From a historical perspective, this paper reinterprets the magnificent epic of human civilization evolution driven by continuous breakthroughs in cognitive revolutions, and identifies three cognitive revolutions experienced by humanity: The first cognitive revolution, centered on the invention of writing and education, enabled humans to break through the limitations of biological instincts, establish an ecological system for cultural inheritance, and realize the intergenerational accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. The second cognitive revolution originated from the explosive development of science and technology in the past 500 years, promoting the birth of industrial civilization and reshaping humanity's ability to transform nature. The current rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks the arrival of the third cognitive revolution, whose core feature is the symbiosis, complementarity, and co−creation of human intelligence and machine intelligence. This paper proposes the philosophical distinction between "thinking soft constructs" and "material hard constructs," and establishes a common cornerstone governing both human and machine cognition through the four−element theory consisting of matter, energy, structure, and time. It points out that science and technology, as an accelerator of human social development, has led to the subversive nature of machine brute−force thinking. By analyzing the symbiosis and co−creation of human intelligence and artificial intelligence, this paper re−examines the relationships between individuals, between humans and society, and between humans and nature, providing a fundamental coordinate for the intelligent era. With forward−looking humanistic care, it explores the fate of humanity in the era of intelligent creation, aiming to embrace an unprecedented new civilizational paradigm.

Propylene, as a raw material in modern industry, holds significant importance for achieving the carbon neutrality goals through innovations in low−carbon technologies. Current propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology faces core challenges such as high catalyst costs, frequent side reactions, thermodynamic equilibrium limitations, and elevated process energy consumption, which urgently demand breakthroughs via transformative technologies. This study summarizes key pathways for the green and low−carbon development of PDH technology, reviewing recent advancements in rational design and precise construction of catalyst, dynamic regulation and in−situ coupling of reaction pathways, and process intensification through reaction−separation integration. In terms of catalyst development, precise regulation methods based on density functional theory and machine learning have driven the rational design of catalysts with high activity, high selectivity, and strong resistance to coking, with Pt−based single−atom alloys, intermetallic compounds, and highly stable oxide systems demonstrating excellent performance. In terms of reaction process coupling, integrating endothermic dehydrogenation with exothermic reactions (such as selective hydrogen combustion and aromatization) effectively breaks the thermodynamic equilibrium limitations, and decreases the reaction temperature. In terms of process integration and optimization, the incorporation of technologies such as heat pump waste heat recovery, catalyst−membrane systems, chemical looping oxidative dehydrogenation has significantly reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions. By advancing critical technologies such as catalytic system innovation, reaction coupling, and process integration, advanced low−carbon PDH technologies characterized high performance, and intelligence can be established, thereby driving the green and low−carbon transformation of the light olefin industry.

This paper reviews the highlights and key mission advances in global space science and deep space exploration during 2025. It focuses on breakthroughs such as the revolutionary discoveries made by the James Webb Space Telescope regarding the early universe and exoplanet atmospheric characterization; major revelations about solar activity mechanisms from solar probes such as Solar Orbiter; the decoding of the evolutionary history of the lunar farside through samples returned by Chang'e−6; and the in−depth application of artificial intelligence in exoplanet search and space weather forecasting. In 2025, China has steadily advanced its crewed lunar exploration program, conducted high−level in−orbit experiments on its space station, achieved a series of fruitful results from space science satellites, and taken a leading role in the world in comprehensive space−environment ground−based monitoring through the Meridian Project. By continuously strengthening original innovation and core technology breakthroughs, China is joining the international community in shaping a new landscape for future space science and exploration.

In 2025, astronomical research achieved systematic progress across multiple fields, significantly expanding our understanding of the multi−level structure of the universe through advanced observational facilities and in−depth data analysis. In Galactic studies, LAMOST combined with Gaia data has produced a high−precision three−dimensional dust extinction map of the Milky Way and revealed a "superbubble" structure with a diameter exceeding one kiloparsec within the Milky Way's Perseus Arm. FAST captured a rare "pulsar − helium star" binary system and first revealed a complex filamentary network dominated by turbulence within a very−high−velocity neutral hydrogen cloud. In solar system exploration, the analysis of lunar far−side samples returned by Chang'e−6 revealed the water−poor nature of the lunar mantle, its extremely depleted isotopic composition, and the possible impact direction of the South Pole–Aitken basin, providing critical evidence for the asymmetric evolution of the Moon. In cosmology, DESI survey data, combined with supernova observations, provided an observational indication at the~3σ level for a possible time evolution in the dark energy equation of state. In time−domain astronomy, EP successfully captured X−ray precursors from high−redshift gamma−ray bursts and discovered new types of weak−jet supernova transients. Additionally, Gaia completed its mission and retired, leaving a valuable legacy; Euclid and Rubin Observatory released their first data, ushering in a new era; humanity welcomed its third interstellar visitor and conducted stereoscopic observations; JWST directly imaged a young planet; and EHT revealed the evolution of the polarization structure of the M87* black hole. These accomplishments reaffirm the power of astronomy's integrated exploration paradigm, characterized by ground−space synergy, multi−wavelength coverage, and the integration of time−domain monitoring with static mapping. They also lay a more solid foundation for understanding the formation and evolution of systems ranging from planetary scales to the cosmic scale.

The relentless pursuit of enhanced lithium-ion battery (LIB) performance is crucial for enabling the widespread adoption of new-energy vehicles, smart grids, and robust equipment for extreme environments. This review comprehensively surveys the key research advances from 2024 to 2025, focusing on five pivotal frontiers: boosting energy density, extending cycle life, expanding operational temperature windows, fortifying safety, and enabling efficient recycling. A notable paradigm shift is observed at the material level—spanning cathodes, electrolytes, anodes, and interfaces—where strategies have evolved from post hoc defect mitigation toward proactive, mechanism-driven design, and from single-property optimization to holistic multi-objective engineering. At the system level, the convergence of AI-assisted prediction, embedded smart sensing, and adaptive thermal management is revolutionizing the paradigm for full-lifecycle battery management and control. By critically examining the scientific principles and engineering approaches underpinning recent breakthroughs, this work offers a timely perspective and forward-looking analysis to guide the development of next-generation high-performance LIBs.

This study systematically reviews recent progress in emerging pollutants in water−solid environmental media. It focuses on the migration and transformation of emerging pollutants at key interfaces, such as wastewater−sludge, river−deposit, livestock manure treatment systems, heterogeneous Fenton systems, and wastewater pipelines. The environmental fate of these pollutants is governed by adsorption, distribution, and degradation processes. These processes are strongly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the pollutants and the characteristics of the surrounding media. Non−targeted analysis, molecular networking, and microfluidic−based detection technologies are essential for identifying and monitoring emerging pollutants. However, current research has limitations in understanding cross−media transport mechanisms, multi−pollutant interactions, and the linkage between detection methods and toxicity assessment. Future work should strengthen mechanistic studies and develop predictive models. This will support a shift from passive responses to proactive early warning and precise control. Ultimately, it can provide a solid scientific basis for environmental risk assessment and management.

Empowered by 5G−Advanced and generative AI, the extended reality (XR) industry will enter a period of large−scale implementation in 2025, with the Chinese market becoming the core growth engine, accounting for 29% of the global market share. This paper systematically summarizes its key progress: on the hardware side, domestically developed 5−nm dedicated spatial computing chips achieve pivotal breakthroughs in the balance between high performance and low power consumption. Meanwhile, differentiated advances in optical display technologies propel the upgrading of AR glasses toward both lightweight form factors and high−fidelity display, and multi−modal interaction technologies enables high−precision control. On the software side, the operating system has formed a dual pattern of "open−source+closed−source", and Generative AI increases 3D modeling efficiency by 6~10 times. On the application side, digital twins empower the entire processes of industry and medical care, while lightweight solutions for the lower−tier market achieve people's livelihood benefits. The study finds that the industry faces bottlenecks such as over 60% import dependence on core components and ecological fragmentation. Accordingly, suggestions are put forward: strengthening core technology research, unifying industry standards, adapting to diverse scenarios, and enhancing ecological support. The XR industry is evolving towards "hardware independence−software standardization−all−scenario application", and is expected to realize the leap from large−scale implementation to high−quality development.

Quantum computing threatens classical cryptographic system and brings new challenges to the security of blockchain network communications. Quantum secure direct communication can achieve end−to−end security and has the ability to detect and prevent eavesdropping. Applying quantum secure direct communication in blockchain networks based on classical confidential communication technology can help blockchain networks resist quantum computing attacks and ensure blockchain network security. This paper explores the technical solution of applying quantum secure direct communication in blockchain networks, and conducts feasibility analysis and experimental verification. The experiment successfully verifies the integration of quantum secure direct communication and blockchain networks, uses quantum secure direct communication technology to safeguard blockchain networks, enhances the security of information transmission between nodes in blockchain networks, and helps the financial industry build a more secure and reliable digital value network.

The (B₄C+Al₂O₃)/Al composite is a critical neutron absorbing material for dry storage systems of spent fuel, and its long−term high temperature service reliability is directly associated with the safety of nuclear waste management. As a structural−functional integrated material, it is susceptible to phase transformation of amorphous Al₂O₃ (am−Al₂O₃) into γ−Al₂O₃ at elevated temperatures, which may adversely affect its mechanical properties. However, the microstructural evolution and long−term properties stability of this composite under prolonged thermal exposure remain insufficiently understood. In this work, (B₄C+Al₂O₃)/Al composites were subjected to stabilization treatments at 400°C for 100 h and 550°C for 8 h, followed by long−term annealing at 400°C for up to 4000 h to evaluate their thermal stability. The results demonstrate that, after stabilization, the composites retained tensile strengths exceeding 220.0 MPa at room temperature and 100.0 MPa at 350°C, satisfying the requirements for engineering applications. Microstructural characterization revealed a partial transformation of am−Al₂O₃ to γ−Al₂O₃; however, both the microstructure and mechanical properties exhibited stable behavior during prolonged annealing. These findings indicate that both stabilization treatments effectively enhance the thermal stability of the (B₄C+Al₂O₃)/Al composite, thereby providing a materials science basis for the long−term safe service of dry storage containers for spent fuel.

In the context of the United States' continuous use of technology export control, unilateral sanctions, 'long−arm jurisdiction' and other tools and means to curb the development of China's science and technology in an all−round way, this paper analyzes the main viewpoints and policy recommendations of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on optimizing export controls for critical and emerging technologies, which can not only provide a basis for studying the development trend of US technology export control, but also provide enlightenment for China to deal with all−round containment in the high−tech field. Through literature research and analysis, the main viewpoints and suggestions of CSIS on optimizing export controls for critical and emerging technologies are summarized. The US regards China as an important competitor, and export control includes multiple complementary policy tools such as entity list, country list, foreign direct product rules, and comprehensive control. It may ensure the competitive advantage of critical and emerging technologies, such as semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence by optimizing export control policies, modifying the BIS list, and establishing a multilateral export control system. Finally, it proposes to strengthen independent innovation, monitoring and early warning, and international cooperation to cope with the possible impact of U.S.critical and emerging technology export controls.

Prof. Feng Xinde was a renowned polymer chemist in China. This memoir reflects on a decades-long friendship with Prof. Feng, beginning with our first meeting in Japan and extending through subsequent collaborations. It highlights his rigorous scholarship as an academic leader, illustrates his profound dedication to nurturing young talents, and reveals his personal charm, characterized by sincerity, humility, and unpretentious simplicity.