A study in Engineering has developed a tin-modified Ce–Nb mixed-oxide catalyst. This catalyst shows enhanced performance in selective catalytic reduction of NO_x with NH₃, a key process for diesel vehicle emission control. It offers improved activity and hydrothermal stability, providing a potential solution for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions.

A research paper by scientists at Kyushu University presented a novel needle-free reagent injection method that improves the depth of reagent injection by reflecting shock waves through microbubble dynamics.

AI is advancing at such speed that speculative moral questions, once the province of science fiction, are suddenly real and pressing, says Finnish philosopher and psychology researcher Frank Martela. Martela’s latest study finds that generative AI meets all three of the philosophical conditions of free will —  the ability to have goal-directed agency, make genuine choices and to have control over its actions. This development brings us to a critical point in human history, as we give AI more power and freedom, potentially in life or death situations.

Biochar, once limited to soil and environmental management, now offers a breakthrough opportunity for advancing ESG goals at both local and global levels. In a recent study, Prof. Yong Sik Ok presents a strategic analysis of biochar’s market potential, scalability, and reliability as a carbon-negative solution. The study outlines clear pathways to drive innovation, enabling institutions and industries to leverage biochar to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals and align corporate climate strategies with major global initiatives.

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor with a high risk of metastasis and poor survival outcomes. To delineate the metastatic microenvironment, researchers in China have developed an explainable machine learning model that identifies key immune cells and cytokine markers linked to tumor dissemination and prognosis. Their model offers a transparent, data-driven approach that could help clinicians better assess risk and personalize treatment for children with this life-threatening disease.

Researchers at the University of Turku in Finland have developed a simple method to explore a complex area of quantum science. The discovery makes research in this field cheaper and more accessible, which could significantly impact the development of future laser, quantum and high-tech display technologies.