Navigating drones in environments without reliable Global Positioning System (GPS) signals remains a significant challenge for modern aerospace technology.

Developing emitter materials with excellent selective emission performance is the key to improving the energy conversion efficiency of Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic Systems. Rare earth tantalate ceramics have excellent temperature resistance and have the potential to be applied in the field of Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic selective emitters. Although there are many reports on rare earth tantalate ceramics in the field of thermal barrier coatings, they have not yet been studied in the field of selective emitters. It is imperative to fill this research gap, as rare earth tantalates have been neglected in the field of thermoluminescence for decades.

Researchers have uncovered how combined alcohol intoxication and burn injuries disrupt gut bacteria and lower the production of key anti-inflammatory molecules called short-chain fatty acids. The resulting inflammation could worsen patient outcomes, but the study offers hope: restoring beneficial gut metabolites like butyrate may help limit intestinal damage after trauma.

Solid-state batteries have attracted significant attention due to their high safety and high energy density. However, the continuous lithium (Li) consumption will lead to decrease of the energy density and lifespan of the battery. Efforts have been devoted to exploring new strategies to increase the content of the active Li-ions, among which application of sacrificial additives is one of the most effective ways to compensate for the lost lithium. To spur more research into a stable and high-efficiency additive, researchers in China assessed the current advances of research and proposed Li_xC₆O₆ (x=2 and 4) as high-efficiency Li-compensation additives in cathode.

A new study offers a framework to estimate the sample size required for microbiome association studies based on expected effect sizes and analysis methods. By utilizing two large datasets involving around 10,000 individuals, the researchers found that 500 individuals may be sufficient to detect associations targeting larger effect sizes or metabolic diseases closely related to lifestyle, while thousands of samples may be needed for smaller effect sizes or multifactorial complex diseases such as psychiatric and autoimmune conditions. This framework guides future studies in human microbiome research.

A recent study published in SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences offers a comprehensive examination of factors driving the Arctic amplification, while also comparing quantitative results from multiple studies. The review highlights the complex interactions of various drivers, including local feedbacks, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and aerosols. It also underscores significant uncertainties in quantifying their contributions and emphasizes the need for more reliable data and improved models to enhance understanding and predictions of Arctic climate change.

An innovative study led by a research team from Wuhan University has systematically evaluated the mortality rates of five major cancers—lung, colorectal, stomach, liver, and pancreatic—across 200 countries from 2011 to 2019. By employing Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR), ARIMA time series analysis, and a Bayesian spatiotemporal model, the study reveals an overall upward trend in global cancer mortality rates, with a more pronounced increase observed in high-income countries. Key contributing factors include aging populations, smoking, unhealthy diets, and lifestyle choices. This novel model not only uncovers spatiotemporal disparities in cancer risk among regions but also provides a robust scientific basis for global cancer prevention and control strategies.

A research team led by Professor ZHAO Guoping at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has unveiled a crucial mechanism that helps regulate DNA damage repair, with important implications for improving cancer treatment outcomes. 

Lunar surface characteristics—mineral composition, geology, and environment—are vital for lunar science. Spectral imagers enable non-destructive mineral analysis, making them key payloads in exploration. With growing demand for high-resolution spectral-spatial data, the challenges on data processing increases. This paper reviews existing spectral data, instruments, and scientific findings, addressing technical challenges like preprocessing and mineral mapping. Advancements in spectral imaging and data processing will significantly boost lunar and planetary research, enabling deeper geological insights and potential resource assessment. Furthermore, hyperspectral data will support manned missions by identifying lunar minerals and their distribution.

Recently, a research team led by Prof. WANG Junfeng at the High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed an innovative biomimetic dual-mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nanoprobe for detecting early-stage liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).