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  • Focus |

    Dirac and Weyl topological semimetals have recently been realized. In this Focus we highlight the quantum phenomena at the macroscale that these materials allow to be studied, their possible technological use and the experimental challenges ahead.

  • Focus |

    Since the proposal for lasing from a condensate of exciton–polaritons, the properties of these quasiparticles have been rigorously studied. This Focus explores the challenges towards the fabrication of practical devices as well as their potential for the demonstration of unique physical phenomena.

  • Focus |

    Flexible electronic circuits mimicking the sensory capabilities of biological skin are being developed to restore the sense of touch in artificial limbs and robotics. This focus discusses the mechanical and electronic performance that electronic skin must reach to make a substantial impact in these applications.

  • Focus |

    Materials for aerospace are often placed under extreme conditions. Jet engines, for example, expose metals and ceramics to complex load regimes, high temperatures and aggressive chemical environments. This focus takes a closer look at some of the scientific and regulatory challenges that face the development and application of materials for aerospace.

  • Focus |

    Materials science is highly active in China: it contributes new technologies to help drive the economy, and gives researchers a high-profile platform from which to demonstrate research capabilities. This focus explores the development and current state of play of some of the most active areas of materials science in China.

  • Focus |

    This Focus issue discusses current capabilities and challenges of materials modelling, which provides fundamental insight into materials' properties and may help to accelerate the translation of basic materials research to manufacturing.

    Image: LAGUNA DESIGN

  • Focus |

    The agreement reached at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris has set strategies for limiting global warming well below 2°C from pre-industrial levels. This focus highlights how renewable energy and low-carbon technologies can contribute to achieve this goal.

    Image: ImageSource

  • Focus |

    In the backdrop of the financial crisis across the European Union, research and innovation provide a route to potential wealth growth. This focus issue highlights relevant efforts of EU member states towards a knowledge-driven economy by examining specific examples from the UK and Greece.

  • Focus |

    The assembly of nanoparticles by means of DNA linkers is the most versatile approach to build dynamic, functional nanostructures comprising individually addressable building blocks arranged in predetermined patterns. This web focus highlights recent developments in the rational design of ordered DNA–nanoparticle assemblies.

  • Focus |

    Metallic glasses attract substantial research efforts, which aim to elucidate their structure, properties and the underpinning factors that control glass formation. This focus issue explores some of the most pressing challenges in our scientific understanding of metallic glasses and provides an outlook on their commercialization.

  • Focus |

    Light-emitting diodes are transforming the lighting industry and play a primary role in high-tech displays and other applications. This focus issue highlights the materials and technological advances that contributed to the success of these light sources, and discusses the future prospects and challenges of this technology.