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New approach to plastic recycling: Worcester Polytechnic Institute Chemical Engineering researchers co-author study

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJan 29, 2026

New yeast production method sharpens NMR spectra of membrane proteins at low cost

Researchers introduced a simple and cost-effective labeling method using Pichia pastoris to overcome high spectral resolution challenges in solid-state NMR studies of membrane proteins. The approach achieved random fractional labeling, sharpening spectral peaks and improving resolution at a lower cost than traditional methods.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalMagnetic Resonance Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop novel dual-chemical looping method for efficient ammonia synthesis

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers highlight advancements in chemical looping fluidized bed reactors

Researchers highlight advancements in fluidized bed design, oxygen carrier materials, and performance of chemical looping systems. They emphasize the importance of controlling fluidization regime and developing physical standards for oxygen carriers.

Common eye ointment can damage glaucoma implants, study warns

A new study from Nagoya University in Japan has found that petrolatum-based eye ointments can cause MicroShunt glaucoma implants to swell and potentially rupture. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid using these ointments on patients with the implant, particularly when it is exposed outside the conjunctiva.

SourceNagoya University·JournalGraefe s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology·DateJan 13, 2026

Commercially viable biomanufacturing: designer yeast turns sugar into lucrative chemical 3-HP

Scientists developed a cost-effective method to produce 3-Hydroxypropanoic acid (3-HP), an industrial chemical used in disposable diapers, microplastics, and acrylic paint. The new process using engineered microbes to ferment plant sugars into 3-HP has been validated for commercial potential.

Joint research validates new semiconductor etching process, achieving five times speed improvement

Researchers at Nagoya University and Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd. have developed a new semiconductor etching method that significantly reduces processing time and enhances energy efficiency. The process employs plasma etching with hydrogen fluoride at very low temperatures, eliminating the need for fluorocarbon gases.

SourceNagoya University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2026

Wiley announces Nanalysis Edition of KnowItAll software

The Nanalysis Edition of KnowItAll combines Wiley's analytical software platform with Nanalysis' specialized NMR database, streamlining spectral interpretation workflows for users. The tailored solution provides immediate access to reference spectra optimized for benchtop NMR instruments, expanding compound identification coverage.

SourceWiley·DateJan 5, 2026

Biochar powered two stage catalytic process boosts clean hydrogen production from corn straw while cutting catalyst coking

A new study reveals a simple two-stage catalytic system using corn straw, biochar, and nickel-based catalysts can more than double the hydrogen content of gas produced during biomass pyrolysis. The addition of biochar as a pre-catalyst further increases hydrogen yield.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

From waste to wonder: Universiti Sains Malaysia engineers a precision adsorbent to capture antibiotic pollutants

A team of engineers at Universiti Sains Malaysia has developed a novel surface-imprinted polymer grafted onto ordered mesoporous silica, which achieves high selectivity for chloramphenicol removal. The adsorbent demonstrated excellent reusability and thermodynamic properties, making it an efficient solution for water purification.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalCarbon Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2025

Toxin-to-treasure: Chonnam National University scientists use engineered enzyme to turn formaldehyde pollutant into high-value chemical

Chonnam National University scientists use an engineered enzyme to convert formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral C3 compound. The novel approach demonstrates how enzyme engineering can turn pollution into useful building blocks for medicine and industry.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2025

Research reinvents MXene synthesis

Researchers at University of Chicago have developed a new technique for synthesizing MXene materials, enabling faster and more efficient production at a fraction of the cost. The new method uses chemical vapor deposition to create MXenes with remarkable properties.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Synthesis·DateDec 18, 2025

Jeonbuk National University researchers reveal new interface engineering strategy for efficient and stable back-contact solar cells

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new interface engineering strategy for back-contact solar cells, which can improve efficiency and stability. The team created a bilayer tin oxide electron transport layer that enhances interfacial contact and reduces recombination losses.

New crystallization and microgel technology advances biohybrid brain research

Researchers developed a breakthrough technology called Cellular RedOx Spreading Shield (CROSS) to deliver long-lasting antioxidant protection to stem cells, enabling the reliable production of high-quality extracellular vesicles. This innovation strengthens neuron-glia networks and promotes structural and functional connectivity among ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 16, 2025

MIT researchers find new way to deliver antibodies that could make treatment much easier for patients

MIT researchers have found a new way to create solid particles of highly concentrated antibodies, suspended in a solution, which can be injected using a standard syringe. This advance could make antibody treatments more convenient and accessible for patients, particularly older people with difficulty visiting hospitals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 11, 2025

New computer simulation could light the way to safer cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals

A new study used deep learning and large-scale computer simulations to identify structural differences in synthetic cannabinoid molecules that cause them to bind to human brain receptors differently from classical cannabinoids. Researchers found that these substances often trigger the beta arrestin pathway, leading to more severe psych...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2025

Jeonbuk National University researchers develop novel eco-friendly and photo-switchable smart adhesives

Jeonbuk National University researchers have developed a novel, eco-friendly, and photo-switchable smart adhesive using biomass-derived materials. The adhesive demonstrates reversible light-controlled adhesion and retains over 90% of its original strength after repeated usage cycles.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2025

Cooperative Intermolecular Interactions Regulate Supramolecular Polymer Assembly

Researchers have successfully assembled higher-order supramolecular polymers through cooperative interactions between aryl barbiturate molecules. The study's key findings include the intentional weakening of p-conjugated core interactions to promote alkyl−alkyl interactions, resulting in unique assembly and disassembly behavior.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2025

Scientists use textile ash to create extremely strong cement

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a new way to turn textile waste into energy and high-performance cement materials. The production of alternative fuel from textile waste can reduce CO2 emissions during cement production, while also providing an innovative approach to textile waste management.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Thermal Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

New recycling method for textiles

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a novel, non-toxic method to recycle mixed-fiber textiles, utilizing a deep eutectic solvent to separate and recover cotton and polyester components. The process achieves near-complete recycling with minimal damage to materials.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalWaste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2025

From light to logic

McMaster and Pittsburgh researchers have developed a soft material that can perform a NAND logic operation using only three beams of visible light. The breakthrough paves the way for autonomous systems with computation capabilities without traditional electronics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2025

SIMPO: A simplified intelligent modelling platform online for code-free and shareable wastewater treatment process modelling

A simplified intelligent modelling platform online (SIMPO) has been developed to enable everyone to use professional-grade wastewater treatment modelling. SIMPO automates complex tasks, provides a practical tool for designing and optimizing processes, and offers an intuitive interface for students.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater & Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2025

The next frontier in clean flight? Jet fuel from city waste

Researchers explore using municipal solid waste as a low-emission, cost-effective feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%. The study suggests that adopting municipal solid waste-based jet fuels could save airlines money under carbon pricing systems.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2025

Chung-Ang University researchers develop interlayer material for lithium-sulfur batteries

The team's novel findings use metal-organic framework-derived hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers with low-coordinated cobalt single-atom catalysts to enhance redox kinetics and suppress dissolution of lithium polysulfides. This synergistic design enables high-capacity retention and superior rate performance over hundreds of cycles.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Fiber Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2025

Plugging nanoscopic cracks to make hydrogen cleaner and cheaper

Researchers at Columbia University have created a novel approach to producing hydrogen from water electrolysis, utilizing ultra-thin, PFAS-free oxide membranes. This breakthrough reduces the industry's reliance on toxic chemicals and enhances energy conversion efficiency, paving the way for a cleaner and cheaper source of hydrogen.

Distributor-type membrane reactor for carbon dioxide methanation

Researchers develop distribution-type membrane reactors for efficient carbon dioxide methanation. The study demonstrates the advantages of this approach in controlling reaction rates and temperature profiles. High thermal conductivity membranes produce more methane with selectivity, and their use can accelerate a carbon-neutral society.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalCatalysis Today·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Computationally accelerated organic synthesis – Optimal ligand prediction for generating reactive alkyl ketone radicals

Researchers from Hokkaido University developed a computational method to predict the optimal ligand for generating reactive alkyl ketone radicals. The Virtual Ligand-Assisted Screening (VLAS) method successfully identified L4 as the optimal ligand, enabling the generation of ketyl radicals with high yield.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2025

From “forever chemicals” to “PFAS-free” drinking water: Mapping a 20-year global research landscape and governance roadmap

Research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water has evolved through three distinct phases, with a focus on monitoring and treatment challenges. The study reveals growth in research, with cumulative publications expected to reach 7,689 by 2030.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater & Ecology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 23, 2025

Hanyang University researchers develop novel facet guided metal plating strategy, improving stability anode-free metal batteries

The researchers developed a novel facet-guided metal plating strategy using Zn as the host metal, which promotes uniform metal growth and suppresses dendrite formation. The strategy improved battery stability, retaining 87.58% of its initial capacity over 900 cycles.

SourceHanyang University Research Strategy Planning Team·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2025

Shanghai Tower serves as an inspiration for the first synthetic dynamic helical polymer

Scientists at the University of Groningen have developed a polymer that changes its shape with temperature and can break down into smaller molecules. The innovative material, inspired by the Shanghai Tower's unique design, has potential applications in biomaterials and may be recyclable into its chemical building blocks.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2025

A research team at the Universitat Jaume I creates a robotic platform with artificial intelligence to accelerate the transition to a sustainable industry

A team from the Universitat Jaume I developed a robotic platform powered by artificial intelligence to optimize chemical processes, reducing environmental impact and increasing productivity. The Reac-Discovery system makes it possible to design and test reactors in just weeks, compared to months or years with traditional methods.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 16, 2025

A bioadhesive sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix offers a new way to stop internal bleeding

Researchers developed a composite bioabsorbable hemostatic sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix. The sponge quickly absorbs blood and firmly adheres to tissues, enhancing hemostatic performance. It promotes wound stabilization, accelerates blood clotting, and reduces inflammation and tissue damage.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 14, 2025