A joint research team from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), The University of Osaka, and Waseda University has developed a method to visualize the three-dimensional distribution of nanoplastics in the neonatal mouse brain without tissue sectioning. By combining tissue clearing with light‑sheet fluorescence microscopy, the researchers observed more extensive accumulation of 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics than larger 500 nm particles in multiple organs—including the brain, intestine, and kidneys—following neonatal oral administration. Whole‑brain imaging revealed the widespread distribution of 50 nm particles, with relatively higher signals in the thalamus and brainstem. This study establishes a foundational three‑dimensional imaging platform for investigating nanoplastic biodistribution during early development. Of note, environmental exposure levels and health risks are not directly assessed in the study, which focuses on the development of a key methodological tool for research in the field. This research article is scheduled for publication on  June 29, 2026 in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances (Elsevier).

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo and RIKEN have developed a mathematical framework that explains how resource limitations influence information processing in living systems. The study shows that organisms can switch abruptly between memoryless and memory-based estimation depending on energy availability and sensory uncertainty. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for understanding decision making in biological systems.

Researchers at the University of Osaka have developed a method to build stable, tubular hydrogel structures at the arteriole scale. Using a technique called meniscus-guided interfacial ring-by-ring assembly, UV light is used to form ring-shaped structures at an oil–hydrogel interface, which combine to form hollow tubes. Different tubes could be created with good stability, controlled sizes, complex shapes, and multi-component structures. These structures could help to create vascular networks for artificial tissue models.

Hydrovoltaic energy generation (HEG) offers a sustainable route for converting water–solid interactions into electricity; however, guidance tailored to cellulose-based systems remains fragmented. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cellulose-based HEG across the four principal device classes—moisture, evaporation, osmotic, and droplet-induced electricity generators. Further, the review clarifies the role of the structural hierarchy of cellulose, its surface chemistry, and its hydration behavior in electrohydrodynamic transport and device-level performance. Beyond summarizing the prior work, we present system-level benchmarking through a consolidated performance table. The table explicitly links the material composition and device architecture with power output, robustness, and representative application scenarios such as power sources, self-powered sensors, and environmental monitoring, thereby offering actionable design guidelines. We further systematically discuss the chemical principles underlying cellulose-enabled HEG, including interfacial charge regulation, electric double-layer formation and overlap, and Donnan and ion-exchange effects, establishing a coherent theoretical basis for optimizing the voltage, current density, power density, and long-term stability. This mechanism-guided perspective connects the design of cellulose materials to the functional performances of moisture, evaporation, osmotic, and droplet systems. Additionally, it outlines practical directions for the sustainable sourcing, standardized testing, and scalable fabrication of efficient and environmentally friendly hydrovoltaic technologies.

Automotive manufacturing produces large quantities of paint sludge containing volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that can escape into the air during storage and disposal. A new study has developed a physics-based framework for predicting how temperature influences these emissions, offering practical guidance for safer hazardous-waste management.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has signed a new six-year master research agreement with Eastman. The new agreement will deepen a decade-long collaboration and accelerate the development of innovative technologies in multiple fields. Under the agreement, Eastman will invest at least $3 million over the next six years to support sponsored research, service agreements and a range of university-industry initiatives.

Biosensors have revolutionized home healthcare over the last two decades. Devices like wearable heart rate and blood glucose monitors are giving people with chronic health conditions the information and assurance they need to maintain an active lifestyle. But even the best sensors are limited by their ability to sustain skin contact through the rigors of physical activity. Researchers from Drexel University and Penn State University took on the challenge of improving the hydrogel material used in biosensors. And, in recently published research, they reported a new formula for making the gelatinous substrate that is versatile, durable and adhesive enough to make a stronger connection.

Inspired by human skin, researchers proposed a skin-inspired intumescent flame-retardant and superhydrophobic coating with excellent self-extinguishing properties and robustness. Combining an outer superhydrophobic layer with an inner intumescent flame-retardant layer, this coating offers a new solution with exceptional mechanical durability and efficient flame retardancy for various combustible materials, showing broad application prospects in fields such as materials, pipe insulation, energy storage, and interior plastics.