Kang Li studies the 3D printing process, specifically how to improve the printing of PEEK, a strong and temperature-resistant plastic that's often used in medical devices. One of the main challenges with PEEK is that its layers don’t always stick together well when printed, which can lead to weaker final products. To address this, they developed a method that involves preheating the print nozzle before each layer is applied. This technique aims to create stronger, more reliable materials that can be used in various demanding applications, including medical implants.
Key findings
Preheating the print nozzle to 280°C increased the tensile strength of PEEK by 21%.
The preheating process reduced porosity, which can weaken the printed material.
This new method provides a practical solution for creating stronger 3D-printed medical components.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Kang Li study 3D printing for medical devices?
Yes, Dr. Li specifically studies the 3D printing of PEEK, a material used in medical implants.
What improvements has Dr. Kang Li made to 3D printing?
Dr. Li has developed a preheating technique that enhances the strength and reduces weaknesses in 3D-printed PEEK materials.
Is Dr. Kang Li's research relevant for patients needing implants?
Yes, their work is directly relevant as it aims to improve the quality and performance of medical implants made from PEEK.
Publications in plain English
Grounding large language models in clinical diagnostics.
2026
Nature communications
Chen X, Zhou H, Yi H, You M, Liu W +14 more
Plain English This study focused on improving how computers, specifically large language models, diagnose medical conditions. Researchers created a new model called ClinDiag-GPT that was trained on over 4,400 real patient cases, showing that it diagnosed conditions more accurately than current models, which often make mistakes. The findings emphasize that using ClinDiag-GPT alongside doctors leads to better and faster diagnoses, making it a valuable tool in healthcare.
Who this helps: Patients and doctors.
USP25 aggravates liver cancer development and impairs chemosensitivity by limiting LATS1 activation.
2026
EMBO reports
Li L, Wang X, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Jiang Z +13 more
Plain English This study looked at how a protein called USP25 affects the development of liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The researchers found that higher levels of USP25 promote cancer growth by limiting the activity of another protein, LATS1, which normally helps prevent cancer progression. When they reduced USP25, cancer cell and tumor growth decreased significantly, highlighting a new potential treatment approach that combines disrupting USP25 with chemotherapy to improve outcomes.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer by offering a new treatment strategy.
Advanced imaging techniques for tumor intraoperative navigation imaging.
2026
Npj imaging
Li K, Zhang Y, Yang H, Wang S
Plain English This study looks at new imaging technologies used during cancer surgery to help doctors see tumors more clearly and improve surgical accuracy. Researchers found that advanced methods like fluorescence imaging and three-dimensional systems are much better at detecting tumors and assessing their boundaries compared to traditional techniques, potentially improving patient outcomes. For example, these new imaging methods show high sensitivity for tumor detection, which could lead to fewer cases of cancer returning after surgery.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing cancer surgery by increasing the chances of successful removal of tumors.
Concurrent Nucleation of Mixed-Halide Perovskite Phase via Balancing Solvent-PbXInteraction for Efficient Solar Cells in Air.
2026
Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)
Zhang C, Duan J, Liu N, Li K, Zhang G +10 more
Plain English This research focuses on improving solar cells made from mixed-halide perovskites, which are important for creating efficient solar panels. The scientists found that by adding water to a commonly used solvent, they could enhance the quality of the solar cell material. This method led to a solar cell reaching a notable efficiency of 15.42%, which is a leading performance among similar devices and shows that the solar cells are more stable.
Who this helps: This helps solar panel manufacturers and consumers looking for more efficient and reliable renewable energy sources.
Association between novel inflammatory indices and osteoporosis among older adults: evidence from a large multicenter study in China.
2026
Frontiers in medicine
Zeng L, Zhang H, Wang M, Zhang Y, Zhang X +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the connection between inflammation and osteoporosis in older adults, involving 3,625 participants aged 60 and above across four hospitals in China. Researchers found that higher levels of inflammation-related markers are linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, with the overall inflammation index showing the strongest association (1.63 times more likely). This finding is significant because it suggests a new, inexpensive way to identify osteoporosis early, which can help in preventing fractures and improving health outcomes for older adults.
Who this helps: Patients, particularly older adults at risk of osteoporosis.
Integrated assessment of selectivity, soil behavior, and biochar-mediated release for the botanical herbicide precursor S-(-)-Spirobrassinin.
2026
Frontiers in plant science
Wang Y, Wang D, Zhang Q, Zhang M, Yang R +4 more
Plain English This study focused on S-(-)-Spirobrassinin, a natural herbicide from broccoli, to see how well it works against weeds and how it behaves in soil. The researchers found that after 21 days, this herbicide degrades quickly, leaving only 2.7 micrograms per milliliter in the soil, but it works better on certain types of weeds compared to others. They also discovered that using biochar—a type of charcoal—could help keep the herbicide effective longer in the environment.
Who this helps: This helps farmers looking for environmentally friendly weed control options.
: from an asthma susceptibility gene to multi-disease associations.
2026
Frontiers in genetics
Han Z, Guo S, Wang C, Niu Y, Liu J +4 more
Plain English This research looks at a protein called ORMDL3, which is linked to asthma but also plays a role in many other health issues like obesity, diabetes, and some cancers. The study found that ORMDL3 affects the production of certain lipids in the body that are important for controlling inflammation and immune responses. Understanding ORMDL3 can help in developing new treatments and tests for various diseases, benefiting a wide range of patients.
Who this helps: Patients with asthma, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Lymphatic Malformations With Activating KRAS Mutations Impair Lymphatic Valve Development Through Matrix Metalloproteinases.
2026
Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology
Mastrogiacomo DM, Price A, Fu Y, Banerjee R, Knauer LA +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain genetic mutations, specifically KRAS mutations, affect the development of lymphatic valves in a mouse model. The researchers found that these mutations led to a significant reduction in valve development, with about 70% of mice showing impaired valve formation. This is important because dysfunctional lymphatic valves can result in serious conditions like chylothorax, where lymph fluid collects in the chest cavity.
Who this helps: Patients with lymphatic malformations and their doctors.
Plain English This study looked at a new method for improving cancer treatment by using special copper clusters to help trigger a type of cell death that boosts the immune response against tumors. Researchers found that this approach, which helps release copper ions and suppresses cell survival mechanisms, significantly enhanced immune activity, leading to more mature immune cells and greater destruction of cancer cells. This is important because it offers a way to make immunotherapy more effective in treating cancers.
Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients seeking more effective treatments.
An oral rotavirus-vectored vaccine confers protection againstand rotavirus.
2026
Journal of virology
Wang J, Chang J, Jiang Z, Deng H, Jia Q +10 more
Plain English This study focused on creating a new vaccine that combines the protection against rotavirus and a harmful protein called alpha-toxin, which causes severe stomach issues. In tests with mice, the new vaccine effectively triggered strong immune responses, and when given to pregnant cows, it produced high levels of protective antibodies in their milk. This is important because diarrheal diseases, especially those caused by multiple germs, are a major cause of infant deaths worldwide, and this vaccine could significantly improve prevention strategies.
Who this helps: This helps infants and young children at risk of severe diarrheal diseases.
Point-of-Care Detection of Dual Methylation Genes for Rapid Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis.
2026
Analytical chemistry
Qiao S, Li Y, Gao Y, Li K, Qi R +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a new way to quickly find bladder cancer by testing urine samples for specific gene changes. The new method was able to correctly identify all 25 bladder cancer cases and predict outcomes accurately for 3 cases, achieving 100% accuracy. This is important because it can lead to faster and easier diagnosis, especially in places with limited resources, helping doctors treat patients more effectively.
Who this helps: Patients with bladder cancer and their doctors.
Distinctive DNA sequence features define epigenetic longevity of inflammatory memory.
2026
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Cowley CJ, Sajjath SM, Soto-Ugaldi LF, Steiger M, Larsen SB +10 more
Plain English Researchers studied how skin cells in mice remember past inflammation, like that caused by psoriasis. They discovered that specific DNA features, particularly dense areas of CpG dinucleotides, play a crucial role in keeping this memory alive over time. This matters because it helps us understand how the body maintains a heightened sensitivity to future inflammation, which could lead to better treatments for inflammatory skin conditions.
Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis.
Programmable Oxygen-Ligand Fields Encode Atomic Cu Coordination for Pathway-Selective CO-Nitrate Conversion to Urea.
2026
ACS nano
Li C, Gharahshiran VS, Cui J, Li K, Zeng Y +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how to better control a specific type of catalyst using special chemical groups that help arrange copper atoms on carbon nanotubes. The researchers found that by using these tailored chemical groups, they could significantly improve the process of converting carbon dioxide and ammonia into urea, achieving a production rate of 482 milligrams per hour with an efficiency of 61.2%. This is important because it could make the production of urea, which is used in fertilizers, more effective and environmentally friendly.
Who this helps: This advances benefits for farmers and the agricultural industry.
NO-driven chemical transformation of terpene mixtures: Linking highly oxygenated organic molecules to health effects in secondary organic aerosol.
2026
Journal of environmental sciences (China)
Chen X, Li K, Li R, Fang L, Bian H +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how different levels of nitrogen oxides (NO) affect the formation of certain airborne particles that can impact health, specifically focusing on mixtures of organic compounds called terpenes. Researchers found that higher NO levels changed the composition of these particles, leading to the creation of new compounds that might have different health effects. Notably, they established that as NO levels increased, the harmful oxidative potential of one type of particle (isoprene SOA) decreased, while the production of key health-related molecules (hydrogen peroxides) was influenced by NO levels.
Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and environmental scientists working to understand air quality and its effects on human health.
The impact of stress experienced by sexual minorities on depression among chinese men who have sex with men: an analysis of the mediating effects of social support and intimate partner violence.
Novel Genetic Risk Factor Identified for L-Asparaginase-Induced Pancreatitis in Pediatric Patients With Cancer.
2026
Pediatric blood & cancer
Raack EJ, Chang WC, Cordova-Delgado M, Anderson SJ, Trueman JN +35 more
Plain English Researchers studied how certain genetic variations might increase the risk of severe pancreatitis in children with cancer who are treated with a drug called L-asparaginase. They found that a specific genetic variant (rs149210846) is linked to an 8.9 times higher chance of developing pancreatitis, and this risk is even greater for patients of mixed American and Asian ancestries. This is important because it can help doctors identify which patients need closer monitoring during treatment, potentially improving patient safety and outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Telomere-to-telomere genome and mutant library empower functional genomics and genetic improvement in Cucurbita moschata.
2026
Plant communications
Li J, Chen Z, Li K, Tan J, Sun J +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) to improve its genetics and crop performance. They created a detailed map of its entire genome, which is 314.34 million base pairs long, discovering that about 40.58% is made up of mobile genetic elements that have changed significantly in the past 270,000 years. They also developed a library of 60,000 mutant seeds that showed 15.5% visible changes, which will help identify important traits in the squash to improve breeding efforts.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers and plant breeders looking to enhance butternut squash crops.
Research progress of artificial intelligence in bone tumor imaging.
2026
Frontiers in oncology
Zhang W, Kang S, Li K
Plain English This study looked into how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the way we analyze images of bone tumors. Researchers found that AI, especially through deep learning, significantly boosts the accuracy of identifying and classifying these tumors, which are often misdiagnosed. This is important because accurate diagnosis can lead to better treatment plans and outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with bone tumors and their healthcare providers.
Plain English This research paper looks at new techniques that examine individual molecules in biology instead of groups, highlighting how these methods can reveal unique insights that traditional tests miss. The authors emphasize the benefits of single-molecule testing, noting that it could lead to cheaper and more automated lab equipment. These advancements could help scientists explore complex biological systems more effectively.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working in biology and medicine.
Optimization of Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation for Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis in α-FeOvia Codoping and Oxygen Vacancies.
2026
Langmuir : the ACS journal of surfaces and colloids
Wang Y, Tian T, Li K, Qin R, Liu J +3 more
Plain English This research focused on improving a method to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by using light energy and specially designed materials called photoanodes. The study found that a new combination of elements (platinum and titanium) in the photoanode led to a 75.6% efficiency in producing hydrogen peroxide, which is an improvement compared to previous methods, and generated 0.42 micromoles of hydrogen peroxide per minute at a specific voltage. This matters because it provides a more effective way to create hydrogen peroxide, a chemical important in many industries, using renewable energy sources.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and industries that rely on hydrogen peroxide for various applications.
Density-Driven to Phonon-Dominated: Crossover in Heat Capacity of Amorphous Carbons.
2026
ACS nano
Li K, Zhang Z, Lin Z, Zhang Y, Liu C +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how the heat capacity of amorphous carbon changes with different densities, finding that as density increases from 1.1 to 4.0 grams per cubic centimeter, the heat capacity first goes up and then drops at higher densities. Specifically, it noted that the heat capacity decreased after a certain point, indicating that the physical properties of carbon are influenced not just by density but also by changes in the vibrations of its atomic structure. Understanding these changes is important because it can help improve the design of materials used in heat management applications.
Who this helps: This benefits engineers and scientists working on advanced materials for thermal management.
Deciphering the Temporal Transcriptional Dynamics and Key Regulatory Networks ofin Response to PEG-Induced Osmotic Stress.
2026
Biology
Zhang Z, Li K, Chu W, Zeng Y, Zhu Y +2 more
Plain English This study explored how pear trees respond to drought stress by examining the activity of their genes when exposed to a certain level of water shortage. Researchers found that out of nearly 4,000 genes studied, many related to stress response were highly active during the first 12 hours, highlighting a key phase in how pear trees adapt to drought. Understanding these gene activities can help scientists develop better drought-resistant pear varieties.
Who this helps: This benefits growers and farmers who cultivate pear trees.
Evolution and Comparative Analysis of Sheep Reference Genomes: From Fragmented Assemblies to Telomere-to-Telomere Genomics.
2026
Biology
Yue D, Lu Y, Chong Y, Wu J, Gao Z +4 more
Plain English This study looks at how the genetic blueprint of sheep has changed over time, from earlier incomplete versions to a complete genome representation called telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genomics. It found that as these genome assemblies improved in quality, they led to better ways to understand sheep genetics, with specific applications for breeding and identifying traits. These advancements are important because they can help make sheep breeding more effective and tailored, improving livestock quality.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers, animal breeders, and researchers working with sheep.
Physiological and Metabolic Mechanisms of-Induced Postharvest Rot in Lichuan Yam (Turcz.).
2026
Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
Sun X, Wang Z, Huang Y, Zhang L, Zhu Y +4 more
Plain English The study focused on understanding the causes of decay in Lichuan yams after harvest, which often leads to significant waste. Researchers found that a specific type of fungus was the main cause of the rot, leading to increased weight loss and changes in the yam's nutrition, including starch and protein levels. Identifying these mechanisms is important because it helps in creating better strategies to prevent yam spoilage during storage.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers and producers by reducing crop losses and improving food supply.
Integrative Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Regulatory Networks and Key Biosynthetic Pathway Genes of Wild and CultivatedPall.
2026
Metabolites
Liu J, Zhang J, Chen Y, Li K, Ma X +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the differences between wild and cultivated plants of a medicinal herb called Pall. Researchers analyzed thousands of chemical compounds and genes in both types of plants. They found 25,587 unique compounds and 6,830 genes that were expressed differently, especially those linked to producing important medicinal chemicals. Understanding these differences helps ensure that cultivated plants can effectively replace wild ones, reducing the pressure on natural populations.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who rely on these medicinal plants for treatment, as well as doctors looking for sustainable alternatives.
Protein Modifications and Metabolic Alterations in the Rat Striatum Following Oil Mist Particulate Matter Exposure Revealed via Untargeted Metabolomics and Phosphoproteomics.
2026
Toxics
Nie H, Liu X, Shi Y, Liu H, Lai W +4 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of oil mist exposure on rats to understand its impact on brain health. After 42 days of exposure, the researchers found significant changes in several brain-related proteins and chemicals linked to depression and anxiety, as well as damage to brain tissue. Specifically, levels of important brain chemicals like dopamine decreased, and signs of inflammation increased, which highlights how oil mist can affect mental health and brain function.
Who this helps: This information is valuable for workers in industries exposed to oil mist and healthcare providers treating related mental health issues.
One-step generation of heritable mitochondrial DNA multiplex-engineered rats using DddA-derived cytosine base editor.
2026
Animal models and experimental medicine
Zhang X, Li K, Tan L, Chen W, Gao S +10 more
Plain English Researchers developed rats with multiple mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations, which are linked to various diseases, by using a new editing technique. They achieved success rates of up to 58.5% in creating these mutations, and confirmed that these changes can be passed down to future generations without significant unintended effects. This advancement is important because it creates a valuable model to study mitochondrial diseases and explore potential treatments.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and clinicians working on mitochondrial disorders.
Mechanical properties enhanced injectable reactive oxygen species-responsive double network hydrogel promotes bone regeneration for the treatment of periodontitis.
2026
Bioorganic chemistry
Zhang T, Guo M, Li K, Shi Y, Zheng Y +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a new type of hydrogel designed to improve bone healing in gums affected by periodontitis, a common dental issue. Researchers created a double network hydrogel that can release a drug called metformin in response to harmful molecules in the area, reducing oxidative stress and promoting bone growth. The hydrogel showed a significant ability to support bone formation in tests, which could lead to better treatment options for patients with bone loss due to gum disease.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from periodontitis and their dental care providers.
Numerical study on the release process of supersaturated total dissolved gas considering free surface fluctuations and gas-liquid mass transfer.
2026
Journal of environmental management
Zhang B, Fu X, Li K, Li R, Hu X +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how the release of extra dissolved gas in water behind dams can affect fish health. Researchers found that when the water surface fluctuates, it increases the area where gas can escape, speeding up the release of this gas. Specifically, they discovered that adjusting the water surface by just 0.15% to 1.32% could reduce harmful gas saturation by up to 2.80%.
Who this helps: This benefits fish, particularly those living downstream from dams, by reducing the risk of gas bubble trauma.
Mechanistic insights into the synergistic effects of catechin and l-lysine on the myofibrillar protein structure and gelation under low-sodium oxidative stress.
2026
Food chemistry
Ma W, Wan R, Zhang H, Li K, Wang S +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how two substances, catechin and l-lysine, work together to improve the quality of meat proteins when there is less salt and oxidative stress. Researchers found that while catechin helped reduce damage to proteins, l-lysine significantly increased protein solubility by about 33% and improved their gel formation and strength. Together, these substances create stronger and better-quality meat products even with less sodium, which is important for healthier eating.
Who this helps: This research benefits meat producers and consumers looking for healthier, reduced-sodium meat options.
Exogenous organic matter modulates cadmium uptake in rice (Oryza sativa L.): Linking root surface chemistry to metal translocation and tolerance.
2026
Ecotoxicology and environmental safety
Huan W, Li K, Nkoh JN, Lu H
Plain English This study looked at how adding organic matter, like biochar and organic acids, affects the ability of two types of rice plants to handle cadmium, a harmful metal. The researchers found that one rice type, WYJ24, was much better at tolerating cadmium, with root growth up to 3.66 times longer than the more sensitive type, FD88, and better at keeping cadmium from moving into the rest of the plant. This matters because improving rice's ability to cope with cadmium helps ensure food safety and better rice production.
Who this helps: Farmers and consumers of rice.
The association between polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk and infant eczema and its relationship with infant gut microbiota.
2026
Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition
Li Z, Li K, Wu X, Lin L, Sun Y
Plain English This study looked at how certain fats in breast milk, called polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), relate to the risk of infants developing eczema and how these fats affect the bacteria in their guts. Researchers found that infants whose mothers had higher levels of specific PUFAs in their breast milk had a lower risk of eczema. For example, specific types of PUFAs were significantly linked to reduced eczema risk, and infants with eczema had lower levels of helpful gut bacteria compared to healthy infants.
Who this helps: This benefits infants at risk for eczema and their mothers.
π-π Stacking origin of irreversible dispersibility of graphene oxide.
2026
Nature communications
Gao Y, Wang Y, Liao Y, Chang D, Peng L +11 more
Plain English Researchers studied graphene oxide (GO), a valuable material used in various industries, to understand why it can stay mixed in solutions or clump together. They found that certain stacking interactions between the layers of GO lead to its ability to mix smoothly without settling, particularly when water is kept out from between the layers. This is important because these findings can help improve the production of graphene-based materials, making them more efficient for uses like medical devices.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and manufacturers who work with graphene-based technologies, particularly in medical applications.
Risk Prediction Models for Delayed Bleeding After Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Patients with Early Gastric Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The La Region of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus: Essential for L Protein Cellular Distribution but Not Functional Activity.
2026
International journal of molecular sciences
Cai M, Yuan H, Wang T, Fu Y, Bao H +12 more
Plain English This study focused on the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), which affects farm animals and can have serious effects on the livestock industry. Researchers compared two forms of a protein in the virus, called Lab and Lb, and found that both are important for how the virus spreads and causes disease. They discovered that these proteins work together to enhance the virus's ability to overcome the body's defenses, highlighting their key roles in the infection process.
Who this helps: This benefits farmers and veterinarians dealing with foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in livestock.
Differential Cytokine Profiles in Prostate Cancer Under Treatment: Implications for Prognosis and Synergistic Therapy Design.
2026
Cancers
Katz AE, Johnson M, Kasselman LJ, Ahmed S, Srivastava A +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how different treatments for localized prostate cancer affect immune response by measuring specific proteins called cytokines in the urine and blood of 37 patients. The researchers found that the type of treatment influenced cytokine levels; for example, patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) had the highest cytokine levels in their blood, while those receiving cryoablation showed increasing levels of a specific cytokine (IL-8) over time. These results are important because they could help doctors better understand how different treatments affect recovery and disease control in prostate cancer patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer and their doctors by guiding more personalized treatment approaches.
Flow-Dependent Corrosion Behavior and Surface Degradation of X70 Pipeline Steel in Seawater Containing.
2026
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Xie G, Lan S, Wang Y, Tang X, Zhu R +2 more
Plain English This study examined how the movement of water affects the rusting of X70 pipeline steel in artificial seawater, considering both sterile conditions and the presence of microbes. Researchers found that higher water flow increases rusting rates when no microbes are present, but when microbes are involved, corrosion behavior becomes more complex and varies with water speed. Specifically, low water speeds lower corrosion rates, while moderate speeds increase localized rusting, and high speeds tend to reduce overall rusting by washing away harmful buildup.
Who this helps: This research benefits engineers and maintenance teams who manage pipelines in marine environments.
Advances in Iron-Based Superconductors and Transformational Insights into Electron-Differential Phonon Coupling.
2026
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Liu WK, Li KC, Zhang Y, Wong CH
Plain English This study focuses on iron-based superconductors, which are materials that can conduct electricity without resistance at higher temperatures than previously possible. Researchers investigated a new model to understand how these materials work, finding that some align with this model while others do not, which affects their performance. Specifically, the superconducting transition temperatures (Tc) of some compounds reached above 100 K, but the exact reason for how they bond remains unclear.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers working to develop better superconducting materials.
A Broad-Band Self-Powered Photodetector Based on a MoTe/BiTeHeterojunction for Optical Imaging and Bias-Controlled Signal Modulation.
2026
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Du S, Li K, Li W, Feng J, Sheng Y +4 more
Plain English This study looked at a new type of photodetector made from two materials, MoTe and BiTe, designed to convert light into electrical signals without needing an external power source. The researchers found that this device is effective at detecting a wide range of light wavelengths, and it performed particularly well at certain wavelengths, achieving a responsivity of 36.22 A/W when treated with a specific light intensity. This is important because it can lead to advancements in technologies like optical imaging, which are used in medical imaging and various electronic devices.
Who this helps: This benefits engineers and researchers developing advanced imaging technologies and devices.
Advancements in Therapeutic Deep Eutectic Solvents as Multifunctional Transdermal Delivery Systems.
2026
Pharmaceutics
Li K, Yan B, Cao Z, Lu R, Wu G +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a new type of solvent, called therapeutic deep eutectic solvents (TheDES), which can help deliver medications through the skin more effectively. Researchers found that these solvents greatly improve the ability of drugs to dissolve and penetrate the skin barrier, which is important since about 80% of new drugs struggle with this issue. This development is crucial for treating conditions like pain and infections, as it could lead to better drug delivery methods and outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: Patients in need of effective topical treatments.
Development of a Neural-Fuzzy-Based Variable Admittance Control Strategy for an Upper Limb Rehabilitation Exoskeleton.
2026
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
Shi Y, Li K, Zhang Y, Wu Q
Plain English This study focused on improving exoskeletons used for rehabilitation after a stroke, specifically for upper limbs. Researchers developed a new system that allows the exoskeleton to better understand and adapt to a person’s movements, providing more targeted assistance during recovery. Their system was able to accurately track movements with less than 1.2 degrees of error, showing that it can effectively support people as they regain limb function.
Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from stroke and their rehabilitation therapists.
Advancements in Detoxification of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash: A Review of Hazardous Properties, Treatment Strategies, and Resource Utilization.
2026
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Li K, Deng J, Zhang J, Shen H, Liu B
Plain English This study looked at the hazardous waste produced when municipal solid waste is burned, known as fly ash, which contains harmful heavy metals and dioxins. Researchers found that techniques like solidification/stabilization and thermal treatment can effectively reduce these dangers, achieving over 99.6% removal of lead and up to 98% for cadmium. Addressing fly ash is important because it can potentially be reused in making building materials, but current cleaning methods can be expensive and may create new pollution problems.
Who this helps: This research benefits environmentalists, waste management authorities, and construction industries looking for safer recycling methods.
Machine Learning-Assisted Burst Femtosecond Laser Polishing of Invar Alloy: Process Optimization and Performance Enhancement.
2026
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
Lin J, Li D, Luo J, Li K, Jia X +4 more
Plain English This study focused on improving the polishing process of Invar alloy, which is important for precision instruments like those used in aerospace. Researchers found that using specific energy levels during laser polishing can significantly enhance surface quality: at optimal energy levels, surface roughness was reduced by 52%, from 821 nanometers down to about 394 nanometers. This is important because smoother surfaces lead to better performance of high-tech devices.
Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers and engineers working with high-end precision equipment.
Beyond local injury: pathogenic roles of metabolic, endocrine, and aging-associated systemic factors in tendinopathy and novel therapeutic strategies.
2026
Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research
Lin Y, Liu Z, Peng L, Wang S, Li K +2 more
Plain English This research paper looks at tendinopathy, a condition that causes ongoing pain and poor function in tendons. The authors found that factors like high blood sugar, unhealthy fat levels, hormonal changes, and aging contribute to the problem by affecting the tendons more broadly than just the site of injury. These insights are crucial because they point out the need for new treatment approaches that consider both the entire body and local tendon issues, suggesting a new way to evaluate and manage patients with tendinopathy.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from tendinopathy and doctors looking for better treatment options.
Fermentation alleviates the adverse effect of peony seed meal on hepatocytes.
2026
Poultry science
Wang D, Li K, Lin H, Zhou Y, Yang X +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how fermentation affects peony seed meal (PSM), which can harm chicken liver cells when used in their feed. Researchers found that using fermented PSM reduced liver cell damage and improved cell health by changing the makeup of harmful substances within the meal. Specifically, certain harmful metabolites decreased after fermentation, suggesting this process makes PSM safer for animals.
Who this helps: This benefits poultry farmers and the animals they raise.
Plasma Shielding Effect in Nanosecond/CW Combined Pulse Laser Ablation of Metals.
2026
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Jia X, Cai Y, Xu J, Zhang L, Li K +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how a special type of laser that combines continuous and nanosecond pulsed lasers can improve the removal of metal material during processing. Researchers found that using these combined lasers increased the amount of metal that could be removed from 0.05 millimeters to 0.618 millimeters and the depth of material taken away from 0.136 millimeters to 0.776 millimeters. This matters because the improved efficiency means better results in metal working, which can lead to more precise manufacturing techniques.
Who this helps: This helps manufacturers and engineers working with metal fabrication.
Effects of In Situ Preheating Technology on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of FFF-Printed PEEK.
2026
Micromachines
Wang J, Mao Y, Shen J, Lu Y, Li K +4 more
Plain English The high-performance plastic PEEK is difficult to 3D-print well because its layers don't fuse strongly. This study attached a heating system to the print nozzle that preheats each layer just before the next is deposited, and found that 280°C preheating raised tensile strength by 21% and reduced porosity compared to no preheating. This approach offers a practical engineering solution for printing stronger PEEK components for demanding applications like medical implants.
Dissecting the molecular mechanisms of T cell infiltration in psoriatic lesionscell-cell communication and regulatory network analysis.
2025
Open life sciences
Li K, Ge X, Shang Y, Jiao Y, Dong L +1 more
Plain English This study explored how immune T cells move into the skin of people with psoriasis, a skin condition. Researchers found that there were more T cells and specific skin cells called endothelial cells, while another type of cell, melanocytes, was decreased in psoriasis-affected skin. The study highlighted that a protein called IL-6 drives changes that help attract T cells to the skin and showed that a treatment called CuE lessened psoriasis symptoms in mice by blocking this process.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with psoriasis by identifying new treatment options.