Researchers at Penn Engineering have decoded the genetic blueprint of Penicillium citrinum, a common citrus mold, to uncover how nature produces cyclopentachromone — a key building block for bioactive compounds with potential in cancer and inflammation treatments. The team identified a previously unknown enzyme, IscL, that creates a highly reactive sulfur-containing intermediate, offering new insights into fungal chemistry. This discovery could pave the way for novel pharmaceuticals by harnessing nature’s molecular tools.

Non-recyclable food packaging materials available in the market contribute to environmental pollution, highlighting the critical need for eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives. Now, researchers from Korea have developed a chitosan (CS) and gallic acid (GA) conjugate as an eco-friendly option for packaging. The CS-GA films have exceptional mechanical strength and solubility offering a sustainable packaging solution to retain the freshness of fruits. Going ahead, this green technology has the potential to sustainably reduce global food wastage.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have developed a novel aerogel designed to enhance the efficiency of atmospheric water harvesting. This development offers a practical solution to the pressing issue of freshwater scarcity, particularly in arid regions.

The advanced aerogel is capable of absorbing moisture from the air up to about 5.5 times its weight, maintaining its performance across a wide range of humidity levels, and effective even in conditions as low as 20 per cent relative humidity, making it suitable for diverse environments. Demonstrating the aerogel’s applicability, the research team has integrated it into a solar-driven, autonomous atmospheric water generator that efficiently collects and releases freshwater without requiring external energy sources.

Another advance has been made by experts in nano-scale chemistry to propel further development of sustainable and efficient generation of hydrogen from water using solar power.

 

In a new international collaborative study – led by Flinders University with collaborators in the USA, South Australia and Germany – experts have identified a novel solar cell process to potentially use in future technologies for photocatalytic water splitting in green hydrogen production.