Carrozzini et al. [(2025), Acta Cryst. A81, 188–201] propose a hybrid phasing strategy where coarse phase estimates for a subset of strong reflections – potentially ML-derived – serve as seeds for dual-space ab initio methods. This can enhance structure solution for large non-centrosymmetric systems.

Measurement of diffuse scattering data and subsequent three-dimensional difference pair-distribution function (3D-ΔPDF) analysis of correlated disorder are compared for in-house and synchrotron sources.

A novel theory for the one-phase semi-invariant estimates is presented. The theoretical approach uses the Patterson map as prior information.

Direct derivation of anisotropic atomic displacement parameters is possible using molecular dynamics simulations of supercells at finite temperature.

The double-slit Laue symmetrical case dynamical diffraction of X-rays in a crystal influenced by a constant temperature gradient is investigated. The dynamical diffraction double-slit interference fringes are formed; for the period of the fringes an expression is obtained, which depends on the modulus of the temperature gradient and is polarization sensitive.

A `new theory for X-ray diffraction' proposed by Fewster in 2014 is shown to be based on a conceptual error. Residual intensity away from Bragg peaks is also discussed.

We have studied the constraints that the spin group symmetry imposes on the most important crystal tensors, on the basis of a generalization of the Neumann principle to spin point groups. Some examples of real materials are presented, and their tensor forms under the spin and magnetic point groups are compared.

Scanning tables for the layer groups are presented, listing the crystal symmetries for all rational lines in all layer groups (describing monolayer crystals). This has applications for linear defects and domain walls in 2D materials.

The contradiction between 7 band symmetry groups and 5 uniaxial Curie limit symmetry groups is resolved. There arise 2 more limit symmetry groups with true inversion axes if we change the understanding of the symmetry axis n → ∞.