Research sponsored by the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory shows that microgravity disrupts how engineered microbes absorb nutrients, limiting their ability to produce useful materials in space. Published in npj Microgravity, the study examined Escherichia coli engineered to produce melanin—a protective pigment that could help shield astronauts and spacecraft from radiation and environmental stress. While the microbes successfully activated the genetic pathway for melanin production, nutrient uptake was impaired in microgravity, leaving key resources unused. Complementary ground-based experiments confirmed that fluid mixing and nutrient transport are major challenges. In contrast, fungal strains tested in the study remained resilient and continued producing melanin, highlighting their potential for space-based biomanufacturing. The findings will inform the design of future bioreactors and systems to enable reliable production of protective materials, medicines, and other valuable compounds during long-duration missions.

Field investigation from CAS scientists uncovers zoning-driven vascular plant diversity gaps and invasive risks in three main urban green space types of subtropical Guangzhou to guide urban biodiversity conservation.

A University of Arkansas undergraduate researcher showed that 3D metal printing may work in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide, removing a key obstacle to manufacturing on Mars.

McGill University researchers have discovered a new way to fold flat sheets into smooth, curved shells that can switch from floppy and flexible to stiff and load-bearing on demand. By designing a special origami pattern and threading cable-like elements through it, they can control the material’s final three-dimensional shape and how rigid it becomes. The result, a “doubly curved lens box,” could advance the technology of such objects as temporary emergency tents, morphing robots and smart fabrics, the researchers said.

After nearly 10 years, three flight experiments and a flying rocket lab, scientists map out the chaotic forces of ultra-fast flight, redefining the future of aerospace travel.

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power system fueled by NH₃ is considered one of the most promising solutions for achieving ship decarbonization and carbon neutrality. This paper addresses the technical challenges faced by NH₃ fuel SOFC ship power system, including slow hydrogen (H₂) production, low efficiency, and limited space. It introduces an innovative a NH₃-integrated reactor for rapid H₂ production, establishes a safe and efficient all-electric SOFC all-electric propulsion system adaptable to various sailing conditions. The system is validated using a 2 kW prototype experimental rig. Results show that the SOFC system, designed for a target ship, has a rated power of 96 kW and an electrical efficiency of 60.13%, meeting the requirements for rated cruising conditions. Under identical catalytic scenarios, the designed reactor, with highly efficient heat transfer, measuring 1.1 m in length, can achieve complete NH₃ decomposition within 2.94 s, representing a 35% reduction in cracking time and a 42% decrease in required cabin space. During high-load voyage conditions, adjusting the circulation ratio (CR) and ammonia-oxygen ratio (A/O) improves system efficiency across a wide operational range. Among these adjustments, altering the A/O ratio proves to be the most efficient strategy. Under this configuration, the system achieves an efficiency of 55.02% at low load and 61.73% at high load, allowing operation across a power range of 20% to 110%. Experimental results indicate that the error for NH₃ cracking H₂ is less than 3% within the range of 570–700 °C, which is relevant to typical ship operation scenarios. At 656 °C, the NH₃ cracking H₂ rate reaches 100%. Under these conditions, the SOFC produces 2.045 kW of power with an efficiency of approximately 58.66%. The noise level detected is 58.6 dB, while the concentrations of CO₂, NO, and SO₂ in the flue gas approach zero. These findings support the transition of the shipping industry to green, clean systems, contributing significantly to future reductions in ocean carbon emissions.

A team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has published a comprehensive review in Science China Chemistry, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in "top-down" synthesis strategies for single-atom catalysts (SACs). Led by Prof. Huang Zhou and Prof. Yuen Wu from USTC’s Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry and Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, the review systematically summarizes a decade of progress in the field, offering valuable insights for advancing SACs’ practical application.