A study published in Science China Earth Sciences (Issue 9, 2025) has quantitatively reconstructed changes in nitrate availability in the Early Triassic ocean by systematically integrating global nitrogen isotope records and applying a nitrogen cycle box model. The research reveals significant temporal evolution and spatial variability in nitrate availability during this period. By correlating multiple paleoenvironmental proxies, the study uncovers the underlying mechanisms of the evolution of nitrate availability and suggests that prolonged nitrate depletion likely played a key role in delaying the recovery of marine ecosystems after the end-Permian mass extinction. These findings provide new insights into the processes governing ecosystem recovery following major extinction events, offering a clearer understanding of past environmental challenges.

Researchers in China have developed a magnesia supported rhodium catalyst that enables the selective growth of ultrathin carbon nanotubes only 0.61 nanometer wide—the smallest stable nanotubes known.

An international research team has advanced an imaging method to capture nanoscale “spin maps” of chiral perovskites for the first time, revealing how these materials control electron spin at room temperature. The study also identifies a new type of spin-sensitive junction at the interface with metals. The findings, recently published in National Science Review, could guide the design of next-generation spintronic devices.

A research team from Beijing Tiantan Hospital has conducted the largest clinical investigation to date into the use of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Based on a surgical cohort of 695 patient, including 192 who underwent SEEG monitoring, the study provides comprehensive insights into how SEEG contributes to surgical decision-making, identifies predictors of seizure outcomes, and informs treatment strategies for complex epilepsy cases. The findings have been published in the journal Science Bulletin.

High-temperature superconductivity has long been hailed as the “crown jewel” of condensed matter physics. In 2023, the nickel-based compound La₃Ni₂O₇ was found to exhibit superconductivity above 80 K under high pressure, setting a new record for nickelates and opening a fresh platform to explore high-Tc mechanisms. Professors Kun Jiang (Institute of Physics, CAS) and Fu-Chun Zhang (Kavli Institute for Theoretical Sciences, UCAS) and their team proposed that La₃Ni₂O₇ can be described as a “self-doped molecular Mott insulator,” where strong correlations and interlayer coupling drive superconductivity in a way reminiscent of cuprates. This work provides new insights into the origin of high-temperature superconductivity.

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries require efficient catalysts to accelerate polysulfide conversion and mitigate the shuttle effect. However, the rational design of catalysts remains challenging due to the lack of a systematic strategy that rationally optimizes electronic structures and mesoscale transport properties. In this work, we propose an autogenously transformed CoWO₄/WO₂ heterojunction catalyst, integrating a strong polysulfide-adsorbing intercalation catalyst with a metallic-phase promoter for enhanced activity. CoWO₄ effectively captures polysulfides, while the CoWO₄/WO₂ interface facilitates their S–S bond activation on heterogenous catalytic sites. Benefiting from its directional intercalation channels, CoWO₄ not only serves as a dynamic Li-ion reservoir but also provides continuous and direct pathways for rapid Li-ion transport. Such synergistic interactions across the heterojunction interfaces enhance the catalytic activity of the composite. As a result, the CoWO₄/WO₂ heterostructure demonstrates significantly enhanced catalytic performance, delivering a high capacity of 1262 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C. Furthermore, its rate capability and high sulfur loading performance are markedly improved, surpassing the limitations of its single-component counterparts. This study provides new insights into the catalytic mechanisms governing Li–S chemistry and offers a promising strategy for the rational design of high-performance Li–S battery catalysts.

Long-life energy storage batteries are integral to energy storage systems and electric vehicles, with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) currently being the preferred option for extended usage-life energy storage. To further extend the life span of LIBs, it is essential to intensify investments in battery design, manufacturing processes, and the advancement of ancillary materials. The pursuit of long durability introduces new challenges for battery energy density. The advent of electrode material offers effective support in enhancing the battery's long-duration performance. Often underestimated as part of the cathode composition, the binder plays a pivotal role in the longevity and electrochemical performance of the electrode. Maintaining the mechanical integrity of the electrode through judicious binder design is a fundamental requirement for achieving consistent long-life cycles and high energy density. This paper primarily concentrates on the commonly employed cathode systems in lithium-ion batteries, elucidates the significance of binders for both, discusses the application status, strengths, and weaknesses of novel binders, and ultimately puts forth corresponding optimization strategies. It underscores the critical function of binders in enhancing battery performance and advancing the sustainable development of lithium-ion batteries, aiming to offer fresh insights and perspectives for the design of high-performance LIBs.

Crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells, though dominating the photovoltaic market, are nearing their theoretical power conversion efficiencies (PCE) limit of 29.4%, necessitating the adoption of multi-junction technology to achieve higher performance. Among these, perovskite-on-silicon-based multi-junction solar cells have emerged as a promising alternative, where the perovskite offering tunable bandgaps, superior optoelectronic properties, and cost-effective manufacturing. Recent announced double-junction solar cells (PSDJSCs) have achieved the PCE of 34.85%, surpassing all other double-junction technologies. Encouragingly, the rapid advancements in PSDJSCs have spurred increased research interest in perovskite/perovskite/silicon triple-junction solar cells (PSTJSCs) in 2024. This triple-junction solar cell configuration demonstrates immense potential due to their optimum balance between achieving a high PCE limit and managing device complexity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of PSTJSCs, covering fundamental principles, and technological milestones. Current challenges, including current mismatch, open-circuit voltage deficits, phase segregation, and stability issues, and their corresponding strategies are also discussed, alongside future directions to achieve long-term stability and high PCE. This work aims to advance the understanding of the development in PSTJSCs, paving the way for their practical implementation.