Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), as a new generation of semiconductors with the potential to surpass the limitations of silicon-based technology, have long lacked empirical research on their stability in space environments. The Chinese research team, leveraging the “Shijian-19” recoverable satellite, has pioneered in-orbit verification experiments for 2D semiconductor materials and devices. The study demonstrates that these materials can maintain excellent optical and electrical performance even under extreme space conditions, providing critical experimental evidence for the development of high-performance space electronic devices.

Researchers at Peking University have reported a major development in lead-free perovskite photovoltaics in a clear step towards sustainable solar technologies. Under the direction of Professor Bo Qu, the team has developed a novel chemical approach to improve the performance and stability of AgBiI₄-based solar cells—significantly advancing the worldwide shift to non-toxic renewable energy sources.

Polarization of photons plays a key role in quantum optics and light-matter interactions, however, it is difficult to control in nanostructures. Here scientists reveal polarization control of photons using photonic molecules (PMs) composed of two coupled photonic crystal nanobeam cavities. With an evanescent wave coupling, PMs directly control the local optical field that couples with the emitter, indicating a high efficiency in polarization control and a significant potential for applications in spin-resolved cavity quantum electrodynamics.

The development of color routers (CRs) realizes modulation of photon momentum on the frequency and spatial domains. Scientists in China demonstrate an active manipulation of dichromatic photon momentum via electron-induced CRs, where the radiation patterns are manipulated at nanoscale precision within a single nanoantenna unit. Moreover, an encrypted display device based on programmable modulation of the CR array is designed and implemented. This technique will find applications in photonic devices and quantum information technologies. 

The work provides a comparative evaluation of the characteristics of various large DNA fragment assembly strategies used in different host cells, focusing on their limitations, time requirements, and the respective advantages and disadvantages of each approach. 

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating citrus disease. Prof. YE Jian's team at the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified the first citrus resistance mechanism to HLB and developed antimicrobial peptides effective against the disease using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

A new paper in Engineering titled “Machine Memory Intelligence: Inspired by Human Memory Mechanisms” presents an approach to artificial intelligence. It aims to solve the problems of large models like ChatGPT, such as high data and power consumption, catastrophic forgetting, and weak logical reasoning. The researchers introduce “machine memory” and the machine memory intelligence (M²I) framework, exploring related key issues and progress to improve artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.