materials

Scientific Reports, Published online: 22 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-59348-3 A harmonized dataset and exploratory non-destructive screening framework for characterizing physical and mechanical interrelationships in traditional heritage materials

By physically squeezing or stretching a grid of atoms, scientists can change how a material conducts electricity or stores magnetic information

Nature Communications, Published online: 22 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74794-3 Dynamic control of surface textures is limited by static or coarse-patterned approaches, restricting their application in programmable object manipulation and information encoding. This study achieved reversible, spatiotemporally programmable surface wrinkling on a photothermal liquid crystal elastomer bilayer, …

Spin crossover (SCO) is a well-established phenomenon by which transition-metal complexes can reversibly switch between low- and high-spin states, a phenomenon widely studied in materials chemistry. Recently, transition metal complexes that exhibit SCO have attracted increasing attention as catalysts in chemical reactions. Combining SCO with catalysis presents a promising strategy for creating sw…

Researchers found that a Chinese sodium-ion battery performs far better than expected, with production quality and design features comparable to Tesla’s batteries. If engineers can improve cold-weather charging and energy density, sodium could become a cheaper and more abundant alternative to lithium for EVs and large-scale energy storage.

Nature Communications, Published online: 21 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74689-3 Detoxifying the immunogenic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) remains challenging. Here, the authors show that the Brassicaceae protein LORE binds LPS with high affinity and develop plant-derived nanovesicles displaying native LORE, combined with cerium-based nanozymes, to enable LPS hydrolysis.

Scientific Reports, Published online: 21 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-53663-5 Tuning intermetallic growth and flexural performance in gallium-based amalgams via Sn/In alloying and solidifying at controlled temperature

Scientific Reports, Published online: 21 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-58636-2 Low field magneto-tuneable photodetection in Dy 3+ doped Co-Zn ferrite based heterojunctions

Nature Communications, Published online: 21 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74450-w The work builds a sliding triboelectric generator using structural superlubricity between graphite and silicon oxide. Atomic-scale contact yields near-zero friction, suppresses air breakdown, eliminates wear, and delivers stable, enhanced charge output over long cycling.

Researchers have uncovered a critical mechanism behind battery failure in solid-state batteries, offering new insights that could help unlock safer, longer-lasting energy storage technologies. Every time a smartphone is charged or an electric vehicle is plugged in, billions of lithium ions move through a battery to store energy. Future devices could perform far better with [...]

Slow-healing lesions — common in diabetics and burn victims — can lead to lingering infections that resist antibiotic treatment. A new approach using light-activated therapies may offer a solution.

Nature Communications, Published online: 20 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74634-4 It is possible to realize axion electrodynamics in a material with an isotropic and linear magnetoelectric response, however, such a material has thus far evaded experimental realization. Here, Mishra et al succeed in creating such a linear isotropic magnetoelectric response in powdered Chromia.

Scientific Reports, Published online: 20 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41598-026-56907-6 Research on the influence mechanism of particle size on the migration and deposition law of weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ores

Black has long been one of the most popular colors for luxury cars. Its sleek, elegant appearance often gives vehicles a premium and powerful look. Now, scientists have developed a new type of ultra-black coating that could make future luxury cars darker than ever before. The new coating was developed by researchers from the Nipsea […] The post Scientists create an ultra-black car paint that abso…

Nature Communications, Published online: 20 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74654-0 Probing nanoscale light-matter interactions requires simultaneous access to optical anisotropy and ultrahigh spatial resolution. Here, authors develop torsional force microscopy-infrared imaging, enabling near-nanometer optical imaging and direction-resolved mapping of local optical responses.

The global cobalt supply chain is more interconnected—and more vulnerable—than previously thought, with disruptions capable of triggering far-reaching cascades across multiple countries and industries. Researchers warn that protecting battery supply chains will require system-wide coordination because critical bottlenecks can turn local shocks into global problems.

Nature Communications, Published online: 20 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74637-1 Dynamical heterogeneity relates to particular local length scales in glassy materials that persist over time. While well studied across a range of glassy materials, its presence in spin glasses remains unclear due to the requirement of nanoscale imaging. Here, using spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy,…

An international research team from Tohoku University, Tokyo University of Science, Vanderbilt University and the University of Adelaide has discovered a novel, exceptionally simple method to precisely synthesize extremely small iridium nanoclusters in ambient air. Such a feat was previously considered highly challenging. In addition, the nanoclusters outperform conventional, commercially availab…

Nature Communications, Published online: 20 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-74650-4 Chromium poisoning and sluggish oxygen kinetics limit oxygen electrodes in reversible solid oxide cells. Here, the authors report a triple-barrier perovskite that suppresses Sr segregation, traps chromium, and tunes surface chemistry, enabling strong chromium tolerance and long-term stability.