A naturally formed water repellent coating on hydrochar could play an overlooked role in protecting carbon from chemical degradation, according to a new study examining hydrochar made from several common plant leaves. The findings suggest that hydrophobic alkyl carbon derived from plant waxes and cutin can act as a protective surface layer, potentially improving the ability of hydrochar to retain carbon in soil.

Acidic soils can make it difficult for crops to obtain nutrients and thrive. Now, researchers have developed a small, carefully selected community of native soil bacteria that can reduce acid stress while helping plants access essential nutrients.

A new study combines interpretable machine learning with laboratory experiments to uncover how the elemental composition of biochar influences persistent free radicals, offering a potential tool for predicting biochar reactivity and environmental risks.

A new imaging system produces clearer images taken through deep tissue, dense fog, or other environments where existing imaging systems struggle. Unlike standard near-infrared systems, it uses low-cost silicon-based detectors. The method could help improve cancer diagnosis and imaging systems used in self-driving cars.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) has received a $15,000 grant from the Health Forward Foundation to support an innovative research project aimed at improving the understanding of mechanical ventilation and advancing future respiratory care technologies.

UL Research Institutes today announced that Chao-Yang Wang, Ph.D., an internationally recognized leader in battery science, electrochemical energy systems, and energy storage safety, has been appointed vice president and executive director of its Electrochemical Safety Research Institute. Wang succeeds Judy Jeevarajan, Ph.D., who will continue with UL Research Institutes in a new role as vice president and distinguished scientific advisor.

Portland State University has been selected to lead a national research team that will use artificial intelligence to lower the cost of finding geothermal energy. The project, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, is one of the first chosen under DOE's Genesis Mission.

A new, end-to-end, machine-learning-guided workflow created in the lab of UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Department of Chemistry Prof. Laura Gagliardi is helping smooth the path from academic idea to manufacture-ready reality in a single discovery process.