A collaborative research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), and the National Center for Applied Mathematics Shenzhen (NCAMS) has introduced a nitrogen-centric framework that explains the light-absorbing effects of atmospheric organic aerosols. Published in Science, this groundbreaking study reveals that nitrogen-containing compounds play a dominant role in the absorption of sunlight by atmospheric organic aerosols worldwide. This discovery signifies a major step towards improving climate models and developing more targeted strategies to mitigate climate impact of airborne particles.

Andrew G. Barto, University of Massachusetts Amherst Manning College for Information and Computer Sciences professor emeritus, has been awarded the 2024 ACM A.M.Turing Award for developing the conceptual and algorithmic foundations of a branch of artificial intelligence known as reinforcement learning (RL).

Concrete structures in Japan capture and store about 14% of the CO₂ emissions released during cement production, according to a new study by Japanese researchers. Their findings provide crucial insights for offsetting CO₂ emissions from cement production, which is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions.