Conventional mulch films are often plastic-based or made from non-renewable and toxic materials. In a recent Research article, a team from China introduced a novel biodegradable liquid mulch film derived from bamboo residues. This film shows high potential for selenium-enriched crop cultivation, as evidenced by the enhanced rhizome growth of pak choi seedlings. The innovation is poised to significantly advance sustainable agricultural practices.

Elsevier and Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversitSchool of Medicine, have deepened their cooperation to launch an interdisciplinary academic journal LabMed Discovery (LMD) with international reach.

The research output in China continues to grow exponentially, leading to a significant rise in both article volume and quality. Recognizing the importance of Chinese research and serving thiscommunity, Elsevier has recently forged a long-term partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) -- one of China's top university and hospital institutions. The collaboration was formally celebrated at Ruijin Hospital during STJU’s Medicine-Engineering Interdisciplinary Journal Alliance launch ceremony, which highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in medicine and engineering.

For the first time, a new study has revealed how and when we make eye contact—not just the act itself—plays a crucial role in how we understand and respond to others, including robots.

They discovered that the most effective way to signal a request was through a specific gaze sequence: looking at an object, making eye contact, then looking back at the same object. This timing made people most likely to interpret the gaze as a call for help.