Geopolitical tensions disrupting global fuel markets are keeping refining crack spreads above historical levels, benefitting US refiners such as Marathon Petroleum, Valero and Phillips 66. With access to multiple sources of crude oil and cheap natural gas prices, these refiners are well positioned to sustain profitability and capitalize on fuel market tightness.

Johnson & Johnson will acquire Shockwave Medical in a deal that would cost around $13.1 billion, paying $335 per share. The purchase will allow the company to broaden its position in the medical device field with Shockwave's intravascular lithotripsy technology used for peripheral and coronary artery disease.

A new machine-learning technique can predict how molecules will react with one another under varying conditions. The method could allow researchers to extract basic chemistry insights and to speed the development of commercially important molecules, like pharmaceuticals. By using machine learning to analyze large correlational studies, this method can reveal new chemical, genomic and proteomic relationships.

Norway-based startup Photoncycle is working on a new energy storage system that uses an advanced fuel cell to generate and store solid hydrogen in a single system. The non-flammable and non-explosive solution can store power at denser volumes than liquid hydrogen and may present a cost-effective option for storing excess renewables like solar long-term.

Syngenta and Israel-based Lavie Bio will work together to discover and develop new biopesticides, with a particular focus on speeding up the research and development process for biologicals. "There is at the moment a huge demand for new solutions, but there is an innovation gap that we need to bridge," said Sean Kasser, head of biological research at Syngenta.

Laboratorios Farmaceuticos Rovi has secured FDA approval for Risvan, or risperidone for extended-release injectable suspension, to treat adult patients with schizophrenia. The decision was based on the findings of a Phase 3 study, in which the drug led to improvements in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores.

A team from the Tokyo University of Science is working on a new electrolyte material made from pyrochlore-type oxyfluoride that could outperform other types of electrolytes used in solid-state batteries and help the technology compete against lithium-ion alternatives. "We have discovered an oxide solid electrolyte that is a key component of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, which have both high energy density and safety," said professor Kenjiro Fujimoto.

The FDA has finalized guidance on electronically submitting reports of adverse events from bioavailability and bioequivalence studies to the agency's Adverse Event Reporting System. The guidance outlines submission methods and how the FDA will notify manufacturers that it received individual case safety reports, as well as how to submit follow-up reports, describe drug exposure, and differentiate post-market and premarket ICSRs.

Hosted by AIChE in collaboration with the World Chemical Engineering Council, the 2024 World Digital Congress of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering will be presented to virtual attendees from May 21-24. Last conducted in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Brazil, the Congress in its virtual format will offer a global and inclusive platform where engineering professionals, academic researchers and students can exchange knowledge, build collaborations and explore innovations and trends in their fields of expertise. Learn more and plan your participation.

Using the image of a pickle jar to represent your day can help you prioritize tasks, filling it first with "rocks" -- which represent urgent tasks -- then "pebbles" that need to be dealt with but are less critical, followed by "sand," such as checking email and finally "water" or your personal life, writes Howie Jones. Make the best use of your pickle jar by ruthlessly prioritizing your tasks, planning for the unexpected, saying no to off-task requests and reviewing your goals and priorities frequently.