Looking to build stronger, more durable structures? A new review in Engineering explores how to fine-tune the flow properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) for applications like 3D printing and self-consolidating mixes. Discover the science behind making UHPC work better!

As part of a £250million investment in defence and security announced by the UK Government, the University of Plymouth will be creating a new Advanced Marine Technology Hub that will enhance the University’s world-leading expertise in autonomous marine systems, maritime cyber security, offshore renewable energy and environmental intelligence, as well as reaffirming its long-standing partnerships with – and commitment to – the city’s defence and security sectors.

A new hydrogel applied directly to vaginal tissues may help alleviate the negative impacts of menopause, according to a new study from scientists at the University of California San Diego. The results, published in Advanced Materials, could pave the way for a hormone-free treatment that alleviates vaginal dryness and pain caused by genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which negatively impacts quality of life for millions of women. 

Balancing economic growth with environmental protection is especially challenging for developing countries, even more so for those relying heavily on foreign aid. Recently, researchers from Japan developed a theoretical framework to show that zero-emissions policies can be compatible with sustainable growth in such nations. Their findings highlight the critical role of foreign aid, clean technologies, and effective tax policies in helping countries reach the minimum income threshold per person needed to effectively implement zero-emissions strategies.

2H-NbO₂—a novel van der Waals oxide synthesized by researchers from Japan—exhibits strongly correlated electronic properties with two-dimensional flexibility. By chemically extracting lithium ions from the layered sheets of LiNbO₂, the researchers transformed a three-dimensional oxide into a two-dimensional material—unlocking unique properties like Mott insulating states and superconductivity. Bridging transition metal oxides and 2D materials, the discovery paves the way for realizing advanced quantum materials in next-generation electronic devices.