In a recent development, a team of scientists from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and other institutions has come up with an innovative way to deal with plastic waste. Their study develops a photocatalytic method to degrade plastic waste, depositing polystyrene (PS) onto a durable tungsten oxide (WO₃) photoanode. Under light, PS undergoes oxidation, producing carbon dioxide at the anode and hydrogen gas at the cathode, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective approach for waste treatment and fuel production.

In a new study published in Engineering, researchers have developed an analytical framework integrating ecological security assessment, prediction, and zoning management. Using the Daqing River Basin as a case study, they found its ecological security improved from 2000~2020, but with spatial differences. The framework offers valuable insights for similar regions and sets a basis for further ecological security research.

Scientists from Southeast University and Guangzhou University have developed a new design paradigm for reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). Published in Engineering, this approach addresses challenges in traditional RIS design, such as high data costs and inefficient pattern design. It combines a novel topological representation method with a separate design architecture, offering a more efficient way to design RISs for applications in wireless communication and sensing.

Customized 3D-printed medical implants are becoming more common, and a new study has taken this technology to the next level. Researchers at Naton Biotechnology have developed the world’s first laser 3D-printed total knee implant, which has received official approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration as an innovative medical device.

The study focused on improving the strength and consistency of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy implants made using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), a 3D printing process. The team discovered and corrected inconsistencies in the structure of the material by optimizing heat treatment, ensuring the final implants are stronger, more reliable, and safer for patients.

This research provides key insights into how 3D printing affects metal implants and lays the foundation for better quality control in orthopedic manufacturing, helping to advance the future of customized medical implants.

This research was led by Professor Changhui Song from South China University of Technology and Professor Jia-Kuo Yu from Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital as co-corresponding authors. The study was conducted in collaboration with Senior Engineer Renyao Li from Naton Biotechnology (Beijing) Co., Ltd and other members of the team.

A new study in Engineering has identified a notable cybersecurity risk in smart grids. As these grids grow more complex with added distributed power supplies, false data injection attacks (FDIAs) on data-driven algorithms are emerging as a concern. The research offers insights into a novel FDIA method, its potential impact, and the need for better security measures.

A new study in the journal Engineering reveals how people’s choices of electric vehicles (EVs) and where they live are intertwined. Using an agent-based model in a two-dimensional monocentric city, researchers found that EV adoption impacts commuting distances and urban structure. The study also explores factors affecting EV purchases, offering insights for urban planning and policymakers.

A recent review in Engineering explores multi-photon 3D nanoprinting. This technology, with its unique 3D processing and nanoscale resolution, has wide applications in fields like optics and biology. However, it faces challenges such as slow processing speed and material limitations. The article also looks at potential solutions and future development directions, offering insights into the future of this technology in manufacturing.

A new study published in Engineering offers insights into nonlinear meta-devices. Conducted by researchers from the City University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the work reviews the theoretical bases, efficiency enhancement methods, radiation shaping strategies, and phase modulation techniques related to these devices. It also discusses potential future research directions, which could drive further development in the field of nanophotonics.

China Boosted Quality Education Access for 32.7% More Hearing-impaired Children. By 2050, approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide will be affected by hearing loss, as projected by the World Health Organization (WHO), making the implementation of effective hearing screening programs crucial for better prevention. With genetic factors implicated in more than 50% of hearing loss cases, high-throughput sequencing (HTS)-based genetic tests, such as BGI Genomics' Carrier Screening and Newborn Screening, support early detection, thereby improving outcomes for affected children and families.