Researchers at Beijing University of Technology have developed an innovative dynamic evaluation method designed to enhance the operation and maintenance (O&M) performance of large gymnasiums. This significant study, recently published in the journal Smart Construction, introduces a comprehensive framework for assessing various performance metrics across multiple dimensions, including safety, energy efficiency, economic viability, environmental impact, venue functionality, and user perspectives.

Davis Joseph discovered what could not be found for the last 17 years: the fundamental neurobiological mechanism of 4E-BP2 Protein deamidation. 4E-BP2 is a protein whose absence in the brain causes memory impairment while 4E-BP2 deamidation is a spontaneous reaction occurring in neurons that alters the protein synthesis in them. Any alteration that affects the optimum balance of protein production required for a healthy nervous system causes imbalances and, as a result, neurodegenerative disease. The discovery found that the axon, a cable-like structure found in neurons, is the key factor of the mechanism that causes 4E-BP2 deamidation due to its special characteristics. Davis validated his discovery experimentally in both the central and peripheral nervous system including the optic nerve, the sciatic nerve, the whole brain, the retinal ganglia, and the dorsal root ganglia of mice. During this work, he invented and developed new methods of dissecting the optic nerve, the retina, and the whole brain simultaneously as well as dissecting the sciatic nerve without relying on previous literature. These were the first-ever experiments in which the optic nerve, retina and sciatic nerve were dissected to detect 4E-BP2 deamidation. This discovery revolutionizes humanity’s understanding of protein production in the human body and paves the way to developing effective treatments against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many others. During the work, Davis made another discovery related to the role of axon-induced oxidation in translational control proteins which paves the way for seminal research into oxidative stress-related drug development against neurodegeneration.

SMART researchers have pioneered the first Covalent Organic Framework (COF) sensors integrated within silk fibroin (SF) microneedles capable of detecting pH changes in plant xylem tissues

These pH changes provide an early indication of drought stress in plants, which, if unmitigated, can lead to reduced plant growth and yield, and eventual death

This technology enables farmers to detect drought stress in plants up to 48 hours before visible physical symptoms manifest, enabling early intervention before irreversible damage occurs and thus reducing crop yield loss to climate or environmental factors

Researchers have developed a chitosan-carboxymethyl cellulose aerogel that not only remediates tannery wastewater rich in chromium, aluminum, and zirconium but also repurifies the adsorbent for use in leather re-tanning processes.