To address the limitations of contemporary lithium-ion batteries, particularly their low energy density and safety concerns, all-solid-state lithium batteries equipped with solid-state electrolytes have been identified as an up-and-coming alternative. Among the various SEs, organic–inorganic composite solid electrolytes (OICSEs) that combine the advantages of both polymer and inorganic materials demonstrate promising potential for large-scale applications. However, OICSEs still face many challenges in practical applications, such as low ionic conductivity and poor interfacial stability, which severely limit their applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research advancements in OICSEs. Specifically, the influence of inorganic fillers on the main functional parameters of OICSEs, including ionic conductivity, Li⁺ transfer number, mechanical strength, electrochemical stability, electronic conductivity, and thermal stability are systematically discussed. The lithium-ion conduction mechanism of OICSE is thoroughly analyzed and concluded from the microscopic perspective. Besides, the classic inorganic filler types, including both inert and active fillers, are categorized with special emphasis on the relationship between inorganic filler structure design and the electrochemical performance of OICSEs. Finally, the advanced characterization techniques relevant to OICSEs are summarized, and the challenges and perspectives on the future development of OICSEs are also highlighted for constructing superior ASSLBs.

This research offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to noble metal-based catalysts, addressing the critical need for affordable and sustainable energy storage solutions.

In this study, the impact of C-Nap1 on spermatogenesis using C-Nap1 knockout mouse models was investigated. Single-cell RNA sequencing of 10-day testes from wild-type and knockout mice was performed.

This study proposes a novel measurement method based on the digital image correlation (DIC) technique for determining the natural frequencies and mode shapes of prestressed concrete wind turbine towers. The results show that the DIC method is an effective, convenient, and safe approach for measuring the natural frequencies of wind turbine towers, with significant practical value.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research in the transmission of humanities and cultural conservation. A scholar from the PolyU School of Design (PolyU Design) has made outstanding contributions to the study of urban visual culture by photo-documenting neon signs across Hong Kong. His project has been recognised with a prize in popular science publication category of the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Solid-state batteries represent the next frontier in energy storage technology, promising higher energy density and enhanced safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries. However, a persistent challenge has hindered their commercialization: the unstable interface between lithium metal anodes and solid electrolytes. Researchers have now developed an innovative solution using a Li_xAg alloy that could finally unlock the full potential of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs).

Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable transportation, but their widespread adoption faces a critical safety challenge: lithium plating in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Lithium plating occurs when lithium ions accumulate on the surface of a battery's negative electrode rather than intercalating properly into the graphite structure. This phenomenon typically happens during fast charging, at low temperatures, or at high states of charge, which can lead to rapid capacity degradation and even catastrophic safety incidents. Traditional detection methods either require specialized equipment or lack sufficient accuracy for real-world applications. Researchers from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology have now developed a feasible solution that could optimize EV battery safety monitoring.

Prototheca wickerhamii (P. wickerhamii), an opportunistic pathogen affecting both humans and animals, is widely distributed in the environment, including soil, mud, and water sources such as rivers. However, human infections caused by this genus are rare. Unfortunately, due to the nonspecific clinical manifestations and limited awareness among clinicians, protothecosis is often underestimated and misdiagnosed. P. wickerhamii has been shown to exhibit low cytotoxicity to macrophages, potentially allowing it to evade immune clearance. Currently, the high-quality genome offers insights into the evolution and pathogenicity of Prototheca, while also serving as a genomic resource for improved diagnosis. In this study, we combined traditional culturing methods with microbiome sequencing techniques to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the microbial diversity in infected skin.

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the standard-sample-bracketing (SSB) method and the double-spike (DS) method, aiming to provide practical recommendations to researchers for selecting optimal analytical approaches for natural samples. The DS method shows greater potential to reveal subtle Mg isotope fractionations in processes such as equilibrium inter-mineral Mg isotope fractionation, partial melting of magma, and the possible fractionation during crystallization differentiation. Continuous optimization efforts will further improve the versatility and accuracy of the DS method, particularly through expanding its application scope to incorporate more diverse standard samples. Such expansion is critical for thoroughly investigating the fundamental causes of analytical discrepancies between DS and SSB methods in Mg isotope studies.