Collagen-based microgels and nanogels are extremely small in size and consist of cross-linked polymer networks made of the protein collagen or its derivatives. They can function as a ‘delivery system’ that releases substances such as drugs at specifically targeted sites in the body. Now, researchers have published an in-depth review on the manufacturing processes, drug release mechanisms, and biomedical applications of these hydrogel systems, including wound repair and cancer treatment.

Researchers have found widespread exposure to primary aromatic amines (PAAs), toxic chemicals used in industry and consumer products, among the Chinese population. The study indicates that these chemicals may damage DNA, especially in non-adults and smokers, raising long-term health concerns.

This study introduces a reliability assessment methodology for high grade steel large diameter natural gas pipelines, which systematically accounts for the correlations and nonlinear coupling effects among the defects. The proposed method effectively reflects realistic risk levels in pipelines with multiple defects.

Increased micro- and nanoplastic (MNP) pollution and its poorly understood biomedical impacts raise questions on their cell and tissue uptake mechanisms and effects on the absorptive tissues. Dmitriev’s team reports a new microscopy-based approach enabling dynamic imaging of dye-modified micro- and nanoplastics (MNP). When combined with stem cell-derived intestinal organoids, with controlled apical and basal polarity, this approach enables for sensitive detection and quantification of MNPs, their internalization and biological effects.

The emerging interfacial polarization strategy exhibits applicative potential in piezoelectric enhancement. However, there is an ongoing effort to address the inherent limitations arising from charge bridging phenomena and stochastic interface disorder that plague the improvement of piezoelectric performance. Here, we report a dual structure reinforced MXene/PVDF-TrFE piezoelectric composite, whose piezoelectricity is enhanced under the coupling effect of interfacial polarization and structural design. Synergistically, molecular dynamics simulations, density functional theory calculations and experimental validation revealed the details of interfacial interactions, which promotes the net spontaneous polarization of PVDF-TrFE from the 0.56 to 31.41 Debye. The oriented MXene distribution and porous structure not only tripled the piezoelectric response but also achieved an eightfold increase in sensitivity within the low-pressure region, along with demonstrating cyclic stability exceeding 20,000 cycles. The properties reinforcement originating from dual structure is elucidated through the finite element simulation and experimental validation. Attributed to the excellent piezoelectric response and deep learning algorithm, the sensor can effectively recognize the signals of artery pulse and finger flexion. Finally, a 3 × 3 sensor array is fabricated to monitor the pressure distribution wirelessly. This study provides an innovative methodology for reinforcing interfacial polarized piezoelectric materials and insight into structural designs.

New research demonstrates that ball milling under nitrogen atmosphere significantly improves the catalytic activity of siderite-biochar composites, enabling efficient degradation of phenol in water.

A new study has revealed that biochar, a carbon-rich material made from crop residues, can significantly reduce the persistence of the widely used herbicide fluridone in agricultural soils, while also protecting soil microbes and improving crop growth.

A team of scientists has created low-carbon building blocks that not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also minimize the leaching of toxic metals when construction waste reaches the end of its life cycle. The findings, published in Biochar, highlight the potential of biochar-amended fly ash cement blocks as a sustainable alternative for the construction industry.

The study, titled "Machine Learning Technique for Carbon Sequestration Estimation of Mango Orchards Area Using Sentinel-2 Data," is led by Prof. Sittichai Choosumrong from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, and Prof. Tatsuya Nemoto from the Graduate School of Science at Osaka Metropolitan University in Osaka, Japan. This research offers a detailed analysis of how machine learning can enhance our understanding of carbon sequestration in agricultural landscapes.

Biochar, a carbon-rich material made from organic waste, is gaining attention for its ability to improve soils, clean water, and capture carbon. A new review in Biochar X highlights how machine learning (ML) is reshaping biochar research, making it faster, smarter, and more effective in tackling climate change.