Science News for December 13, 2025

New insights into root cell contributions to cadmium accumulation in water spinach

Researchers analyzed two water spinach cultivars to understand how specific root cells contribute to cadmium fixation and transport. The study identified key gene expression profiles and structural differences in root cells, highlighting the complexity of plant response to heavy metals.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateDec 13, 2025

Flash-Heated iron–carbon catalyst rapidly breaks down persistent antibiotics in water and soil

A new Fe/C composite catalyst rapidly degrades sulfamethoxazole with up to 94.6% removal efficiency, effective across a wide pH range and in complex soil environments. The catalyst's high stability and strong radical production make it a scalable solution for environmental remediation.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2025

Making lighter work of calculating fluid and heat flow

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have re-engineered the Lattice-Boltzmann Method to store certain data, reducing memory usage and overcoming a key bottleneck. The new algorithm achieves significant accuracy and stability in simulations of fluids and heat.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 13, 2025