Conductive hydrogels have garnered widespread attention as a versatile class of flexible electronics. Despite considerable advancements, current methodologies struggle to reconcile the fundamental trade-off between high conductivity and effective absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, as dictated by classical impedance matching theory. This study addresses these limitations by introducing a novel synthesis of aramid nanofiber/MXene-reinforced polyelectrolyte hydrogels. Leveraging the unique properties of polyelectrolytes, this innovative approach enhances ionic conductivity and exploits the hydration effect of hydrophilic polar groups to induce the formation of intermediate water. This critical innovation facilitates polarization relaxation and rearrangement in response to electromagnetic fields, thereby significantly enhancing the EMI shielding effectiveness of hydrogels. The electromagnetic wave attenuation capacity of these hydrogels was thoroughly evaluated across both X-band and terahertz band frequencies, with further investigation into the impact of varying water content states—hydrated, dried, and frozen—on their electromagnetic properties. Moreover, the hydrogels exhibited promising capabilities beyond mere EMI shielding; they also served effectively as strain sensors for monitoring human motions, indicating their potential applicability in wearable electronics. This work provides a new approach to designing multifunctional hydrogels, advancing the integration of flexible, multifunctional materials in modern electronics, with potential applications in both EMI shielding and wearable technology.

Despite antibiotic treatment, pulmonary lesions are a serious concern in children with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Combination therapy with antibiotics and glucocorticoids is effective. However, the optimal dose of glucocorticoids remains unclear. In a randomized controlled trial, researchers compared low- versus high-dose of methylprednisolone and find the lower-dose being equally effective with fewer adverse reactions. These results strongly recommend the use of low-dose corticosteroid in pediatric severe MPP for efficacy and favourable safety profile.

A research team led by Professor Jie Zeng and Associate Researcher Han Yan from the University of Science and Technology of China, in collaboration with Professor Chao Ma from Hunan University, has developed a novel ceria-supported platinum bilayer cluster catalyst. This breakthrough material demonstrates exceptional catalytic activity and stability in alkene hydrosilylation reactions while achieving atomic-level precision structural identification of the catalyst.

A recent study published in National Science Review has developed a field wastewater pathogen detection technology named WATER NEWS. Through iterative optimization of CRISPR-based assays, this system ​eliminates​ all dependence on cold-chain storage and continuous power supply while preventing nucleic acid aerosol contamination, ​thus establishing​ a sustainable epidemic surveillance paradigm for the post-pandemic era.

In a paper published in Science Bulletin, an international team of scientists reported a series of basaltic lavas and picrites with E-MORB/OIB affinities from the Qilian-Qinling Accretionary Belt, Central China. They have recorded a 150-Myr development history of the Proto-Tethys Ocean from opening at ~620 Ma to continuous spreading at ~470 Ma.