A global survey traces six centuries of evolution, revealing how university botanic gardens blend historical roots with modern missions in conservation, education, and public well-being.

Silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (SiC_f/SiC) composites are emerging as promising materials for the hottest parts of aircraft engines and hypersonic vehicles, where metals face increasing performance limits.

As the world searches for practical ways to slow climate change, soil is gaining attention as one of Earth’s most important carbon reservoirs. A review and meta-analysis published in Biochar suggests that biochar, a carbon-rich material made by heating biomass under limited oxygen, could significantly improve the ability of soils to store carbon.

Biochar is often promoted as a promising tool for climate-smart agriculture, thanks to its ability to store carbon in soils and, in many cases, reduce emissions of nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. But a study published in Biochar shows that the climate benefit of biochar is not guaranteed. The way biochar is produced, and the chemical groups present on its surface, can determine whether it helps reduce nitrous oxide or unexpectedly increases it.

The study unveiled a novel regulation strategy that exhibits exceptional performance in gas sensing applications. This advanced material demonstrates outstanding selectivity, rapid response, and ultrahigh sensitivity, particularly in detecting ammonia (NH₃) molecules. The research, led by a team from East China University of Science and Technology, provides new insights into the gas sensing mechanisms of MXenes and introduces a synergistic strategy to optimize their performance.

Modern technologies face overlapping challenges from electromagnetic interference, fire risk, heat buildup, and noise. Researchers developed a lightweight, bio-based aerogel to address these issues simultaneously. Using cellulose combined with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and controlled carbonization, they created a porous material that absorbs microwaves, reduces flammability, insulates heat, and dampens sound. The multifunctional performance is achieved with low filler content, demonstrating a sustainable strategy for advanced protective materials across multiple demanding applications.

A global analysis suggests that biochar, a charcoal-like material made from biomass, could play a larger role in climate-smart agriculture when it is applied according to local soil and climate conditions. The study, published in Biochar, combines global meta-analysis, machine learning, and density functional theory calculations to identify how different biochar types and application rates can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from croplands while improving crop yields.

Wastewater treatment plants are key to global carbon neutrality efforts. A new study in Engineering shares a clear, science-based roadmap to cut emissions and energy use in these facilities. It covers smarter operation, low-carbon technologies, greenhouse gas control, energy from sludge and effluent heat, and turning wastewater into valuable resources. This practical guide shows how to make wastewater treatment sustainable without losing treatment quality.