NEWSROOM

Rice University researchers have shown that sub-nanometer wrinkles in graphene generate flexoelectric charge separation, reshaping local electrical behavior through curvature alone. Extreme bending produces polarization far stronger than in larger systems and may enable geometry-controlled electronics without chemical doping. Published in Advanced Materials.

Researchers at the University of Basel and Technical University of Munich have used light to probe the collective motion of electrons in a Wigner crystal formed in monolayer tungsten diselenide. Optical signatures of Wigner crystal polarons reveal internal dynamics of this fragile quantum state, opening a new window into strongly correlated electronic systems. Published in Nature Physics.

Researchers have observed a three-dimensional woven structure of interlaced nano-dipole ensembles forming spontaneously inside a ferroelectric crystal. The fabric-like network emerges during cooling through a phase transition and can be locally untangled with focused laser light. The discovery reveals a new form of material organization with potential topological implications. Published in Light: Science & Applications.

A joint team from SNU, KAIST, and KBSI has identified the distinct reaction sites of silver nanocatalysts in solid oxide cells. During electricity generation the catalyst–electrode interface dominates, while during hydrogen production the nanoparticle surface is key. The finding enables new design principles for higher-efficiency green hydrogen and clean power systems. Published in Energy & Environmental Science.

Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have demonstrated a new quantum-dot mechanism that could significantly expand the reach of light-driven chemistry. By introducing magnetic manganese dopants into semiconductor quantum dots

Researchers at the University of Osaka have developed an autonomous solid-state nanopore that senses molecules, generates electrical signals, and retains memory of recent events without external control. Chemical reactions inside the pore continuously reshape its structure, producing molecule-specific signal patterns. Machine learning distinguished DNA nucleotides and amino acids from these signatures. Published in ACS Nano.