Botanic gardens are uniquely positioned to drive global plant conservation, ex situ safeguarding, and ecological restoration to fulfill the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃) is a competitive photovoltaic material, especially for tandem solar cells. However, the quasi-intrinsic carrier concentration and deep work function of Sb₂S₃ cause serious extraction problem at Sb₂S₃/hole-transport-layer (HTL) interface. In this study, Professor Tang Jiang's Research Group at Huazhong University of Science and Technology proposed an efficient strategy to modify the Sb₂S₃/HTL interface by lead chloride (PbCl₂) post-treatment. Their results demonstrated that Cl can passivate the defect of V_S and Sb_S, and Pb enabled effective p-type doping at the Sb₂S₃ interface with the help of V_S removal. And the synergistic effect of Pb and Cl elements matched well with HTL energy level, facilitated hole extraction and enhanced the interface conductivity. By employing PbCl₂ treatment, the resulting devices obtained a high fill factor (FF) of 66.02%, and a top power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.05%.

New research redefines the role of botanic gardens as vital healing spaces for human health and planetary conservation.

Microplastics are increasingly found in agricultural soils worldwide, raising new questions about how they interact with widely promoted climate solutions such as biochar. A study reveals that these tiny plastic particles can significantly alter how biochar affects soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and microbial life.

Climate change has been driving the rise of extreme weather conditions in recent years, placing immense strain on urban infrastructure such as sewer systems. Compromised sewer systems can lead to leakage, overflow and even flash flooding, threatening public health and safety. To address these vulnerabilities, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a multi-tiered model integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating more cost-effective and intelligent sewer system management, ranging from predicting exfiltration severity and pinpointing leakage-prone zones to monitoring and forecasting overflow occurrences in high-risk areas. 

Mixed methods study (ethnographic and text analysis) explored whether nature-based videography could convey the same benefits as physical exposure. The team found that people who participated in immersive, mindfulness-based video tours offered by a prominent global tourist agency experienced mindfulness benefits such as relaxation, hope and anticipation. The experiences also cultivated a profound sense of connection with the environment that could be supportive of conservation efforts.