The commercialization of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) for green hydrogen production hinges on the development of low-cost, high-performance titanium porous transport layers (PTLs). This study introduces a triple-layer Ti-PTL with a graded porous structure and a 75% ultra-high porosity backing layer, fabricated through tape casting and roll calendering. This triple-layer PTL, composed of a microporous layer, an interlayer, and a highly porous backing layer, enhances catalyst utilization, mechanical integrity, and mass transport. Digital twin technology using X-ray revealed increased contact area and triple-phase boundary at the interface with the catalyst layer, significantly improving oxygen evolution reaction kinetics. Numerical simulations demonstrated that the strategically designed porous structure of the triple-layer PTL facilitates efficient oxygen transport, mitigates oxygen accumulation, and improves reactant accessibility. Electrochemical evaluations showed improved performance, achieving 127 mV reduction in voltage at 2 A cm⁻² compared to a commercial PTL, highlighting its potential to enhance PEMWE efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Regulating the nucleation and growth of Li metal is crucial for achieving stable high-energy-density Li metal batteries (LMBs) without dendritic Li growth, severe volume expansion, and “dead Li” accumulation. Herein, we present a modulation layer composed of porous SnP_0.94/CoP p-n heterojunction particles (SCP), synthesized applying the Kirkendall effect. The unique heterointerfaces in the SCP induce a fully ionized depletion region and built-in electric field. This provides strong Li affinity, additional adsorption sites, and facilitated electron transfer, thereby guiding dendrite-free Li nucleation/growth with a low Li deposition overpotential. Moreover, the strategic design of the SCP, accounting for its reaction with Li, yields electronically conductive Co, lithiophilic Li–Sn alloy, and ionic conductive Li₃P during progressive cycles. The mixed electronic and ionic conductor (MEIC) ensure the long-term stability of the SCP modulation layer. With this layer, the SCP@Li symmetric cell maintains a low overpotential for 750 cycles even at a high current density of 5 mA cm⁻². Additionally, the LiFePO₄//SCP@Li full cell achieves an imperceptible capacity decay of 0.03% per cycle for 800 cycles at 0.5 C. This study provides insight into MEIC heterostructures for high-performance LMBs.

Recovery colleges (RCs) support personal recovery through education, skill development and social support for people with mental health problems, carers and staff. Guided by co-production and adult learning principles, RCs represent a recent mental health innovation. Since the first RC opened in England in 2009, RCs have expanded to 28 countries and territories. However, most RC research has been conducted in Western countries with similar cultural characteristics, limiting understanding of how RCs can be culturally adapted. The 12-item Recovery Colleges Characterisation and Testing (RECOLLECT) Fidelity Measure (RFM) evaluates the operational fidelity of RCs based on 12 components, but cultural influences on these components remain underexplored. The authors aimed to assess associations between Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and RFM items to identify cultural influences on fidelity components.

Cemental tear is a rare dental condition where the cementum detaches from tooth roots. Often misdiagnosed, it can lead to unnecessary treatments and tooth loss. An international expert consensus has created guidelines for identifying and treating this overlooked condition, aiming to prevent tooth loss and improve care for similar dental problems. The consensus also addresses critical gaps in knowledge that can lead to ineffective treatments and avoidable extractions.

Patients who are critically ill require constant monitoring and care. In such patients, creating a safe vein access is essential for continuous administration of medication and for monitoring the blood parameters. A novel ultrasound technique for inserting catheters into major veins near the collarbone demonstrated a 100% success rate and avoided serious complications like pneumothorax in critically ill adults, according to a retrospective study published in the Journal of Intensive Medicine.

In this study, an integrated artificial intelligence (AI)-atomic force microscopy (AFM) platform is introduced that enables label-free, mechanophenotyping of macrophages at single-cell resolution.

Antibiotic residues in farmland soils are an emerging global concern, with potential risks for ecosystems, food safety, and human health. Now, researchers in China report a promising new approach to tackling one of the most common culprits—oxytetracycline (OTC)—by combining biochar with carbohydrate-based soil amendments. Their study shows that this simple yet effective strategy not only accelerates the degradation of OTC in soil but also reduces its transfer into lettuce, a widely consumed leafy vegetable.

In a comprehensive meta-analysis that delves into the environmental benefits of biochar, researchers are exploring its impact on reducing N2O emissions from fertilized cropland soils. The study, titled "Biochar Reduces N2O Emission from Fertilized Cropland Soils: A Meta-Analysis," is led by Prof. Xingliang Xu from the Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, and the College of Resources and Environment at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Huairou District, Beijing, China. This research provides a detailed examination of how biochar can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural settings.

Ever wondered how we can clean wastewater more efficiently? Scientists have discovered that biofilters made from pyrite and sawdust can remove harmful nitrogen compounds through a fascinating mix of bacteria and chemical reactions. Learn how these simple materials could transform wastewater treatment!