With a newly developed method that compares AI-generated protein sequences with naturally occurring ones, function- and structure-regulating amino acids can be determined much more precisely than before.

Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (CSRS) in Japan have discovered that extended periods of high stress lead to iron deficiency and stunted growth in wheat crops. Experiments show reducing iron deficiency with a synthetic organic molecule called PDMA results in better growth and healthier plants. These findings are good news for farmers and consumers alike and could lead to treatments in the field that improve wheat production during prolonged periods of heat. The study was published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), a key technology for producing green hydrogen without carbon emissions, require a high-temperature “sintering” process to harden ceramic powders. Researchers at KAIST have successfully shortened this process from six hours to just ten minutes, while also reducing the required temperature from 1,400°C to 1,200°C. This innovation dramatically cuts both energy consumption and production time, marking a major step forward for the green hydrogen era.

Innovative artificial muscles made from silicone and equipped with microbubbles can achieve programmable deformation in response to wireless ultrasound activation. Researchers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated an array of potential applications, from a gripper arm to stingray-inspired robots and tissue patches for use as drug delivery systems. While these uses remain limited to laboratory trials for the time being, the technology has potential uses in robotics and medicine.

Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed a technology for real-time estimation of the valence state and growth rate of iron oxide thin films during their formation. This novel technology was realized by analyzing the full-wavelength data of plasma emission spectra generated during reactive sputtering using machine learning. It is expected to enable high-precision control of the film deposition process.

Australia produces over 31 million tonnes of food waste each year, creating serious challenges for both the environment and the economy. Researchers at the University of New South Wales and their international partners have reviewed how converting food waste into biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by heating organic matter without oxygen—could help tackle the country’s waste crisis while improving soil fertility and fighting climate change.

How does 3D printing precisely control battery stress?

In International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, Wei Yuan and coworkers from South China University of Technology introduce a new manufacturing method for gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) using digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. This technique allows precise control over the structure of GPEs through layer-by-layer curing. It improves the uniformity of microscopic pores and macroscopic dimensions, which helps regulate interfacial stress effectively. This study offers a practical strategy to enhance the stability of the anode-electrolyte interface (AEI), contributing to zinc batteries with longer cycle lives.