A multifunctional hydrogel (HRZn) was fabricated through in situ mineralization and dynamic crosslinking of HA, Rhein, and Zn²⁺, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and sustained release of bioactive components. In vivo evaluations demonstrated its potent efficacy in accelerating the healing of S. aureus-infected deep burn wounds.

A novel catalyst featuring a unique Ni−O−Si interface, engineered through a dual-polymer modification, enables efficient urea production from carbon dioxide and nitrate waste. This breakthrough offers a sustainable, energy-saving alternative to the traditional, energy-intensive industrial process, achieving high yield, selectivity, and long-term stability under ambient conditions.

Cancer immunotherapy has saved lives, but it often falls short due to off-target toxicity and weak tumor-specific immune responses. 

In January 2026, the team led by Huang Wei, Zhao Chen and Lei Yiting from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, in collaboration with the team of João F. Mano from the University of Aveiro, published a review article in Research entitled "Metabolism-Regulating Microspheres: Design Principles, Therapeutic Applications Across Multisystem Diseases, and Future Perspectives".

A review of 56 field studies reveals that vegetative barriers reduce agricultural runoff by 40% and sediment loss by 63% on average, with even stronger performance in dry climates. Woody barriers outperform grass-only strips, but high variability across sites means effectiveness is hard to predict using simple design rules alone. The researchers offer a probabilistic model to help farmers and land managers make better decisions, positioning vegetative barriers as a practical alternative to cover crops in water-limited regions.