Research often draws inspiration from life itself. Individuals with diverse backgrounds enrich innovation. Dr Zhang Caicai, Associate Professor of the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, interwines her neurolinguistic expertise with her experiences as a mother, delving into the intricate world of child language development and disorders.

Tufts is marshalling interdisciplinary strengths in computer science to shape the future of cybersecurity with the launch of the Cybersecurity Center for the Public Good. Providing services to both the general public and non-profit organizations, the Center will help others achieve up-to-date security and privacy in communications and handling data

Researchers at Tohoku University's AIMR have developed a new Li-O₂ battery cathode using free-standing graphene mesosponge (GMS) sheets, which eliminates the need for vulnerable binders. This design improves oxygen and Li-ion flow, enhancing stability and performance. The team demonstrated significant capacity and stable cycling, with plans to focus on Li metal anodes for further improvements.

Thanks to the GITEWS early warning system developed under the leadership of the GFZ from 2005 to 2008, it is now not only the Indian Ocean that is better prepared for such natural hazards. The Indonesian system has been operated and further developed independently by the Indonesian partners as InaTEWS since 2011. This is also a success story in terms of knowledge and technology transfer. In the meantime, new research approaches promise further improvements.

Dr. Filippo Gavelli from Blue Engineering and Consulting Company (BLUE) and Dr. Qingsheng Wang, a professor with the Department of Chemical Engineering, have led a large-scale experiment testing different coatings on steel beams and examining how they hold up in a fire. 

For their two-year project, “Advancing electric vehicle propulsion: High power rare-earth-free electric motor development,” a research team aims to replace rare earths like neodymium magnets with abundant and environmentally friendly materials such as copper. 

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to pursuing pioneering research in frontier areas and to embracing a strong culture of knowledge transfer. By translating research excellence into impactful solutions, the University takes the lead in making a positive impact for societal benefits. The first-of-its-kind multimodal robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation, developed by PolyU, has been recognised as an Honouree in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 Innovation Awards, reaffirming the effective impact of the University’s PolyImpact philosophy.

For homeowners, moisture buildup can cause the biggest headaches. Mold grows on drywall and wood-based materials, creeping along walls, floors and ceilings. Building materials begin to erode and rot. As insulation becomes damaged, the home’s energy-efficiency decreases. Even human health suffers, as moisture also leads to air-quality issues.

The key to preventing extensive moisture damage is discovering it early, when it can be easily fixed.

Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory are using microwave radar reflection to nondestructively detect and measure the moisture content of materials within walls without removing drywall or cladding. This also expedites moisture identification and enables mold growth to be treated in the early stages.