Researchers in China have developed an advanced biochar-based material that dramatically improves the removal of harmful nitrate nitrogen from agricultural soils and water, offering promising new avenues for sustainable farming and environmental protection. The study, led by Dr. Lan Luo with colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, explores how biochar loaded with nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) can mitigate nitrogen leaching, a major contributor to groundwater contamination and soil degradation.

Today’s doctor visits look and feel a lot different than they did even just a couple decades ago. 

Rushed physicians and medical trainees are spending less time with patients, leading to diagnostic errors, poor patient outcomes and increased costs in health care. The influx of AI and other new technology has led to a decline in modern medical trainees’ fundamental bedside skills and a weakening of the doctor-patient relationship. There is a lack of empathy and an increase in physician stress and burnout. The list goes on.

To help reverse these trends, a new report from Northwestern University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham provides six practical strategies to reinvigorate a waning culture of bedside medicine in this new health care environment. The suggestions give clinicians and medical educators guidance on how to better teach and practice important bedside clinical skills, such as the physical exam.

Research Professor Jacob Segil has created a redesigned surgical instrument called the CAP-LIFT cannula. The device was recently launched in October, and within the first few weeks used in over 100 successful surgeries.

As climate change increases the frequency of droughts, UCLA and UC Davis researchers found that people report more conflicts with wildlife during drought, when resources are scarce.

Engineers at UC Davis have invented a device that can generate mechanical power at night by linking the natural warmth around us to the cold depths of space. The invention could be used, for example, to ventilate greenhouses or other buildings.