This review examines how nanoparticles interact with immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, NK cells) for cancer treatment. Key findings: Nanoparticles enhance antigen presentation, boost T-cell responses, and overcome tumor immunosuppression through specific bio-molecular mechanisms. The study identifies regulatory pathways and nanoparticle characteristics crucial for effective cancer immunotherapy. Development of multifunctional and theranostic nanoparticles offers promising solutions for precise, efficient next-generation cancer therapies, though challenges include targeting accuracy and potential toxicity.

In the face of rising urbanization and food insecurity, a new study published in Engineering explores the potential of urban aquaponics to enhance food security and reduce environmental impacts. The research, led by Qiuling Yuan and Fanxin Meng from Beijing Normal University, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the sustainability of aquaponics systems in urban areas, selecting Beijing as a case study. The findings suggest that urban aquaponics can significantly improve water efficiency and local food self-sufficiency while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through optimized strategies.

A new study in Engineering explores the optical properties of a high-entropy alloy (HEA) made from five noble metals—Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, and Pt—revealing its potential for use in mid-infrared metasurfaces through experimental determination of complex permittivity and analysis of absorption/emission characteristics.

A new study has identified key genetic markers that control sugar and acid levels in sweet cherries, paving the way for breeding tastier and more consistent fruit. 

A new study in Engineering presents a coordinated planning framework for power systems with high renewable energy (RE) penetration, introducing the concept of Renewable Energy Power-Flow Density (RE-PFD) to track RE transmission pathways through internal loads, external exports, and storage losses. Developed by researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University, the model integrates transmission network and energy storage system (ESS) planning to address RE variability, ensuring efficient grid operation and compliance with green power trading requirements across interconnected systems.

In a recent study published in Engineering, researchers have developed an exact algorithm for placement optimization in mixed-cell-height (MCH) circuits, addressing key challenges in modern chip design such as non-overlapping constraints, voltage drain drain (VDD)/voltage source substrate (VSS) alignment, and minimum implantation area rules. The work presents a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model and a Benders decomposition (BD)-based approach to minimize placement cost while enhancing space utilization, validated through numerical experiments on benchmark datasets to demonstrate its efficiency for practical circuit design applications.

A new study published in Engineering uses integrated LEAP–WEAP models to analyze Pakistan’s water–energy challenges. It reveals consumption trends under different scenarios, offers potential saving strategies, and points out the implementation challenges, providing crucial insights for resource management in the country.

A new study in Forest Ecosystems reveals how fire history, vegetation type, and soil features jointly influence carbon storage in boreal forests. Researchers in Norway compared pine and spruce forests across regions with different fire legacies, and they found that pine forests store nearly twice as much organic carbon as spruce forests, with charcoal carbon stocks varying by region due to fire frequency, terrain microtopography, and organic layer depth. The study highlights the importance of localized forest management strategies for sustaining carbon storage in the face of climate change.

BGI Genomics has successfully wrapped up its inaugural Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) Interpretation of Genetic Diseases Training Workshop for Southeast Asia, marking a significant milestone in international genomics education.

Held at the BGI Center in late May, the workshop brought together emerging healthcare professionals and researchers from Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam for a week of intensive, hands-on learning.