Research groups led by Qing-Yuan Meng from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Xiu-Long Yang from Hebei University recently reported a novel acylation reaction for photocatalytic cleavage of olefin double bonds. Using a metal-free continuous photoredox catalytic strategy, they achieved a tertiary amine-mediated acylation of aromatic olefins via carbon-carbon double bond cleavage under mild conditions, resulting in the synthesis of a series of α-aryl ketones. Through controlled experiments and theoretical calculations, they explored the reaction mechanism, including the cleavage of both the π and σ bonds of the olefins, providing a new strategy for functionalization based on olefin double bond cleavage. This method exhibits excellent functional group compatibility and has potential applications in the synthesis and structural modification of bioactive molecules. These results were published as an open access article in CCS Chemistry, the flagship journal of the Chinese Chemical Society.

In a remarkable study that sheds new light on the potential of biochar to enhance phosphate solubilization, researchers are exploring how biochar can promote the solubilization of FePO4 through modulating organic acids excreted by Talaromyces pinophilus. The study, titled "Biochar Promotes FePO4 Solubilization Through Modulating Organic Acids Excreted by Talaromyces pinophilus," is led by Prof. Quan Chen and Prof. Min Wu from the Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Carbon Sequestration and Pollution Control at Kunming University of Science & Technology in Kunming, People's Republic of China. This research offers valuable insights into the role of biochar in enhancing phosphate availability for plants.

In a comprehensive analysis that offers a global view of carbon emission trends, researchers are exploring the factors driving CO2 emission peaks in countries worldwide. The study, titled "Carbon Emission Peaks in Countries Worldwide and Their National Drivers," is led by Prof. Chao He from the Collaborative Innovation Center for Emissions Trading System Co-Constructed by the Province and Ministry in Wuhan, China, and the National Science Library (Wuhan) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This research provides critical insights into the national drivers behind carbon emission peaks, offering a detailed understanding of global emission trends.

Food and medicine homology (FMH) products are dual-functional substances that play both therapeutic and dietary roles and are integrated into daily cuisine for disease prevention and health maintenance.The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution theory argues that body constitution types are associated with specific disease susceptibilities and regulating body constitution can prevent disease. Under the guidance of the TCM constitution theory, FMH products can regulate unbalanced constitutions to prevent and treat diseases, enabling precise and effective health management