A new study led by researchers at the University of Oulu sheds light on a poorly understood part of space weather: where powerful waves form at the edge of Earth’s magnetic shield, and where the solar wind can find a way through.

A new report from research technology company Digital Science raises questions about whether current U.S. federal research security policies adequately account for visiting scholars and other short-term researchers.

Scientists at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have developed a “light-powered brain” that can recognise hidden information in complex patterns of light, potentially paving the way for faster communications systems.

As demand for rechargeable batteries grows across electric transportation, grid-scale energy storage and consumer electronics, the search for electrode materials that combine high performance with lower environmental impact has become increasingly important. In a review published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, researchers assess the potential of biomass-derived carbon produced from agricultural residues, forestry by-products and other renewable resources. The article compares thermochemical and emerging conversion routes, summarizes reported performance across lithium-, sodium- and potassium-based batteries, and considers techno-economic assessment, life-cycle impacts and technology readiness. The review identifies biomass-derived carbon as a promising materials platform, while emphasizing that feedstock variability, electrode performance limitations and scalable manufacturing must be addressed before broader deployment.

A mini-review published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts explores teak-derived quinones as potential redox-active additives for alkaline pulping. Anthraquinone has long been used to promote lignin removal while helping preserve carbohydrates, but safety concerns have encouraged the search for alternatives. By examining studies published between 1972 and 2026, the review compares synthetic anthraquinone derivatives, teak wood extracts and individual compounds such as 2-methylanthraquinone, deoxylapachol and lapachol. The findings suggest that some teak-derived materials can improve delignification, retain carbohydrates or reduce alkali requirements under specific cooking conditions. Nevertheless, differences in extract composition, limited toxicological evidence and the lack of comprehensive process-level assessments remain important barriers to wider application.

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, in Sweden, shed new light on the remaining risk of heart disease, even after the known risk factor of ‘bad’ cholesterol is brought down to a healthy level. In a new study, key biological pathways – and an understanding of how the body is affected – were identified for the particles believed to contribute to the remaining disease risk. The results pave the way for more closely targeted prevention in heart disease which ultimately may save more lives.

Maternal disorders remain critical indicators of national development and public health. In this study, researchers analyzed the burden of maternal disorders in China from 1990 to 2023 using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2023. The findings reveal a substantial decline in prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years over the past three decades, alongside notable shifts in leading causes and emerging challenges associated with China's changing fertility policies.

Wood coloring is an important approach to expanding the decorative possibilities of wood products, but achieving a colored appearance without concealing the natural grain and texture remains a materials challenge. Transparent coloring seeks to reconcile these objectives by combining color modification with the visual preservation of the wood substrate. This review, published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, focuses on transparent coloring of wood, a topic relevant to the design of wood products for interior decoration, furniture and other applications in which natural appearance is an important consideration. The subject also raises broader questions about color uniformity, compatibility with the wood structure, color stability and the durability of treated materials. Understanding the available approaches and their limitations is important for advancing wood-coloring technologies and identifying opportunities for further research.