Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Magnetic DNA Origami Nanorotors
ABSTRACT Self‐assembled DNA nanostructures show great promise as functional devices, highly configurable materials, and in nanorobotics. Magnetic control provides a powerful and broadly applicable actuation mechanism due to its programmability, compatibility with biological entities, and orthogonality to chemical or electrical stimuli. Here we demonstrate magnetic nanoactuators by leveraging the unique site‐specificity of DNA origami to assemble magnetic nanocubes with high magnetization and magnetic anisotropy on high‐aspect ratio DNA origami bundles. We trace and control 100s of our DNA origami nanorotors at the single‐rotor level and demonstrate their magnetic clamping and controlled rotation under uniform and rotating magnetic fields. By varying the population and inter‐particle spacing of the nanocubes, magnetic torque values on the order of 10‐100 pN nm are calculated at field strengths < 10 mT. Monte Carlo simulations reveal that the assembly of nanocubes on DNA origami rotors leads to collective magnetic properties, with numerically estimated torque values in good agreement with the experiments. Our work demonstrates a proof‐of‐concept of nanoscale magnetic actuators for potential uses as programmable torque nano‐probes and in nanorobotics.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers reveal transdiagnostic synaptic dysfunction across major psychiatric disorders
Abstract Synaptic dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a core feature of psychiatric disorders, yet fluid biomarkers that reflect such changes in vivo are lacking. Here, we applied targeted mass spectrometry to quantify low-abundant synaptic proteins in cerebrospinal fluid from 672 individuals with anorexia nervosa, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SCZ + ), and healthy controls. Synaptic protein levels were markedly reduced in SCZ + , with intermediate reductions in BD and ADHD. Using a data-driven approach to model transdiagnostic contrasts—psychotic experience, cognitive and functional impairment—a shared two-biomarker signature emerged: elevated LAMP1, a phagolysosomal marker, and reduced NPTX2, a synaptic activity marker which inhibits complement-dependent synapse elimination. Combining this ratio with polygenic scores improved diagnostic classification. Key findings were extended to an independent cohort at first-episode psychosis. These results support synaptic pathology as a measurable and transdiagnostic feature across several psychiatric disorders and highlight the potential of integrating fluid and genetic biomarkers.
ITPRIPL1: A tumor immune-associated biomarker with prognostic and therapeutic implications in gastrointestinal cancer
Spectral Response Pixels in Lithium Niobate for Spectroscopic Applications
ABSTRACT Spectral encoding units are pivotal for computationally augmented spectroscopic applications across sensing, measuring, and imaging domains. Recent advancements in miniaturized spectroscopic systems have dramatically reduced the size of spectral encoding units, rendering them increasingly compatible with field‐deployable, wearable, and customer platforms. However, the miniaturization of spectral encoding units is often accompanied by the deterioration of manufacturability, stability, and operational bandwidth. Here, we present a single‐step approach to inscribe spectral response pixels in lithium niobate crystals. By employing ultrafast laser‐induced pixelated amorphous phase transition in birefringent substrates, we achieve localized frequency‐dependent optical modulation, generating dispersion signals at the microscale. These pixels function over a broad bandwidth (400–1550 nm), occupy an ultra‐compact footprint (5 × 5 µm 2 ), and are viewing angle independent, offering rich, varied spectral responses for efficient sampling. They also exhibit considerable stability against harsh conditions. We demonstrate their potential in precise spectral detection and liveness recognition applications, paving the way for versatile, affordable, and robust micro‐spectroscopic devices.
Ultrafast bimolecular reaction catalysis via engineered nuclear quantum effects in helium nanodroplets
SMARCA2 and SMARCA4-deficiency is associated with a distinct molecular and microenvironmental subtype of esophageal adenocarcinoma
Abstract Dysregulation of chromatin remodeling is a key driver of malignant progression. The SWI/SNF ATPase subunits SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 are essential for chromatin dynamics, yet the clinicopathological and microenvironmental landscape of SMARCA2/4-deficient esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remains insufficiently defined. We analyzed 722 resected EACs from a large Western cohort. SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 status were assessed by immunohistochemistry, and tumors were classified as SMARCA-intact or SMARCA-deficient (complete loss of nuclear expression in tumor cells with internal controls). Molecular co-alterations were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization, including amplifications of MET , ERBB2 (HER2) , EGFR , PIK3CA , MYC , MDM2 , TERT , and Y-chromosome loss (LOY). Several markers were available from prior works. Digital pathology workflows quantified CAF markers (SMA, PDGFRβ, FAP, Periostin, Tenascin) and immune infiltrates (including CD4, CD8, FOXP3, CD20, MUM1, mast cell tryptase). Overall survival was examined using Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox regression models. SMARCA2/4-deficient tumors accounted for 11.2% of the cohort (81/722) and were enriched among patients aged ≥ 65 years. SMARCA-deficient EACs showed a significantly higher frequency of MET amplification (16.9%), particularly after neoadjuvant therapy. Within SMARCA-deficient tumors, PDGFRβ-positive CAFs, increased plasma cell (MUM1+) and mast cell infiltrates correlated with a favorable outcome, whereas loss of Y-chromosome (LOY) identified an adverse-risk subgroup with particularly poor prognosis. This largest-to-date study defines SMARCA-deficient EAC as a distinct subtype characterized by frequent MET amplification and high-risk interaction with LOY, alongside prognostically relevant stromal-immune features, supporting refined biomarker-based risk stratification and therapeutic exploration.
Ternary Cooperative Interface With Electronegative Phosphine Bridges Enables Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
ABSTRACT Carbazole‐based self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are widely used in high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs); however, single‐component SAMs often suffer from incomplete coverage on FTO substrates and weak interactions with the perovskite layer, leading to interfacial defects and crystallization stress. Herein, we develop a synergistic interface engineering strategy by introducing a phosphine‐based molecule, bis(4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)(4‐carboxyphenyl)phosphine (TFMP), to construct a ternary cooperative interface (Co‐SAM@TFMP) based on a co‐adsorbed self‐assembled monolayer (Co‐SAM) composed of [4‐(3,6‐dimethyl‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me‐4PACz) and [4‐(9'‐phenyl‐9H,9'H‐[3,3'‐bicarbazol]‐9‐yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (4PABCz). In this system, the phosphonic and carboxylic acid groups are firmly anchored to the substrate, improving the integrity of the interfacial coverage. At the buried interface, TFMP acts as a molecular bridge by coordinating with Pb 2+ and stabilizing FA + , thereby suppressing interfacial defects. Furthermore, this cooperative interface alleviates crystallization stress during perovskite film growth through flexible molecular segments, promoting the formation of uniform and highly crystalline films. Ultimately, the optimized inverted PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.78%, and the unencapsulated devices retained 93.7% of their initial PCE after continuous operation at the maximum power point for 1200 h. This work offers a general and effective strategy for interface modulation toward high‐performance perovskite solar cells and related optoelectronic devices.
Sequence-regulated, lung-targeting heteropolypeptide nanoparticles via in situ erythrocyte hitchhiking
Abstract Targeted lung delivery of therapeutics is critical for various respiratory diseases. However, the rational design of lung-targeting nanocarriers through fine-tuning of polymeric structures remains challenging. Herein, we reported the development of lung-targeting, heteropolypeptide-grafted nanoparticles (NPs), whose targeting ability was dependent on the copolymer sequence that mediated in situ erythrocyte hitchhiking. Specifically, the incorporation of β-branched amino acid residues in poly( L -glutamic acid)s, like valine and isoleucine, resulted in gradient copolymer sequence with terminal hydrophobic segments. The corresponding heteropolypeptide-decorated NPs with hydrophobic coronas thus showed high affinity to red blood cell membranes, leading to accumulation in lung tissues at up to 37% of the injected dose through erythrocyte hitchhiking. This strategy mediated effective lung-targeting of CeO 2 , showing anti-oxidant effect that alleviated pulmonary inflammation to treat acute lung injury. This work highlights the importance of copolymer sequence in tuning the biodistribution of polymer-decorated NPs, shedding light on the design of nanocarriers for pulmonary delivery.
Faculty perceptions of ChatGPT on academic integrity and institutional roles in higher education
From Payload‐First Toward Dual‐Mechanism Antibody–Drug Conjugates
ABSTRACT Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are often described as simple carriers that shuttle cytotoxic payloads to tumors. However, many backbones, exemplified by trastuzumab, are potent biologics whose pharmacology is eroded by conjugation. In this Perspective, we introduce the concept of an antibody exposure deficit. This represents the systematic reduction in both antibody mass and systemic exposure delivered by an ADC relative to its approved unconjugated monoclonal antibody. We show how payload type, drug‐to‐antibody ratio (DAR), linker and payload‐linker hydrophobicity, and conjugation architecture together drive this deficit. Site‐specific DAR 1 formats can mitigate this deficit, unlike higher‐DAR constructs such as antibody–polymer conjugates, where the monoclonal antibody serves primarily as a carrier for effective payloads. This defines a landscape of ADC design to which fragment crystallizable (Fc) activity modulation adds further complexity. Altogether, these strategies span the continuum of possible ADC constructs.
Decadal sink-source shifts of forest aboveground carbon since 1988
Abstract Forest ecosystems are vital to the global carbon cycle, yet their long-term aboveground carbon (AGC) dynamics remain uncertain. Here, we integrate multi-source satellite observations with probabilistic deep learning models to reconstruct a harmonized, uncertainty-aware global forest AGC record from 1988 to 2021 at 0.25 ∘ . We find that, although global forests sequestered 6.2 PgC, moist tropical and boreal forests have progressively transitioned toward carbon sources since the early 2000s. Tropical AGC variability became increasingly negatively correlated with atmospheric CO 2 growth rates (r = – 0.63 in 2011–2021), suggesting tropical forests increasingly modulate the global carbon cycle. In the Brazilian Amazon, the contribution of intact forests to the year-to-year variations in AGC losses increased from 33% in the 1990s to 76% in the 2010s. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of carbon stocks in key biomes and provide a benchmark to track emerging sink-source shifts under anthropogenic climate change.
Exploiting network connectivity to enhance management of invasive species: a case study on lionfish in a marine protected area
Asymmetric Electronic Configuration for Sustainable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
ABSTRACT Homonuclear diatomic catalysts (DACs) show potential for accelerating polysulfide conversion and suppressing the shuttle effect in Li−S batteries due to favorable energy‐level matching. However, their intrinsic symmetric electronic structure restricts intermetallic electron transfer, leading to unbalanced polysulfides adsorption−desorption and thus limited catalytic conversion. Herein, we construct an asymmetric Co homonuclear DAC via sulfur coordination (CoDAC‐S 1 N 5 ). Theoretical calculations reveal that the symmetry‐broken structure induces mild electron delocalization and charge redistribution. This electronic modulation contributes to cooperative yet differentiated roles of the two Co sites governed by their e g / t 2g ratios, with one site strengthening polysulfide anchoring while the other promotes S─S bond activation. This dual‐site synergy effectively overcomes the intrinsic trade‐off between adsorption strength and catalytic activity, leading to accelerated polysulfide conversion kinetics and improved reaction reversibility. As a result, CoDAC‐S 1 N 5 delivers outstanding cycling stability over 65 cycles in Ah‐level pouch cells and achieves an initial energy density of 567.8 Wh kg total −1 at a low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio of 2.1 µL mg S −1 . This work establishes symmetry breaking as a key design principle for homonuclear DACs, providing mechanistic insights into the synergistic enhancement of catalytic activity and stability in Li−S systems.
Cardiovascular outcome of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists vs dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor on end-stage kidney disease patients with heart failure: an emulated target trial in patients with diabetes
The impact of family cohesion and adaptability on depressive symptoms in adolescents with depression: a cross-sectional study in China
Intrinsically Stretchable Piezoelectric Nanocomposites for Artificial Ultrasonic Sensory Synapse
ABSTRACT Intrinsically stretchable piezoelectric materials are very promising for next‐generation stretchable and conformal electronics. However, enhancing their performance in terms of ferroelectric phase fraction and piezoelectric properties remains a major challenge. Here, we present a cross‐linked intrinsically stretchable piezoelectric nanocomposite (IS‐PNC) of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene)‐poly(ethylene glycol) diamine (P(VDF‐TrFE)‐PEG) incorporating (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane‐functionalized BaTiO 3 nanoparticles (BTO@APTES NPs). The strong hydrogen‐bonded interfaces formed between the BTO@APTES NP fillers and the stretchable P(VDF‐TrFE)‐PEG matrix promote the formation of ferroelectric phase without compromising stretchability. Furthermore, comprehensive ferroelectric hysteresis investigations reveal the polarization switching mechanisms of the cross‐linked IS‐PNCs, strongly influencing overall ferroelectric responses. Benefiting from the increased ferroelectric phase, improved ferroelectricity, and aligned dipoles, the optimized IS‐PNC at 1 wt% BTO@APTES exhibits intrinsic stretchability and stable piezoelectricity under strain up to 50%, maintaining robust electromechanical responses. Leveraging these properties, an artificial ultrasonic sensory synapse combining the IS‐PNC sensor and a flexible synaptic transistor was demonstrated, mimicking the ultrasonic detection functions found in dolphin biological echolocation. The IS‐PNCs have great potential for stretchable piezoelectronics.