Nanocrystalline materials exhibit unique mechanical behaviors, yet the impact of elastic strain concentrations due to mechanical anisotropy or dislocation pile-ups is not fully understood. Here, the authors utilize precession nanobeam electron diffraction and advanced algorithms to map transient elastic strain fields, revealing significant grain rotations and the influence of initial microstructural states on deformation.

Indium hydroxide has emerged as a promising material for mechanical energy conversion and storage, owing to its exceptionally high energy storage density. Here, the authors present fundamental insights into recent innovations and breakthroughs of conventional materials.

Predictive atomistic simulations are crucial for materials discovery, yet their complexity limits accessibility for non-experts, hindering Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME). Here, the authors introduce GENIUS, an AI-driven workflow that automates Quantum ESPRESSO input generation and error recovery, significantly enhancing efficiency and democratizing electronic-structure simulations for global ICME applications.

ABO₃-type perovskite oxides are scientifically important because of their diverse technological applications. Here, the authors show that initial B–O octahedral disorder determines the crystallization pathways of two perovskite oxides formed from peroxo precursors, leading to either amorphous or crystalline intermediates and distinct disorder in the final nanomaterials.

The demand for high-strength materials to enhance energy efficiency drives research into additive manufacturing and precipitation strengthening of high entropy alloys. Here, the authors investigate the low-cycle fatigue behavior of an Al-Co-Cr-Fe-Ni-Ti alloy, revealing impressive fatigue life and stress profiles, highlighting its potential for reliable structural applications.

Aqueous two-phase extraction is used for sorting single-walled carbon nanotubes with primary amine functionalized DNA, enabling molecularly-specific multiplexed sensing.

Zhong Lin Wang was the first to demonstrate a working Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG). Here we discuss his scientific background, promising applications for TENGs and commercialization challenges.

William Morris is the director of business development at Numat, a company commercializing metal-organic frameworks into products. Here he offers his insight on transitioning to industry, what businesses consider in commercial deployment, and suggestions to make research more applicable to the real world.

Combining in-memory sensing and computing is key to the realization of machine vision systems in artificial intelligence applications. Now, non-volatile magnetic memory and optical sensing capabilities are integrated in two-dimensional Fe₃GaTe₂/WSe₂/Fe₃GaTe₂ junctions operating at room temperature.

Sonodynamic therapy is a precise and non-invasive anticancer treatment but is ineffective in killing cancer cells and triggering robust immune responses. Now, a dual-ligand bimetallic framework allows controlled nitric oxide release by ultrasound that is effective for sono-immunotherapy.

Yury Gogotsi is a pioneer of the burgeoning field of 2D MXenes. Here he offers his insight on the history of MXene development, promising applications and what he is excited about.

There is growing interest in reducing the chemical complexity of engineering alloys. Here, an Mg-Ca alloy for use in bone fixation has less than 1 weight % calcium, and achieves strength and ductility superior to many conventionally-processed magnesium alloys.