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National University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering


An explainable AI framework for scientific discovery and high-stakes applications

A new AI framework, Perspective, provides a structured approach to explaining complex patterns in AI predictions, enabling researchers to test hypotheses and improve designs. By revealing the underlying relationships, XAI can support discovery, optimisation, and certification for AI in high-stakes fields.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop atom-thin carbon insulator for next-generation microchips

A team from NUS developed an atom-thin film of amorphous carbon with a low k-value, addressing the interconnect bottleneck in microchips. The film withstood strong electric fields and prevented copper ions from passing through, paving the way for wider copper lines and faster data transfer.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop AI framework to complete patchy US flood maps

Researchers from NUS and Tsinghua University developed an AI framework to complete missing US flood maps, revealing an estimated 11 million people and 4.1 million buildings were omitted from mapped zones. The framework generated a spatially complete 30-metre flood hazard map, highlighting the potential of AI to strengthen public access...

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2026

NUS CDE researchers decode the ‘DNA’ of Singapore’s shophouses with AI

Researchers from NUS CDE have developed a computational framework that reconstructs the genealogy of vernacular architecture, including Singapore's historic shophouses. The framework generates a detailed architectural 'family network' that reveals how different styles evolved and interacted over time.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop self-repairing, recyclable substrate for durable soft sensors

Researchers at NUS CDE developed a self-repairing, recyclable substrate that repairs itself, grips metal conductors firmly and can be remoulded or broken down after use. The new material, called an intrinsically dynamic biosubstrate (IDBS), reduces electronic waste and enables recovery of valuable components.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

More than skin deep: NUS researchers develop electronic skin that senses, heals and thrives even under water

The NUS research team developed a self-healing magnetoelectric sensory system (SMES) that combines sensing with autonomous self-repair. The technology overcomes the challenges of conventional sensors, enabling devices to function reliably in both air and water.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2026

Atom-thin coating developed from NUS CDE–Applied Materials partnership tackles key bottleneck in chip miniaturisation

Researchers have developed a single material, tungsten disulfide, that can serve as both barrier and liner in copper wiring, allowing for improved chip performance. The coating is just 0.7 nanometres thick, roughly the width of a few atoms, and has shown significant improvements in resistance and reliability.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop safer all-solid-state sodium battery with low-cost 2D material

Researchers have overcome key safety and durability barriers in sodium-ion batteries by using a simple additive of graphitic carbon nitride. The additive promotes flexible, disordered zones where sodium ions move more freely and reduces polarisation, improving battery efficiency and stability. This breakthrough opens a scalable pathway...

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop biowaste coatings to boost CO2-to-fuel conversion

Researchers at NUS CDE have developed biowaste coatings that improve the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, achieving high selectivity rates and reducing reliance on PFAS. The coatings, made from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and plant matter, offer a cost-effective pathway to climate technology.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

NUS CDE researchers develop new AI approach that keeps long-term climate simulations stable and accurate

Researchers have developed a new AI-powered correction that addresses instability in hybrid climate models, allowing for reliable simulation of months or years-long processes. The CondensNet architecture learns from reference simulations to correct condensation errors, ensuring physically consistent results.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2026

NUS researchers develop planning framework to balance clean energy transitions with river ecosystem protection

The new framework enables decision-makers to test how different combinations of hydropower, solar, wind and energy storage affect both energy system costs and sediment delivery. Strategic optimisation can help minimize the impacts of energy transitions on natural ecosystems.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2025

Bioengineered lymph nodes offer window into human immunity

Researchers at NUS have developed a bioengineering approach to keep human lymph node tissue alive and functioning outside the body for several days. The method involves embedding thin slices of lymph node tissue in a soft gel that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing for detailed studies of immune cell behavior.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2025

Graphene reaches ultimate electronic quality — two breakthrough methods push graphene beyond semiconductor limits

Researchers from NUS and The University of Manchester develop two breakthrough methods to overcome electronic disorder in graphene, setting new records for electron mobility. Twist-angle engineering and proximity screening enable the observation of quantum effects in unprecedented conditions.

AI model maps building emissions to support fairer climate policies

The open-source AI model accurately maps building carbon emissions across multiple cities, identifying key factors that influence energy use, including urban form, planning history, and income levels. The research highlights the need for place-based strategies to reduce emissions from lower-income communities.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2025

New co-assembly strategy unlocks robust circularly polarized luminescence across the color spectrum

Researchers developed a supramolecular co-assembly platform producing chiral soft materials with strong, stable full-colour circularly polarised luminescence across the visible spectrum. The resulting structures are tunable, scalable and retain their properties for over 100 days at room temperature.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2025

When stem cells feel the squeeze, they start building bone

Researchers found that human stem cells can differentiate into bone cells simply by being squeezed through narrow spaces. This discovery could lead to the development of simpler and safer regenerative therapies by using physical signals instead of chemical cues. The study's findings have broader implications, including potential applic...

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2025

Bioengineered tumor model offers new tool in fight against peritoneal cancers

A new hydrogel-based platform has been developed to preserve live patient-derived tumor tissues in the lab, enabling more accurate testing of cancer treatments. The approach, which uses customizable bioengineered hydrogels, has been shown to retain key features of the original tumor environment.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2025

New data-driven method reveals how (un)predictable complex systems can be

A team of researchers developed a novel method called Time-Lagged Recurrence (TLR) to estimate the predictability of complex dynamical systems. TLR uses data-driven approach to evaluate how an ensemble of similar initial states evolves over time, determining local predictability at that state.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2025

Nanoparticle smart spray helps crops block infection before it starts

A new nanoparticle smart spray developed by NUS researchers protects plants from harmful bacteria by delivering antibacterial compounds directly to the plant's stomata. Plants treated with the targeted particles are 20 times more resistant to infection than those given non-targeted treatments.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2025