A class of chalcogenide alloys named phase change materials is exploited in non-volatile memories and in neuromorphic devices. These applications rely on a fast reversible transformation between the crystalline and amorphous phases upon Joule heating. The two phases correspond to the two logical states of the memory that are discriminated thanks to their large contrast in electrical conductivity.

Anti-icing coatings have been in existence for some time, yet they often suffer from degradation and rapid detachment from the surfaces they are meant to safeguard.

The conversion of CO₂ into solar fuels (e-fuels) or other useful chemicals is at the heart of the energy transition. One of the most important processes in this sense is the production of methanol, CH₃OH. For more than half a century, methanol has been produced in the world thanks to a heterogeneous catalyst, Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃, where Cu nanoparticles are dispersed on an alumina support with ZnO particles as promoters.

When you blink, a thin film of tears is redistributed over the ocular surface. This film is primarily composed of mucins, water, and lipids, and has a thickness of a few micrometres that tends to break typically after a few seconds. Prolonged maintenance of the film's integrity suggests a lower propensity for issues such as dry eye disorder. Tear film breakups and the time at which they occur are typically analysed using in vivo a biomicroscope and a fluorescent dye diluted in tears, which is believed to potentially destabilize the tear film once instilled in the eye.

Communicating science to the general public is a growing need to bring citizens closer to science, to create a scientific culture and, why not, inspire tomorrow’s scientists. As part of the European project SURFICE - Smart surface design for efficient ice protection and control (www.surfice-itn.eu), coordinated by prof.