Two new quaternary Cr_xTi_0.75Mo_0.75V_1.5−xAlC₂ (x = 1.25, 1) MAXs and Cr_0.75Ti_0.75Mo_0.75V_0.75AlC₂ are synthesized by hot pressing. Interestingly, an unprecedented transition in M-site atomic occupancy from out-of-plane order to solid solution is observed along with the composition variation, which also increases the configurational entropy from medium- to high-entropy. Through experimental observation and theoretical calculation, the influence of the atomic distribution on their properties is analyzed. Eventually, about 40% increment on the Vickers hardness than that of the Cr₂TiAlC₂ and low thermal conductivities are detected from the three MAXs, which can be ascribed to the solid solution strengthening effects and the enhanced scattering of both electrons and phonons from the high-entropy structure.

In a paper published in Mycology, a research team led by Wenxia Fang at the Guangxi Academy of Sciences isolated a strain of Paramyrothecium sp. (P-6) from moss samples collected in the Karst region of Guangxi. The compound Ver-A produced by this strain effectively inhibits the growth of various pathogenic fungi in vitro and prevents the sexual mating of haploid spores of the sugarcane smut pathogen. Pot experiments demonstrated that treatment with crude extracts containing Ver-A significantly reduced the incidence of sugarcane smut disease. Further analysis using real-time quantitative PCR revealed its underlying mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for the sustainable control of sugarcane smut and the development of novel pesticides.

With the continuous improvement of the performance demand for high-temperature hot-end components of major equipment such as aero engines, gas turbines, rocket engines and hypersonic vehicles, the development of high-temperature-resistant, low-conductivity and high-oxygen-barrier coatings has become a research focus in the field of thermal barrier coatings. Currently, the main commercial thermal barrier coating material, yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide (YSZ), has high thermal conductivity and high oxygen ionic conductivity, and in order to improve the thermal insulation and oxygen barrier performance of the thermal barrier coatings, there is an urgent need to develop a thermal barrier-oxygen barrier integrated coating material with both ultra-low thermal conductivity and oxygen ionic conductivity. 8-component rare-earth tantalite (8RE_1/8)TaO₄ has ultra-low thermal conductivity, oxygen ionic conductivity and excellent mechanical properties, and is expected to be a candidate for a new generation of thermal barrier coating materials.

High-entropy fluorite oxides (HEFOs) show significant potential for thermal protection applications due to their advantageous combination of low thermal conductivity and high Yong’s modulus. At present, the researches on HEFOs are still in the initial stage, mainly focusing on the synthesis of new components, structural analysis and performance characterization. Therefore, the factors influencing its formation have not been well studied, and a systematic method for compositional design has not yet been established, which inhibits the research and application of HEFOs.

Dielectric capacitors as a physical power are critical components in advanced electronics and pulse power systems. However, achieving a high energy efficiency without sacrificing recoverable energy density remains a challenge for most dielectric materials. Taking advantage of aliovalent Sm³⁺ dope Ba_0.12Na_0.3Bi_0.3Sr_0.28TiO₃ (BNBST) relaxor ferroelectric at A-site, in this work, to design defect-induced phase/domain structure to improve polarization switching. A high energy efficiency of 91% together with a recoverable energy density of 2.1 J/cm³ has been achieved in Sm_0.07-BNBST ceramics at a low electric field of 114 kV/cm, exceeding other dielectric materials under the same electric field. This work provides an approach to achieving high-performance dielectrics through aliovalent rare earth doping and builds a close relationship between defect-engineered phase/domain structure and polarization switching for energy storage.

This study suggests that GERD may elevate cardiovascular risks, including increased blood pressure, unhealthy lipid levels, and a higher likelihood of heart disease. Through advanced genetic analysis, researchers linked GERD to elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher LDL cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart attack, highlighting GERD’s broader health implications.

Machine learning's predictive power is underutilized in vehicle-pedestrian risk identification, impeding proactive safety. A new model is needed to estimate crash severity, not just frequency. Researchers propose a novel framework combining machine learning and extreme value theory to estimate pedestrian crash frequencies by injury severity levels.

Researchers at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, and Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Indonesia, set out to explore the dynamics behind shared micromobility fleet development. By utilizing a system dynamics modeling approach, they examined how fleet size, user demand, regulatory policies, and economic factors interact to shape the success of these systems.

Researchers delved deep into the regulation of cobalt active sites to enhance the selectivity of propylene to improve scalability and affordability of the production of this important chemical.