MXene-based smart contact lenses demonstrate a cutting-edge advancement in wearable ophthalmic technology, combining real-time biosensing, therapeutic capabilities, and user comfort in a single platform. These devices take the advantage of the exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and biocompatibility of two-dimensional MXenes to enable noninvasive, tear-based monitoring of key physiological markers such as intraocular pressure and glucose levels. Recent developments focus on the integration of transparent MXene films into the conventional lens materials, allowing multifunctional performance including photothermal therapy, antimicrobial and anti-inflammation protection, and dehydration resistance. These innovations offer promising strategies for ocular disease management and eye protection. In addition to their multifunctionality, improvements in MXene synthesis and device engineering have enhanced the stability, transparency, and wearability of these lenses. Despite these advances, challenges remain in long-term biostability, scalable production, and integration with wireless communication systems. This review summarizes the current progress, key challenges, and future directions of MXene-based smart contact lenses, highlighting their transformative potential in next-generation digital healthcare and ophthalmic care.

As global demand for green hydrogen grows, scientists are exploring direct seawater electrolysis as a sustainable way to produce hydrogen without consuming scarce freshwater. Yet, seawater contains abundant chloride ions, which corrode electrodes and drastically shorten device lifetimes — a major barrier to commercialization.

Ru-Co/ZrO₂ single-atom alloy catalyst was developed for alcohol amination, which exhibited satisfactory yields to primary amines for a broad scope of substrates. The synergistic effect between Ru and Co was demonstrated by the significantly higher turnover rate and yield to primary amine than those on Co/ZrO₂ and Ru/ZrO₂. This study opens a new avenue to the design of low-cost and efficient catalysts for alcohol amination.

In a significant stride towards enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen production, researchers are exploring the role of lignin-derived carbon Co-based composites in overcoming photocorrosion in CdS photocatalysts. The study, titled "Overcoming Photocorrosion in CdS Photocatalysts: The Role of Lignin-Derived Carbon Co-Based Composites in Hydrogen Production," is led by Prof. Xueqing Qiu and Prof. Yanlin Qin from the Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Biorefinery at Guangdong University of Technology in Guangzhou, China, in collaboration with the Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Chemistry and Fine Chemical Engineering Jieyang Center and the Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development. This research offers critical insights into improving the stability and performance of CdS photocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.

This study analyzes three decarbonization strategies for papers mills, including using electric power, mechanical presses and low-carbon fuels. Replacing natural gas with electric and biomass power could help paper mills achieve net-zero emissions, but would need improvements to electrical grids to enable those changes. The paper industry is the fourth-largest industrial energy consumer in the United States. 

Researchers from the Hubrecht Institute and Radboud University have developed a completely animal-free gel to grow organoids, miniature three dimensional versions of organs. By combining the bacterial protein invasin with a synthetic gel known as polyisocyanopeptide (PIC), they created an environment in which organoids can grow and expand long-term, just as they do in animal-derived gels such as Matrigel. The study, published in PNAS, marks the first synthetic and animal-free system that enables long-term growth of 3D organoids.