22-May-2026 Seeing biochar form in 3D: scientists track a single walnut shell particle as it turns into carbon Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University A study has captured, in real time and in three dimensions, how a single piece of biomass changes as it is heated into biochar, offering fresh clues for designing more effective carbon materials for water cleanup, soil improvement, catalysis, and climate-related applications. Journal Biochar
22-May-2026 Multi-source graph learning may improve drug–target affinity prediction Science Exploration Press Researchers publishing in Computational Biomedicine have developed a novel artificial intelligence framework, MIGDTA, that integrates graph neural networks and multi-source biological information to enhance drug–target affinity prediction. The study highlights how combining molecular structure, biological descriptors, and interaction networks could accelerate drug discovery and repositioning. Journal Computational Biomedicine Funder National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Shaanxi Normal University, Scientific Startup Foundation for Doctors of Northwest A and F University
22-May-2026 Using AI and big data to reduce global illegal trade in plants South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences A new study outlines a comprehensive framework leveraging AI and big data to combat illegal plant trade, addressing global biodiversity threats with technological innovation. Journal Biological Diversity Funder Guangdong Province Basic and Applied Basic Research Project
22-May-2026 Smarter simulations for moving machines Maximum Academic Press Numerical simulation is essential for predicting how complex mechanical systems move, from robots and vehicles to deployable aerospace structures. Journal Acta Mechanica Sinica
20-May-2026 AI could transform how scientists detect and understand microplastic pollution Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University Microplastics are now found across oceans, soils, food chains, and even human biological samples. Yet scientists still face a major challenge: these tiny particles are difficult to detect, track, and link to health risks using traditional laboratory methods alone. A new perspective article argues that artificial intelligence could help change that.
20-May-2026 University botanic gardens: timeless hubs of education, research, and biodiversity stewardship South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences 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. Journal Biological Diversity
20-May-2026 From room temperature to 1500 °C: unlocking the toughness of ceramic matrix composites under extreme conditions Maximum Academic Press Silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (SiCf/SiC) composites are emerging as promising materials for the hottest parts of aircraft engines and hypersonic vehicles, where metals face increasing performance limits. Journal Acta Mechanica Sinica
19-May-2026 Biochar shows strong promise for locking more carbon in soils, global review finds Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University 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. Journal Biochar
18-May-2026 More versus better: Artificial intelligence, incentives, and the emerging crisis in peer review University of Oregon As the AI Task Force for Organization Science, researchers provide an early account of artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact on both submissions and reviews at a major academic journal. Journal Organization Science
