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Conformational changes in insulin receptor illuminated by live-cell linear dichroism imaging and a FLIP biosensor

Abstract Insulin receptor (IR) is a tyrosine kinase involved in vital cellular signaling processes related to glucose metabolism and cell growth. Detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms of IR signaling is important for improved treatments of diabetes and related disorders. Although many aspects of IR signaling have over the past years been elucidated, much of the available information comes from studies made in vitro, using protein preparations. However, observations performed directly in living cells, tissues and organisms are needed for proper understanding of IR signaling. To address this need, we decided to investigate GP2(1)-eGFP-CD59, a recently identified FLIP biosensor of IR conformation that takes advantage of the powerful yet underutilized technique of linear dichroism fluorescence microscopy. Our approach allowed us to detect, in living cells, changes in the IR ectodomain in response to IR agonists and inhibitors. Surprisingly, we observed rearrangements in the ectodomain even upon administering an IR kinase inhibitor. Our findings suggest that the state of the intracellular kinase domain plays a role in the stability/conformation of the ectodomain, and urge caution in using solely the ectodomain in structural studies. Furthermore, our results open doors to sensitive imaging of various aspects of IR function in living cells, tissues, and ultimately whole organisms, under conditions close to natural.

Angstrom‐Scale Confined Ion Sieve and Accelerator for Efficient Aqueous Zinc Batteries

ABSTRACT The commercialization of aqueous zinc–metal batteries (AZMBs) is hindered by dendrite growth caused by uncontrolled Zn 2+ transport and side reactions involving water and anions. Here, an angstrom–scale confined ion sieve and accelerator is designed using unilamellar Ti 0.87 O 2 nanosheets with atomic Ti vacancies (∼3.0 × 3.8 Å) and interlayer spacing (∼3.5 Å) to enable selective Zn 2+ (∼1.5 Å) transport while blocking H 2 O (∼4.0 Å) and SO 4 2− (∼5.9 Å). This design facilitates selective Zn 2+ ion transport with high flux and Zn/SO 4 2− selectivity, effectively mitigating water–/anion–induced parasitic reactions at the Zn anode. Consequently, the Ti 0.87 O 2 @Zn anode exhibits significantly suppressed dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions during repeated Zn plating/stripping, with stable cycle lives exceeding 5000 and 4000 h at 1 and 5 mA cm −2 , respectively. The Ah–level Ti 0.87 O 2 @Zn//VO 2 pouch cell retains 85.4% of its initial capacity after 300 cycles at 3 A g −1 . This strategy provides a promising interfacial design concept for improving the reversibility of aqueous Zn metal anodes and may inspire the rational design of confined ion–transport interphases for related aqueous battery systems.

Heterosis breeding in dessert watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsumura and Nakai var. lanatus] for improving earliness, yield and fruit quality

Controlling Radiative Phonons in the van der Waals Ferroelectric NbOI ₂

ABSTRACT The optical properties of quantum systems are fundamentally governed by their electromagnetic environment through the local density of optical states (LDOS), enabling powerful control over atomic, excitonic, and electronic transitions. However, the radiative properties of phonons have remained largely unexplored within this framework of environmental engineering. Here we demonstrate LDOS control of terahertz (THz) phonon emission in the van der Waals ferroelectric NbOI 2 using a simple mirror geometry. By modifying the photonic environment, we achieve pronounced and reversible tuning of the phonon Q ‐factor, peak frequency, linewidth, and emission intensity, with modulation approaching an order of magnitude. The observed behavior arises from Purcell‐like enhancement and suppression of the phonon radiative rate, revealing a near‐unity radiative quantum efficiency in NbOI 2 . Our results establish radiative phonons as tunable quasiparticles governed by photonic boundary conditions, extending LDOS engineering from electronic to lattice excitations. This framework enables deterministic control of phonon lifetimes and emission spectra, opening new opportunities for compact tunable THz sources and phonon‐based quantum and photonic technologies.

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Local joint flexibility of external ring-reinforced tubular K-joints under axial loading

Electrochromic Adaptive Solar Heater and Sub‐Ambient Passive Daytime Radiative Cooler

ABSTRACT Heating, ventilation, and air‐conditioning (HVAC) systems are major contributors to global energy consumption, underscoring the urgent need for energy‐efficient building envelope technologies. Synergistic solar and radiative electrochromism offers a promising solution by leveraging the sun and outer space as sustainable thermodynamic resources. In this study, we demonstrate a dual‐mode electrochromic device that enables reversible, non‐volatile switching between solar heating and sub‐ambient radiative cooling, achieving annual energy savings of 73.7 MBtu and CO 2 emission savings of 4063 kg CO 2 in specific U.S. climate zones. The device can achieve true sub‐ambient passive daytime radiative cooling by 1°C in the cooling mode and raise it by 33°C above ambient in the heating mode during daytime operation, controlled by electrical voltage. The device employs electrodeposited lossy amorphous Cu‐Bi nanoclusters on defect‐activated monolayer graphene, yielding high optical contrast between cooling (solar absorptance α  = 7.99%, thermal emittance ε  = 93.58%) and heating ( α  = 47.7%, ε  = 20.14%) modes, with outstanding long‐term durability. This work paves the way for scalable, durable, and dynamic thermal regulation, advancing sustainable building technologies.

Chiral diffraction from aperiodic monotile structure

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Neural network-based method for exact solutions of Burgers-type equations

Biomineralized <i>Shewanella</i> Exploits Tumor Lactate Metabolism via Biological Nanowires for Radiotherapy‐Synergized Bioelectric Ablation and Systemic Immunity

ABSTRACT Bioelectronic therapy is an emerging strategy that ablates tumor cells via electrical signals. However, achieving precisely controllable bioelectronic ablation remains challenging. Here, we report a living bioelectronic platform, termed PSDT, for radiotherapy (RT)‐activated tumor intervention and immune activation. PSDT consists of a Pd/Pt‐modified Shewanella core (SDT) encapsulated within a ROS‐responsive polymeric shell (PEI‐Se‐Se‐PEG). The ROS‐responsive shell keeps the platform inert systemically and confines its activity to irradiated tumors, achieving spatiotemporal control. Upon RT activation, the released SDT core utilizes the anaerobic characteristics of the tumor microenvironment to specifically construct nanowire connections with tumor cells, thereby establishing the electronic synapse for current delivery. Simultaneously, the Pd/Pt bio‐alloy enhances Shewanella 's lactate metabolism and electron transfer. This enhancement enables the platform to generate a continuous bioelectric current fueled by tumor lactate. RT also induces the Pd/Pt bio‐alloy to release high‐energy electrons, which are then delivered to the tumor cells alongside the amplified bioelectric current through the nanowire. This dual‐pathway electron delivery enhances tumor cell ablation and yields prominent inhibition of primary tumor growth. The treatment also induces systemic antitumor effects, as the release of tumor antigens from electro‐ablation and bacterial antigens from RT‐mediated bacterial disruption triggeres local immune activation and an abscopal effect. Moreover, the combination with anti‐PD‐1 treatment further enhances these effects, resulting in nearly complete tumor eradication and durable tumor control. This work demonstrates a bioelectronic therapy that integrates tumor metabolic intervention with systemic immune activation for the treatment of immunologically cold solid tumors.

Staple crops as a key hub of biogeochemical mercury cycle across China

MedLK-SCNet: a multi-scale hierarchical fusion model for high-precision classification of laryngeal malignancies

High‐Performance Bio‐Glue From the Berries of a Parasitic Plant

ABSTRACT Most commercial adhesives are still petroleum‐based. Despite extensive efforts to develop sustainable alternatives, bio‐based adhesives often require chemical modification of their components, or they fail to achieve rapid, high‐performance bonding. Here, we report a fully bio‐based adhesive derived primarily from a (poly)saccharide extract obtained from the berries of the hemi‐parasitic plant mistletoe ( Viscum album ). This (poly)saccharide extract is supplemented with tannic and malic acid without any further chemical functionalization. Through a combination of heat‐treatment and rapid curing, the developed adhesive exhibits remarkable bonding strength across diverse substrates—including various types of wood and metal, glass, and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)—and under various conditions. Furthermore, if samples are separated by force, the remaining adhesive layers can be reactivated via heat‐treatment to allow for efficient re‐bonding of the adherends. The fully bio‐based formulation not only enables multiple repair cycles but also valorizes a parasitic plant, thereby serving as an eco‐friendly, high‐performance alternative to petroleum‐derived adhesives.

Spatiotemporal mapping of anisotropic thermal transport in GaN thin films via ultrafast X-ray diffraction

Climate change perception–impact–adaptation pathways among farmers: evidence from seven major agricultural governorates in Egypt

Abstract Climate change poses growing challenges to Egyptian agriculture, yet farmers’ adaptive responses remain uneven. This study examines perceptions of climate change, its impacts, and adaptation pathways among 2953 farmers across seven major agricultural governorates in Egypt. Utilizing composite indices, this study captures the multidimensionality of climate awareness, perceived impacts, adaptation practices, barriers, and institutional support. The findings reveal a clear mismatch between high levels of climate awareness and the limited uptake of technical adaptation measures. Farmers’ responses are largely concentrated on low-cost, incremental practices, while capital-intensive technologies, such as modern irrigation systems and digital tools, are rarely adopted. Traditional irrigation methods continue to dominate, despite widespread reports of climate-related impacts on agriculture, including severe productivity declines in key crops. Statistical analyses show a strong positive association between adaptation practices and reported changes in productivity, whereas the perceived severity of climate impacts is not significantly associated with adaptation levels. These results indicate that farmers’ adaptation decisions are primarily reactive—shaped by tangible production outcomes and structural constraints rather than by awareness alone. These findings underscore the importance of complementing awareness-focused interventions with targeted financial, market, and extension support to enable effective, transformative climate adaptation in Egyptian agriculture.

Establishing Atomic Coherence in Twisted Oxide Membranes Containing Volatile Elements

ABSTRACT Twisted oxide membranes represent a promising platform for exploring moiré physics and emergent quantum phenomena. However, the presence of amorphous interfacial “dead” layers in conventional oxide heterostructures impedes coherent coupling and suppresses moiré‐induced interactions. While high‐temperature thermal treatments can facilitate interfacial bonding, additional care is needed for materials containing volatile elements, where elevated temperatures may cause elemental loss. This study demonstrates the realization of an atomically coherent, chemically bonded interface in twisted NaNbO 3 membranes through controlled oxygen‐annealing treatment. Atomic‐resolution imaging and spectroscopy reveal ordered perovskite registry accompanied by systematic lattice contraction and modified electronic structure at the twisted interface, providing signatures of chemical reconstruction rather than physical adhesion. This reconstructed interface mediates highly asymmetric strain propagation in which the bottom membrane remains nearly relaxed while the top membrane accommodates substantial shear strain. By resolving the nature of the reconstructed interface, these findings establish a pathway for achieving coherent and strain‐tunable oxide moiré superlattices.

Bis(trifluoromethylthio)carbene as a toolbox for versatile carbene transformations

Abstract Carbenes are highly valued for their broad utility across diverse fields, and their chemistry has consequently been the subject of extensive research. Taming the high reactivity of these divalent carbon intermediates to achieve controllable selectivity for diverse transformations remains a fundamental challenge. This often necessitates bespoke, fine-tuned conditions for each reaction type, limiting generality and efficiency. Here, we report the rational design of a versatile, electrophilic carbene—bis(trifluoromethylthio)carbene (:C(SCF 3 ) 2 )—generated from a scalable reagent (BrCH(SCF 3 ) 2 , &gt;30 g/batch). We show that this single carbene species efficiently mediates nearly all classic free carbene reactions, including cyclopropanation, skeletal editing, X–H insertion, sulfur ylide-based [2,3]-σ rearrangement/1,2-migration, and nitrogen ylide-initiated [4+1] cyclization, under one set of mild conditions with high chemoselectivity. This versatility may be attributed to the synergistic design of the –SCF 3 substituent, which concurrently provides strong electron withdrawal, a polarizable sulfur atom, and a bulky trifluoromethyl group. Our work establishes a unified synthetic platform that extends beyond specific reaction development, suggesting a potential paradigm for controlling reactive intermediates through rational substituent design, which may help streamline the synthesis of functional molecules.

Morphological and physiological adaptations underpin drought resilience in contrasting populations of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)

Realizing Precise Molecular Differentiation in Heterogeneous Polyamide Nanofilms Formed via Multi‐Stage Interfacial Polymerization

ABSTRACT High‐flux nanofiltration membranes capable of precisely separating similar‐sized molecules in solvents are essential for sustainable separations. Realizing such molecular‐level differentiation requires stringent control over mean pore size, pore uniformity, and the nature of the surface charge of the membrane. However, this remains a bottleneck in conventional thin‐film composite membranes due to their structural limitations, as a outcome of the interfacial polymerization at a single liquid‐liquid interface. Here, a surfactant‐mediated multi‐stage interfacial polymerization forming a tri‐layer polyamide nanofilm with structural heterogeneity along its thickness in the form of a composite membrane is reported. This tri‐layer structure is formed as a mould of the liquid‐liquid interface defined by three distinct reaction zones with two sub‐interfaces. The multi‐stage interfacial polymerization enables precise control over the thickness, degree of crosslinking, and the mean pore size of the nanofilms. The resulting nanofilm composite membranes show high methanol permeance (8.3 Lm −2 h −1 bar −1 ), efficient methanol‐rich mixed solvent separation, and precise molecular differentiation between two similar‐sized molecules (azobenzene and neutral red) with an extremely high selectivity of &gt;480. This selectivity surpasses that of state‐of‐the‐art organic‐solvent‐nanofiltration membranes (OSN). The combination of outstanding separation performance and scalable fabrication establishes a strategy for the rational design of application‐specific OSN membranes.