Researchers from the Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), in collaboration with Macro Algae Industries, have launched a pilot seaweed farm near the Al Sawadi Islands in Barka to evaluate the commercial feasibility of cultivating native seaweed species in Omani waters.

A study published in The Journal of Engineering Research (TJER) at Sultan Qaboos University presents an advanced intrusion detection system (IDS) designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of identifying cyber-attacks. The proposed model combines a double feature selection technique with a stacked ensemble machine learning approach to enhance detection performance while reducing computational complexity.

Thermally integrated Carnot battery (TI-CB) systems offer unique advantages for industrial waste heat recovery, but their performance under fluctuating, off-design conditions remains poorly understood. To address this gap, this study proposes a quasi-dynamic mathematical model with solution methodologies applicable to both design and off-design operating conditions. A dynamic evaluation framework is also developed to account for the temporal mismatch between energy storage and release processes. A multi-operating-condition set constructed via multivariable sampling is used to enable systematic analysis of key design parameters under both design and off-design conditions. The results reveal that heat source utilization parameters and heat pump temperature rise are dominant factors affecting TI-CB performance, while off-design analysis shows that ORC mass flow rate variations have a more significant impact on system performance than heat pump fluctuations. Due to irreversible heat losses, an increase in the heat source temperature difference leads to a decrease in round-trip efficiency (η_rt) from 62.6% to 45.8%, while η_orc and η_ex also exhibit downward trends. A higher temperature lift in the heat pump results a decrease in the mean COP from 7.6 to 4.8, whereas η_orc increases from 7.0% to 10.2%. Among working fluids evaluated, R1336mzz(Z) demonstrates superior performance but exhibits nonlinear behavior, while R1233zd(E) provides optimal stability across operating ranges, making it suitable for practical engineering applications.

Breast cancer (BCA) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a high rate of incidence and mortality. This review provides global information on BCA therapy using curcumin. Chemotherapy, as an effective treatment for different stages of BCA, and curcumin, generally regarded as safe compound and an alternative to synthetic drugs, have been described for the treatment of BCA. A few parameters, including nano-curcumin versus bulk curcumin and its encapsulated form versus its corresponding free form, have been discussed. Curcumin, a safe and edible compound with antitumor properties, is a promising medicinal compound for the treatment of BCA. Encapsulation of curcumin enhances its stability and anticancer efficiency. Nano-curcumin exhibits superior properties when compared to its bulk counterparts, leading to notable interactions and effects.

Researchers from Tsinghua University explore how supramolecular self-assembly can revolutionize solid-state lithium batteries. By utilizing reversible non-covalent interactions like hydrogen bonding, they have developed dynamic electrolyte networks with self-healing capabilities and high ionic conductivity. This framework effectively suppresses lithium dendrite growth and reduces interfacial impedance, offering a transformative strategy for next-generation, high-safety energy storage systems for electric vehicles.

Alkali cation effects in electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction: Researchers have conducted aprofound analysis of the controversial issues regarding the effects of alkali cations on the electrocatalytic reaction process. They highlighted the comprehensive influence for the adsorption modes of alkali cations on the interfacial physicochemical properties and the catalytic reaction process. Furthermore, the specific mechanisms of alkali cations in different electrolyte systems have been systematically summarized, and prospective research directions have been proposed.

Tokyo, Japan – Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have devised a rotating tabletop device to study wireless charging in electric vehicles. Testing on real tracks takes up vast areas at significant cost. The team not only built a prototype but used simulations to demonstrate safety and similar charging to a linear track. They successfully reproduced movement at 40 kilometers per hour, promising accelerated global research into next-gen charging for EVs.