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Chemistry & Physics

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 16-Jun-2026 14:16 ET (16-Jun-2026 18:16 GMT/UTC)

Gate-voltage-controlled topological phase transition achieved in β-Ag2Te, paving the way for a new class of low-power electronics

Science China Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Topological phase transition is attracting great attention in condensed matter physics, and its gate-voltage-reversible control is essential for electrically driven topological devices. Recently, Professor Jinxiong Wu’s team at Nankai University achieved the first gate-voltage-reversible topological phase transition in β-Ag₂Te nanodevices, evidenced by a π Berry phase transition. Theoretical attributes this to the Stark effect modulating band structure. Based on this, they built a prototype topological phase transition transistor with on-off ratio exceeding 10⁴, opening a new route for electrically controlled topological devices.

Journal: National Science Review

Thiolated biochar helps keep toxic mercury locked in soil under climate-driven wet and dry cycles

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study shows that thiol-modified biochar can maintain long-term mercury immobilization in contaminated soils, even when repeated drying and rewetting mimic heatwave-accelerated weathering.

Journal: Biochar

New biochar composite offers a two-in-one strategy for safer rice and lower methane emissions

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A titanium dioxide-loaded biochar material reduced arsenic mobilization and methane emissions in flooded paddy soil, offering a promising approach to address food safety and climate challenges at the same time.

Journal: Biochar

AI helps scientists design better biochar catalysts for removing antibiotic pollution

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study shows that deep learning can predict how fast biochar materials break down antibiotic contaminants, offering a faster path toward cleaner water and smarter environmental remediation.

Journal: Biochar

This is how to beat the tumor cells that survive cancer therapy

University of California - San Francisco
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Cancer drugs can shrink fast-growing tumors. But sometimes a few tumor cells survive. These “persister” cells seed new tumors, forcing cancer patients into arduous cycles of testing and treatment.

Journal: Science Advances
Funder: Mark Foundation For Cancer Research, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences

Mountainous landscapes store far more carbon than previously thought, new research shows

University of Oregon
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Hilly and mountainous landscapes have a much greater ability to store carbon in the soil than previously thought, according to a new study co-led by scientists at the University of Oregon.

Journal: Science Advances

Anti-inflammatory molecule shows potential against Parkinson’s in study with mice

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In an experiment, the Ac2-26 peptide protected neurons from cell death, which is characteristic of the condition. The study also demonstrated differences in disease progression and protection between males and females.

Journal: Neuropharmacology
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

UCF researchers are studying wing shapes to advance drone technology

University of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science
Grant and Award Announcement

• UCF Associate Professor Samik Bhattacharya’s research on wing shapes could help develop mathematical models that improve the performance and stability of the U.S. military’s amphibious vehicles.

• The technology can also be used for search-and-rescue missions and disaster response.

• The work is supported through a grant from the DEVCOM Army Research Office.

Scientist creates ‘mini‑universe’ to measure time without a clock

University of Birmingham
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New experiment provides powerful testbed for ideas in quantum cosmology and gravity - theories relating to the early universe can now be tested in the laboratory.

Journal: Physical Review Research

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