Browse Articles

Electrically Tunable and Linearly Polarized Mid‐Infrared Photoluminescence in 2D Tellurium

ABSTRACT The integration of electronic and photonic chips hinges on the availability of efficient light sources and modulators that are compatible with on‐chip interconnects. Among these, mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) emitters are especially critical, as they enable low‐loss transmission through atmospheric windows and unlock powerful capabilities for molecular fingerprinting and chemical sensing. In this study, we demonstrate that 2D tellurium (Te) nanoflakes can serve as highly efficient, electrically tunable, and linearly polarized mid‐IR emitters. Leveraging the narrow direct bandgap (≈0.36 eV) and anisotropic crystal symmetry of Te nanoflakes, we achieve electrically tunable mid‐IR photoluminescence (PL) with near‐complete PL intensity modulation, a stable emission wavelength (≈3.4 µm), and near‐perfect linear polarization. In addition, we demonstrate a dual‐gate device that allows independent control of the electrostatic doping and vertical electric field, and further theoretical analysis reveals that the electrical tunability of the PL intensity originates primarily from the gate‐controlled carrier density. Building on this robust control, we demonstrate high‐speed electro‐optical switches and programmable logic gates for on‐chip encryption, underscoring the excellent compatibility of Te with advanced optoelectronic circuits. Collectively, these advances establish Te as a cornerstone material for hybrid electronic‐photonic systems, directly addressing the urgent demand for mid‐IR components in next‐generation optical interconnects.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 inhibition ameliorates familial exudative vitreoretinopathy models

Towards biomarker-driven therapies for urothelial carcinoma

Functional Unit Design of Deep‐UV NLO Crystals With Short Phase‐Matching and Large SHG Response

ABSTRACT Deep‐ultraviolet (deep‐UV) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are crucial for generating deep‐UV lasers, and their performance is determined by the type, ratio, and arrangement of microscopic NLO functional units. Currently, there are no suitable materials capable of achieving deep‐UV phase‐matching (PM) laser output via direct second harmonic generation (SHG) at around 148.3 nm — a key requirement for the 2 2 9 Th nuclear clock. Here, we proposed a functional‐units‐ratio design principle to address this bottleneck. Applying this strategy to the Li‐B‐O‐F system, we designed two novel compositions, LiB 3 O 4 F 2 and Li 2 B 4 O 5 F 4 . Subsequent crystal structure prediction identified C 2‐LiB 3 O 4 F 2 as an exceptional candidate, exhibiting a record‐short PM wavelength of 145.2 nm and a strong SHG response of 3.4 × KH 2 PO 4 . The prediction also revealed several other metastable phases with outstanding performance, including Cc ‐LiB 3 O 4 F 2 (149.7 nm), P 2 1 ‐Li 2 B 4 O 5 F 4 (151.6 nm), P 2 1 ‐LiB 3 O 4 F 2 ‐5 (156.1 nm), P 2 1 ‐LiB 3 O 4 F 2 ‐9 (156.8 nm), and Cm ‐LiB 3 O 4 F 2 ‐7 (158.2 nm), all of which surpass the previous record and have a high synthesis probability. Crucially, the combination of [BO 3 ]  and [BO 2 F 2 ] functional units enables deep‐UV PM with a moderate birefringence (∼0.05 @1064 nm), effectively circumventing the traditional performance trade‐off. This work provides a generalizable design strategy for next‐generation deep‐UV NLO materials and paves the way for the practical development of the 229 Th nuclear clock.

Unsaturated Vinyl Branching: A Molecular‐Tailoring Strategy for Synergistic Stacking Regulation and Energy‐Loss Suppression Toward 20%‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

ABSTRACT The performance of organic solar cells (OSCs) is critically constrained by energy losses arising from disordered molecular packing and suboptimal blend morphology in non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) systems. Achieving precise control over NFA aggregation during film formation is thus essential to realize optimal molecular orientation and phase separation. Herein, we propose an unsaturated vinyl branching (UVB) strategy that enables synergistic morphology control through the concurrent minimization of steric hindrance and enhancement of non‐covalent interactions. By incorporating UVB units into the inner side chains of the Y6‐OD backbone, we create a novel acceptor, BTP‐vinyl, which demonstrates optimized aggregation kinetics and facilitates compact 3D molecular packing. When blended with polymer donor D18, the BTP‐vinyl‐based system exhibits retarded crystallization, optimized domain size, and highly ordered face‐on orientation, collectively promoting efficient exciton dissociation and charge transport. Consequently, OSCs based on BTP‐vinyl display significantly reduced energetic disorder and suppressed non‐radiative energy loss compared to Y6‐OD‐based devices. The binary devices achieve a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.6%, substantially outperforming the Y6‐OD‐based devices (18.1%). Furthermore, ternary devices incorporating L8‐BO attain a champion PCE of 20.06%, crossing the significant 20% threshold. This work establishes UVB as an effective molecular‐design paradigm for achieving ideal blend morphology through precise aggregation control in high‐performance OSCs.

Mitochondria‐Targeted Nanomotor: H ₂ S‐Driven Cascade Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract Despite advances in combination therapies for cancer treatment, most strategies rely on modular‐additive designs that lack dynamic molecular cues to achieve intrinsic synergy. Herein, a mitochondrial‐targeted nanoplatform is introduced that orchestrates photodynamic therapy (PDT), mild photothermal therapy (mPTT), and enzyme dynamic therapy (EDT) into a self‐amplifying cascade network through gasotransmitter (H 2 S)‐driven metabolic reprogramming. It is constructed from an Au 2 Pt core with a surface functionalized mesoporous silica shell loaded with photosensitizers, encapsulated within a tumor cell membrane (Au 2 Pt@4sMSN/PS‐TPP@CM). Upon GSH exposure, nanomotors produce H 2 S to boost diffusive motion, while TPP targeting directs this motility toward mitochondria, enabling efficient mitochondrial accumulation (internalization of >100 nm nanoparticles). Subsequently, mitochondrial targeted H 2 S releasing‐mediated suppression of oxidative phosphorylation amplifies PDT efficacy; HSP70 downregulation enables mPTT; and hyperactive glycolytic metabolism fuels EDT. Furthermore, these enhanced modalities also interconnect in a positive feedback loop: mPTT‐derived hyperthermia accelerates EDT‐catalyzed oxygen generation for PDT, while mitochondria‐localized PDT further inhibits HSP70 to boost mPTT. Ultimately, these interconnected molecular cues establish an H 2 S‐driven, self‐reinforcing therapeutic loop that enables effective eradication of hepatocellular carcinoma. Collectively, this study identifies mitochondria as the biological initiator and signal integrator for multimodal therapy, delivering a distinctive paradigm to overcome the limitations of conventional combination therapies.

UBE2I promotes immune infiltration and tumor progression in thyroid cancer and modulates hnRNPA2B1 SUMOylation

Personalized intensification of treatment for hormone-sensitive prostate cancer

Visibly Transparent Monolithic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells Achieving Over 6% Light‐Utilization Efficiency

ABSTRACT Transparent photovoltaics for solar‐window applications must balance human‐visible clarity with meaningful power output. Here, we report a selectively absorbing, monolithic perovskite/organic tandem that decouples visible transmittance from photocurrent generation and minimizes voltage loss delivering record light‐utilization efficiency (LUE) for visibly transparent (VT) tandem devices. An ultra‐wide‐bandgap, DMA‐alloyed perovskite top sub‐cell harvests primarily <∼530 nm, achieving, as a single junction, AVT 65.68% and power conversion efficiency (PCE) 8.23% (LUE 5.46%). Complemented by a ternary PCE10‐2Cl:Y6:Y12 bottom stack that minimizes visible absorption while harvesting in the NIR, the tandem reaches PCE 10.91% at AVT 55.39%, yielding LUE 6.04%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first VT monolithic perovskite/organic tandem to surpass 6% LUE at AVT ≥ 50%, while delivering a record‐high open circuit voltage ( V OC ) of 2.38 V. These results establish optical–electrical co‐design guidelines for high‐clarity, power‐generating glazing, which explicitly connect materials and interface choices in both sub‐cells to energetic disorder, built‐in potential, and recombination.

Characterization of Complex Stacking of Semiconductors Through Near Field Imaging and Spectroscopy

Abstract While high operating temperature infrared photodetection remains a major technological objective, huge improvements have been obtained through the use of increasingly complex semiconductors epitaxies such as quantum cascade structures or III–V superlattice junction. However, the characterization of these layers is challenging and often requires the use of destructive processes. Here, SNOM imaging and spectroscopy on a mechanically cleaved facet is used to characterize the different layers of a complex epitaxial heterostructure composed of a type II superlattice and highly doped semiconductors. These near‐field experimental data are compared to simulation in order to retrieve both the cut‐off frequency of the superlattice and the doping level of each highly doped semiconductor layers. Additionally, information about interfaces is optically retrieved through hyperspectral characterization of plasmons propagating at these vertical interfaces. In parallel, all the materials and exact stacking of the epitaxy are confirmed through scanning transmission electron microscopy.

The RNA-binding protein hnRNP E1 regulates p53 and p21 translation via KH1 and KH2 domain interactions with 3′ UTR C-rich motifs

AI and human expertise in cancer care — striving for synergy

Programming Interfacial Polymerization: Machine Learning Unveils Quantitative Rational Design Rules for Microcapsules and Beyond

ABSTRACT Interfacial polymerization (IP) serves as a versatile platform technology for designing polymeric membranes, yet its extension to applications such as microencapsulation (MIP) remains hindered by empirical methodologies, largely due to the absence of quantitative rational design principles. Unlike separation membranes, which prioritize nanostructural control, MIP emphasizes encapsulation efficiency (EE%), rendering conventional membrane‐derived theories and thermodynamic descriptors insufficient. In this work, we transcend these limitations by employing interpretable machine learning to program interfacial polymerization, thereby deciphering mechanism‐informed quantitative design rules. Our data‐driven platform integrates molecular thermodynamics, polymerization kinetics, and emulsion‐stabilized interfacial parameters to identify previously overlooked descriptors governing microcapsule formation. We establish a predictive chemical–process–structure–performance relationship and demonstrate programmable control over key performances, including EE% (30%–95%), particle size (100–400 µm), and shell thickness‐to‐radius ratios (0.005–1) for diverse payloads spanning hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and highly reactive compounds such as toluene diisocyanate and amines. This work not only resolves long‐standing challenges in understanding complex multiphase interactions in MIP but also establishes a new paradigm for the quantitative design of polymeric microcapsules, with broad implications for functional particles, catalytic microreactors, digital cells, and membranes.

Breaking the “Seesaw Effect”: 20.72% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells via Cascade Energy Transfer with a Fluorescent Sensitizer

ABSTRACT Though organic solar cells (OSCs) have achieved remarkable progress recently, the intrinsic limitation of the “seesaw effect” between open‐circuit voltage ( V oc ) and short‐circuit current density ( J sc ) hinders their further improvements. In this study, a fluorescent small molecule, namely SD‐EDOT, is incorporated into the widely used PM6:BTP‐eC9 system to overcome this challenge. The addition of SD‐EDOT lowers the energetic disorder and electron–phonon coupling within the system. More importantly, it forms an energy cascade between donor and acceptor, enabling a side cascade energy transfer pathway and a more favorable energetic landscape. The high fluorescent property of SD‐EDOT improves the utilization rate of high‐energy excitons. These effects collectively promote faster and more efficient charge generation (improving J sc ), deeper highest occupied molecular orbit of donors, and suppressed non‐radiative energy loss (elevating V oc ). Consequently, the ternary devices achieve simultaneously higher V oc and J sc , significantly boosting the power conversion efficiency from 18.75% to 20.72%. This study provides a rational strategy for mitigating the V oc – J sc trade‐off by incorporating a highly fluorescent third component with tailored energy levels, offering a promising pathway toward higher‐performance OSCs.

Unique bifunctional α-sialidase/β-N-acetylgalactosaminidase from Bifidobacterium bifidum acting on the Sda antigen

Could a COVID-19 vaccine improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy?

Self‐Assembled Two‐Dimensional Chiral Meso‐Topography Determines the Balance of Cellular and Humoral Immunity Against Tumors

ABSTRACT The development of nanomaterials‐based cancer vaccines has broadened the scope of immunotherapy. Nanomaterials with characteristics such as chirality, 2D, and flexibility have attracted widespread attention because they can maximize the interface between the materials and immune cells. Here, we report the fabrication of 2‐D mesoporous silica nanodisks with a chiral meso‐topography as vaccine adjuvants. These uniform nanodisks, with diameters from 200 nm to 1 µm, possess unique spiral mesoporous patterns of ∼ 10 nm. The thickness of the chiral mesoporous nanodisks can be precisely controlled in units of one layer (∼ 7 nm), thereby achieving precise regulation in surface topology, dimension and flexibility. The unique 2‐D chiral mesoporous structure originates from the maximum occupancy of confined space of micellar helical arrangement, which is distinct from conventional methods based on internal tension. The combination of flexibility, 2‐D structure and chirality enhances nanodisks’ interaction with dendritic cells (DCs), significantly improving DC maturation via Toll‐like receptors/Nuclear Factor‐kappa B (TLR/NF‐κB), Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) signaling pathways. Upon nanovaccines’ activation of DCs in vivo, DCs further presents antigen for activating T cells to trigger balanced cellular and humoral immunity. Subcutaneous injection of the nanodisks‐adjuvanted cancer vaccine can significantly inhibit the tumor growth and extend the survival of melanoma‐bearing mice to more than 60 days, about three times higher than that of the PBS‐treated group. When combined with PD‐1 antibody, the cancer vaccines maximize tumor suppression, achieving a tumor‐free outcome in one‐third of the cases.

Dual‐Mode Molecular Regulation of Perovskite Crystallization Enables Efficient and Stable FAPbI ₃ Solar Cells and Modules

Abstract Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are among the most promising photovoltaic technologies, yet their performance is critically constrained by uncontrolled crystallization, which generates suboptimal film morphologies and abundant defects. In this study, diphenyl carbonate (DPC) is introduced as a dual‐functional molecular regulator that simultaneously governs nucleation and growth in FAPbI 3 films. Through synergistic covalent carbonyl‐Pb 2+ coordination and non‐covalent aromatic π‐Pb 2+ interactions, DPC promotes controlled PbI 2 pre‐aggregation to lower the nucleation barrier, while its strong precursor binding retards subsequent crystal growth. This cooperative regulation yields uniform, large‐grain perovskite films with markedly reduced defect densities. Consequently, DPC‐enabled PSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.61% (certified 26.21%), outperforming the control devices (23.65%). Scalable mini‐module (14.0 cm 2 active area) with DPC achieves a PCE of 21.24%. Furthermore, DPC‐modified devices exhibit outstanding stability, retaining over 90% of their initial PCE after 1200 h storage under ISOS‐D‐3 accelerated aging conditions and after 1100 h of maximum power point tracking following ISOS‐L‐2 protocols. These findings establish a generalizable molecular strategy for overcoming intrinsic crystallization bottlenecks, advancing perovskite photovoltaics toward efficient, stable, and scalable deployment.

Structural and functional consequences of aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase variants causing Traboulsi syndrome

T-DXd plus pertuzumab effective as first-line therapy