A groundbreaking 17-year study on Lake 223 in Ontario revealed a complex response to acid rain. While the water chemistry has recovered since the experiment ended, the ecosystem is lagging behind. Fish numbers have not rebounded as hoped, with growth rates remaining low. This underscores the vital message that true ecological healing involves much more than merely restoring chemical balance.

Researchers have identified a piezoelectric effect in ultrathin diamond membranes. This effect, previously unseen in bulk diamond, appears in thin polycrystalline sheets. Grain boundaries within these membranes are responsible for generating electrical responses when deformed. The strongest piezoelectric response was observed in membranes approximately five micrometres thick. This discovery opens doors for new applications in energy harvesting and smart electronics.