Julius Metzdorf and colleagues present a heatpipe system that combines solid-state electrocaloric material with condensation and evaporation of ethanol fluid. The results demonstrate an enhanced cooling power density, which is one order of magnitude higher than that of traditional ceramic electrocaloric systems.

Jiashuo Shi and colleagues build an integrated camera capable of tracking objects of interest. They use optical computing to arrange molecules in the liquid crystal mask for enhanced distinction between the object and background.

Ce Zhang and colleagues report a novel system based on a software-defined radio to measure and control the vibrations of an exotic nanomechanical graphene resonator. This system will be helpful for the nanomechanical measurements with small signals and modulations.

Ran Xiao, Jiaheng Li and colleagues report the fabrication of architected microlattice nasopharyngeal swabs, which can effectively release the collected load without the need for dilution. The method was demonstrated able to improve the accuracy of Covid19 rapid tests.

Alexander Blömeke and colleagues investigate the conditions under which the balancing resistors in battery systems can be used for impedance measurements. This helps to improve state estimation and results in safer and more sustainable battery systems.

Sonnemann and colleagues use Bayesian inference to obtain seabed geoacoustic properties. Their method allows resolving up to 10 cm thin sediment layers over wide areas.

Md Nasful Huda Prince and colleagues propose a tissue imaging system with isotropic sub-micron resolution. The method intelligently delineates tissue borders and captures images faster and with enhanced signal quality.

Hichem Guerboukha and colleagues present a reliable high-data-rate THz communications system when the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver is blocked. They design the near-field wavefront to generate a curved trajectory.

Yongjian Tan and colleagues report a universally applicable real-time polarization compensation method for quantum communications. The approach has several advantages over current methods, including a minimum number of waveplates, faster speed, and wider applicability for various optical links.

Lea Kollmannsperger and colleagues report the fatigue behaviour of additively manufactured lattice structures under cyclic loading, relating fatigue-induced properties to process characteristics using acoustic emission. The results can help to predict damage during operation through non-destructive testing.

A recent publication in Nature Communications describes the use of cameras on hovering drones to detect submillimetre displacements of bridge spans.

Learning from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Sequence offers valuable insights into disaster recovery. Carmine Galasso and Eyitayo Opabola delve into the intricacies of the “Build Back Better” (BBB) concept, underscoring the importance of recovery and reconstruction efforts toward a future that is not only more resilient but also more sustainable and equitable.

Recent high-profile concrete material failures, including the collapse of parts of public buildings in the UK, have highlighted the need for a greater understanding of the durability of concrete. Here, John Provis explores the need to recognise the complexity of concrete when planning both the research and application of this key construction material.

Nanomaterial solutions to sustainable development goals are hindered in their path to commercialisation by an early-stage reliance on single metric optimisation. Here we formulate the PSEC challenge (Performance, Scalability, Environment and Cost) to integrate broader sustainability thinking with precise technical solutions and so enable successful commercialisation of these advanced materials.

On International Women in Engineering Day, we outline the ways that Communications Engineering supports the equitable inclusion of women in our publishing activities. We also suggest ways in which researchers can be supporters of diversity and inclusion when publishing their own research.

Today we celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of Communications Engineering. We reflect on our progress and welcome in the second year by announcing some new projects and content.