Browse Articles

Sustained hydrogen peroxide production via MXene-functionalized supramolecular docking

Candesartan cilexetil disrupts methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus membrane and potentiates gentamicin and polymyxin B activity

Multisite atomic-chlorine-passivation stabilizes perovskite interfaces for efficient H2O2 photosynthesis from seawater

Stepwise transcription stalling by the anti-cancer drug Actinomycin D and insights into short tandem repeat transcription inhibition

INSIG1/2 succination mediated by the moonlighting function of ADSL promotes lipogenesis and liver tumorigenesis

Integrating integrated circuit wastewater into the metal catalyst supply chain

Topologically reconstructing Pancharatnam-Berry phase via encircling exceptional point for chiral spin-orbit interaction steering

Recycling fossil infrastructure for cleaner energy transitions

Abstract The climate crisis mandates building renewable energy infrastructure faster, increasing the demand for primary materials with large environmental footprints. Sourcing these materials from urban mines can mitigate such impacts, but the potential of recycling depends on waste availability. Here, we use life cycle assessment and monetization of impacts to explore the environmental implications of recycling fossil infrastructure that may become obsolete during the transition. We find that among many materials in fossil infrastructure, recycling steel and copper is particularly appealing, as their stocks (1.34 gigatons and 10.03 megatons) align with the projected energy transition demands (145% and 32% of median demand between 2020–2050, respectively). Recycling steel and copper in fossil infrastructure could save up to 1.95 gigatons CO 2,eq and 11.69 trillion US Dollars in externality costs until 2050, while remaining competitive considering current production methods. Using recycled steel and copper would also reduce the carbon footprint of energy transition technologies—for example, wind and photovoltaic power—by one third.

Flash joule heating-induced spinel-phase surface in Ni-rich layered oxide positive electrodes to stabilise lattice oxygen

Embodying physical computing into soft robots

Revealing multiscale competing processes in the solid-state synthesis of single-crystalline layered oxide positive electrodes

Phosphorus-activated carboxyl small molecule positive electrode for high specific capacity and long-life iron-organic batteries

Abstract Iron-ion batteries represent a compelling energy storage solution due to the cost-effectiveness, suitable redox potential, and high capacity of Fe negative electrodes. Polyaniline positive electrodes for iron-ion batteries have demonstrated promising electrochemical redox properties, but face limited redox-accessible groups and unstable −NH− sites. Here we show phosphorus redox activity in a carboxyl small molecule electrode. 4,4′,4″-phosphanetriyltribenzoic acid and 4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid are designed via modulating the electron-donating P and tert-N motifs, showing tuned charge distributions and energy levels. With the decrease of the electronegativity and energy barrier (N > P), 4,4′,4″-phosphanetriyltribenzoic acid exhibits stronger Fe 2+ coordination with carboxyl sites, and brings closed CF 3 SO 3 − proximity to P centers. This feature ensures high activity of carboxyl/phosphorus sites with low activation energy (0.24 vs . 0.29 eV for 4,4′,4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid). 4,4′,4″-phosphanetriyltribenzoic acid with P-extended conjugated structure achieves low energy gap (2.28 eV) compared to its individual carboxyl or P-containing counterparts (2.71/3.16 eV), thereby enabling high utilization of carboxyl/P motifs (98.5%) and enhanced redox voltage (0.8 V). A stable 4 e − Fe 2+ /CF 3 SO 3 − storage of 4,4′,4″-phosphanetriyltribenzoic acid positive electrode endows Fe battery with high specific capacity (276 mAh g −1 ) and cycling stability (60,000 cycles). This work highlights the potential of phosphorus-active organic materials toward iron-ion batteries.

Alternating-sequence polymer chain facilitating Li+ transport in covalent organic frameworks

Global coincident bursts of high frequency oscillations across the human cortex coordinate large-scale memory processing

Abstract Oscillations in the high gamma and ripple frequency ranges are known to coordinate local hippocampal and neocortical neuronal assemblies during memory encoding and recall. Here, we explored spatiotemporal dynamics and the role of global coordination of these fast oscillatory discharges across the sensory and associational cortical areas in distinct phases of memory processing. Individual bursts of high frequency oscillations were detected in intracranial recordings from epilepsy patients remembering word lists for immediate free recall. We found constant coincident bursting across visual and higher order processing areas, peaking before recall and elevated during encoding of words. This global co-bursting was modulated by memory processing, engaged approximately half of the recorded electrode contact sites, and clustered into a sequence of multiple consecutive bursting events. Our results suggest a general role of global coincident high frequency oscillations in organizing large-scale information processing across the brain necessary especially, but not exclusively, for memory functions.

Dynamically assembled photochromic cages operational in water with visible light

Abstract Producing chemical nanostructures that can mimic the efficient adaptability of complicated biological systems to environment changes is among the main goals of nanotechnology. Progress in this area requires understanding of the adaptation mechanisms towards external stimuli at the molecular level. Due to rapid and precise spatiotemporal addressability, light-driven dynamic systems are particularly attractive for such mechanistic studies. Here, we show efficient formation of dynamic covalent cages that undergo a series of reversible constitutional changes driven by visible light. Their complex, yet predictable and often quantitative response to irradiation and other external stimuli (metal ions, pH) reveals design principles that can be applied to assemble adaptable molecular machines showing life-like behavior. Upon reduction of the dynamic imine bonds, stable covalent cages are isolated. Their response to red light, also in aqueous media, indicates the potential for in vivo applicability, as red light can deeply penetrate human tissues.

Multitrait GWAS and functional validation reveal genetic loci for gastric cancer

Wireless, non-invasive, high-resolution thrill sensor for continuous vascular access monitoring of hemodialysis patients

Residue dissipation and dietary risk assessment of premix formulation of fluopyram, trifloxystrobin, and their metabolite in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under field conditions

Sensory-motor control with large language models via iterative policy refinement

Nutritional composition and yield of forage grasses treated with vermicompost and urea

Abstract Feed insecurity remains a major limiting factor to livestock production in Ethiopia. This study evaluated the effects of fertilizer treatments on the yield, nutritional composition, and economic returns of Napier ( Pennisetum purpureum ), Desho ( Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin.), and Guinea ( Megathyrsus maximus ) grasses in northwestern Ethiopia. A factorial randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at mid- and high-altitude sites. The treatments were: control, 100% vermicompost (VC), 70% VC + 30% urea, 30% VC + 70% urea, and 100% urea. Chemical composition parameters were analyzed, and crude protein yield per hectare (CPY t/ha) was quantified. The highest DMY (3.93 t ha⁻¹) and CPY (0.45 t ha⁻¹) of the grasses were recorded from 30% VC + 70% urea, followed by 70% VC + 30% urea. Sole VC produced moderate DMY (2.9 t ha⁻¹) but achieved the highest benefit–cost ratio (8.41). Mid-altitude conditions resulted in higher CP (9.6%) and CPY (0.37 t ha⁻¹) than high altitude. Napier grass recorded the highest CP (10.84%) and DMY (4.44 t ha⁻¹) among species. Integrated VC and urea maximized grasses yield, whereas sole VC represents a cost-efficient organic alternative for sustainable forage production and clean dairy value chains.