Plastics are inescapable in our daily lives. The vast amounts of plastic garbage heaped in landfills and in the environment, however, are as problematic as the plastics are useful. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a German research team has now introduced a new method for recycling polystyrene waste. Their efficient electrochemical process uses an inexpensive iron catalyst, produces hydrogen as a byproduct, and can be powered by solar panels.

Why is the expansion of our Universe accelerating? Twenty-five years after its discovery, this phenomenon remains one of the greatest scientific mysteries. Solving it involves testing the fundamental laws of physics, including Albert Einstein’s general relativity. A team from the universities of Geneva (UNIGE) and Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier  compared Einstein’s predictions with data from the Dark Energy Survey. Scientists discovered a slight discrepancy that varies with different periods in cosmic history. These results, published in Nature Communications, challenge the validity of Einstein’s theories for explaining phenomena beyond our solar system on a universal scale.

NTU Singapore is introducing two new undergraduate degree programmes in robotics and advanced chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing in August 2025.

The two programmes are designed to meet an anticipated global demand for roboticists as industries continue to automate and cultivate a pipeline of talent with a unique skill set spanning chemistry and chemical engineering for Singapore's advancing high-tech economy.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics focuses on acquiring practical and future-ready robotics skills that are relevant to industry needs and is in line with Singapore’s vision to become a Smart Nation.

The Double Major Bachelor of Engineering Science in Process Engineering and Synthetic Chemistry aims to nurture a new breed of graduates who can navigate the intricacies of chemistry and chemical engineering – a unique skillset that is currently lacking – and boost Singapore’s efforts to become a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.