The world’s soils represent a vast reservoir for organic carbon, a critical component in mitigating climate change. Scientists Yalan Chen and Ke Sun from Beijing Normal University, alongside an international team, introduce a novel framework: the Biochar Carbon Pump (BCP). This new concept describes how biochar, a charcoal-like substance made from plant material, can significantly amplify the soil's natural capacity to store carbon. Their perspective, published in Carbon Research, describes how BCP bridges two existing mechanisms—the microbial carbon pump (MCP) and the mineral carbon pump (MnCP)—to drive more effective and long-lasting carbon sequestration.

orea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, President Oh Sang-rok) A joint research team led by Dr. Jeong Sohee from the Center for Extreme Materials Research at KIST and Dr. Lee Kwang-hee from the Advanced Materials Processing Center at the Institute for Advanced Engineering (IAE, President Kim Jin-kyun) has successfully developed a catalyst technology that maximizes the surface activity of the two-dimensional nanomaterial 'tungsten diselenide (WSe₂)'. A joint research team, led by Dr. Sohee Jeong of the Extreme Materials Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST; President Oh Sang-Rok) and Dr. Gwang-Hee Lee of the Materials Science and Chemical Engineering Center at the Institute for Advanced Engineering (IAE; President Jin Kyun Kim), has successfully developed a catalyst technology that maximizes the surface activity of the two-dimensional nanomaterial tungsten diselenide (WSe₂).

A study published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts establishes quantitative structure-activity relationships governing surfactant efficacy against phenolic inhibition in lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis. By integrating experimental validation with computational modeling, researchers identified hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding capacity, and electrophilicity as critical molecular descriptors, demonstrating that optimized surfactants preferentially bind cellulase catalytic tunnels with affinities significantly exceeding those of inhibitory phenolics.

Engineers have developed an innovative concrete mix that is not only stronger than conventional concrete but also actively removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A new report in Carbon Research details how the strategic addition of natural materials can turn a major source of emissions into a tool for environmental cleanup. Researchers from Mepco Schlenk Engineering College in India have identified an optimal formula that enhances structural integrity while creating a sustainable building material for a carbon-conscious world.

The escalating concentration of atmospheric CO₂, largely driven by cement manufacturing and fossil fuel combustion, presents a significant environmental challenge. To address this, a team led by Srinivasan Revathi explored the potential of natural additives to create a CO₂-absorbing concrete. The investigation focused on zeolite, a porous mineral, and bamboo biochar, a carbon-rich substance. These materials were selected for their large pore volumes and high specific surface areas, which are ideal for capturing gas molecules.

A systematic analysis published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts establishes functionalized microalgae as emerging composite bioproducts with transformative potential across diagnostics, therapy, and theranostics. The review categorizes physical, chemical, biotechnological, and hybrid functionalization approaches while critically addressing immunogenicity, long-term biosafety, and clinical translation challenges essential for advancing these sustainable biomaterials from laboratory innovation to patient care.