Adding sugar or artificial sweeteners to coffee disrupted the body clocks in mice more than coffee on its own, researchers have found, with it causing day and night to be reversed in some mice. If this holds for humans as well, adding sweetener to coffee would have significant health ramifications.

In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, based on the design of a composite lithium metal anode (Li-10% ZnF₂), the effect of hybrid SEI (LiCl/LiF/LiZn) on the interface between lithium metal anode and sulfide electrolyte was studied. The research results showed that hybrid SEI can effectively induce uniform deposition of lithium ions, inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites, and achieve a more stable anode/electrolyte interface.

In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, a bifunctional electrocatalytic sulfur matrix that simultaneously accelerates sulfur reduction and ZnS oxidation is proposed to realize a highly efficient Zn-S cell. It is revealed that the N-heteroatom hotspots are more favorable for facilitating the conversion of S to ZnS while the CoO nanocrystal substantially lowers the ZnS activation energy barrier thereby suppressing the formation of disproportionation species (e.g., SO₄²⁻) and accumulation of inactive ZnS.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have developed a novel aerogel designed to enhance the efficiency of atmospheric water harvesting. This development offers a practical solution to the pressing issue of freshwater scarcity, particularly in arid regions.

The advanced aerogel is capable of absorbing moisture from the air up to about 5.5 times its weight, maintaining its performance across a wide range of humidity levels, and effective even in conditions as low as 20 per cent relative humidity, making it suitable for diverse environments. Demonstrating the aerogel’s applicability, the research team has integrated it into a solar-driven, autonomous atmospheric water generator that efficiently collects and releases freshwater without requiring external energy sources.