Researchers from RISE PFI AS in Norway have successfully utilized Kraft lignin as a wet-strength agent in molded pulp materials, achieving significant improvements in both dry and wet strength. The study, published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, highlights the potential of lignin to replace plastic packaging while maintaining recyclability and biodegradability.

The researchers extracted 10 principal regulatory modules from the whole-genome data and ranked them in descending order of binding energy.

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward sustainable propulsion systems to meet stringent environmental regulations, such as the European Union’s push for near-zero-emission vehicles. Among the promising alternatives, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) stand out due to their high efficiency and rapid response times. However, optimizing PEMFC performance requires advanced turbocharging systems to supply compressed air to the fuel cell stack. Centrifugal compressors, a key component in these systems, face challenges in maintaining stable operation across varying conditions, particularly near surge limits—a phenomenon causing disruptive flow fluctuations. To address this, researchers have explored passive flow control methods, with the ported shroud emerging as a critical innovation for extending compressor operability.

The global push toward sustainable transportation has made electric buses (E-buses) a key solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, their widespread adoption faces challenges, particularly in cold climates where battery efficiency drops significantly. Canada, with its harsh winters, presents a unique case study for optimizing E-bus operations, yet existing energy consumption models perform poorly in such conditions. A new study addresses this gap by developing advanced machine learning models tailored to Canadian data, offering precise predictions for E-bus energy use under varying climates and heating systems.

The research team led by Professor Gang Wang from China Agricultural University systematically summarized the synergistic effects of bio-based material amendments such as microbial inoculants, nanomaterials, and biochar in improving soil health and crop productivity through a review article. The relevant research has been published in the journal Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering (DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2024586).

From fundamentals to applications: a review on femtosecond (fs) laser micro/nano processing, recently published online in the International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing. Dr. Le Gao and co-authors from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology present this comprehensive review on the development of fs laser micro/nano processing, including topics such as fundamentals and unique phenomena of fs-laser pluses and matter interactions, pulse-shaping and high throughput fabrication, fs-laser processing in transparent materials, 4D printing, heterogeneous integration and 3D functional micro devices manufactured by fs laser-powered processing technology. This review sums up the recent development of the technology and a perspective is proposed to explore the challenges and future opportunities for further betterment of fs laser micro/nano processing technology.

Researchers from Beihang University, Beijing, have developed an innovative solution to address the coexistence challenges between airborne pulse radar and communication systems. Published in the Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, the study introduces a Dynamic Spectrum and Power Allocation based on Genetic Algorithm (GA-DSPA) method. This breakthrough enables optimization of spectrum and power resources, significantly improving the performance of both systems while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility.