Boron-based compounds are known as a class of anion acceptors. Now, writing in the journal Science China Chemistry, a team of researchers from Nankai University use this chemistry in electrolyte design. According to the study, boron-based additives have been found to reduce charge transfer resistance, improve the Li-ion diffusion kinetics, and stabilize high-voltage cathode of batteries. The findings demonstrated versatileness of B-ads that effectively mitigated the critical challenges of energy-dense battery systems.

In medicine permanent magnets demonstrate unique advantages in terms of field strength, tunability of field and gradient distributions, and practical implementation. The findings highlight the critical role of spatial magnetic field characteristics in optimizing the interaction of magnetic fields with biological tissues and cells, thereby improving the efficacy of magnetic medical technologies. The insights derived from this study emphasize the transformative potential of permanent magnet systems in shaping the future of both magnetic surgery and therapeutic applications in medicine.

Researchers at the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore have developed a copper-based catalyst that significantly improves the energy efficiency of converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) into ethylene. By introducing small amounts of cobalt just beneath the catalyst surface, the team was able to alter the reaction pathway to favour ethylene formation at lower energy cost. The system achieved over 70 per cent selectivity towards ethylene with 25 per cent energy efficiency and ran stably for more than 140 hours. The breakthrough could support the development of commercially viable, low-emissions alternatives to conventional carbon-intensive ethylene production.

Researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics have advanced syngas conversion by integrating Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with heterogeneous hydroformylation. By designing Co–Co₂C and Rh single-atom catalysts, the team achieved efficient, selective, and scalable production of alcohols and α-olefins. Their technologies have already entered industrial use and continue to evolve toward high-value product chains, laying the foundation for greener chemical manufacturing to realize China’s carbon neutrality goals.

Since the beginning of Earth's history, tiny particles of rock and metal from space have been hitting our planet. On clear nights, we can even see their traces as shooting stars. Trapped in layers of rock, these micrometeorites can remain preserved for billions of years. An international research team led by the University of Göttingen and including the Open University, the University of Pisa, and Leibniz University Hannover has developed a method that allows them to reconstruct the atmosphere of the past using fossilized micrometeorites. The results were published in Communications Earth & Environment.

Many soil microbes play a vital role in ecosystems, as they help plants access nutrients and water and assist in stress tolerance such as during drought and to defend against pathogens. One such group of soil microbes are arbuscular mycorrhizal, aka AM, fungi, which are associated with the roots of approximately 70% of plant species on land.  new Dartmouth-led study reports on how global climate conditions affect AM fungal spore traits and the species biogeographic patterns. The results are published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

A study of jewel wasps, known for their distinctive metallic colours, has shown that they can undergo a kind of natural ‘time-out’ as larvae before emerging into adulthood with this surprising advantage