Feeding the growing human population sustainably amidst climate change is one of the most important challenges in the 21st century. Current practices often lead to the overuse of agronomic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and water, resulting in environmental contamination and diminishing returns on crop productivity. The complexity of agricultural systems, involving plant-environment interactions and human management, presents significant scientific and technical challenges for developing sustainable practices. Addressing these challenges necessitates transdisciplinary research, involving intense collaboration among fields such as plant science, engineering, computer science, and social sciences. Here, we present five case studies from two research centers demonstrating successful transdisciplinary approaches toward more sustainable water and fertilizer use. These case studies span multiple scales. Starting from whole-plant signaling, we explore how reporter plants can transform our understanding of plant communication and enable efficient application of water and fertilizers. We then show how new fertilizer technologies could increase the availability of phosphorus in the so
We theoretically analyze possible multiple conformations of protein molecules immobilized by 1-pyrenebutanoic-acid-succinimidyl-ester (PASE) linkers on graphene. The activation barrier between two bi-stable conformations exhibited by PASE is confirmed to be based on the steric hindrance effect between a hydrogen on the pyrene group and a hydrogen on the alkyl group of this molecule. Even after the protein is supplemented, this steric hindrance effect remains if the local structure of the linker consisting of an alkyl group and a pyrene group is maintained. Therefore, it is likely that the kinetic behavior of a protein immobilized with a single PASE linker exhibits an activation barrier-type energy surface between the bi-stable conformations on graphene. We discuss the expected protein sensors when this type of energy surface appears and provide a guideline for improving the sensitivity, especially as an oscillator-type biosensor.
An ability of various interatomic potentials to reproduce the properties of silicene (2D silicon) polymorphs were examined. Structural and mechanical properties of the flat (FS), low-buckled (LBS), trigonal dumbbell (TDS), honeycomb dumbbell (HDS) and large honeycomb dumbbell (LHDS) single-layer silicon (silicene) phases, were obtained using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular statics (MS) calculations with Tersoff, MEAM, Stillinger-Weber, EDIP, ReaxFF, COMB and machine-learning-based (ML-IAP) interatomic potentials. A quantitative systematic comparison and discussion of the results obtained are reported.
Optimization of Josephson oscillators requires a quantitative understanding of their microwave properties. A Josephson junction has a geometry similar to a microstrip patch antenna. However, it is biased by a dc-current, distributed over the whole area of the junction. The oscillating electric field is generated internally via the ac-Josephson effect. In this work I present a distributed, active patch antenna model of a Josephson oscillator. It takes into account the internal Josephson electrodynamics and allows determination of the effective input resistance, which couples Josephson current to cavity modes in the transmission line formed by the junction. The model provides full characterization of Josephson oscillators and explains the origin of low radiative power efficiency. Finally, I discuss the design of an optimized Josephson patch oscillator, capable of reaching high efficiency and radiation power for emission into free space.
We derive an explicit form for the electronic friction as felt by a molecule near a metal surface for the general case that molecule-metal couplings depend on nuclear coordinates. Our work generalizes a previous study by von Oppen et al [Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology, 3, 144, 2012], where we now go beyond the Condon approximation (i.e. molecule-metal couplings are not held constant). Using a non-equilibrium Green's function formalism in the adiabatic limit, we show that fluctuating metal-molecule couplings lead to new frictional damping terms and random forces, plus a correction to the potential of mean force. Numerical tests are performed and compared with a modified classical master equation; our results indicate that violating the Condon approximation can have a large effect on dynamics.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a chip-scale ultrafast laser that performs on par with traditional tabletop femtosecond lasers。 The innovation could make advanced laser technologies far smaller, cheaper, and more accessible for applications ranging from medical diagnostics to atomic clocks
Scientists have created a tiny chip that can generate, steer, and read light-based information all in one device, marking a major leap toward ultra-fast, energy-efficient computing。 The breakthrough uses atomically thin materials and nanoscale structures to control a unique quantum property of light called the “valley” degree of freedom, allowing i
Nicolas Cage was born to play 1930s PI Ben Reilly/The Spider: part Bogart, part Bugs Bunny, 100% Cage-y
Scientists have developed a solar desalination system that turns seawater into drinking water without creating environmentally damaging brine。 Special laser-textured metal panels use sunlight to evaporate water while automatically moving salt deposits away from the working surface, preventing clogging。 The process was successfully tested with water
Those ousted included ADA journal Editor-in-Chief Steven Kahn and former ADA President Desmond Schatz
A team at the University of Minnesota discovered that changing a metal film's thickness by just a few nanometers can dramatically alter how it behaves electronically。 The finding reveals a surprising new way to control metals and could help power future advances in electronics, catalysis, and quantum technology
A remarkable crystal called molybdenum oxychloride could help make futuristic technologies like smart contact lenses and ultrathin AR glasses a reality。 Scientists have created the first detailed experimental map of its optical properties, revealing the strongest light-bending effect ever measured in a natural material。 The crystal can act either l
New studies suggest consciousness can't be judged solely by behavior, whether it's a chatbot discussing philosophy or a bee searching for nectar。 Researchers are increasingly focusing on the internal mechanisms of brains and computers, concluding that today's AI is likely not conscious while leaving open the possibility for both conscious insects a
Researchers have discovered how microscopic imperfections and atomic vibrations can be used to control a powerful quantum effect in an advanced material。 The effect can turn alternating electrical signals from the environment directly into the kind of current electronic devices need, without traditional components。 As temperature changes, the signa
A long-overlooked organ may hold surprising clues to healthy aging and cancer survival。 Researchers at Mass General Brigham used AI to analyze CT scans from tens of thousands of adults and found that people with healthier thymuses—a small immune-system organ once thought to become largely irrelevant after childhood—lived longer and had substantiall
The latest bill would ban day trips from Canada or Mexico in Chinese cars
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has uncovered unusual chemistry in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, including the first direct detection of methane on a visitor from another star system。 The comet also contains exceptionally high levels of carbon dioxide, making it unlike most comets born in our solar system。 Scientists believe the methane was hidden