Todd Kingston, with the help of a federal grant, has equipped his lab with a unique instrument that allows him to test battery safety and performance. Yes, he said, "This allows us to safely blow up batteries."

Consider the utility services that people use every day: light switches, water faucets and gas burners. The simple act of delivering electricity, water or gas to a home or business requires a cascade of invisible digital and physical processes, all functioning in tandem.

The effects of climate change are already being felt along the north-west German coast, particularly on the barrier islands. Rising sea levels are eroding the dunes more quickly, making the groundwater saltier and reducing the effectiveness of inland drainage systems. To make matters worse, there are more dry periods in summer, putting stress on the vegetation. As part of an interdisciplinary project, researchers are investigating how the region can adapt to these changes. This involves finding technical solutions and building social resilience.

For years, diagnosing infections in children meant relying on a mix of instinct, limited testing, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Breakthroughs in genetic pathogen detection have ushered in a new age of precision medicine in pediatrics. Professor Tian Man, Director of the Respiratory Department at Nanjing Children's Hospital, walked us through the development of genetic testing in how clinicians approach infectious diseases in her hospital.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have successfully 3D printed steel capsules that withstood rigorous testing inside a nuclear reactor — a first-of-its-kind achievement. Using advanced manufacturing techniques and AI-driven design, the team produced capsules that maintained integrity under irradiation. This breakthrough shortens the timeline for developing and qualifying new materials for nuclear energy, accelerating innovation and strengthening energy security.

Recent research highlights that structured exercise is a powerful tool for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.  Incorporating exercise into daily routines is increasingly recognized as an effective way to strengthen the body's natural defenses and lower the risk of colorectal cancer in the long term. Early detection, however, remains the most effective way to reduce colorectal cancer mortality.

As manufacturers and utilities recognize their automated systems are vulnerable to hackers, the Idaho National Laboratory’s cyber escape rooms have become a go-to training resource for cybersecurity organizations around the world.

Scientists are working with microbes found in Australia's unique ecosystem to create bioplastics which break down in land, soil and water.

Pregnancy is one of life's most exciting chapters, but it also brings real health challenges. When nutrition during pregnancy is overlooked, it can affect the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Personalized nutrition, guided by genetic insights, reduces risks, improves outcomes, and supports lifelong health by tailoring food and supplement choices to each mother's body.