Researchers outline a path to turn carbon dioxide into a valuable green fuel and chemical feedstock, offering a promising strategy for a circular carbon economy.

As the world faces the urgent challenges of climate change and the transition to sustainable energy, a new critical review provides a comprehensive roadmap for converting waste carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) into propanol, a valuable fuel and industrial chemical. Published by researchers from Korea University and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), the review highlights innovative strategies and outlines future directions for efficient, scalable production of propanol, a vital alcohol used in fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Researchers have created a novel, bio-based foam that integrates three advanced functions: shielding electromagnetic interference, regulating temperature, and reducing infrared visibility. This lightweight, durable material could protect sensitive electronics in electromagnetic and thermal shock and offer new solutions for camouflage technology.

In a paper published in MedComm – Biomaterials and Applications, a research team from Guangzhou Medical University reports the development of a copper ion (Cu²⁺)-coordinated nanoplatform (designated as CuN) using the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO1) inhibitor NLG919. This carrier-free nanoplatform can efficiently encapsulate various chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cinnamic acid, mitoxantrone, docetaxel, β-lapachone) and activate systemic antitumor immunity by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) and inhibiting IDO1. Using β-lapachone-loaded CuN (Lap@CuN) as a representative, the team demonstrated robust suppression of primary tumor growth and lung metastasis in mice without obvious side effects, offering a new strategy for synergistic chemo-immunotherapy.