The team of Yanxing Jia and Aili Fan from Peking University used the known ( S )-4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-cyclopentenone as the starting material, introduced amino and hydroxyl groups through rhodium-catalyzed aziridination/ring-opening reaction, and constructed the [3.2.1] bridged ring skeleton through Prins cyclization reaction. Finally, through the increase of oxidation state and functional group transformation, they achieved the first total synthesis of hemiketal tetrodotoxin (hemiketalTTX) in 23 steps with a total yield of 0.7%, effectively solving the problem of scarce sources of hemiketalTTX. The research results were published in CCS Chemistry as a Communication.

A team of scientists has discovered that the ability of biochar to conduct electricity can significantly affect methane emissions from rice paddies, one of the largest sources of agricultural greenhouse gases worldwide.

In a pioneering study that explores the intricate relationship between industrial output, coal consumption, and life expectancy, researchers are shedding light on the environmental and health dynamics in ASEAN nations. The study, titled "Coal Consumption as a Moderator in the Link Between Industrial Output and Life Expectancy in ASEAN Nations," is led by Prof. Abdul Rahim Ridzuan from the Institute for Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (IBDAAI) at Universiti Teknologi MARA in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, and the Centre for Economic Development and Policy (CEDP) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This research offers valuable insights into how coal consumption influences both economic growth and public health in the region.

Alfalfa, a globally important forage crop, has long lacked efficient tools for chromosome identification due to its complex polyploid genome. 

Fruit ripening is a tightly regulated process influenced by genetic and epigenetic factors. 

Roots are the unseen foundation of crop productivity, yet their genetic blueprint remains underexplored in alfalfa, one of the world’s most important forage legumes. 

Garlic is a vital food and medicinal plant, but its bulbs are highly prone to sprouting, decay, and nutrient loss during storage, leading to up to 40% postharvest waste. 

Flowering is a key developmental milestone for plants, directly influencing reproduction and ornamental value. 

Global warming poses a growing threat to human health and work performance. Currently, about 3.6 billion people worldwide live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. From 2000 to 2019, more than 480,000 heat-related deaths occurred globally each year. Extreme heat also impairs focus and productivity and worsens mood by elevating stress hormones and disrupting sleep. In response to the increasing frequency of heat waves, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) scholars are developing next-generation personal cooling solutions that push the limits of conventional clothing and promote sustainability.