The incorporation of oxygen functional groups (OFGs) into cobalt-nitrogen-carbon (CoNC) catalysts is widely regarded as a promising strategy for enhancing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) electrosynthesis via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e⁻ ORR). A new study challenges the long-held belief that oxygenated groups enhance CoNC catalysts' H₂O₂ production, offering critical insights for sustainable electrocatalysis.

Straintronics exploits the optical and electrical properties of layered materials through mechanical deformation, offering a facile and efficient approach for device optimization. Layered ZrSe₃, an in-plane anisotropic two-dimensional material, exhibits large strain response on the band structure, has emerged as an ideal candidate next-generation Straintronics.

A research paper by scientists at Zhejiang University examined whether exposure to heatwaves (HWs) is linked to more rapid biological aging in adults of middle and advanced age.

The research paper, published on Jul 15, 2026 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems.

This study reveals pronounced genomic divergence between high- and low-altitude lineages of shepherd’s purse and identifies candidate genes underlying local adaptation to heterogeneous environments in China.

Researchers from DICP and Kunming University of Science and Technology engineered two covalent organic framework isomers via Povarov cyclization. The optimized COF-DPPQ achieves a record photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 37.82 mmol g^-1 h^-1—nearly 100× higher than its isomer. Multiscale analyses reveal that linkage topology drastically lowers electron effective mass, extends carrier lifetimes 30-fold, and doubles proton diffusion. The work offers a universal design principle for high-performance solar-to-fuel conversion materials.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, cancer‑specific molecules abundant in body fluids. A new review in the Chinese Medical Journal highlights their potential as non‑invasive biomarkers for early cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. The article also explores circRNA‑based therapies, including synthetic circRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides, which could overcome drug resistance. With high stability and tissue specificity, circRNAs are poised to transform liquid biopsy and personalized cancer care.

A recent study revealed that periodontitis reprograms bone marrow neutrophils through a Chac2-driven glutathione metabolic pathway, promoting a highly inflammatory N1 state that fuels systemic inflammation. Using integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, and animal studies, researchers showed that suppressing Chac2 reduced inflammatory responses and improved blood sugar control in diabetic mice, highlighting a promising therapeutic target for periodontitis-associated inflammatory comorbidities and other chronic inflammatory diseases linked to immune dysfunction in patients worldwide.

Researchers from Sun Yat-sen University and UNSW Sydney have developed a dual-side electrosynthesis system that simultaneously converts plastic waste and biowaste into Succinic Acid, a key building block for biodegradable plastics, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals. By directing both the anodic and cathodic reactions toward the same target product, the system achieves an unprecedented succinic acid yield of 169.1%, surpassing the conventional single-electrode limit. The process combines the electrooxidation of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)-derived 1,4-butanediol and the electroreduction of biomass-derived maleic acid, demonstrating a profitable and scalable pathway for circular chemical manufacturing.