In collaboration with universities across the world, Nicholas Hedger (University of Reading) and Tomas Knapen (Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) explored the depths of the human experience. They discovered how the brain translates the visual world around us into touch, thereby creating a physical embodied world for us to experience. “This aspect of human experience is a fantastic area for AI development.”

An innovation from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering represents a major advance in stretchable, bendable digital displays for next-generation electronics and medical devices. The lab had previously created a high-efficiency electroluminescent material that could stretch to more than twice its original length while still emitting a fluorescent pattern. But two layers—the cathode layer and the electron transport layer—had to remain rigid for the screen to work. In the new publication, an innovative aluminum gel and a novel family of conductive polymers overcame those two last rigid hurdles.

KTU, Lithuania, scientists have developed a method to convert textile waste into both alternative fuel and high-value cement additives. Their findings show that textile ash can replace up to 7.5% of conventional cement and increase material strength by up to 16%, while recycled polyester fibres improve concrete performance by 15–20%. The research offers a sustainable pathway for managing textile waste and reducing CO₂ emissions in cement production.

A new method has been developed to recycle textiles using non-toxic solvents - with almost 100% recovery rate.

A paper released in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts describes a fully bio-based barrier film that outperforms PET and PE in oxygen blocking while carrying an integrated curcumin indicator. Dialdehyde nanocellulose (DCNF) generated by 1 h periodate oxidation is blended 75% with pristine cellulose nanofibres; vacuum filtration builds a self-cross-linked sheet that is then dip-coated with an ethyl-cellulose/curcumin solution. The resulting 40 g m-2 membrane transmits 79% visible light yet transmits only 6.9 cm3 m-2 d-1 O2 (120-fold improvement over unmodified CNF) and 43 g m-2 d-1 water vapor—comparable to commercial polypropylene. Over 500 min the composite scavenges 91% DPPH radicals and suppresses > 99.9% growth of E. coli and S. aureus. When attached to refrigerated shrimp, the yellow label turns orange-brown as volatilised amines raise local pH, giving an irreversible but easy-to-see spoilage alert within 2 d. The approach requires no metals or synthetic antioxidants, making it a candidate for home-compostable, intelligent food packaging.

A Swansea University academic has been honoured with the prestigious SEMI Academia Impact Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to semiconductor research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in Europe.