduces its customizable shapes with potential applications in sensors, microfluidics, and wearable electronics. Wood-based electronics are typically constrained in their ability to undergo complex shape deformation. Here, authors integrate transparent wood film and cellulose-based conductive ink for flexible electronic origami devices that have been demonstrated as a proof-of-concept for human motion sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling and channeling light emissions from unpolarized quantum dots into specific directions with chiral polarization remains a key challenge in modern photonics. Stacked metasurface designs offer a potential compact solution for chirality and directionality engineering. However, experimental observations of directional chiral radiation from resonant metasurfaces with quantum emitters remain obscure. In this paper, we present experimental observations of unidirectional chiral emission from a twisted bi-layer metasurface via multi-dimensional control, including twist angle, interlayer distance, and lateral displacement between the top and bottom layers, as enabled by doublet alignment lithography (DAL). First, maintaining alignment, the metasurface demonstrates a resonant intrinsic optical chirality with near-unity circular dichroism of 0.94 and reflectance difference of 74%, where a high circular dichroism greater than 0.9 persists across a wide range of angles from −11 to 11 degrees. Second, engineered lateral displacement induces a unidirectional chiral resonance, resulting in unidirectional chiral emission from the quantum dots deposited onto the metasurface. Our bi-layer metasurfaces offer a universal compact platform for efficient radiation manipulation over a wide angular range, promising potential applications in miniaturized lasers, grating couplers, and chiral nanoantennas. Simultaneous control of the direction and polarization of quantum emission using photonic nanostructures is a long-standing challenge in photonics. Here, the authors experimentally demonstrate unidirectional chiral emission from a twisted bilayer metasurface with multi-dimensional control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical drug dosage forms are critical for ensuring the effective and safe delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients to patients. However, traditional formulation development often relies on extensive lab and animal experimentation, which can be time-consuming and costly. This manuscript presents a generative artificial intelligence method that creates digital versions of drug products from images of exemplar products. This approach employs an image generator guided by critical quality attributes, such as particle size and drug loading, to create realistic digital product variations that can be analyzed and optimized digitally. This paper shows how this method was validated through two case studies: one for the determination of the amount of material that will create a percolating network in an oral tablet product and another for the optimization of drug distribution in a long-acting HIV inhibitor implant. The results demonstrate that the generative AI method accurately predicts a percolation threshold of 4.2% weight of microcrystalline cellulose and generates implant formulations with controlled drug loading and particle size distributions. Comparisons with real samples reveal that the synthesized structures exhibit comparable particle size distributions and transport properties in release media. Pharmaceutical drug dosage forms are traditionally determined through extensive physical experimentation. Here, the authors present a generative AI method that creates digital drug products from images, matching and improving critical quality attributes such as particle size and drug loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shifting precipitation regimes are a well-documented and pervasive consequence of climate change. Subsistence-oriented communities worldwide can identify changes in rainfall patterns that most affect their lives. Here we scrutinize the importance of human-based rainfall observations (collated through a literature review spanning from 1994 to 2013) as climate metrics and the relevance of instrument-based precipitation indices to subsistence activities. For comparable time periods (1955-2005), changes observed by humans match well with instrumental records at same locations for well-established indices of rainfall (72% match), drought (76%), and extreme rainfall (81%), demonstrating that we can bring together human and instrumental observations. Many communities (1114 out of 1827) further identify increased variability and unpredictability in the start, end, and continuity of rainy seasons, all of which disrupt the cropping calendar, particularly in the Tropics. These changes in rainfall patterns and predictability are not fully captured by existing indices, and their social-ecological impacts are still understudied.This paper provides an analysis or rainfall changes that integrates human-based and instrument-based observations, identifying regions of agreement and disagreement, and providing insights on how traditional ecological knowledge can complement instrumental indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shifting precipitation regimes are a well-documented and pervasive consequence of climate change. Subsistence-oriented communities worldwide can identify changes in rainfall patterns that most affect their lives. Here we scrutinize the importance of human-based rainfall observations (collated through a literature review spanning from 1994 to 2013) as climate metrics and the relevance of instrument-based precipitation indices to subsistence activities. For comparable time periods (1955-2005), changes observed by humans match well with instrumental records at same locations for well-established indices of rainfall (72% match), drought (76%), and extreme rainfall (81%), demonstrating that we can bring together human and instrumental observations. Many communities (1114 out of 1827) further identify increased variability and unpredictability in the start, end, and continuity of rainy seasons, all of which disrupt the cropping calendar, particularly in the Tropics. These changes in rainfall patterns and predictability are not fully captured by existing indices, and their social-ecological impacts are still understudied.This paper provides an analysis or rainfall changes that integrates human-based and instrument-based observations, identifying regions of agreement and disagreement, and providing insights on how traditional ecological knowledge can complement instrumental indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitride ferroelectrics have recently emerged as promising alternatives to oxide ferroelectrics due to their compatibility with mainstream semiconductor processing. ScAlN, in particular, has exhibited remarkable piezoelectric coupling strength (K2) comparable to that of lithium niobate, making it a valuable choice for RF filters in wireless communications. Recently, ScAlN has sparked interest in its use for nanophotonic devices, chiefly due to its large bandgap facilitating operation in blue wavelengths coupled with promises of enhanced nonlinear optical properties such as a large second-order susceptibility (χ(2)). It is still an open question whether ScAlN can outperform oxide ferroelectrics concerning the Pockels effect—an electro-optic coupling extensively utilized in optical communications devices. In this paper, we present a comprehensive theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration of ScAlN's Pockels effect. Our findings reveal that the electro-optic coupling of ScAlN, despite being weak at low Sc concentration, may be significantly enhanced and exceed LiNbO3 at high levels of Sc doping, which points the direction of continued research efforts to unlock the full potential of ScAlN. The authors predict the Pockels effect of ScAlN with varying Sc concentration, realizing a ScAlN-on-insulator-on-silicon material platform, which allows the formation of low-loss, electrically-tunable microring resonators for accurate measurement of ScAlN's Pockels coefficients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate toward ammonia under mild conditions addresses many challenges of the Haber-Bosch reaction, providing a sustainable method for ammonia synthesis, yet it is limited by sluggish reduction kinetics and multiple competing reactions. Here, the titanium hydride electrocatalyst is synthesized by electrochemical hydrogenation reconstruction of titanium fiber paper, which achieves a large ammonia yield rate of 83.64 mg h−1 cm−2 and a high Faradaic efficiency of 99.11% with an ampere-level current density of 1.05 A cm−2 at −0.7 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Electrochemical evaluation and kinetic studies indicate that the lattice hydrogen transfer from titanium hydride promotes the electrocatalytic performance of nitrate reduction reaction and the reversible equilibrium reaction between lattice hydrogen and activate hydrogen not only improves the electrocatalytic activity of nitrate reduction reaction but also demonstrates notable catalytic stability. These finding offers a universal design principle for metal hydrides as catalysts for effectively electrochemical ammonia production, highlighting their potential for sustainable ammonia synthesis. The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia offers a sustainable alternative to the Haber-Bosch process. Here, the authors report a lattice hydrogen transfer mechanism that enhances electrocatalytic activity by enabling reversible equilibrium reactions between lattice and active hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate mitigation policies have broad environmental and socioeconomic impacts and thus underpin progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through national-scale integrated modeling, we explore the spillover effects of China's long-term climate mitigation pathways (CMPs) on achieving all 17 SDGs, and then identify a cost-effective CMP for China with co-benefits for sustainability. Our analysis indicates that the 9 original CMPs and 180 bundled CMPs can both substantially boost the SDGs, resulting in an increase of 6.33–8.86 and 5.90–9.33 points in overall SDG score (0=no progress, 100=full achievement) by 2060, compared to the Reference pathway of 70.75 points, respectively. The identified cost-effective CMP deals with the trade-offs among sustainability, CO2 emissions and mitigation cost, and maximizes the synergies between them. This CMP can inform future directions for China's policy-makers to maximize the potential synergies between carbon neutrality and long-term sustainable development. Climate mitigation have broad effects on achieving Sustainable Development Goals. This paper explores the spillover effects of China's climate mitigation pathways and identify a cost-effective pathway with co-benefits for sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]