This study reviews how optimization techniques can improve the economic dispatch of local energy sources, helping reduce costs, enhance grid reliability, and support renewable integration. By comparing classical and heuristic methods, it identifies strategies that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13), contributing to a more sustainable and efficient decentralized power system.

In recent years, the large-scale grid connection of various distributed power sources has made the planning and operation of distribution grids increasingly complex. Consequently, a large number of active distribution network reconfiguration techniques have emerged to reduce system losses, improve system safety, and enhance power quality via switching switches to change the system topology while ensuring the radial structure of the network. While scholars have previously reviewed these methods, they all have obvious shortcomings, such as a lack of systematic integration of methods, vague classification, lack of constructive suggestions for future study, etc. Therefore, this paper attempts to provide a comprehensive and profound review of 52 methods and applications of active distribution network reconfiguration through systematic method classification and enumeration. Specifically, these methods are classified into five categories, i.e., traditional methods, mathematical methods, meta-heuristic algorithms, machine learning methods, and hybrid methods. A thorough comparison of the various methods is also scored in terms of their practicality, complexity, number of switching actions, performance improvement, advantages, and disadvantages. Finally, four summaries and four future research prospects are presented. In summary, this paper aims to provide an up-to-date and well-rounded manual for subsequent researchers and scholars engaged in related fields.

A new study shows that treating mesenchymal stem cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) shifts their energy use toward glycolysis, reducing their healing potential in stroke therapy — offering insights into improving cell-based treatments for brain injuries.

Researchers at Tianjin University have developed LineGen, a physics-guided method combining ordinary differential equations and a time-embedded U-Net, to generate super-resolution load data (SRLD) for power distribution systems. Published in Engineering, the approach addresses limitations in high-frequency data collection by achieving a 1000-fold resolution enhancement—significantly surpassing prior deep learning methods—while offering traceable physical interpretability for improved grid management and reliability.

Researchers at Shenzhen University have developed a novel self-sensing steel fiber-reinforced polymer  composite bar (SFCB) that integrates distributed fiber-optic sensors (DFOS) for real-time monitoring of cracks and mechanical behavior in reinforced concrete members. This innovative approach, detailed in a recent study published in Engineering, aims to enhance the durability and safety of civil infrastructure by providing a more accurate and reliable method for structural health monitoring.

This review examines how nanoparticles interact with immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, NK cells) for cancer treatment. Key findings: Nanoparticles enhance antigen presentation, boost T-cell responses, and overcome tumor immunosuppression through specific bio-molecular mechanisms. The study identifies regulatory pathways and nanoparticle characteristics crucial for effective cancer immunotherapy. Development of multifunctional and theranostic nanoparticles offers promising solutions for precise, efficient next-generation cancer therapies, though challenges include targeting accuracy and potential toxicity.

In the face of rising urbanization and food insecurity, a new study published in Engineering explores the potential of urban aquaponics to enhance food security and reduce environmental impacts. The research, led by Qiuling Yuan and Fanxin Meng from Beijing Normal University, provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the sustainability of aquaponics systems in urban areas, selecting Beijing as a case study. The findings suggest that urban aquaponics can significantly improve water efficiency and local food self-sufficiency while reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through optimized strategies.

A new study in Engineering explores the optical properties of a high-entropy alloy (HEA) made from five noble metals—Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, and Pt—revealing its potential for use in mid-infrared metasurfaces through experimental determination of complex permittivity and analysis of absorption/emission characteristics.