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Configured with a rapid evaporation rate and a high photothermal conversion efficiency, solar-driven interfacial evaporation displays considerable promise for seawater desalination. Inspired by the versatility and deployability of origami-based structures, we demonstrate a portable waterbomb origami pattern-based tower-like structure, named an “origami tower”, as a convertible photothermal evaporator floating on water for efficient solar-driven interfacial desalination. The origami tower has predictable deformability, featuring reversible radial expansion and contraction radially accompanied by small changes in the axial direction. The reversible adjustability of the origami tower offers convenience for transportation and storage, while the quick expansion into its tower shape provides rapid deployment capabilities. Benefiting from an enlarged evaporation surface, excellent light trapping ability, and heat localization, the origami-tower photothermal evaporator yields an evaporation rate of 2.67 kg m −2 h −1 under one sun illumination. This reversible 3D origami-based photothermal evaporator opens a new avenue for building a portable and efficient solar thermal desalination system. 

Rapid, efficient and accurate nucleic acid molecule detection is important in the screening of diseases and pathogens, yet remains a limiting factor at point of care (POC) treatment. Microfluidic systems are characterized by fast, integrated, miniaturized features which provide an effective platform for qualitative and quantitative detection of nucleic acid molecules. The nucleic acid detection process mainly includes sample preparation and target molecule amplification. Given the advancements in theoretical research and technological innovations to date, nucleic acid extraction and amplification integrated with microfluidic systems has advanced rapidly. The primary goal of this review is to outline current approaches used for nucleic acid detection in the context of microfluidic systems. The secondary goal is to identify new approaches that will help shape future trends at the intersection of nucleic acid detection and microfluidics, particularly with regard to increasing disease and pathogen detection for improved diagnosis and treatment. 

Abstract Heat dissipation is a severe barrier for ever‐smaller and more functionalized electronics, necessitating the continuous development of accessible, cost‐effective, and highly efficient cooling solutions. Metals, such as silver and copper, with high thermal conductivity, can efficiently remove heat. However, ultralow infrared thermal emittance (<0.03) severely restricts their radiative heat dissipation capability. Here, a solution‐processed chemical oxidation reaction is demonstrated for transfiguring “infrared‐white” metals (high infrared thermal reflectance) to “infrared‐black” metametals (high infrared thermal emittance). Enabled by strong molecular vibrations of metal‐oxygen chemical bonds, this strategy via assembling nanostructured metal oxide thin films on metal surface yields infrared spectrum manipulation, high and omnidirectional thermal emittance (0.94 from 0 to 60°) with excellent thermomechanical stability. The thin film of metal oxides with relatively high thermal conductivity does not hinder heat dissipation. “Infrared‐black” meta‐aluminum shows a temperature drop of 21.3 °C corresponding to a cooling efficiency of 17.2% enhancement than the pristine aluminum alloy under a heating power of 2418 W m⁻². This surface photon‐engineered strategy is compatible with other metals, such as copper and steel, and it broadens its implementation for accelerating heat dissipation.