A new study shows that systems designed to capture methane from cow manure, called dairy digesters, are highly effective. But on the rare occasions they fail, the leaks are large enough to offset their climate benefits.

Researchers at The University of Manchester have created a groundbreaking physics‑informed machine‑learning model that can run molecular simulations for unprecedented lengths of time, even at temperatures as high as 1000 Kelvin.

Both Pd single atoms (Pd₁) and clusters (Pd_c) were constructed in three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) In₂O₃ for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction with H₂O. The large surface area and abundant pore channels of 3DOM-In₂O₃ facilitate mass transfer and intermediate enrichment. The synergisticPd₁ and Pd_c active sites enhance the adsorption and activation of CO₂ and H₂O. The localized surface plasmon resonance of Pd clusters induces a photothermal effect, further accelerating the reaction kinetics.

Focusing on the engineering challenge of achieving stable, high-strength welding between rough metals surfaces and transparent materials, this work provides an in-depth elucidation of the femtosecond laser welding mechanism for dissimilar materials under non-optical-contact conditions. Through high-speed in situ imaging techniques, it reveals the dynamic coupling between linear absorption in the metal and nonlinear absorption in sapphire during ultrafast laser irradiation. The study further identifies an active interfacial gap filling effect of molten metal, which proactively regulates the free space region at the interface. It clarifies that the welding strength is primarily limited by cracks induced by thermal stress in sapphire, and demonstrates welding performance exceeding 10 MPa between rough Invar alloy and sapphire. These findings offer theoretical guidance and technical support for high-strength, highly stable welding of dissimilar materials.

Researchers have developed an effective, low-cost adsorbent for removing industrial dye from wastewater by using an unlikely source: the notorious invasive plant, Lantana camara. A team from Nalanda University, Nagaland University, and China Agricultural University, among other institutions, successfully converted both the leaves and stems of this widespread weed into biochar, a charcoal-like substance with powerful adsorption properties. This innovative approach tackles two significant environmental challenges simultaneously—the management of an aggressive invasive species and the purification of water contaminated with toxic dyes like methylene blue.