RMIT University scientists developed a reusable magnetic material that removes over 95% of micro- and nanoplastics, heavy metals, and drug residues from water within an hour. The cost-effective technology, showing early promise against PFAS, is being tested for commercial deployment in Australia, the US, and Europe.
Researchers at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad discovered that superworms (Zophobas morio larvae) can safely and efficiently clean animal skeletons for museum collections. This method avoids harsh chemicals and bone damage, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional techniques.
China's NMPA has approved a rare-disease therapy for commercial sales to treat narcolepsy type 1 in individuals aged 16 and older. The unnamed drug previously received fast-track status in the US and orphan-drug designation in Japan and the EU, indicating international recognition for its importance.
The Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) announced 4,098 vacancies for Junior Engineer, Depot Material Superintendent, and Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant posts. Online applications open August 14, 2026, and close September 13, 2026, for positions across India.
South Korea's industry ministry approved a restructuring plan for petrochemical companies at the Yeosu industrial complex, including Lotte Chemical, DL Chemical, and Hanwha Solutions. This initiative, part of government efforts to address industry oversupply, involves spinning off and merging operations, shifting to higher-value products, and includes 800 billion won in company investment and over 700 billion won in government support.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center in Berlin found that naked mole-rat queens use a specific scent, isopropyl myristate, to suppress breeding in other females. This olfactory signal, rather than violence, maintains the colony's eusocial structure and prevents other females from reproducing.
New research from North Carolina State University reveals that widespread backyard insecticide spraying in the eastern U.S. is causing Asian tiger mosquitoes to develop resistance to chemicals like pyrethroids. Genetic markers for resistance were found in 84% of sampled residential blocks in Wake County, NC, with higher prevalence in wealthier areas.
A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa study found 25 human-made contaminants in Maui corals, weakening their resilience to heat and ocean acidification. The research highlights how agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical chemicals embedded in coral tissues deplete nutrient reserves, suggesting metabolome monitoring as an early warning system.
New research from NC State University reveals that widespread backyard insecticide spraying in the eastern U.S., particularly in wealthier areas of Wake County, North Carolina, is causing Asian tiger mosquitoes to rapidly develop genetic resistance to pyrethroids, making them harder to control and raising public health concerns.
Scientists found endangered Carnaby's black cockatoos in Western Australia's Wheatbelt are consuming dangerous levels of agricultural pesticides from spilled grain. This contamination, including neurotoxic chemicals, is linked to a mysterious paralysis syndrome and prompts calls for stricter Australian pesticide regulations and improved grain handling practices.
A Murdoch University study found endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoos in Western Australia's Wheatbelt are regularly exposed to high levels of agricultural pesticides, with 80% of seed samples contaminated. The findings suggest a link to a mysterious paralysis syndrome in the birds and have prompted calls for a review of Australia's pesticide regulations.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Fudan University developed a hydrogenolysis method for polyolefins, which constitute over 60% of plastic waste, to convert them into C8-C16 hydrocarbons for aviation fuel under mild conditions, addressing environmental concerns.
Researchers from UBC and international teams used advanced nickel isotope analysis to identify the meteorite that wiped out dinosaurs 66 million years ago as a rare CO chondrite, solving a decades-old puzzle about the extinction event.
Zhang Zhidong, known as "Brother Wang" or the "king of fentanyl," is accused of being a key link between Chinese chemical manufacturers and Mexican drug labs. Arrested in Mexico in 2024 and extradited to the US in 2025, he allegedly ran a global enterprise supplying cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Zhang, a Peking University graduate, denies the charges.
A Sudanese court sentenced RSF leader Hemedti to death for crimes against humanity and genocide. Meanwhile, the US accused the Sudanese army of using chemical weapons, demanding action within the OPCW.
Scientists report a potential 50% drop in average male testosterone levels over 50 years, fueling concerns about a male reproductive crisis. While some link this to environmental factors, others point to obesity and diabetes as primary drivers, highlighting ongoing debate and the need for more research.
The Andean leaf-eared mouse (Phyllotis vaccarum) lives at altitudes above 6,700 meters, making it the highest-dwelling mammal. Researchers studied its physiology and genomics, finding adaptations for cold, low oxygen, and processing toxins from plants, which could inform human medicine for conditions like heart problems and cancer.
Residents in Thornton-Cleveleys, near Blackpool, are concerned about PFOA contamination linked to the AGC Chemicals Europe plant. A study found higher-than-expected kidney cancer rates, and soil and produce contamination has led to restrictions and potential legal action.
Two New Jersey men, Sean Tighe and Juan Rodriguez, have been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that imported over a metric tonne of fentanyl analogues from China into the US. The group used wire transfers and bitcoin to pay for the drugs.
Russia's permanent representative to the OPCW, Vladimir Tarabrin, stated that Russia expects a reaction from the organization and its member states regarding information provided about Ukraine's alleged use of toxic chemicals. Russia cited examples of smoke grenades with chloropicrin and a drone attack using the substance.
The OPCW reinstated Syria's voting rights after a "significant change in circumstances" since Bashar al-Assad's overthrow, noting "concrete steps" by the new authorities to dismantle banned chemical stockpiles.
The OPCW has reinstated Syria's voting rights, citing "concrete steps" taken by the new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to address past chemical weapons program issues since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in 2024. Actions include facilitating verification and destroying identified remnants.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reinstated Syria's voting rights, five years after they were stripped under Bashar Assad, citing the new Syrian authorities' commitment to fulfilling chemical weapons obligations and cooperation with the watchdog.
The OPCW Executive Council reinstated Syria's rights and privileges under the CWC, suspended since 2021. The decision, co-sponsored by 67 signatories, acknowledges Syria's commitment and progress in resolving its chemical dossier.
