20-May-2026 Green solvent “tames” stubborn wood waste, tailoring industrial lignin HEP Data Cooperation Journals A method using a “green” solvent made from ethylenediamine and choline chloride is provided to restructure industrial lignin. The process significantly increases the active sites on lignin while preventing unwanted clumping, transforming a low-value byproduct of the paper industry into a viable substitute for petroleum-based materials.
20-May-2026 From room temperature to 1500 °C: unlocking the toughness of ceramic matrix composites under extreme conditions Maximum Academic Press Silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (SiCf/SiC) composites are emerging as promising materials for the hottest parts of aircraft engines and hypersonic vehicles, where metals face increasing performance limits. Journal Acta Mechanica Sinica
19-May-2026 Ultrathin and ultrastrong hydrogel membranes enable conformal bioelectronics Science China Press Researchers have developed an ultrathin yet ultrastrong hydrogel membrane that enables robust and conformal integration between electronic devices and biological tissues. The ~10 μm-thick material combines high strength, exceptional toughness, and tissue-like softness through a biomimetic microfibrillar network design. It supports multimodal sensing and stimulation while maintaining stable contact with complex 3D tissues, offering new opportunities for wearable and implantable bioelectronics. Journal National Science Review
19-May-2026 Study finds new mutation in child after embryo screening Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center To explore the origin of the translocation in the offspring of a male carrier of Robertsonian translocation der(13;14)(q10;q10) using preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) combined with multiple techniques. The study also examines the associated risks and insights derived from PGT-SR. Journal Reproductive and Developmental Medicine
19-May-2026 Biochar could help build stronger, lower-carbon cement Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University Concrete is everywhere, from roads and bridges to homes, hospitals, and high-rise buildings. But the cement that holds concrete together comes with a major climate cost. Cement production is responsible for a significant share of global carbon dioxide emissions, largely because making cement requires heating limestone to very high temperatures. Journal Biochar
19-May-2026 Biochar shows strong promise for locking more carbon in soils, global review finds Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University As the world searches for practical ways to slow climate change, soil is gaining attention as one of Earth’s most important carbon reservoirs. A review and meta-analysis published in Biochar suggests that biochar, a carbon-rich material made by heating biomass under limited oxygen, could significantly improve the ability of soils to store carbon. Journal Biochar
19-May-2026 FSU chemists use sea sponge bacteria to create new molecules for drug discovery Florida State University Florida State University chemists have synthesized new molecules derived from bacteria found in a Pacific Ocean sea sponge, a breakthrough for the future of drug development, particularly for rare forms of cancer. Journal Journal of the American Chemical Society
19-May-2026 Concordia researchers explore how blood flow restriction training enhances low-intensity exercise benefits Concordia University Researchers from Concordia University are investigating how blood flow restriction (BFR) training can boost the benefits of low-intensity exercise. By partially restricting blood flow during workouts, BFR may help improve strength, muscle growth and recovery without heavy loads, making it promising for athletes, older adults and people recovering from injury. Journal Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
19-May-2026 A bifunctional cathode enabling efficient decomposition and utilization of nitrous oxide in protonic ceramic fuel cells for power generation Tsinghua University Press Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) have been recognized as promising power generation devices for future clean energy systems, owing to their relatively low activation energy for proton migration and high energy conversion efficiency. In certain application scenarios, the use of N2O (a potent greenhouse gas), as an alternative oxidant to air, presents a feasible strategy. This work can provide a feasible direction for energy and environmental protection strategies. Journal Nano Research
19-May-2026 Pore engineering via controlled decomposition of counter cations in an anion-based metal-organic framework Tsinghua University Press Researchers now report an yttrium-based MOF, Y-ebdc, featuring cage-type structures that accommodate protonated dimethylamine (DMA) as both counter cations and molecular sieving gates. Subsequent optimization of the adsorption separation performance for propylene/propane (C3H6/C3H8) was achieved through regulation of DMA’s thermal decomposition. With approximately 70% of DMA removed, the expanded aperture window and increased pore volume remarkably enhance dynamic C3H6 uptake while simultaneously facilitating the direct production of polymer-grade (>99.5%) C3H6 in a single adsorption–desorption cycle. Journal Nano Research
