- University of Leicester’s science and innovation park to lead on a European Space Agency project to build a Double-Walled Isolator (DWI) to support analysis of extra-terrestrial samples

- Samples could be stored and handled and initially analysed in the DWI, to reduce the risk of cross contamination on Earth

- Work has started with funding of €5 million

This study explores ionic redistribution in perovskite LEDs during pulsed operation, using drift-diffusion simulations to analyse the impact of mobile ionic defects on light emission and providing insights into the functionality of these promising devices.

Trees help clean the air in cities but they also contribute to smog formation. A recent study conducted at Beijing Forestry University analyzed six major urban tree species for carbon storage and biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions using field surveys and satellite data. The findings revealed two tree species: Robinia pseudoacacia and Betula platyphylla, as the ideal for maximizing carbon capture while minimizing harmful emissions—guiding smarter urban forest planning in China.

Researchers at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have developed a novel quantum algorithm that extends Grover's quadratic speedup to continuous search problems, including optimization and spectral analysis over infinite-dimensional spaces. The team rigorously proved the algorithm's optimality by establishing a matching lower bound on query complexity. They also proposed a general framework for constructing the required quantum oracle, enhancing adaptability to diverse applications.

A research team from Shaanxi Normal University developed a novel catalyst that transforms glycerol waste from bio-diesel production into high-value glyceric acid with remarkable 96.6% selectivity. The innovative Pt-Bi₂O₃ nanosheet catalyst achieves superior performance through a unique synergistic effect: bismuth oxide modifies platinum's electronic structure while controlling glycerol's adsorption orientation. This green upgrade path not only addresses industrial waste challenges but offers a sustainable route to valuable chemicals. The catalyst also shows promising versatility for converting other polyols, opening doors for broader industrial applications.