Researchers from the University of Cambridge, the National University of Singapore, and A*STAR (Singapore) have developed a clinically defined and translatable hydrogel system using physiological proteins. A base hydrogel, termed “Alphagel”, supported the culture and trilineage differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in a three-dimensional environment and demonstrated biocompatibility in vivo. They then engineered a liver-optimised hydrogel, “Hepatogel”, which was shown to improve the retention of hPSC-derived hepatocytes upon direct transplantation into murine livers.

Attosecond pulses enable sub-femtosecond studies of ultrafast electron dynamics. Since 2001, pulse durations have shortened from ~650 as to 43 as, alongside gains in photon flux, photon energy, and repetition rate. Yet further advances in HHG-based sources are largely limited by the accessible parameters and scalability of the driving ultrafast laser. This Review surveys driving-laser technologies across pulse energy, duration, wavelength, and repetition rate, and highlights key bottlenecks.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have identified a protein called tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a potential “switch” that can modulate a type of cancer cell death known as immunogenic cell death (ICD). A research team led by Professor ANG Wee Han from the NUS Department of Chemistry has discovered two platinum-containing compounds, namely Pt-NHC and PlatinER (Pt-ER) that can trigger ICD. In their research model study, tumour cells treated with these compounds were effective in helping to develop immunity protection against colorectal cancer. This work was carried out in collaboration with Associate Professor Maria BABAK from the City University of Hong Kong.

A joint research team from POSTECH and Ewha Womans University develops a spray-type coating that adheres to transplant organs and prevents immune rejection.

Scientists and agricultural researchers from around the world will gather online on March 11, 2026 for the 22nd session of the Carbon Research International Forum, an academic webinar series focused on advancing research and dialogue in soil science and carbon management. The upcoming forum will feature a keynote lecture by soil scientist Dr. Nanthi Bolan from The University of Western Australia, who will discuss how organic carbon amendments can simultaneously enhance soil health and contribute to carbon sequestration in agricultural systems.