Rolling contact bearings are an important part of mechanical systems that reduce friction between moving parts. Scientists need to be able to accurately model these bearings so they can predict their performance, durability, and failure mechanisms. Even though significant advancements have been made, there is still a need for a unified framework to evaluate and compare the existing modeling approaches. A research team has studied the most significant rolling contact bearing models, identifying key trends and advancements. Their findings reveal a significant variability in the modeling approaches used and highlight the lack of standardized methodology for modeling these complex systems.

Researchers discovered a previously unknown polishing mechanism in bismuth, a promising layered material for future computer chips. Instead of being scratched or chemically pulled away during chemical mechanical polishing, bismuth forms a thin oxide layer that slips sideways, enabling unusually rapid material removal. The findings contribute to future advances in semiconductor manufacturing.

In the fields of material science and engineering, understanding the principles of wear and friction is pivotal for the development and optimization of materials and mechanical systems. A research team has synthesized the current research on wear modeling and friction-induced noises, exploring their mechanisms, influencing factors, and predictive challenges.  By studying wear modeling and friction-induced noise, engineers are better able to predict the lifespans of components and prevent structural failure across a wide range of industries.

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are a growing global concern because they persist in water, are difficult to remove, and have been linked to health risks, including certain cancers. A new review by researchers from Hanyang University shows that the length of a PFAS molecule’s fluorinated carbon chain is a key predictor of its environmental behavior and treatment response. The study found that short-chain PFAS are generally more mobile and harder to remove, providing a practical framework for improving water treatment and contamination cleanup.

Disease management is a significant aspect of aquaculture which is a vital industry that is a significant food source. One of the most serious threats is a disease caused by the nervous necrosis virus (NNV) which can wipe out large populations of farmed fish and cause major economic losses in the aquaculture industry.

To address this limitation, research teams led by Prof. Kai Zhang (University of Göttingen) and Prof. Rongxin Su (Tianjin University) have developed an integrated salt-assisted assembly (iSAA) that couples ion crosslinking with organic–inorganic co-assembly to construct nanofibril–crystal (NF-C) composite films exhibiting vivid, tunable interference colors. The work has been recently published in Research.