New research from Shenzhen University and Jinan University explores the use of carbon fiber composites in civil engineering, focusing on recycling methods and structural applications. The study, published in Engineering, highlights an integrated approach to extending the lifespan of reinforced concrete structures through impressed current cathodic protection and structural strengthening. Additionally, it presents an electrochemical recycling technique that efficiently recovers carbon fibers, maintaining their strength and functionality. These advancements offer practical solutions for sustainable construction and resource management.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s42995-024-00264-8

Announcing a new publication for Marine Life Science & Technology journal. In this research article Professor Chundi Wang from the Marine College of Shandong University, Weihai, China considers some long-standing taxonomic uncertainties and evolutionary relationships within Scuticociliatia, a diverse group of ciliates.

In a study that holds significance for individuals with cerebrovascular disease, scientists from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have found proteins in the blood that predict future cognitive decline and dementia.

This study reviews how optimization techniques can improve the economic dispatch of local energy sources, helping reduce costs, enhance grid reliability, and support renewable integration. By comparing classical and heuristic methods, it identifies strategies that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13), contributing to a more sustainable and efficient decentralized power system.

A new study shows that treating mesenchymal stem cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shifts their energy use toward glycolysis, reducing their healing potential in stroke therapy — offering insights into improving cell-based treatments for brain injuries.

Researchers at Tianjin University have developed LineGen, a physics-guided method combining ordinary differential equations and a time-embedded U-Net, to generate super-resolution load data (SRLD) for power distribution systems. Published in Engineering, the approach addresses limitations in high-frequency data collection by achieving a 1000-fold resolution enhancement—significantly surpassing prior deep learning methods—while offering traceable physical interpretability for improved grid management and reliability.

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a novel self-sensing steel fiber-reinforced polymer  composite bar (SFCB) that integrates distributed fiber-optic sensors (DFOS) for real-time monitoring of cracks and mechanical behavior in reinforced concrete members. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent study published in Engineering, aims to enhance the durability and safety of civil infrastructure by providing a more accurate and reliable method for structural health monitoring.

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.