Scientists have created a smart hydrogel that swells in salty water to capture uranium from concentrated seawater—achieving four times higher extraction rates than conventional materials while fighting off bacteria. This innovation could transform how we harvest nuclear fuel from the ocean.

Saltmarshes, vital "blue carbon" ecosystems, possess substantial natural carbon sequestration capabilities, yet they face ongoing degradation from human activities. This deterioration not only leads to a loss of carbon storage but also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs). A recent investigation conducted by researchers at Ocean College, Zhejiang University explored the potential of biochar as a soil amendment to counteract these negative impacts, particularly in the presence of external organic matter. The findings offer a pathway for enhancing the carbon sink function of these crucial coastal environments.