A groundbreaking primer design tool from the Zhang Liye Laboratory automates the search across entire genomes for pathogen detection, significantly enhancing the speed and accuracy of infectious disease diagnosis

In a recent development in power system research, a study published in Engineering has provided new insights into the power response of networks. As power electronic equipment becomes more integrated in power systems, the traditional understanding and analysis methods face challenges. The research focuses on the power response when networks are excited by voltage with time-varying amplitude and frequency. By using innovative mathematical calculations and simulations, the researchers uncovered multi-timescale characteristics of network power, which could offer useful guidance for engineers in understanding and analyzing power system dynamics.

In a recent development, a team of scientists from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and other institutions has come up with an innovative way to deal with plastic waste. Their study develops a photocatalytic method to degrade plastic waste, depositing polystyrene (PS) onto a durable tungsten oxide (WO₃) photoanode. Under light, PS undergoes oxidation, producing carbon dioxide at the anode and hydrogen gas at the cathode, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective approach for waste treatment and fuel production.

In a new study published in Engineering, researchers have developed an analytical framework integrating ecological security assessment, prediction, and zoning management. Using the Daqing River Basin as a case study, they found its ecological security improved from 2000~2020, but with spatial differences. The framework offers valuable insights for similar regions and sets a basis for further ecological security research.

Scientists from Southeast University and Guangzhou University have developed a new design paradigm for reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). Published in Engineering, this approach addresses challenges in traditional RIS design, such as high data costs and inefficient pattern design. It combines a novel topological representation method with a separate design architecture, offering a more efficient way to design RISs for applications in wireless communication and sensing.

Customized 3D-printed medical implants are becoming more common, and a new study has taken this technology to the next level. Researchers at Naton Biotechnology have developed the world’s first laser 3D-printed total knee implant, which has received official approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration as an innovative medical device.

The study focused on improving the strength and consistency of cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy implants made using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), a 3D printing process. The team discovered and corrected inconsistencies in the structure of the material by optimizing heat treatment, ensuring the final implants are stronger, more reliable, and safer for patients.

This research provides key insights into how 3D printing affects metal implants and lays the foundation for better quality control in orthopedic manufacturing, helping to advance the future of customized medical implants.

This research was led by Professor Changhui Song from South China University of Technology and Professor Jia-Kuo Yu from Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital as co-corresponding authors. The study was conducted in collaboration with Senior Engineer Renyao Li from Naton Biotechnology (Beijing) Co., Ltd and other members of the team.

A new study in Engineering has identified a notable cybersecurity risk in smart grids. As these grids grow more complex with added distributed power supplies, false data injection attacks (FDIAs) on data-driven algorithms are emerging as a concern. The research offers insights into a novel FDIA method, its potential impact, and the need for better security measures.