A review highlights how modified biochar can capture and break down humic acid, a key precursor of harmful disinfection byproducts in drinking water treatment

Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a dual-defect suppression strategy, achieving record-breaking luminescence in lead-free quantum materials, opening new possibilities for advanced optoelectronic applications. Lead-free perovskite nanomaterials are regarded as safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives for next-generation optoelectronic devices. However, tin halide perovskite nanocrystals have suffered from poor luminescence. Prof. Jun YIN, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Physics at PolyU, has addressed this challenge through computationally guided dual-defect suppression strategy, achieving a record photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQYs) of 42.4%, more than 80 times higher than previous reports.

Modern communication networks must handle ever‑growing volumes of data, driven by cloud services, connected devices, and real‑time applications. At the same time, they face a critical constraint: keeping energy consumption as low as possible. Today, signal recovery and data processing rely mostly on electronic hardware—powerful, but energy‑intensive and increasingly limited by latency. 

To address these challenges, researchers in Roberto Morandotti’s laboratory at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) have developed a new device that enables optical artificial intelligence, where data is processed using light rather than electronics, enabling high speed and low energy consumption.  

A global analysis of field experiments suggests that biochar, a carbon-rich material made by heating organic biomass with limited oxygen, can significantly increase soil microbial biomass carbon, an important indicator of soil health and biological activity.

A plant best known as an ecological problem may offer a new tool for healthier soils and more resilient crops. A study published in Biochar reports that biochar made from Solidago canadensis L., an invasive plant in southern China, can be modified with silicon to suppress bacterial wilt, improve soil quality, and promote beneficial soil microbes.