This review examines how nanoparticles interact with immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, NK cells) for cancer treatment. Key findings: Nanoparticles enhance antigen presentation, boost T-cell responses, and overcome tumor immunosuppression through specific bio-molecular mechanisms. The study identifies regulatory pathways and nanoparticle characteristics crucial for effective cancer immunotherapy. Development of multifunctional and theranostic nanoparticles offers promising solutions for precise, efficient next-generation cancer therapies, though challenges include targeting accuracy and potential toxicity.

In the face of rising urbanization and food insecurity, a new study published in Engineering explores the potential of urban aquaponics to enhance food security and reduce environmental impacts. The research, led by Qiuling Yuan and Fanxin Meng from Beijing Normal University, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the sustainability of aquaponics systems in urban areas, selecting Beijing as a case study. The findings suggest that urban aquaponics can significantly improve water efficiency and local food self-sufficiency while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through optimized strategies.

A new study in Engineering explores the optical properties of a high-entropy alloy (HEA) made from five noble metals—Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, and Pt—revealing its potential for use in mid-infrared metasurfaces through experimental determination of complex permittivity and analysis of absorption/emission characteristics.

A new study has identified key genetic markers that control sugar and acid levels in sweet cherries, paving the way for breeding tastier and more consistent fruit. 

A new study in Engineering presents a coordinated planning framework for power systems with high renewable energy (RE) penetration, introducing the concept of Renewable Energy Power-Flow Density (RE-PFD) to track RE transmission pathways through internal loads, external exports, and storage losses. Developed by researchers from Xi’an Jiaotong University, the model integrates transmission network and energy storage system (ESS) planning to address RE variability, ensuring efficient grid operation and compliance with green power trading requirements across interconnected systems.

A new study published in Engineering uses integrated LEAP–WEAP models to analyze Pakistan’s water–energy challenges. It reveals consumption trends under different scenarios, offers potential saving strategies, and points out the implementation challenges, providing crucial insights for resource management in the country.

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O₂) batteries are poised to revolutionize energy storage with their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, performance barriers at both the cathode and anode have prevented their practical deployment. A new study proposes an elegant solution: atomic-scale nickel (Ni) catalysts anchored on nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (Ni–N/rGO). This dual-function material enhances the oxygen reduction/evolution reactions at the cathode while stabilizing lithium metal at the anode. The resulting batteries exhibit impressive capacity, extended cycle life, and reduced polarization. By unifying cathode and anode improvements in a single material platform, the work sets a new standard for the design of high-performance, rechargeable Li–O₂ batteries.

A new study published in Engineering offers fresh insights into how the combinations of foods we eat over the long term can influence cardiometabolic health. Researchers analyzed data from two large cohorts in the United States and China, finding that long-term food pairing patterns are independently associated with cardiometabolic traits and can modulate gut microbial functionalities. These findings suggest that the balance and imbalance of food intake, captured through food pairing patterns, may play a significant role in shaping cardiometabolic health beyond the effects of individual foods or dietary indices.

New insights into energetic disorder may help unlock the full potential of tin–lead perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) for optoelectronic devices. Although tin alloying promises to reduce toxicity and improve air stability compared to traditional lead-based materials, its incorporation has been found to reduce light emission efficiency. This study disentangles the two primary sources of energetic disorder—static disorder from structural defects and dynamic disorder from electron–phonon interactions—and reveals how they govern photoluminescence behavior. Static disorder, strongly influenced by tin-induced lattice distortions, plays a dominant role in suppressing radiative recombination. These findings offer critical guidance for designing next-generation low-toxicity, high-efficiency perovskite emitters.

Electrochemical conversion of small organic molecules offers a promising route to simultaneously generate hydrogen or electricity and value-added chemicals—without emitting carbon dioxide. This dual-function strategy enhances energy efficiency and sustainability, especially when using waste-derived organics, alcohols, or biomass as feedstocks. A recent review highlights how cutting-edge catalyst design, advanced electrochemical reactors, and mechanistic insights are advancing this field. Innovations in non-noble metal catalysts and tailored device architectures have shown potential in overcoming challenges related to selectivity, stability, and scalability. This comprehensive progress positions electrocatalytic conversion as a key technology in carbon-neutral energy systems and green chemical manufacturing.