For most broken bones, bone cells regrow on their own while patients wear a cast or brace to keep the injury steady. But for complex or severe fractures, surgeons may intervene by placing grafts or scaffolds made of biocompatible materials, or by using metal fixation devices to ensure proper bone healing and alignment. Collaborating with orthopedic surgeons, a team led by biomedical engineering researchers at Penn State created CitraBoneQMg, an implantable biodegradable scaffold to support bone regrowth made by combining magnesium and glutamine with citric acid. They published research on their implant, for which they filed a U.S. patent application, in Science Advances.

Climate-smart agricultural practices – like no-till treatments, cover-crop utilization and residue retention – can help promote carbon sequestration in soil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study that uses a combination of models – rather than just one – to provide a more realistic range of outcomes and to highlight the shortcomings of individual models.

The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), in collaboration with Seikei University, has successfully enhanced the power output of lithium-air batteries, which are attracting attention as next-generation batteries. By developing a highly porous electrode made of carbon nanotubes, the team achieved a tenfold increase in output current. The lithium-air battery developed in this study not only has extremely high energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries but also significantly improved power performance. As a result, it is now able to supply the power required for hovering small drones, making significant improvements in flight duration feasible. These results were published online in the Journal of Power Sources on February 9, 2025.

Looking for ways to make construction greener? A new study explores how recycled concrete and carbonation technology can reduce CO₂ emissions. Discover the smart strategies to boost the eco-friendly benefits of recycled aggregate concrete and make buildings more sustainable.

Looking to build stronger, more durable structures? A new review in Engineering explores how to fine-tune the flow properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for applications like 3D printing and self-consolidating mixes. Discover the science behind making UHPC work better!

As part of a £250million investment in defence and security announced by the UK Government, the University of Plymouth will be creating a new Advanced Marine Technology Hub that will enhance the University’s world-leading expertise in autonomous marine systems, maritime cyber security, offshore renewable energy and environmental intelligence, as well as reaffirming its long-standing partnerships with – and commitment to – the city’s defence and security sectors.