Nano-photonic devices based on phase change materials are at the forefront of light management thanks to the electrically or optically tunable response. Their widespread adoption, however, is hampered by the lack of precise, reliable, and scalable fabrication techniques, restricting most demonstrations to proof-of-concept devices. Here we report on scalable approaches for the fabrication of tunable phase-change metasurfaces based on soft-nanoimprint lithography (soft-NIL). Two complementary strategies are showcased: dielectric structures are fabricated by etch-free soft-NIL and used (i) as a template for GeTe deposition or (ii) as etching masks to directly pattern the underlying phase-change material. Both methods enable the realization of centimeter-scale metasurfaces with significantly reduced fabrication complexity compared to conventional lithographic techniques. Reversible switching between melt-quenched and crystalline states is demonstrated using laser-induced phase transitions.

Engineered living materials represent an innovative frontier in material science, integrating living cells to create functional components with active properties. Fraunhofer IGB is pioneering fungal mycelium-based systems that leverage growth and self-organization to achieve novel functionalities. These materials offer significant sustainability advantages, being biodegradable and produced from renewable resources. Through additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing techniques, researchers can achieve precise design and accelerated prototype development. While materials can be deactivated post-shaping to create durable, inert components, the bioactive versions demonstrate promising applications across lightweight construction, biodegradable manufacturing, and advanced bioactive filtration systems, positioning engineered living materials as transformative solutions for sustainable industrial development.

by V Shapovalov · 2026 — In Australia, access to microbiome therapies is facilitated through regulatory pathways for biological products and special access schemes for experimental ...

To achieve complex and emergent behaviour, chemical systems must be designed to do more than simply express the properties of their individual components. This can be achieved in different ways, from molecular design that encodes specific functions, to reaction cascades, feedback networks, and systems that exploit spatial or temporal organisation. These approaches span many areas of chemistry that are often viewed separately, but are linked by a common goal: to programme chemical behaviour. Examples include oscillating systems that provide temporal control, molecular machines that operate in programmable ways to perform work or deliver a function, and interfaces that introduce compartmentalisation and inhomogeneity into chemical systems.

Researchers have developed a novel approach to dynamically control mechanical signal processing in soft materials by incorporating internal bistability into metamaterials. The study presents both microscopic simulations and a nonlinear continuum theory demonstrating how bistable elements can actively modulate response and signal attenuation. The research reveals two key phenomena: a universal screening mechanism that reduces signal penetration at high driving frequencies, and a frequency-insensitive response plateau emerging from timescale separation. The model offers closed-form analytical solutions enabling quantitative design rules. Critical findings show that conformational length changes primarily control attenuation strength, while switching rates tune the attenuation regime and plateau position. However, a fundamental design trade-off exists where larger conformational changes enhance dissipation but increase energy barriers, risking state-locking. Optimal signal attenuation emerges from balancing pronounced bistability with surmountable transition barriers, providing valuable insights for advancing soft robotics and mechanosensing applications.

Osteochondral defects present significant clinical challenges due to the complex architecture of cartilage and bone with limited regenerative capacity. Gradient hydrogels represent a promising biomimetic approach that replicates the structural, mechanical, compositional, and biochemical transitions from cartilage to subchondral bone. This comprehensive review examines recent advances in gradient hydrogel design, covering fundamental principles including porosity, stiffness, mineral, and growth factor gradients. It evaluates fabrication strategies such as layer-by-layer assembly, 3D bioprinting, and microfluidic generation, alongside material selection encompassing natural and synthetic polymers with ceramic composites. The review explores biological mechanisms directing cell fate through mechanotransduction and growth factor delivery, synthesizes preclinical evidence demonstrating superior outcomes for gradient scaffolds, and addresses current limitations in durability and translational potential for osteochondral regeneration.

The Food Standards Authority has released updated guidance to support the development and commercialization of cell-cultivated food products. This regulatory framework aims to clarify requirements for manufacturers entering this emerging sector, addressing safety standards, labeling protocols, and approval processes. The guidance reflects growing industry interest in cultivated meat and protein alternatives as sustainable food solutions. By establishing clear regulatory pathways, the FSA seeks to facilitate innovation while maintaining consumer protection and food safety standards. This initiative supports the broader transition toward alternative protein production methods and demonstrates regulatory commitment to emerging food technologies.

Three-dimensional printing technology is revolutionizing soft robotics by enabling the development of advanced artificial muscles that overcome traditional manufacturing constraints. Researchers have engineered two innovative material systems to replace conventional rigid actuators: electromechanical PVC gel muscles that respond to electrical fields between 400 and 800 volts, and thermomechanical shape-memory polymers activated by thermal triggers. The PVC gel formulation, combining polyvinyl chloride with plasticizer and solvent in precise ratios, generates Maxwell forces that induce controlled deformation and recovery cycles. These polymers leverage molecular switching and entropic recovery mechanisms to achieve programmable actuation. By eliminating labor-intensive manual casting and hardware assembly, three-dimensional printing facilitates the production of highly flexible, autonomous robotic systems with enhanced performance capabilities and design freedom previously unattainable through conventional manufacturing methods.

Indoor vertical farms represent an innovative agricultural approach that cultivates crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments. This farming method optimizes space utilization by growing plants in climate-controlled facilities using artificial lighting, hydroponic or aeroponic systems, and precision nutrient delivery. Indoor vertical farms eliminate dependence on weather conditions and seasonal constraints, enabling year-round production of fresh vegetables, herbs, and leafy greens. This technology significantly reduces water consumption compared to traditional agriculture while minimizing pesticide use and transportation distances. By bringing food production closer to urban centers, vertical farms enhance food security and sustainability while supporting local food systems and creating economic opportunities in urban areas.

Sans lithium, ni cobalt, ni plomb, depuis Grenoble, la start-up française BeFC a mis au point une pile électrique entièrement dépourvue de métal. Elle explique à Clubic comment le sucre pourrait bien remplacer certaines batteries classiques.

Pendant que l’intelligence artificielle inonde le web de contenus générés à la chaîne, The Economist choisit un terrain radicalement inverse : l’affichage physique, dépouillé, pensé pour l’intelligence humaine. L’hebdomadaire britannique déploie une nouvelle série out-of-home aux États-Unis et au Royaume-Uni, signée par l’agence indépendante australienne Cocogun, basée à Sydney. L’angle n’a rien d’accessoire. À l’heure où la désinformation et les textes synthétiques circulent plus vite que les faits, le titre se positionne comme un rempart : facts, contexte, insight. Un contrepied assumé, qui transforme la lutte contre le bruit informationnel généré par l’IA en argument de marque.

Le maillot 2026 de la sélection colombienne est le plus cher de l’histoire du pays : 150 dollars, soit près d’un quart du salaire mensuel moyen. Résultat, de nombreux supporters renoncent à porter la célèbre tunique jaune, faute de moyens. Un problème d’accès qui touche directement le lien entre une nation et son équipe.

This UK Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland publication outlines emerging food innovations anticipated to influence the food system between 2025 and 2035. The document examines innovative food technologies expected to reach UK markets during this period, providing regulatory guidance and authorisation routes aligned with the Government's National Vision for Engineering Biology. Market authorisation decisions remain subject to evidence-based legal processes assessed individually, with arrangements varying between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The initiative supports the UK's £2 billion bioeconomy investment over ten years, including dedicated funding for regulatory assessment of novel food technologies.

Self-healing polymers have emerged as an important class of advanced materials capable of autonomously or stimuli-responsively restoring mechanical integrity after damage. Among them, ionomers occupy a unique position due to the presence of reversible ionic interactions that simultaneously impart mechanical strength, toughness, and healing capability. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of self-healing ionomers, focusing on the fundamental role of ionic interactions, the mechanisms governing damage repair, and recent advances in material design.

Engineered living materials, which combine biological and synthetic components, represent a significant innovation frontier but face regulatory obstacles in the European market. Kai Purnhagen and Justus Wesseler argue that current EU legislation inadequately addresses the unique characteristics and safety considerations of these advanced composites, creating substantial market access bottlenecks for developers and manufacturers. The authors contend that comprehensive regulatory reform is essential to establish clear, science-based frameworks that can accommodate this emerging technology while maintaining appropriate consumer protection and environmental safeguards. By modernizing existing EU law to specifically address engineered living materials, policymakers can facilitate innovation and commercialization while ensuring robust oversight of these novel products.

This article examines the Oceangate submarine disaster through a cultural lens, analyzing how billionaire Stockton Rush's fatal decision-making reflected a problematic self-perception influenced by Star Trek mythology. The author traces the franchise's origins to Horatio Hornblower naval fiction, highlighting how Star Trek's command structure mirrors historical naval hierarchies requiring rigorous training and earned advancement. The piece suggests that Rush's disregard for expert advice and safety protocols stemmed from conflating himself with Kirk's heroic captain persona, overlooking the discipline and expertise that genuine leadership demands. By juxtaposing fictional space exploration ideals with historical naval reality, the article illustrates how romanticized narratives can dangerously distort judgment when adopted by individuals lacking the foundational competence and humility necessary for responsible decision-making in high-risk situations.

Polymer science is increasingly critical in addressing global challenges spanning clean water, healthcare, infrastructure, and energy storage. Research published in RSC Applied Polymers showcases innovations in polymer design and processing that transform waste into valuable resources while developing more durable, functional materials. The journal features curated articles demonstrating how researchers are creating circular economy solutions through novel recycling approaches and resource recovery techniques. These studies highlight emerging directions in applied polymer science, including bio-based alternatives and advanced material design strategies that maintain performance while reducing environmental impact. Collectively, this research demonstrates polymer scientists' commitment to developing practical, sustainable solutions for real-world challenges in building a more resilient and technologically advanced future.

Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered that tightly entangled particles, similar to compressed office staples, can exhibit remarkable dual properties: strength and reversibility. When particles become intertwined, they form a cohesive structure resembling a single solid object, yet can rapidly separate through vibration or movement. Led by Professor Francois Barthelat, the team is leveraging this phenomenon to develop engineered materials with enhanced adaptability and recyclability. By designing particles that interlock geometrically, similar to natural examples like bird nests and bone structures, scientists aim to create innovative materials combining strength with reversibility. The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Physics, suggest particle shape plays a crucial role in enabling interlocking, opening promising directions for next-generation material science applications.

Biodegradable bioelectronic systems require materials that can mechanically integrate with soft tissues while minimizing long-term invasiveness. Conventional electronic materials, owing to their high stiffness, often cause mechanical mismatch with biological tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. To address these challenges, biodegradable conductive materials based on organic and polymeric systems have emerged as promising candidates for transient, biofriendly electronics. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in biodegradable conductive systems, including conductive polymers, conductive composite pastes, and organic mixed ionic–electronic conductors (OMIECs). The discussion covers material design strategies that simultaneously address electrical performance, mechanical compliance, and degradability in both partially and fully degradable systems. Particular attention is given to the relationships among degradation behavior, microstructure, and device stability, which play critical roles in determining functional lifetime. The scope further extends to key bioelectronic applications, including bioelectrical stimulation, drug delivery, sensing, and neuromorphic systems, demonstrating the versatility of these materials across diverse platforms. Emphasis is placed on providing an integrated perspective for the design of next-generation transient bioelectronic systems based on biodegradable organic conductors.

Artificial intelligence has evolved dramatically since IBM's Deep Blue defeated Garry Kasparov in 1997, progressing from specialized applications like facial recognition to generative AI systems capable of composing poetry, creating artwork, and designing integrated circuits. This remarkable advancement stems from three critical factors: innovations in machine-learning algorithms, availability of massive training datasets, and progress in energy-efficient semiconductor technology. While algorithms and data receive significant attention, semiconductor advancement has been equally instrumental yet underrecognized. Each major AI milestone, from Deep Blue's 0.6-micrometer technology to modern systems utilizing nanometer-scale chips, has been fundamentally enabled by cutting-edge semiconductor innovations. As AI continues evolving toward becoming a universal digital assistant, semiconductor technology's role remains indispensable for sustaining continued progress and democratizing high-performance computing benefits across society.