Researchers have developed a technique to fold glass sheets into microscopic 3D photonic structures directly on a chip, a process they call photonic origami. The method could enable tiny, yet complex optical devices for data processing sensing and experimental physics.

Oscillators with high quadrature phase accuracy and figure of merit (FOM) play an important role in wireless transceiver systems. The scientists in China invented a breakthrough meta-rotary travelling-wave oscillator (Meta-RTWO) chip to overcome the fundamental trade-off between phase accuracy and FOM. By harnessing spoof surface plasmon polaritons (spoof SPPs) for precise dispersion control, the Meta-RTWO chip achieves low phase error (0.21°) and high FOM (188.5 dBc/Hz) in 65nm CMOS, which outperforms the traditional designs in 28nm CMOS.

The commercialization of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) for green hydrogen production hinges on the development of low-cost, high-performance titanium porous transport layers (PTLs). This study introduces a triple-layer Ti-PTL with a graded porous structure and a 75% ultra-high porosity backing layer, fabricated through tape casting and roll calendering. This triple-layer PTL, composed of a microporous layer, an interlayer, and a highly porous backing layer, enhances catalyst utilization, mechanical integrity, and mass transport. Digital twin technology using X-ray revealed increased contact area and triple-phase boundary at the interface with the catalyst layer, significantly improving oxygen evolution reaction kinetics. Numerical simulations demonstrated that the strategically designed porous structure of the triple-layer PTL facilitates efficient oxygen transport, mitigates oxygen accumulation, and improves reactant accessibility. Electrochemical evaluations showed improved performance, achieving 127 mV reduction in voltage at 2 A cm⁻² compared to a commercial PTL, highlighting its potential to enhance PEMWE efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Three scientific projects from the Universidad Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M) have been selected in the 12th edition of the BBVA Foundation's Leonardo Grants for Researchers and Cultural Creators in three fields: computer science and data science, social sciences, and engineering. These grants, aimed at researchers at a mid-stage in their careers, seek to promote highly innovative proposals in a wide range of scientific and cultural disciplines.

The gap between people’s intention and behavior in separating household waste is not adequately explained by existing behavioral frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). By analyzing studies from around the world, researchers have expanded the TPB framework to include external factors and demographic differences. This expanded framework can help researchers and policymakers accurately identify factors that will bring the greatest improvement in waste separation compliance in specific regional contexts.

Cemental tear is a rare dental condition where the cementum detaches from tooth roots. Often misdiagnosed, it can lead to unnecessary treatments and tooth loss. An international expert consensus has created guidelines for identifying and treating this overlooked condition, aiming to prevent tooth loss and improve care for similar dental problems. The consensus also addresses critical gaps in knowledge that can lead to ineffective treatments and avoidable extractions.