The Philippines, like other tropical countries, is known more for its balmy climate than for hailstorms. But a new Philippine study—the first of its kind—has found that the country’s hottest days are, in fact, more likely to produce hail.

The microscopic alliance between algae and bacteria offers rare, step-by-step snapshots of how bacteria lose genes and adapt to increasing host dependence. This is shown by a new study led by researchers from Stockholm University, in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Linnaeus University, published in Current Biology.

Ever wondered how nature’s waterproof leaves and self-cleaning surfaces could inspire new materials? A recent study in Engineering explores how starch, a common kitchen ingredient, can be used to create advanced superwettable systems for packaging, water treatment, and even food taste enhancement. Discover how this eco-friendly solution is shaping the future of material science!

Waking up with a pimple is no longer cause for panic, thanks to pimple patches — small, sticker-like bandages that cover and help heal the unwanted zit. A team of researchers publishing in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces has designed a two-stage pimple patch set with an array of tiny spikes that grabs onto the pimple and delivers antibacterial or anti-inflammatory compounds. Human clinical trials confirmed that the pimples completely disappeared after seven days of treatment.

Looking to improve zinc production? Scientists have developed a new model that can quickly and accurately predict temperatures in industrial roasters using minimal data. This innovation could enhance efficiency and product quality in zinc smelting. Find out how it works and its potential impact in our latest report!

Lithium-rich oxides are widely regarded as one of the most promising cathode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries, but their potential has been hampered by rapid performance degradation. Now, researchers have developed a protective LiF@spinel dual shell that dramatically improves their stability. The spinel layer acts as a fast highway for lithium ions, while the outer LiF layer serves as a shield against corrosive electrolytes. Working in tandem, the two layers prevent structural collapse and suppress damaging side reactions. With this innovation, the modified cathode demonstrates outstanding cycle life and capacity retention, opening a new path toward reliable high-energy batteries.

The performance of a battery depends not just on what it’s made of, but also on how it’s built. A new study reveals that the thickness of boride films—critical components in all-solid-state thin-film lithium batteries (TFLBs)—directly governs voltage behavior, capacity, and long-term stability. By experimenting with cobalt–boron (CoB), iron–boron (FeB), and cobalt–iron–boron (CoFeB) alloys at varying thicknesses, researchers found that thinner films promote uniform lithium-ion distribution, reduce polarization, and enhance reaction kinetics, resulting in steeper yet more stable voltage profiles. The findings offer a unified theory connecting thickness, composition, and lithiation behavior—providing a straightforward strategy to design next-generation, high-performance energy storage devices.