Objective: Paper cups are mostly used for consuming beverages. These cups have an interior laminated hydrophobic thin film coated with polyethene and copolymers. During association with hot water or beverages ions like nitrite, chloride, fluoride and microplastic particles were released into water. Deposition of these particles has serious health effects in human. So, the objectives of the present study are to evaluate the degradation of the microplastic particles as a result of exposure to hot water. Methods: Different characterization techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy are used to identify microplastic particles. Information about microplastic content in such samples is limited, yet most of the analytical methods used are very time-consuming. Results: Sample preparation and detection require sophisticated analytical tools and eventually require high user knowledge. This research shown that microplastics can leach from the lining of disposable cups into the beverage within minutes of contact with hot liquids. GCMS report shows that Phthalates compound and chemical exposure affect the endocrine system which interferes with hormone function. When exposed to hot water, the plastic coatings start to break down and the compounds like Diethyl phthalate, Di-2-ethylhexyl-adipate, Butylated hydroxytoluene, Benzotriazole, Styrene, Vinyl chloride were found in the hot water. Some scientists have shown that certain bacterial enzymes can hydrolyze and degrade the microplastic compound. Conclusions: This research discusses paper cup microplastic compounds and the binding affinity of detoxification enzyme interaction have been discussed in silico. However, this research recommends to opting for reusable cups made of glass, steel, and safer materials like soil-made cup.

A groundbreaking study led by Prof. Bo Peng at Fudan University demonstrates that microglia replacement effectively halts the progression of adult-onset leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (ALSP), a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the microglia-specific gene CSF1R. Published in Science on July 10, 2025, this research replaced defective microglia with healthy ones, halting the disease progression and significantly improving neurological function in both mouse models and human clinical trials. This first-in-human microglia replacement therapy marks the first clinically effective treatment for ALSP, highlighting the therapeutic potential of microglia replacement strategies for other neurological disorders.

Myopenia, a condition marked by abnormal muscle loss, affects people across all age groups. Though linked to various diseases, myopenia appears to have distinct origins and clinical features in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers have now examined its underlying mechanisms in unprecedented detail, revealing how RA drives muscle wasting. Their findings offer critical insights into age-specific presentations of myopenia and highlight emerging opportunities to improve care and functional outcomes for patients living with rheumatoid arthritis.

Intrinsic dispersion in periodic systems sets a fundamental bound for independent selectivity of resonant angles and wavelengths. This hinders applications requiring concurrent selectivity of angles and wavelengths, such as AR/VR, coherent thermal emission and light detection. Scientists in China proposed a method to on-demand tailor the angle-dependent resonant reflection via radiation directionality in misaligned bilayer metagratings. This strategy enables perfect reflection at a single angle and a single wavelength, overcoming the intrinsic dispersion locking.

A recent study published in Engineering investigates the quality and antibiotic resistance risks of livestock probiotics in China. The research reveals issues with labeling accuracy, strain composition, and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in commercial probiotic products. It highlights the potential for certain probiotic strains to disrupt gut microbiota and serve as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes, emphasizing the need for improved regulation and quality control in the livestock probiotics industry.

This article delves into the intricate world of Ganoderma lingzhi (G. lingzhi), a mushroom with profound medicinal significance in traditional Chinese medicine. Researchers have employed advanced multi-omics techniques to map the distribution of ganoderic acids (GAs) and elucidate their biosynthetic pathways within G. lingzhi. The findings of this study offer a detailed understanding of GA biosynthesis, contributing to the potential development of new medicinal applications and optimized cultivation practices.

Researchers conducted comprehensive safety assessments on triazine UV filters ethylhexyl triazone (EHT) and diethylhexyl butamido triazone (HEB). Through bacterial reverse mutation, chromosomal aberration, micronucleus assays, and 3T3 phototoxicity tests, both compounds showed no genotoxic or phototoxic effects even at high concentrations. These findings support the safety of EHT/HEB for topical use in sunscreens, addressing regulatory concerns.

A recent study published in Engineering offers detailed insights into the complex dynamics of metal jets, waves, and bubbles generated during underwater explosions of shaped charges. Researchers from Harbin Engineering University conducted experiments to analyze how different parameters, such as liner angle and charge weight, influence these phenomena. The findings provide a better understanding of the behavior of shaped charges in underwater environments, which is essential for their potential applications.

The researchers discuss ECLDs based on the research framework of “material-process-application” synergistic optimization. It aims to provide a comprehensive reference for the research and application of ECLDs, and demonstrates the great potential in the field of flexible electronics.

A new study published in Engineering offers insights into how global land surface soil organic carbon (SOC) levels are being influenced by climate change. The research explores historical trends and projects future changes in SOC, highlighting the complex interplay of climate factors and vegetation cover. While the findings indicate an overall increase in SOC, they also underscore the limitations of relying solely on natural carbon sinks to meet global carbon neutrality goals. This report provides a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities in leveraging soil carbon sequestration as part of broader climate mitigation strategies.