A study published in Forest Ecosystems shows that low-latitude warming has increased tree growth in Central Asia's alpine forests since the 20th century. Researchers analyzed 128 tree-ring records and found a significant upward trend in tree radial growth, driven by enhanced regional temperatures and precipitation. However, they warn that continued warming may eventually reverse these gains. Future research needs to refine models to better understand these dynamics.

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a cutting-edge class of devices for energy conversion and self-powered sensing. The selection of appropriate triboelectric and conductive materials is critical in determining the performance of TENGs. In recent years, MXenes, particularly Ti₃C₂ MXene, have emerged as promising candidates for triboelectric/conductive materials in TENGs. To elucidate the multifaceted roles of MXenes, this review examines their applications from a materials science perspective. The applications are categorized into four types based on the functional layers of TENGs where MXenes are applied: (1) MXene films as conductive layers, (2) MXene films as triboelectric layers, (3) MXene nanosheets as fillers in polymer-based triboelectric layers, and (4) MXene films as charge trapping layers. The rationale and advantages of utilizing MXenes in each application are analyzed and elucidated. Owing to their unique combination of properties, including electronegativity, electrical conductivity and flexibility, MXenes demonstrate remarkable versatility in all functional layers, either as pure films or composite films. Systematic analysis reveals that MXene composite films are particularly promising for the applications. This review represents the first comprehensive attempt to classify MXene applications in TENGs and articulate their inherent advantages, thereby providing a foundation for the design and development of high-performance MXene-based TENGs.

This paper develops a power system dispatching model that integrates thermal power, wind power, photovoltaic (PV) generation, and energy storage systems (ESS). The model uses Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the impact of renewable energy and ESS capacities on electricity costs, carbon emissions, power fluctuations, and renewable energy utilization. The study optimizes the system configuration using the NSGA-II algorithm and provides valuable insights for decarbonizing power systems while ensuring energy equity.

The BRICS nations have committed to reach carbon neutrality: Brazil and South Africa by 2050, China and Russia by 2060, and India by 2070. A joint study by researchers from Tsinghua and Shanghai Jiaotong universities shows that achieving such targets necessitates a significant increase in electrification and non-fossil fuel use, with 65% to 82% of energy to be supplied from renewables and 55% to 80% in form of electricity. Besides, carbon capture and removal technologies will play an important role, which are expected to contribute 27% to 64% of emission reductions after 2030 across BRICS. The mitigation costs vary by country, ranging from 250 to 390 USD per ton of CO₂ by the carbon neutrality year. Annual investments in the energy sector are projected to be equivalent to 0.8%–3.5% of GDP.

Y₂MgTiO₆(YMT)-based ceramics have become core candidates for high-frequency electronic devices such as millimeter-wave communications due to their high dielectric constant (ε_r), ultra-high quality factor (Q×f) and low dielectric loss. However, most of the existing studies focus on the ion doping effect at a single scale (such as lattice parameters or macroscopic properties), and the structure-activity relationship between atomic bonding, lattice distortion, phonon behavior and dielectric properties has not yet been fully revealed, especially the regulation law of the coupling mechanism of chemical bonding and lattice vibration on doped ions is still theoretically blank. This limits the design and performance control of high-performance microwave dielectric ceramic materials.

Functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major clinical challenge. Current therapies—including nucleos(t)ide analogs, interferon, siRNA, and therapeutic vaccines—often fail to sustain HBsAg clearance or induce durable seroconversion after treatment cessation. However, a breakthrough study led by Professor Zhu’s team at the Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences demonstrates a promising combinatorial strategy. By pairing an HBV-specific siRNA with their proprietary therapeutic vaccine, the researchers achieved striking long-term efficacy in a CHB mouse model. The combined regimen induced 100% sustained HBsAg loss (lasting ~11 months) and an 80% HBs seroconversion rate, with anti-HBs antibodies persisting stably for the same duration. These findings highlight a potent new approach for CHB functional cure, meriting further clinical evaluation.

Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by acting as carbon sinks. However, accurately tracking the carbon dynamics of forests, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions, remains a challenge. A recent study published in Forest Ecosystems offers new insights into the carbon effects of continuous forest change in China’s Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2000 to 2020, using advanced monitoring techniques.