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PolyU research achieves record efficiency in semi-transparent solar cells, advancing the development of building-integrated photovoltaics

Researchers at PolyU developed an innovative parameter to evaluate photoactive materials for ST-OPVs, advancing high-performance devices with low-cost production and environmental sustainability. Record light utilisation efficiency of 6.05% was achieved in semi-transparent solar cells.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2025

Reality check on our approach to saving Nemo’s home

A recent study found that coral reef restoration efforts are hindered by small-scale programs, high costs, and targeting already compromised reefs. The researchers argue that scaling up restoration efforts is unlikely to offset climate change-driven losses, and suggest bolstering ecosystem resilience through complementary strategies.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2025

PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat

Researchers at PolyU have developed a new type of thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures. This innovative clothing uses soft actuators to trap a layer of air and increase thermal resistance, reducing heat stress and discomfort in high-temperature environments.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

Microbes conquer the next extreme environment: Your microwave

A study found that microwaves contain a unique microbial community, comprising 747 different genera, which resembles those on solar panels and kitchen surfaces. The diversity of the microbiome varies between single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces, and laboratory microwaves.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 8, 2024

Korea University identifies novel inhibitor HVH-2930 showing promise in overcoming trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer

A novel inhibitor HVH-2930 targeting heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) demonstrates efficacy against drug-resistant breast cancer cells. It selectively downregulates HER2 signaling, crucial for breast cancer progression, without triggering the heat shock response.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

CSUFT-led team creates novel flame-retardant, smoke-suppressing, and superhydrophobic transparent bamboo for future glasses

Researchers from CSUFT have developed a novel transparent material derived from natural bamboo with three-layered flame-retardant barrier. The material exhibits excellent mechanical properties, high light transmittance, and potential applications in green flame-retardant glass and optical device applications.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2024

PolyU researchers develop nature-inspired advanced materials to achieve 99.6% solar reflectivity

Researchers at PolyU developed a cooling ceramic with a hierarchically porous structure, inspired by the whitest beetle, to achieve high solar reflectivity and efficient light scattering. This innovation has potential energy-saving applications and is the first study on the Leidenfrost effect in passive radiative cooling materials.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

New cooling ceramic can enhance energy efficiency for the construction sector and help combat global warming—City University of Hong Kong research

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a passive radiative cooling material that achieves high-performance optical properties. The cooling ceramic reduces thermal load, provides stable cooling performance, and can be used in various building applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

PolyU scholar’s transformative work on the Leidenfrost effect wins the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023

Prof. Zuankai WANG's innovative structured thermal armour (STA) resolves the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C, enabling efficient liquid cooling in extreme temperatures. This breakthrough applies to aero-engines, space-engines, nuclear reactors, and electronics devices, with far-reaching implications for chemistry and beyond.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2023

Solid-state thermal transistor demonstrated

A research team at Hokkaido University has created a stable and effective solid-state electrochemical thermal transistor that can control heat flow with electrical signals. The device outperforms current liquid-state thermal transistors in terms of stability and efficiency.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Shellac-based coating makes pulp materials suitable for food without use of petroleum based polymers or metals

Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPolymer International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Warmer climate may drive fungi to be more dangerous to our health

A new study finds that warmer temperatures cause a pathogenic fungus to experience adaptive responses, leading to increased disease-causing potential. The research, led by Asiya Gusa at Duke University, suggests that rising global temperatures may contribute to the evolution of more virulent fungal pathogens.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Trial by wind: Testing the heat resistance of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites

The study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites at temperatures above 2000°C. The results show that the amount of zirconium in the alloy affects the composite's oxidation resistance, and modifying the matrix composition is necessary to prevent degradation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Researchers’ flow platform advances water harvesting technology

Researchers have advanced a novel platform to accelerate the harvesting process, solving a key problem in water collection by removing thermal barriers. The design features mushroom-like channels that direct water droplets into collectible containers, allowing for continuous water harvesting anywhere.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2022

Combining techniques to create more environmentally friendly, heat resistant, and transparent plastics

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technique for creating polymers with controlled molecular weight and high optical activity. The discovery uses a combination of living cationic polymerization and asymmetric cationic polymerization, resulting in optically active polymers with unique properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2022

Geoff Wehmeyer wins CAREER Award

Geoff Wehmeyer has been awarded a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to deepen understanding of nanoscale heat transfer and improve device performance. He will use scanning transmission electron microscopy nano-thermometry experiments to better understand interfacial heat transport.

Pusan National University scientists develop simpler way to create common chemical detection platform

Researchers have created a new, simpler way to fabricate SERS nanostructures with superior stability and performance at low cost. By using a heat-resistant polymer called polyimide (PI), they can produce nanosurfaces with nanopillars that enhance signal intensity for efficient chemical detection. The new fabrication method has the pote...

SourcePusan National University·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Artificial intelligence accelerates search for markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease

Researchers used machine learning and genomics to identify molecular markers of resistance to sugarcane yellow leaf disease in over 97 sugarcane genotypes. The study found that energy cane varieties with higher fiber content are more resistant to the disease, paving the way for commercial launches.

Scientists use sintered porous media to build compact, efficient heat exchangers

Researchers from The University of Electro-Communications and Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that sintering porous media inside heat transfer tubes increases the area available for heat exchange, reducing thermal resistance and enhancing heat transfer performance. Heat transfer in these tubes is five times greater...

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Scientists have proposed effective ways to reduce metal cavitation damage

Researchers developed a WC-20CrC-7Ni coating with high anti-cavitation resistance, extending the life of aquatic environment mechanisms. The coating's fine structure increases surface area, requiring more energy for crack formation. This innovation can protect critical equipment parts in power engineering, metallurgy, and shipbuilding.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Thermal Spray Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Protein restricts sap uptake by aphids

Researchers at Umea University have discovered a plant protein that limits aphid feeding behavior, resulting in reduced sap ingestion and fewer offspring on resistant plants. The protein is thought to occlude the narrow food canal of the aphid, providing a new avenue for developing more sustainable crop resistance.

SourceUmea University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateOct 10, 2017

Peas that like it hot

A new study reveals genetic insights into heat tolerance in peas, identifying two key traits: longer flowering duration and higher pod numbers. These traits can help breed more resilient pea varieties for warmer climates.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 23, 2017

Bumpy surfaces, graphene beat the heat in devices

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new way to dissipate heat in next-generation microelectronic devices by using bumpy surfaces with graphene. The interface between gallium nitride semiconductors and diamond heat sinks was improved, allowing phonons to disperse more efficiently. This improvement can lead to better reliabil...

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 29, 2016