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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-May-2026 13:16 ET (8-May-2026 17:16 GMT/UTC)
An ultra‑thin wearable thermoelectric paster based on structured organic ion gel electrolyte
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal CenterThermoelectric technology that utilizes thermodynamic effects to convert thermal energy into electrical energy has greatly expanded wearable health monitoring, personalized detecting, and communicating applications. Encouragingly, thermoelectric technology assisted by artificial intelligence exerts great development potential in wearable electronic devices that rely on the self-sustainable operation of human body heat. Ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) devices that possess high Seebeck coefficients and a constant and stable electrical output are expected to achieve an effective conversation of thermal energy harvesting. Herein, we developed an i-TE paster for thermal chargeable energy storage, temperature-triggered material recognition, contact/non-contact temperature detection, and photo thermoelectric conversion applications. An all-solid-state organic ionic gel electrolyte (PVDF-HFP-PEO gel) with onion epidermal cells-like structure was sandwiched between two electrodes, which take full advantage of a synergy between the Soret effect and the polymer thermal expansion effect, thus achieving the enhanced ZT value up to 900% compared with the PEO-free electrolyte. The i-TE device delivers a Seebeck coefficient of 28 mV K−1, a maximum energy conversion efficiency of 1.3% in performance, and ultra-thin and skin-attachable properties in wearability, which demonstrate the great potential and application prospect of the i-TE paster in self-sustainable wearable electronics.
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- Nano-Micro Letters
Development of a bioinspired soft robotic system for teleoperated endoscopic surgery
Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., LtdA research paper by scientists at The University of New South Wales presented a new hydraulic-driven dual soft robotic system featuring a 3 DOF-soft cutting arm (SCA) and a 3-jaw teleoperated soft grasper system (TSGS).
The research paper, published on Jun. 12, 2025 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems.Blue energy advances unlock sustainable power from water
Tsinghua University PressBlue energy—renewable power derived from the kinetic and potential forces of water—has become a key pathway for building sustainable and low-carbon energy systems. This review synthesizes global progress in hydropower, ocean energy, and hybrid offshore technologies, highlighting rapidly advancing wave-energy devices and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for blue energy. While hydropower is technologically mature, ocean-based energy systems are expanding due to vast resource potential and accelerating technological innovation. The review identifies promising designs for efficient wave-energy harvesting alongside remaining engineering challenges related to durability, cost, and large-scale deployment. Together, these insights provide a roadmap for advancing water-derived renewable energy to support global decarbonization.
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- Ocean
3D modeling reveals how deep drones can “see” into maize canopies
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science- Journal
- Plant Phenomics
ECNU Review of Education study introduces the Global Education Quality Index to assess education worldwide
ECNU Review of EducationEvaluating education quality across countries is complex and often inconsistent. A recent study introduces the Global Education Quality Index (GEQI), developed to offer a comprehensive and comparative tool for assessing education worldwide. Drawing on data from 62 countries between 2009 and 2018, the study uses an input-process-outcome framework to analyze basic, school, and postsecondary education. By highlighting regional differences and systemic strengths, the GEQI offers new insights into improving global education systems.
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- ECNU Review of Education
A University of Hong Kong study reveals how rating accuracy improves writing
ECNU Review of EducationCan rating be more than a warm-up activity in classroom assessments? A new Hong Kong study reveals that the accuracy with which students rate their own and their peers’ writing significantly shapes the quality of feedback, the depth of revision, and ultimately the improvement of their writing performance. The research challenges the common perception and instead shows its essential role in driving meaningful learning outcomes.
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- ECNU Review of Education
New study identifies ten key questions shaping the future of classroom analysis
ECNU Review of EducationWhile the classroom has long been described as the “black box” of education, classroom analysis aims to reveal what truly happens inside it. A new study led by East China Normal University identifies ten key questions at the frontiers of classroom analysis, offering a guideline for future research and practice. This study suggests that defining guiding values, constructing high-quality analytical frameworks, leveraging multimodal data, and ensuring ethical standards are essential to advance classroom research globally.
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- ECNU Review of Education