Jing Zhang

Nature Materials, Published online: 21 November 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02416-2

Through direct visualization of how the moiré potential enhances and modulates the topological flat band in rhombohedral graphene superlattice, this work provides key insights into the microscopic mechanism of the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect

Abstract

RETRACTION: J. O'Neill, T. Hamann, K. Duncan, and E. Wachsman, “Stochastically Generated Digital Twins of 3D Solid-State Electrolyte Architecture,” Adv. Funct. Mater. (Early View), https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202511349.

The above article, published online on 31 July 2025 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors; the journal Editor-in-Chief, Jörn Ritterbusch; and Wiley-VCH GmbH. A party included in the acknowledgements section reported that data in this article were used without full permission and concerns about the ownership of the data were raised.

The authors have requested a retraction for their article and have stated their intention to collaborate on an updated article to be submitted at a later date. The retraction has been agreed to because not all persons accountable for the research are included in the author list and resulting about data ownership.

Nature, Published online: 19 November 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09601-y

To turn on and obtain emission from lanthanide-doped insulating nanoparticles, an electrical excitation pathway coupling them to organic optical molecules to form nanohybrids is described, enabling tunable electroluminescence properties of LEDs fabricated from such materials.

Light (La, Pr, Ce) and heavy (Er) rare earths are doped in Mo-MXene to induce dual-domain synergistic attenuation mechanism for enhancing electromagnetic wave absorption.

Abstract

2D materials such as MXene are prime candidates for next-generation electromagnetic response materials. However, due to difficulties in atomic level regulation and the inherent drawbacks associated with high conductivity, the production of high-performance 2D MXene-based electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers remains challenging. In this work, a dual-element doping strategy is proposed by simultaneously doping a light rare-earth (RE = La, Pr, Ce) ion and a heavy rare earth (RE = Er) ion. The couple doping realizes a synergistic attenuation in Mo-MXene, effectively overcoming excessive conductivity. In performance, the light and heavy RE-doped Mo-MXene systems enable a universal nature for excellent EMW absorption performance (2 times and 5 times comparing with single element doped and pure Mo-MXenes). This is because the localized 4f electronic states regulate the dielectric loss. The spin-orbit coupling effects (so as the electron localization and dipole polarization effects of REs in density functional theory (DFT) calculations) induced by the differences in magnetic moment between heavy and light RE enhance the magnetic loss, which is confirmed by Mo-MXene/N-La-Er, Mo-MXene/N-Pr-Er, and Mo-MXene/N-Ce-Er systems. Furthermore, radar cross-section (RCS) simulations indicate the potential application of the Mo-MXene/N-RE-Er system in radar stealth. This work presents a practical design strategy for dual-RE modified high-performance absorbers.

A screen-printable MXene–cellulose nanofiber hybrid ink enables multifunctional anti-counterfeiting devices featuring reversible light/electric-triggered encryption, infrared stealth, and record-fast degradability within 200 s. The hydrogen-bonded MXene-TOCNF network imparts high mechanical robustness and printability, providing a sustainable strategy toward secure, transient, and intelligent printable electronics.

Abstract

Counterfeiting remains a persistent global challenge, and current anti-counterfeiting technologies are often constrained by single-stimulus responsiveness and poor environmental compatibility at the end-of-life of devices. Herein, a printable, ultra-fast, degradable, and multi-stimulus anti-counterfeiting (MSAC) device based on spectrally selective MXene-TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) inks is developed, enabling high-resolution patterning and reversible information encryption/decryption through screen-printing techniques. TOCNF establishes robust interfacial interactions with MXene nanosheets, forming a hydrogen-bonded network that significantly enhances the viscoelasticity and nanomechanical properties of the anti-counterfeiting layer. The resulting MSAC device demonstrates excellent infrared stealth performance in the mid-infrared range, making it suitable for high-security identity verification. Furthermore, it offers reversible information encryption, triggered by light or electrical stimuli in the UV–vis-NIR range via efficient photothermal and electrothermal conversion, enabling dynamic and multi-modal authentication. Notably, the device exhibits eco-friendly decomposition into non-toxic products by ultrasonic sonochemical treatment in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) with only 200 s, representing the record high degradation rate reported among MXene-based functional materials. This work paves the way for developing multi-stimulus functional materials for the printable, sustainable, and biocompatible anti-counterfeiting applications.

This study reports the multicolor SrZnP₂O₇:Sm³⁺/Dy³⁺/Tb³⁺/Tm³⁺ phosphors exhibiting exceptional multimodal luminescence in the 350–750 nm range with anti-thermal quenching properties. A charge compensation strategy is established to enhance the quantum efficiency, photoluminescence/radioluminescence, and X-ray afterglow duration by precise regulation of trap distribution and density. The developed phosphors demonstrate great promise for X-ray imaging and high-security anti-counterfeiting/encryption applications.

Abstract

Multimodal luminescent materials displaying dynamically tunable multicolor emissions under diverse excitation channels are at the core of optical information encryption technologies. However, simultaneous achievement of high-performance multimodal luminescence with anti-thermal quenching (ATQ) feature remains a critical challenge. Herein, a new class of SrZnP₂O₇:RE (RE = Sm³⁺, Dy³⁺, Tb³⁺, Tm³⁺) phosphors is developed to fulfill these requirements through precise defect engineering. These phosphors exhibit photoluminescence (PL), radioluminescence (RL), mechanoluminescence (ML), thermoluminescence (TL), and persistent luminescence (PersL) with emission spanning 350–750 nm. By strategically incorporating charge compensators (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺), precise regulation of trap distribution and density is demonstrated, yielding remarkable enhancements in PL, quantum efficiency, RL intensity, and X-ray afterglow duration. Crucially, the engineered deep traps in Sm/Dy/Tm-doped systems enable exceptional ATQ behavior. Comprehensive investigations reveal the critical role of charge compensation and defect redistribution in modulating luminescence performance. Benefiting from their superior multimodal emission properties, these phosphors demonstrate great promise for X-ray imaging and high-security anti-counterfeiting/encryption applications. This work establishes a new paradigm in luminescent material design, providing both fundamental insights into defect-luminescence property relationships and a practical framework for constructing advanced optical materials with tailored multimodal responses through precision trap state engineering.

This study reports the introduction of two neighboring rare earth ions (i.e., Dy3+ and Eu3+) as the co-dopants to Tb3+-doped calcium gallate Ca3Ga4O9 to modulate its trap characteristics such as level, density, and depth. We have also demonstrated their potential optical data storage applications through figures, textual descriptions, and binary data encryption and decryption via optical and thermal stimulations.

Abstract

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) materials offer significant potential for optical data storage (ODS) and anticounterfeiting applications. However, there are limited available OSL materials with deep traps, narrow trap distribution, and high trap density for such applications. Here, a neighboring co-doping strategy is employed to tune persistent luminescence (PersL) and OSL properties of Ca₃Ga₄O₉:Tb³⁺ (CGOT) phosphor by Dy³⁺ and Eu³⁺ by modifying the trap depth, density, and distribution. Specifically, the effects of co-doping on the crystal structure and unique characteristics of their trap depth, density, and distribution, along with PersL, thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL), and OSL properties have been analyzed. The observed strong bluish-green PersL and OSL demonstrate varying intensity and decay profiles depending on the co-dopant. The Ca_2.97Ga₄O₉:0.5%Tb³⁺,0.5%RE³⁺ sample exhibits controllable photon release and adjustable shallow and deep trap depth, density, and distribution under both thermal and optical stimuli, leading to the formation of either shallow or deep traps with variable trap levels or eliminating them, ultimately improving their performance for ODS applications. This work highlights that trap modulation via neighboring co-doping of RE ions is an effective approach to fine-tune the PersL, TSL, and OSL properties of Ca_2.985-x%Ga₄O₉:0.5%Tb³⁺,x%RE³⁺ for ODS and other potential applications.

High-resolution photonic micropatterns with vivid structural colors are fabricated through bottom-up assembly, guided by surface-dependent regioselective heterogeneous nucleation and crystal growth of colloidal particles. Full-spectrum color tunability is achieved by controlling particle size and interparticle attraction, while in situ color mixing is enabled by exclusive crystallization of bidisperse particles, expanding the accessible color palette.

Abstract

Photonic micropatterns derived from colloidal self-assembly are highly sought after for next-generation optical and functional devices. However, achieving high optical quality, spatial precision, and stopband tunability with a simple fabrication process remains challenging due to the limitations of conventional top-down techniques. Here, a bottom-up strategy is reported for fabricating high-resolution photonic micropatterns via regioselective heterogeneous nucleation and crystallization of polystyrene particles, directed by surface-dependent nucleation behavior. On strongly charged glass, nucleation is suppressed, while on weakly charged photoresist surfaces, it is promoted via depletion-mediated attraction. Photoresist micropatterns prepared by standard photolithography enable single-step, spatially localized crystal growth without physical confinement. The resulting crystalline grains exhibit uniform orientation and minimal intergrain gaps, displaying intense structural colors. By systematically tuning depletant and salt concentrations, an optimal pair potential well depth is identified that yields superior-quality photonic micropatterns. Full-spectrum color tunability is achieved by varying particle size while maintaining this optimal interaction range. Moreover, bidisperse systems show exclusive crystallization of distinct grain types within a single pattern, enabling in situ color mixing and extended color palettes. Beyond photolithography, that accessible charge-guided patterning is demonstrated using vapor-phase masking, oil stamping, and even fingerprints, highlighting the versatility and scalability of this bottom-up approach.

Lanthanide-based materials exhibit atom-like 4f-4f transitions and exceptional quantum coherence, offering unique advantages for quantum optics. This review highlights milestones in developing lanthanide quantum materials, analyzes key strategies for achieving single-ion emission, quantum memories, and cooperative superfluorescence, and envisions emerging opportunities and challenges for their integration into future quantum technologies.

Abstract

Quantum optical materials are fundamental infrastructure to realize emerging quantum technologies for quantum communication, quantum computation, quantum memory, and sensing. Among the wide range of solid-state platforms explored, lanthanide-based systems stand out for their ability to combine atomic-like coherence with the scalability of condensed matter. The shielded 4f orbitals of lanthanide ions yield long-lived radiative transitions, narrow homogeneous linewidths, and rich hyperfine structures that support optical and spin coherence extending from milliseconds to hours. These intrinsic properties, combined with the versatility of host environments—from bulk crystals and thin films to fibers and nanocrystals—enable lanthanides to address three pillars of quantum optics: collective emission, single-ion emission, and ensemble-based quantum memories. Recent experiments have demonstrated room-temperature superfluorescence in nanocrystals, single-ion emission in the telecom band, and quantum memories with record-setting storage times and efficiencies. Here, a critical review of these advances, emphasizing how control parameters such as host lattice, isotopic purification, dopant concentration, and photonic integration govern performance metrics of lanthanide-based quantum optical materials, is provided. By analyzing the state-of-the-art of lanthanides for quantum optics and envisioning the potential future directions, the principles to design lanthanide-based materials as indispensable building blocks for scalable, application-driven quantum technologies are aimed to highlight.

The rapid growth of high-tech sectors, such as new energy generation and storage as well as electronic information, has stoked a global demand for rare earth elements (REEs), the critical raw materials for these sectors and others (1). Statistical data indicate that global rare earth mineral production, including mining, smelting, and application, skyrocketed from 124,000 metric tons in 2015 to 390,000 metric tons in 2024, a staggering 214% increase over the past decade (2). Moreover, large-scale mining, smelting, and industrial use of REEs have accelerated their biogeochemical cycling, leading to substantial enrichment in the atmosphere, water, soil, and organisms. Against this backdrop of expanding REE mining, processing, and consumption, the enrichment of these elements in urban environments and their potential health impacts demand urgent attention.

Nature Materials, Published online: 12 November 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-025-02396-3

This study shows that the nodal loop topology in LaSbxTe2−x can be controlled by chemical substitution and electron doping. The reversible opening and closing of a gap larger than 400 meV in the nodal loop enables on-demand switching of topology.

This work demonstrates an interface engineering strategy that enables efficient, non-destructive transfer of 2D materials. By reducing substrate adhesion via polydimethylsiloxane pretreatment, a wafer-scale MoS₂ monolayer can be easily transferred to arbitrary substrates while retaining its intrinsic quality. The approach facilitates high-performance electronic devices and twisted homostructures, paving the way for scalable 2D integration from lab to fab.

Abstract

2D layered materials with atomic thicknesses and dangling-bond-free flat surfaces hold great potential to overcome the fundamental challenges of current silicon technology, and to develop completely new device architectures and functionalities. Although notable progress in the synthesis of wafer-scale 2D materials has been witnessed over the past few years, wafer-scale transfer of 2D materials from the grown substrates to target substrates faces challenges in terms of mechanical damage, surface contamination, and inefficiencies. Here, the efficient, non-destructive transfer of 2-inch monolayer MoS₂ wafers grown on sapphire to arbitrary substrates by interface engineering is demonstrated. Via pretreating sapphire with polydimethylsiloxane, a wafer-scale monolayer MoS₂ with extremely weak bonding to substrates is synthesized. The strongly reduced interactions between MoS₂ and sapphire substrates facilitate the wafer-scale transfer of the as-grown monolayer MoS₂ to both rigid and flexible substrates in an efficient, non-destructive manner. Benefiting from the damage-free transfer, the fabricated field-effect transistors display outstanding electrical performances and high yield. Further, layer-by-layer stacking of large scale MoS₂ homostructures with twist-angle control is demonstrated. The work offers an interface engineering solution to the formidable challenges of wafer-scale transfer of 2D materials, paving the way toward 2D technology from lab to fab.

Time-dependent upconversion luminescence measurements reveal distinct equilibrium times for oxidation and reduction reactions at the gas-ceramic interface. Slow diffusion of oxygen ions/vacancies governs the oxygen equilibrium in the reduction process, whereas oxidation equilibrium is primarily influenced by the external oxygen partial pressure.

Abstract

Controlling oxygen vacancies in ceramics via atmosphere-assisted thermal annealing is a widely adopted and impactful strategy, yet understanding the oxygen dynamics at the gas-ceramic interface remains a significant challenge. In this study, Er³⁺ ions are demonstrated to serve as effective luminescent probes for monitoring oxygen adsorption/evolution, redox reactions, and diffusion at the gas-solid interface of scheelite CaGd₂(MoO₄)₄:10%Yb,5%Er (CGMO:Yb/Er) ceramics under various atmospheres at 500 °C. Time-dependent upconversion luminescence measurements reveal that slow diffusion of oxygen ions/vacancies within the lattice predominantly governs oxygen equilibrium during the reduction process (O₂+8e′+2V·· O→2O²⁻), irrespective of oxygen partial pressure. It is attributed to the relatively rapid reaction and intrinsic electron carriers within the mixed ionic-electronic conductor of CGMO:Yb/Er. Conversely, the oxidation process (2O²⁻→O₂ +8e′+2V·· O), accelerated by an external power supply for electron extraction, has a more substantial impact on oxygen vacancy formation. This is evidenced by an increase in luminescence intensity and a prolonged equilibration time. Reducing the oxygen partial pressure has a similar effect as lowering temperature, both leading to extended oxidation balance time. These findings provide valuable insights into oxygen dynamics at the gas-ceramic interface during thermal annealing via an in situ optical approach, enabling the targeted design of oxide ceramics with controlled oxygen vacancies and enhanced performance.

Magnetic doping of the topological insulator Bi₂Te₃ with erbium adatoms induces out-of-plane magnetism and breaks time-reversal symmetry, opening a Dirac gap and driving a Fermi surface transition from hexagonal to star-of-David geometry. Microscopy, spectroscopy, and magnetic dichroism reveal atomically controlled magnetic interactions that tailor the topological surface states.

Abstract

Magnetic interactions at the surface of topological insulators provide a versatile route to engineer exotic quantum states. Breaking time-reversal symmetry (TRS) at the topological surface state (TSS) enables the opening of a Dirac gap, which is essential for realizing quantum anomalous Hall physics. This work investigates the impact of submonolayer deposition of magnetic rare-earth adatoms on the prototypical topological insulator Bi₂Te₃. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) supported by first-principle calculations, core-level photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and quasiparticle interference (QPI) mapping are combined to reveal direct evidence of local interactions between erbium (Er) atoms and the substrate, leading to significant modifications of the TSS. XMCD measurements confirm the out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy for Er adatoms on Bi₂Te₃ , which induces a warping transition of the Fermi surface from a snowflake to a star-of-David-like geometry, along with a Dirac point gap opening and spectral splitting near the Γ point. QPI maps confirm the reconstructed surface band topology through modified scattering patterns consistent with TRS breaking. Our results identify a microscopic mechanism for magnetic interaction at the surface of a topological insulator and establish magnetic rare-earth doping as an effective strategy to tailor topological electronic states with atomic-scale control.

Nature Photonics, Published online: 31 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41566-025-01785-z

Nanostencil etching and lithography enable the fabrication of green-emitting nanoscale organic light-emitting diode pixels with size as small as 100 nm, densities as high as 100,000 pixels per inch and average external quantum efficiency of 13.1% for green emission.

A concept of cascaded multiplexing channels is proposed to achieve switchable holographic displays through continuous pixel-level lateral displacement between the layers of two closely stacked diffractive optical devices, supporting more than 12 independent, nearly crosstalk-free holographic display channels. Furthermore, by integrating traditional multiplexing techniques, an optical secret sharing platform is demonstrated.

Abstract

Metasurface holography, with its compact structural design and multi-dimensional multiplexing capabilities, has demonstrated great potential in dynamic display and data storage applications. However, the approach of achieving multiplexing by adjusting different properties of the incident light has nearly exhausted the multiplexing dimensions of metasurfaces, severely hindering the development of information-dense planar diffractive optical devices. Here, the concept of cascaded multiplexing channels is introduced, achieving switchable holographic displays through continuous pixel-level lateral displacement between the layers of two closely stacked diffractive optical devices. To achieve this, a progressive optimization algorithm is developed to enhance the efficiency of optimizing phase profiles for each layer. As a proof of concept, a cascaded liquid crystal (LC) platform based on Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase modulation is experimentally demonstrated, supporting up to 12 independent, nearly crosstalk-free holographic display channels. Furthermore, by integrating traditional multiplexing techniques, an optical secret sharing platform is designed and demonstrated, which can achieve secure transmission and storage of high-capacity information. This work introduces a new multiplexing dimension for compact holographic optical devices, with promising applications in the fields of optical storage, display, encryption, and anti-counterfeiting.

Dynamic multicolor luminescence of MgGa₂O₄:Tb³⁺ across four dimensions of excitation wavelength, time, temperature, and pressure.

Abstract

Multimodal luminescence materials exhibiting multiple stimulus responses are highly favored in optical anti-counterfeiting and information encryption applications. However, this static luminescence under fixed stimuli remains vulnerable to replication. The development of dynamic multicolor luminescent materials offers an effective solution, yet integrating multidimensional dynamic luminescence within a single material remains challenge. Here, this work introduces Tb³⁺ capture centers into the self-activated luminescent host MgGa₂O₄-featuring an alternating layered structure and abundant defects-to construct efficient energy transfer channels. This design enables not only static multicolor luminescence dependent on concentration and interplanar spacing, but also, for the first time, stable dynamic multicolor luminescence modulated by four independent dimensions: excitation wavelength, time, temperature, and pressure. In particular, the time domain reveals dynamic photoluminescence with tunable evolution rates, as well as visible–near-infrared dual-band persistent luminescence. These unique optical properties provide strong potential for advanced anti-counterfeiting and visual temperature/stress sensing. Moreover, this work proposes a 4D coupled dynamic encryption system that integrates self-destruction protection and memory fault-tolerance, thereby greatly reducing the risk of information leakage. Combined experimental and theoretical analyses further elucidate the underlying mechanisms, opening new avenues for the design of multidimensional dynamic multicolor luminescent materials.

Inspired by transporter protein hinges, this work developed a conductive rubber via synergistic π–π stacking, dynamic covalent crosslinking, and hydrogen bonding. The material showed leading tensile strength and conductivity among recent elastomers. Integrated into a triboelectric nanogenerator, it enabled self-powered motion monitoring and machine learning–based material recognition, highlighting its potential for intelligent sensing and wearable electronics.

Abstract

To address the need for simultaneous improvements in strength, elasticity, and environmental resilience of rubber materials for flexible electronics, a bioinspired multiscale crosslinking strategy is proposed for systematic performance optimization. Inspired by reversible π–π interactions in transporter protein hinges, we designed a multiscale architecture that integrates a dynamic covalent network with π–π stacking structure, enabling the rubber to exhibit mechanical strength, elasticity retention, and environmental adaptability far exceeding similar studies. Acrylamide is grafted onto styrene–butadiene rubber chains to introduce polar groups. Tris(4-aminophenyl)amine initiates a deamination polycondensation reaction, forming a stable, reversibly tunable covalent network. It exhibits high tensile strength (9.88 MPa) and large elongation at break (992%). Incorporation of 7 wt% graphene forms a conductive network, enhancing conductivity (0.37 S m⁻¹) and strength (14.88 MPa) for flexible sensing. The π−π stacking promotes the movement of delocalized π-electrons in graphene, enabling the triboelectric nanogenerator to possess a high power density (4.2 W m⁻²) far exceeding similar studies, and to operate stably in complex environments. It enables high-accuracy material recognition (98.58% by machine learning) and real-time human motion monitoring. This work presents a strategy for designing high-performance, self-powered rubber devices for flexible electronics and wearable health monitoring.

This study examines how acoustic waves can cause special materials to glow. In response to ultrasonic exposure, it has been found that LiTaO₃:Pr emits multi-color light, including green (511 nm), red (618 nm), and infrared (892 nm), and converts mechanical waves into optical emission. This discovery could lead to new technologies for self-powered sensors, imaging, and innovative optical systems activated by ultrasounds.

Abstract

This study presents the light emission from LiTaO₃:Pr when exposed to low-frequency (20 kHz) and high-frequency (3.3 MHz) ultrasound waves. Upon excitation at 270 nm, LiTaO₃:Pr exhibits photoluminescence with three prominent emission peaks at 511, 618, and 892 nm. Additionally, charge carrier trapping occurs in LiTaO₃:Pr, leading to persistent luminescence and thermoluminescence. These trapped charge carriers can also be released when exposed to ultrasound waves. By varying the concentration of praseodymium (1% for sample S1, 3% for sample S2, and 5% for sample S3), the activation energy of the traps (i.e., the trap depth) is modulated. For sample S1, the energy difference between the deep and shallow traps is ≈0.1 eV, whereas for samples S2 and S3, this difference increases to ≈0.45 eV. Moreover, S1 has a relatively higher concentration of shallow traps compared to S2 and S3. The variation in trap formation in each sample is also responsible for the distinct behavior under ultrasound exposure in different experimental conditions. The distinct acoustic phenomena observed at low (acoustic cavitation) and high (acoustic streaming) frequencies may lead to different mechanisms of light emission: predominantly mechanoluminescence-driven at 20 kHz and thermoluminescence-driven at 3.3 MHz.

The existence of an inverse magnetocaloric effect in metamagnetic materials at cryogenic temperatures is investigated using multiple methods. Contrary to predictions from magnetization data, neither specific heat nor pulsed-field measurements show such a cooling effect, instead indicating irreversible heating. Using Tb₃Ni as a case study, this work demonstrates the crucial need for complementary techniques to accurately assess magnetocaloric materials.

Abstract

The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) offers a promising alternative for environmentally friendly cooling technologies, particularly at cryogenic temperatures. However, overestimating material capabilities can lead to misguided research efforts and hinder technological progress. Metamagnetic materials undergoing a transition from an antiferromagnetic to a ferromagnetic state are often predicted to exhibit a strong inverse MCE at cryogenic temperatures based on magnetization measurements. This assumption is critically assessed here using Tb₃Ni as a case study. By employing a simple model and comparing results across various measurement techniques, it is demonstrated that the predicted inverse MCE does not exist. Specific-heat data reveal no evidence of this effect, while direct ΔT _ad pulsed-magnetic-field measurements indicate significant heating caused by dissipative effects linked to hysteresis. Furthermore, total-entropy calculations derived from magnetization data violate the second law of thermodynamics, clearly ruling out the existence of an inverse MCE. These findings underscore the necessity of complementary experimental approaches and a precise understanding of the transitions to accurately characterize magnetocaloric materials and identify suitable candidates for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration.

An atom-thick layer of lanthanum orients semiconductor crystals in one direction

Nature, Published online: 22 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09649-w

A method to make a big family of non-van der Waals superlattices of carbides and carbonitrides based on the delamination and rolling-up of multilayer MXenes is presented.

“Physical intelligence” (PI) empowers biological organisms and artificial machines, especially at the small scales, to perceive, adapt, and even reshape their complex, dynamic, and unstructured operation environments. This review summarizes recent milestones and future directions of PI in small-scale robots and machines. As an example, programming actuation, computing, and sensing into robotic body materials and structures enables more autonomous, robust, and biocompatible monitoring and interventions in biomedical applications.

Abstract

Intelligent living organisms—from unicellular entities to plants—rely on body physical intelligence (PI) to autonomously adapt and thrive in dynamic and complex environments, bypassing neural processing. The paradigm of PI has become a pivotal framework for small-scale mobile robots and machines, where they have limited onboard powering, actuation, perception, computation, and control. However, the emerging PI capabilities remain rudimentary compared to biological counterparts in adaptability, multifunctionality, and evolvability. Here, the review systematically examines PI in small-scale mobile robots and machines, highlight the importance of PI in extreme environments, elucidate hierarchical PI manifestations, identify current challenges and future opportunities for further promoting the evolution of PI. Notably, Current research emphasizes that the human body, featuring confined spaces, active and uncertain fluid and organ movements, immunological reactions, and heterogeneous physicochemical conditions, can be an ultimate testing ground for the next-generation small-scale robotic systems with more advanced PI. Looking forward, the rapid evolution of PI benefits from the convergence of multiple disciplines, such as robotics, mechanics, materials, chemistry, biology, and medicine, toward creating autonomous intelligent machines for real-world applications.

Nature Nanotechnology, Published online: 15 October 2025; doi:10.1038/s41565-025-02050-8

We present a Focus issue on biosensing, examining sensing modalities at various length scales and their future roles in diagnostics, showcasing the field’s interdisciplinary nature.