Universal, meaningful connectivity at centre of global strategy for human-centred digital development

Analysis led by University of Leicester shows the African continent lost approximately 106 billion kilograms of forest biomass per year between 2010 and 2017.

Machine learning was used to combine Earth observation data and on-the-ground forest measurements.

Findings underline the urgency of implementing the Tropical Forests Forever Facility announced at the COP30 Climate Summit in Belém in November to halt deforestation.

In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences, a team of researchers conducted a comprehensive review of direct measurement techniques for optical and chemical properties of atmospheric aerosols, as well as the impacts of aerosols on climate and environment, and health risks associated with exposure to high concentrations of ultrafine particles. It serves as a valuable reference for advancing future research and instrumentation development in the field of aerosol science.

Researchers from China have developed a solar-driven multi-field synergistic strategy to simultaneously harvest freshwater and boron from seawater. The innovative (MXene-MgO)@sodium alginate (SA) composite gel (MMS) achieves high evaporation rates and boron adsorption capacities, offering a sustainable solution to global water and food scarcity.

Researchers at the Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, report in ACS Nano the successful creation of artificial synaptic vesicles that can be remotely controlled by near-infrared (NIR) light. By embedding a phthalocyanine dye into lipid bilayers, the team achieved local heating that modulates membrane permeability, enabling precise release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. These findings demonstrate that nanoscale heating can control communication between nerve cells. The work opens new avenues for non-genetic modulation of neuronal activity, with potential applications in neuroscience, drug delivery, and bioengineering.