A research group has developed “TP-An,” a molecule that enables even low-energy, long-wavelength light to be used more effectively by solar cells and photocatalysts. The molecule can be used even at high concentrations that are difficult for traditional materials, suggesting their usefulness in technology.

Organic molecular crystals can respond to external stimuli such as heat, light, and mechanical force, making them attractive candidates for next-generation functional materials. However, predicting how multiple intermolecular interactions cooperate or compete to govern crystal behavior remains a major challenge. Now, researchers at Kochi University of Technology have demonstrated that the hierarchy of intermolecular interactions—the relative strength and priority of different molecular forces—can determine crystal structures, luminescence properties, and even phase-transition pathways in molecular crystals. Their findings provide a new design principle for controlling solid-state functions through molecular engineering. The study was conducted by Mahiro Nakabayashi and Professor Shotaro Hayashi and published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.

As countries expand nuclear power to support low-carbon energy goals, securing a stable supply of uranium has become an increasingly important scientific and environmental challenge. A new review published in Biochar examines how biochar-based porous materials could provide a more sustainable route for selectively separating uranium from complex water systems, including seawater, salt lakes, groundwater, and nuclear wastewater.

Collaboration through the RAPID institute cut capital costs 65% and operating costs 60% by moving a chemical process from batch to continuous production.

A new electronic LiDAR approach enables precise, non-contact 3D measurements of small metal objects from 40cm away. By pairing laser timing with nonlinear detection, it replaces mechanical inspection tools for manufacturing quality control.

In a nutshell:

- Extreme weather events alter soil isoprene uptake capacity: During the 2023 El Niño drought, soil moisture below 20% severely suppressed soil respiration and isoprene consumption, contributing to increased atmospheric isoprene concentrations above the forest.

- Impact on atmospheric processes: As climate change intensifies drought and heat extremes, reduced soil isoprene uptake capacity could impact atmospheric oxidation, aerosol formation, and methane lifetime.

- Improved climate predictions: Accounting for soil isoprene uptake in models would strengthen projections of future climate feedbacks.

SAN ANTONIO — June 30, 2026 — Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower Testing Network (HyTN) as a testing provider to help the industry develop and demonstrate new technologies.