4-May-2026 Biochar can boost soil microbial life by more than 20%, global field study finds Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University A global analysis of field experiments suggests that biochar, a carbon-rich material made by heating organic biomass with limited oxygen, can significantly increase soil microbial biomass carbon, an important indicator of soil health and biological activity. Journal Biochar
4-May-2026 Invasive plant transformed into biochar helps suppress tomato bacterial wilt and improve soil health Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University A plant best known as an ecological problem may offer a new tool for healthier soils and more resilient crops. A study published in Biochar reports that biochar made from Solidago canadensis L., an invasive plant in southern China, can be modified with silicon to suppress bacterial wilt, improve soil quality, and promote beneficial soil microbes. Journal Biochar
30-Apr-2026 Biochar and organic fertilizer reshape soil microbes to support sustainable dryland farming Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University A field study reveals that combining biochar with organic fertilizer can significantly improve soil structure, nutrient availability, and beneficial microbial communities in dryland farming systems, offering a promising pathway toward more sustainable agriculture. Journal Biochar
30-Apr-2026 Research shows medieval images can create immersive experiences beyond sight Kyushu University A study from Kyushu University argues that early medieval images were never truly silent. Focusing on a 12th–13th century English scroll, the research draws on predictive processing and the concept of “sound milieu” to show how visual imagery could activate imagined soundscapes in viewers' minds. The findings show that sonic details in the imagery engaged audiences through the full range of sensory experience, inviting a broader reconsideration of how medieval people encountered their world. Journal Religions Funder Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
30-Apr-2026 High-rise living: The tiny engineers that build with their bodies Weizmann Institute of Science n a new study, published recently in Current Biology, researchers from Prof. Ofer Feinerman’s group at the Weizmann Institute of Science investigated this phenomenon in their lab using an array of 52 synchronized 4K cameras. They observed how the ant colony created and deployed “zippers” and “weights,” solving complex problems and repeatedly assembling stable nests without apparent confusion – in a manner that suggests sophisticated cognitive abilities. Journal Current Biology
30-Apr-2026 How proteins escape a molecular tangle Weizmann Institute of Science esearchers in the laboratory of Prof. Gilad Haran at the Weizmann Institute of Science have deciphered this sophisticated mechanism, which is both fast and remarkably efficient. Their findings, recently published in Nature Communications, reveal how cells perform quality control on their proteins, and may help explain why this control fails in diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. They may also provide inspiration for the development of highly efficient artificial molecular machines. Journal Nature Communications
29-Apr-2026 Modified biochar could transform sustainable agriculture, but key knowledge gaps remain Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University A comprehensive review highlights how modified biochar is rapidly emerging as a powerful tool for improving soil health, boosting crop productivity, and supporting climate-smart agriculture. At the same time, the study warns that inconsistent performance and limited understanding of soil interactions still pose challenges for widespread adoption. Journal Biochar
29-Apr-2026 Biocompatible zinc–oxygen battery powers implantable sensors safely inside the body Tsinghua University Press Researchers from Jianghan University have developed a biocompatible zinc–oxygen (Zn–O₂) battery that operates stably inside the body, addressing corrosion and biosafety issues that limit traditional implantable power sources. The device uses a composite gel electrolyte to resist oxygen and moisture infiltration while maintaining excellent biocompatibility. When implanted in rats, it delivered stable voltage output sufficient to power biosensors. This work offers a safe and durable energy platform for future implantable medical devices and bioelectronic therapies. Journal Nano Research
29-Apr-2026 Efficient short-wave infrared emission by copper-doped InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots for high-performance luminescent solar concentrators Tsinghua University Press This work presents efficient short-wave infrared (SWIR)–emitting InP quantum dots (QDs) synthesized through controlled core nucleation and copper doping, achieving a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 66% at 960 nm. When integrated into a liquid waveguide luminescent solar concentrator (LSC), these QDs enabled an optical efficiency of 7.36% through optimized light management and spectral alignment with the responsivity peak of silicon solar cells, demonstrating the potential of InP QDs as a sustainable and high-performance material platform for SWIR optoelectronics. Journal Nano Research
