8-Jan-2026 Review on thermal-science fundamental research of pressurized oxy-fuel combustion technology Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center This review article systematically summarizes research progress on pressurized oxy-fuel combustion system designs, heat transfer mechanisms, combustion behavior, and pollutant emissions. Journal Frontiers in Energy
8-Jan-2026 “Frustrated” surface pairs turn ethane into ethylene with sunlight Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center Commentary highlights how perovskite Lewis-acid/Lewis-base sites slash energy use and CO₂ footprint Journal Frontiers in Energy
7-Jan-2026 Study: Taking photos at live events can come at a social cost University of Oregon A University of Oregon researcher has now found using a phone to document live events can lead to social penalties, even affecting relationships between friends. Journal Journal of the Association for Consumer Research
7-Jan-2026 Ionogel innovation could power safe, enduring energy storage DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed an innovative energy storage system design that introduces a safer, more efficient method for electrical charge transfer. This study advances fundamental understanding of how functional groups impact the mechanical and electrochemical performance of highly charged polyelectrolyte membranes — thin, charged polymer sheets that help control the movement of ions in energy devices. Journal Advanced Functional Materials Funder U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science
7-Jan-2026 Comparing four heat-inducible promoters in stably transformed sugarcane regarding spatial and temporal control of transgene expression reveals candidates to drive stem-preferred background/objective transgene expression University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Inducible promoters provide remarkable utility when sustained transgene expression compromises plant development or agronomic performance. In this study, four different plant heat shock protein (HSP) promoters were characterized in the vegetative tissues of stably transformed sugarcane to evaluate their efficacy and spatial expression profiles when directing the expression of a uidA reporter gene. This study produced new quantitative knowledge on the temporal and spatial expression of HSP promoters in sugarcane, expanding the promoter toolbox for crop biotechnology to support gene function studies and biotechnology applications, including precision gene editing and complex metabolic engineering. Journal Frontiers in Plant Science Funder U.S. Department of Energy
7-Jan-2026 How an ancient stem cell regulator shapes modern plant regeneration Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science Plant regeneration relies on a delicate balance between stem cell renewal and differentiation, yet the evolutionary origin and functional limits of key regulators remain poorly understood. Journal Horticulture Research
7-Jan-2026 Going further with fusion, together Princeton University The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory’s strategic partnerships with private fusion companies and public research institutions around the world are accelerating the timeline for commercial fusion energy. Funder EUROfusion Consortium via the Euratom Research and Training Programme, EUROfusion Consortium via the Euratom Research and Training Programme, UK EPSRC
7-Jan-2026 Ten steps to designing more empathetic, human and effective educational video games Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) Most games overlook the emotional and social dimensions of learning, which limits their ability to engage students Journal Information
7-Jan-2026 Simple tool predicts mental health burden and treatment needs in newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease patients University of Birmingham As research suggests that up to 30% experience mental ill health as a result of IBD diagnosis, a new study outlines how new patients diagnosed each year could receive more tailored mental health support thanks to a simple tool that identifies psychological distress and predicts disease severity. Journal Frontiers in Gastroenterology
7-Jan-2026 Boomers are the key to sustainability in boardrooms Murdoch University A new study from Murdoch University in Western Australia, has found that having Baby Boomers on boardrooms can improve corporations' performance in sustainability. Journal Business Strategy and the Environment
