Communications Engineering, Published online: 10 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00608-5Changhao Fu and colleagues developed a novel modeling framework based on Polynomial Chaos Expansion for predicting the complete process of crack healing in self-healing concrete. The research establishes a multidimensional model that correlates five key healing indicators with the crack cross-sectional repair rate.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 10 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00606-7Pingan Ni and colleagues proposed a multidisciplinary framework integrating high-resolution geometric data with multidimensional sky models to reveal spatiotemporal coupling heterogeneities in solar radiation distribution across large-scale heritage surfaces.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 09 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00601-ySaeed Zolfaghary pour and colleagues propose an inverse-design framework that automatically shapes 3D-printed microwave power splitters. They demonstrate a 10 GHz four-port device and show that the same approach can be reused for many-port RF components.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 07 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00600-zMengjie Wu and colleagues proposed a machine learning-based model and a closed-loop control scheme to modulate phase patterns of transducers rapidly. This technique enabled the generation of acoustic traps in 3D time-varying environments

Communications Engineering, Published online: 06 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00599-3Yinjie Su and colleagues present a spatial multiplexing metalens that generates four independent acoustic vortex beams. This efficient scheme provides a compact platform for multi-vortex generation, enhancing integration and application capabilities.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 06 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00604-9Haedo Cho and Patrick Slade developed OpenMetabolics, an open-source smartphone-based energy expenditure monitor with 18% error across real-world activities, outperforming existing devices. This tool could enable large-scale and longitudinal studies of physical activity.

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Communications Engineering, Published online: 05 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00603-wPrzemyslaw Falak and colleagues report optical speckle–based fiber sensing demonstrated outside the lab on a drone under vibration and environmental disturbance. The study shows specklemeter technology can support structural monitoring of real-world aerospace systems

Communications Engineering, Published online: 05 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00595-7Zihuan Liu and colleagues reported measurements on a MEMS resonator that reaches a mechanical velocity of 50 m/s, a ten-fold improvement over typical devices. These results show that operating MEMS near limits could enable much more sensitive inertial sensors for navigation.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 03 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00588-6Shiyi Xia and Mingyang Zhao, et al propose a dimensionality-reduced phased-array antenna that uses mathematical compression to cut the number of active controllers by up to 87%. This advance enables simpler, lower-cost beam-steering systems for future 6 G and satellite communications.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 02 February 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00589-5Ilan Oren and colleagues present a synergistic framework that translates gene circuits into energy-efficient electronic circuits, with a focus on data converters. Trade-off analysis reveals that logarithmic encoding optimizes spatial efficiency among power consumption and computational accuracy.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 28 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00592-wShensheng Zhao and colleagues present PaUL imaging, a laser-activated nanodroplet approach that achieves super-resolution microvascular visualization. Its controllable and persistent contrast enables on-demand, multiparametric imaging for diagnostic and therapeutic use.

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Communications Engineering, Published online: 23 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00593-9Adaptable control is essential for metasurfaces. Xingqi Xuan and colleagues propose a cyber-managed system with energy harvesting modules, offering a flexible solution for closed loop electromagnetic field manipulation and sensing.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 23 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00591-xYue Xiang and colleagues propose an adaptive hierarchical learning framework to address implicit uncertainties in distributed energy resource planning when third-party operators lack full grid visibility. Their method co-optimizes investment and operational decisions data-drivenly, reducing costs while maintaining voltage stability without relying on predefined scenarios or model simplifications.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 23 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-025-00564-6Cebastien Guembou and Harufumi Tsuchiya report a 252Cf-based mobile table-top neutron resonance transmission system for nuclear material analysis. The system enables isotope identification in a small-scale, cost-effective format without large accelerator facilities.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 21 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-025-00572-6The use of electric vehicles contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and improving air quality. Communications Engineering is delighted to present its first complete Research Collection on the topic of Battery Management Systems for Vehicle Electrification; you can read all the content here: https://www.nature.com/collections/hfdifjjbha .

Communications Engineering, Published online: 21 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-025-00543-xThe formation of faults in lithium-ion batteries can significantly impact pack safety and performance. Pierre Lambert and colleagues propose a modelling and machine learning framework to detect these faults from the current oscillations found in parallel connected packs.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00587-7Zhendan Lu et al present a novel framework for degradation modelling of chaotic systems through random walks in phase space. This approach effectively overcomes the computational inefficiency of time-domain iterative methods while maintaining high predictive accuracy.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 19 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00585-9Fuelbreaks are treated areas of land that mitigate the spread of wildfires. Dent and colleagues present a method for determining optimal placement using network science and partitioning through optimization with the D-Wave hybrid quantum solver.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 17 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00586-8Bruno Kluwe and colleagues propose using stimuli-responsive, magnetic hydrogels in magnetic particle imaging to resolve pH levels. Non-invasive pH measurement is promising for diagnosing inflamed or tumorous tissues.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 12 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-025-00582-4Rui Li and colleagues propose a deep learning solution to inverse problems in imaging. Their sparsity-efficient network and software improve image restoration across advanced light microscopy modalities with fewer parameters than existing models.

Communications Engineering, Published online: 10 January 2026; doi:10.1038/s44172-026-00584-wYu Zhou and colleagues propose novel designs for oscillating water column wave energy converters coupled to a parabolic coast. The designs yield higher power capture and a broader frequency bandwidth than traditional designs.