Browse Articles

Topological metal-insulator transition within the ferromagnetic state

Abstract A major challenge in condensed matter physics is integrating topological phenomena with correlated electron physics to leverage both types of states for next-generation quantum devices. Metal-insulator transitions are central to bridging these two domains while simultaneously serving as on-off switches for electronic states. Here, we demonstrate how the prototypical material of K 2 Cr 8 O 16 undergoes a ferromagnetic metal-insulator transition accompanied by a change in band topology. Through inelastic x-ray and neutron scattering experiments combined with first-principles theoretical calculations, we show that this transition is not driven by a Peierls mechanism, given the lack of phonon softening. Instead, we establish the transition as a topological metal-insulator transition within the ferromagnetic phase with potential axionic properties, where electron correlations play a key role in stabilizing the insulating state. These results reveal how a metal-insulator transition provides a pathway through which magnetism, topology, and electronic correlations interact.

Forest canopy insects are safer from predators in the tropics than at higher latitudes

Allosteric activation of the glutamate receptor mGlu2 by the serotonin receptor 5-HT2A

Equivariant diffusion solution for inorganic crystal structure determination from powder X-ray diffraction data

TRIM13 in situ engineering boosts anti-inflammatory capacity of CAR-Ms for liver fibrosis therapy

Decoding health disparities by gender, ethnicity and chronic diseases across three Latin American countries

Abstract Chronic diseases disproportionately affect certain ethnic and gender groups, but the social determinants driving these disparities in Latin America are not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed data from national health surveys in Brazil, Mexico, and Ecuador (2018–2019), representing a total weighted population of 96,726,891 adults. We used random forest models to predict chronic disease diagnoses based on education, occupation, and access to essential services such as sanitation, drinking water, and garbage collection. Our models performed better for indigenous and afro-descendant people, highlighting significant inequalities. While occupation and education were strong predictors for women, decreasing model performance by 8.57% and 7.36% respectively, occupation was the critical variable for men, decreasing model performance by 19.6% when neutralized. This work highlights the need for public policies adapted to the specific needs of different ethnic and gender groups.

Catalytic asymmetric functionalization of bicyclo[1.1.0]butane boronic esters enabled by 1,2-oxygen migration

Genome-wide analysis of cardiac ventricular phenotypes reveals novel loci and therapeutic targets for heart failure

Abstract Left and right ventricular imaging measures are essential for heart failure diagnosis and prognostication, yet their genetic architecture remains underexplored. We conduct genome-wide association analyses of twenty left and right cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotypes in 56,509 UK Biobank participants, including conventional measurements (e.g., volumes/ejection fraction) and novel parameters (left ventricular global function index and myocardial contraction fraction). We identify 200 loci associated with at least one phenotype ( P  < 5×10 -8 ); 58 being novel. A polygenic risk score for left ventricular global function index negative associates with heart failure in phenome-wide scan. Rare variant analysis reveals enrichment of deleterious variants across 13 genes ( P  < 2.5×10 -6 ). Colocalisation with heart failure implicates 23 shared loci and bioinformatic analysis prioritises genes including HSPB7, CAMK2D, ALDH2, ENG , and YWHAE . Druggability analysis highlights PDE3A , informing divergent effects of non-selective PDE3 inhibition. In this work, we expand our knowledge of cardiac ventricular genetics, suggesting potential heart failure therapeutic targets.

Obsidian forms by slow cooling

Abstract Obsidian is a natural glass that is a common product of silicic volcanic eruptions. It has been prized throughout human history for its glassy nature, finding use in tools, weapons and ornaments, and in ritual and spiritual practice. The absence of large crystals in obsidian has led to the widespread view that it is formed by rapid cooling of lava, preventing crystal nucleation and growth. Here we show that, on the contrary, the absence of vesicles in obsidian requires relatively slow cooling – on the order of 10 -4 to 10 -8  °C/s – to enable the resorption of remnant bubbles. Our bubble-resorption model for obsidian formation is supported by in-situ X-ray computed tomography at magmatic temperatures that reveals bubble shrinkage during resorption on cooling. We validate a numerical model for growth and resorption of bubbles against these results, then apply the model to explore the conditions under which obsidian can form in nature. Our findings revise the accepted thermal histories of obsidian-forming systems, overturning conventional wisdom for the formation of this culturally, archaeologically, and volcanologically important material.

Fast response of satellite fluorescence-derived plant physiology to drought stress

A highly utilized and practical lithium-sulfur positive electrode enabled in all-solid-state batteries

Abstract All-solid-state batteries using sulfur-based positive electrodes (cathodes) offer a cost-effective route to achieve high specific energy. However, low active material utilization and cycle life hinder performance. Here, we demonstrate a positive electrode design that employs sulfide solid-state electrolytes, where a high energy synthesis approach forms a metastable and ionically conductive interphase on the active material surface. This interphase facilitates high active material utilization and contributes capacity with cycling. We also show that tailoring active material particle sizes to the micron-scale improves rate performance and cycling stability. Structural analysis reveals that the substantial volume change of sulfur-based positive electrodes during operation can partially offset that of the negative electrodes, thereby mitigating internal mechanical stress. The combined design principles enable sulfur areal capacities up to 11 mAh cm -2 while maintaining stable cycling at 25 °C. We further demonstrate several specific-energy-focused cell architectures, particularly a Li 2 S anode-free pouch cell that operates under “low stack pressure” of 10 MPa. This work outlines practical design strategies for constructing high-specific-energy all-solid-state batteries for a broad range of emerging applications.

Ketone displacement and migration enabled by trifunctionalization of vinyl triflates

Abstract Functional group displacement and migration represent powerful, yet underexplored strategies in synthetic chemistry, offering unique opportunities for molecular diversification and drug discovery. Here, we report a nickel-catalyzed deoxygenative trifunctionalization of vinyl triflates, which enables the efficient synthesis of structurally diverse, boron-containing polysubstituted cyclohexanes featuring quaternary carbon centers. This reaction is a key step enabling aryl displacement of a ketone group and its migration to an adjacent carbon center. Notably, the transformation exhibits broad substrate scope and exceptional, programmable diastereoselectivity in arylative ketone migration. Moreover, this transformation enables efficient α -arylation of unsymmetrical ketones with excellent regio- and diastereoselective control—an outcome that remains challenging to achieve using existing methods. Furthermore, this strategy is particularly well-suited for the late-stage functionalization of structurally complex bioactive molecules, facilitating the rapid generation of analogs.

Stratospheric precursor induces wintertime phase reversal of the “warm Arctic-cold Eurasia” pattern

Structure and energy transfer of a far-red–absorbing euglenophyte PSI–LhcE–LhcbM supercomplex

Abstract Euglenophyta originated from a secondary endosymbiosis between a phagotrophic euglenid and a green alga. Euglenophytes acquired photosynthesis-related genes from diverse algal lineages, representing a remarkable example of plastid evolution in the green lineage. Here, we solve the structure of the PSI–LhcE–LhcbM supercomplex from the euglenophyte Euglena gracilis . This supercomplex contains a simplified PSI core and an extensive antenna system, including 13 LhcEs and 2 LhcbMs. The LHCs are arranged as centrosymmetric dimers or monomers, resulting in a specific antenna organization. Notably, the LhcbMs are robustly integrated into the supercomplex through direct interactions with PsaB, PsaJ, and PsaF, without the need for phosphorylation. This phosphorylation-independent assembly mechanism highlights a specific adaptation in euglenophyte PSI–LhcE–LhcbM organization. We also identify specific structural features surrounding red-shifted chlorophyll a pairs in LHCs, which may account for the enhancement of far-red light absorption of PSI–LhcE–LhcbM. Computational simulations further reveal a distinctive pigment network, facilitating efficient energy transfer within the supercomplex. Our study not only provides insights into the mechanisms of light harvesting and energy transfer in euglenophyte PSI–LhcE–LhcbM but also broadens the framework of plastid evolution and complexity, with implications for modulation and bioengineering of photosynthetic complexes.

Photothermal CO2 methanation over (NiO/Ru0)/TiO2 catalysts via hydrogen spillover

Condensed lignin depolymerization via C–C bond cleavage with a disordered crystalline mesoporous zeolite

Prussian blue nanoparticles targeting multiple PANoptosome-mediated PANoptosis for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury therapy

Abstract The extensive crosstalk among pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis limits the efficacy of therapies targeting only one pathway. Here, we show that Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles act as multi-target PANoptosis inhibitors by binding key PANoptosome components including RIPK1, ZBP1, and AIM2 through multimodal interactions, thereby concurrently suppressing pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Platelet membrane-coated PB nanoparticles (PB@PM) exhibit enhanced cardiac targeting and efficiently alleviate MIRI-induced cardiac dysfunction, adverse ventricular remodeling, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Mechanistically, PB@PM disrupt PANoptosome assembly, scavenge reactive oxygen species, improve mitochondrial function, and restore immune-inflammatory homeostasis. By integrating single nucleus transcriptomics of human heart samples, molecular dynamics simulations, transcriptomics, medical imaging, and molecular validation, we systematically decipher the therapeutic mechanisms of PB-based PANoptosis inhibition. This study establishes an integrative multi-omics framework for exploring PANoptosis in cardiovascular diseases and provides a promising nanotherapeutic strategy for MIRI treatment.

Carbonated mantle peridotites represent a hidden sink for subducted CO2

Abstract Subduction of carbon rich sediments and crust at convergent plate boundaries exerts a crucial control on Earth’s mantle chemistry and surface habitability. Recent attention has focused on exposures of fully-carbonated mantle rocks as these may attest to an overlooked sink for subducted carbon not sampled by arc volcanism. However, even in the best-studied example, the Semail Ophiolite, Oman, the setting for carbonation remains highly contentious, with conflicting inferences from geochemistry and geochronology. We approach this problem by combining microanalysis of halogens and detailed petrography to fingerprint the origins of carbonating fluids. Fluids were derived from both sedimentary pore fluid expulsion and deep slab decarbonation reactions in a subduction zone setting. Through mass balance modelling we show that CO 2 fluxes into the forearc from deep decarbonation (1.7–3.4 × 10 13 gyr −1 C) could represent up to 90% of the global flux entering subduction zones, indicating that carbonated mantle peridotites likely represent a major sink for subducted CO 2 which may have varied through geological time.

Enhanced superconductivity in the compressively strained bilayer nickelate thin films by pressure

Climate models exaggerate greenhouse gas impact on recent interhemispheric temperature patterns and tropical climate