Chemical process simulations are crucial for optimizing industrial operations, but they often require significant computational resources. Now, researchers have developed a new parallel computing framework that dramatically speeds up these simulations by using advanced task graph techniques. Find out how this innovative approach could transform the efficiency of large-scale chemical processes!

A new generation of biosensors is transforming how we monitor health—by stretching with the body and sensing multiple signals in real time. Scientists have developed highly flexible biosensors that detect sweat pH, electrolyte levels, and electromyography (EMG) signals simultaneously. Their secret lies in a hybrid microstructure (HMS) that combines wave-like flexibility with microcrack stress dispersion, ensuring both durability and precision. Even under 60% strain or after 5000 stretching cycles, the sensors retain electrical stability. Coated with conductive polymers, the devices provide continuous and accurate feedback, making them ideal for next-level wearable technologies in personalized health monitoring.

Scientists have developed a game-changing fiber-optic sensing system for marine seismic exploration. This innovative technology simplifies traditional methods, making them more cost-effective and efficient. Discover how this breakthrough could transform our understanding of the ocean floor and unlock new resources.

Sepsis is a serious condition that arises due to an improper immune response of the body to an infection. It is characterized by simultaneous unbalanced hyperinflammation and immunosuppression. Though sepsis can have severe impact on patients of all ages, studies on elderly and octogenarian patients remain limited. Now, researchers have explored the immune profile in elderly and octogenarian patients with sepsis. The study reveals that continuous decrease in CD3⁺ T-cells is associated with higher mortality.

Could DNA be glycosylated? A new study published in Engineering explores this intriguing question, suggesting that DNA might undergo glycosylation, a process that could revolutionize our understanding of cellular biology. Discover how this potential discovery could impact the ceullar sociomateriality from gene regulation to disease prevention and treatment.

This article highlights a new synthetic biology platform developed by researchers at South China Agricultural University. The platform, known as FerTiG, is designed to degrade tetracycline residues in various aquatic environments. By integrating multiple functional modules into a single enzyme assembly, FerTiG offers enhanced stability and efficiency for antibiotic removal. The study demonstrates its effectiveness in different water matrices and confirms its biosafety through ecological and in vivo tests. This work presents a potential solution for addressing antibiotic pollution in water sources.

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been an important protective ingredient in mineral-based sunscreens since the 1990s. However, traditional TiO₂ nanoparticle formulations have seen little improvement over the past decades and continue to face persistent challenges related to light transmission, biosafety, and visual appearance. Here, we report the discovery of two-dimensional (2D) TiO₂, characterized by a micro-sized lateral dimension (~1.6 μm) and atomic-scale thickness, which fundamentally resolves these long-standing issues. The 2D structure enables exceptional light management, achieving 80% visible light transparency—rendering it nearly invisible on the skin—while maintaining UV-blocking performance comparable to unmodified rutile TiO₂ nanoparticles. Its larger lateral size results in a two-orders-of-magnitude reduction in skin penetration (0.96 w/w%), significantly enhancing biosafety. Moreover, the unique layered architecture inherently suppresses the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) under sunlight exposure, reducing the ROS generation rate by 50-fold compared to traditional TiO₂ nanoparticles. Through precise metal element modulation, we further developed the first customizable sunscreen material capable of tuning UV protection ranges and automatically matching diverse skin tones. The 2D TiO₂ offers a potentially transformative approach to modern sunscreen formulation, combining superior UV protection, enhanced safety and a natural appearance.

A study published in National Science Review shows that alkali metal cations (AM⁺) in electrolytes can effectively steer the product selectivity of oxygen reduction catalyzed on Co-N₄ sites. As the cation size increases from Li⁺ to Cs⁺, the ORR pathway transits from the generation of hydrogen peroxide via the 2e^- process to the generation of water via a combined 2e^- + 2e^- process. In situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM) provides direct evidence that larger cations stabilize reaction intermediates (HO₂^-) and promote its further reduction. This work demonstrates an effective and practical strategy to modulate the ORR selectivity by adjusting the electrolyte composition rather than replacing the catalyst.