Browse Articles

Targeting the protein–protein interaction between the CDC37 cochaperone and client kinases by an allosteric RAF dimer breaker

Computational single-neuron mechanisms of visual object coding in the human temporal lobe

Abstract Understanding how the human brain encodes visual objects involves deciphering the neural computations and circuits in the temporal lobe. Here, we recorded intracranial EEG from the human ventral temporal cortex (VTC) and medial temporal lobe (MTL), as well as single-neuron activity in the MTL, to investigate the computational mechanisms of neural object coding. The VTC exhibited axis-based feature coding, and a neural feature space could be constructed using VTC neural axes, within which visual objects clustered according to high-level categorical relationships. Importantly, MTL neurons encoded receptive fields within this VTC neural feature space, exhibiting selective responses to objects that shared perceptual and conceptual similarities. This computational framework, therefore, explains how dense, feature-based representations in the VTC are transformed into sparse, high-level representations in the MTL. We further validated our findings using an additional dataset with different stimuli. Notably, we uncovered the physiological basis of this computational framework by demonstrating VTC-MTL interactions at multiple levels. Together, our neural computational framework provides a mechanistic understanding of the neural processes underlying object recognition.

Innate immune receptor agonist for cancer immunotherapy

Serotonergic System‐Targeted Nucleic Acid Hydrogel Coordinates Excitability Restoration and Circuit Reconstruction for Spinal Cord Injury Therapy

ABSTRACT Despite the persistence of spared spinal circuits capable of relaying commands after spinal cord injury (SCI), their contribution to recovery remains constrained by functional dormancy of spared neurons and impaired reconnection across the lesion. Serotonergic neuromodulation is pivotal for reactivating dormant neurons, however, achieving precise targeting and modulation of the serotonergic system poses translational challenges. Here, a DNA/RNA heteroduplex hydrogel is reported that integrates 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT)‐mediated neuronal excitability restoration with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)‐targeted spinal circuit reconstruction for SCI therapy. The 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP)‐derived motif, serving both as a targeting ligand and as a neuromodulator, is site‐specifically grafted onto three phosphorothioate‐bearing single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) strands, which self‐assemble into Y‐shaped motifs and are subsequently crosslinked by sticky‐ended PTEN small interfering RNA (siRNA) to form the hydrogel network. After lesion‐site administration, the hydrogel undergoes DNase‐mediated network disassembly into nanogels that exert two complementary therapeutic actions by targeting serotonergic system: restoring excitability to reactivate dormant interneurons and reconstructing descending connectivity to reintegrate spared circuits with the host spinal cord, thereby restoring sensory and locomotor functions in paralyzed mice. This strategy coordinately reinstates functional excitability and structural rebuilding by engaging multiple interlocking mechanisms, advancing a versatile paradigm for integrative therapy of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Entropy‐Driven Polymer Electrolyte with Liquid Single‐Atoms for Fast‐Charging Solid‐State Sodium Batteries

Abstract The rate of interfacial transport and bulk transport of Na + are determining steps that restrict fast‐charging in solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). Owing to the high interfacial compatibility, SPEs can reduce the interfacial impedance associated with ionic conduction. Despite the ability of high interfacial compatibility in the SPEs to promote the interfacial ion transfer, there remains no known material capable of concurrently boosting bulk‐phase ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. Specifically, the study reports an entropy‐driven strategy based on dynamic liquid single atoms that rapidly rearranges polymer chains into entropy‐increased regions, accelerating polymer complexation and dissociation to facilitate ion transport for fast‐charging. Meanwhile, dynamic stress regulation by liquid atoms enhances the mechanical strength of the electrolyte. An independently designed stress‐monitoring electrolytic cell is employed to perform in situ monitoring of the stress‐voltage relationship. The novel SPE exhibits the capacity of 85.6 mAh g −1 at 10 C, and the capacity retention of 91.76% after 1000 cycles at 10 C. Cell has the capability of 5‐minute fast‐charging with 19.8 µm thickness for the full‐capacity at 10 C. Ah‐level engineering application cells have the retention of 93.69% after 600 cycles at 1 C. Electrolytes incorporating liquid single‐atoms offer new strategies for fast charging.

The long non-coding RNA MALAT1 encodes a micropeptide that promotes influenza A virus replication by suppressing innate immune responses

Nonopioid analgesic alleviates neuropathic pain

Polyamine‐Mediated Proton/TFSI ⁻ Dual Capture Enables High‐Voltage PEO‐Based All‐Solid‐State Li Batteries

ABSTRACT All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) employing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) experience severe degradation of hydroxyl/ether groups within the PEO matrix at high voltages (>3.8 V vs. Li + /Li), thereby limiting their energy density. The origin of this breakdown is essentially induced by in situ generated corrosive acids (mainly HTFSI). Conventional passive strategies aim at protecting the PEO matrix by creating physical isolations; however, the generation of HTFSI in the system has not been effectively inhibited. Herein, we propose a proactive strategy for the dual capture of H + (protons) and TFSI − anions via a polyamine‐based agent. Featuring a high density of strong Brønsted‑base sites and H‐bond donors, this agent is capable of capturing free proton/TFSI − through electrostatic/H‐bonding interactions, respectively, effectively mitigating acid‐catalyzed chain scission in the PEO matrix by significantly suppressing HTFSI formation at high‐voltage. When implemented in 4.2 V LiCoO 2 ‐based ASSLBs, the system achieves exceptional cycling stability (>600 cycles at 1.0 C, 65°C) with 95.5% capacity retention, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art high‐voltage polymer‐based ASSLBs. This study pioneers a dual capture active strategy that simultaneously targets protons and TFSI − ions, mitigating both interfacial and bulk degradation in high‐voltage, which provides new insights for the design of high‐energy‐density ASSLBs.

Engineering Free Volume within Frontal Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization via Pendant Plasticization

ABSTRACT Frontal ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (FROMP) enables rapid, energy‐efficient access to high‐performance thermosets and thermoplastics, but the range of accessible properties remains constrained by the rigidity of norbornene‐type backbones. Here we introduce a side‐chain plasticization strategy for FROMP, wherein norbornene esters bearing n ‐alkyl groups of varying length ( n = 8, 12, 16) are copolymerized with dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) or hydrogenated DCPD (DCPD‐H 2 ). Systematic incorporation of these pendants tunes free volume, resulting in predictable reductions in glass transition temperature ( T g ), decreased moduli, and a transition from rigid thermosets to elastomers exceeding 800% elongation at break. Free‐volume analysis via dynamic mechanical analysis and solvent swelling ratios confirms pendant length and distribution as key parameters governing network porosity and mobility. Moreover, high‐alkyl‐content formulations exhibit nonlinear front propagation (spin modes) and strain‐induced whitening—features that highlight opportunities for spatial patterning and cooperative molecular alignment under load. Collectively, these results establish side‐chain engineering as a versatile design principle for expanding FROMP into elastomeric regimes, providing a scalable pathway to soft, tunable, and structurally programmable materials.

Nanopore‐Based Label‐Free and Single‐Molecule Sequencing toward Precision Diagnosis

Abstract Nanopore‐based single‐molecule sequencing (SMS) is a powerful tool for acquiring detailed heterogeneous information on critical building blocks of life, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and a wide array of biomolecules, at the single‐molecule level. Real‐time current‐intensity fluctuations corresponding to the passage of target molecules through nanopores enable long‐read length, high‐throughput, and high‐accuracy detection, thus meeting the stringent demands of precision diagnosis. Herein, a concise overview of various principles and fabrication methods is provided for nanopores, with particular emphasis on recent advancements in nanopore‐based DNA and protein sequencing, revealing innovative approaches for effectively capturing and translocating target molecules, and rapid and accurate identification. Further typical cases of nanopore‐based SMS applications in precision diagnosis are analyzed, focusing on genetic disorders, infectious diseases, cancers, and abnormal post‐translational modifications to highlight the clinical potential of nanopores. Additionally, the inherent limitations and challenges of nanopores in terms of sensitivity, detection range, and selectivity are discussed and present the latest strategies for enhancing nanopore performance. Finally, perspectives are provided on the future of nanopore‐based SMS, particularly at the intersection of microfluidic devices, surface functionalization, and machine learning, to facilitate more diverse and advanced developments in this field.

FBXW7 E3 ligase prevents centriole overduplication by degrading the Plk4 phosphorylated STIL-SAS6 cartwheel assembly

Histone methyltransferase inhibition hampers prostate cancer

Synthesis of Cubic Ni ₃ Sn Bimetallic Nanoparticles as a New Polymorph by Sequential Exsolution

ABSTRACT The non‐equilibrium phase among the polymorphs of the materials provides a new solution to harness the unique properties for various applications. However, advanced synthetic routes need to be developed to experimentally realize the novel phases to overcome the thermodynamic stability of their equilibrium counterparts. Here, we synthesized cubic Ni 3 Sn bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs), known as a non‐equilibrium polymorph, by the sequential exsolution of Ni and Sn metallic cation species from the perovskite stannate lattice framework. Following the prediction from the Ellingham diagram, Sn species decompose at a higher onset temperature than Ni species, enabling sequential formation of Ni (600°C) and Ni‐Sn alloy (800°C) exsolved NPs by increasing the annealing temperature. Strikingly, due to the kinetic guidance of pre‐formed cubic Ni NPs, subsequently exsolved Ni 3 Sn alloy NPs exhibited the unconventional cubic Fm m space group, which has a higher formation energy compared to the thermodynamically stable hexagonal Ni 3 Sn with P6 3 /mmc. Interestingly, the cubic Ni 3 Sn NPs show unique catalytic pathways in CO * dissociation, which leads to CO‐free methanol dissociation. This discovery offers a fresh perspective on the synthetic routes of non‐equilibrium bimetallic polymorphs to harness distinct catalytic pathways.

Hydrogel‐Based Vat Photopolymerization of Ceramics and Metals with Low Shrinkages via Repeated Infusion Precipitation

Abstract Vat photopolymerization (VP) is a powerful tool for the fabrication of architected ceramic and metal structures. However, conventional methods of ceramic/metal VP, such as with the use of slurries or organic–inorganic hybrid resins, have challenges with viscosities, light‐scattering, and limited material compositions. Recently, the use of metal‐salt solutions has emerged as a promising approach for the VP of ceramics and metals. While versatile and accessible, the process is accompanied by a significant amount of shrinkage, which causes warping, porosity, and structural damage. Here, a versatile method is presented for fabricating dense architected ceramics and metals with low conversion linear shrinkages. Central to this method is a post‐fabrication repeated infusion‐coprecipitation process that progressively increases the metal loading in the 3D “blank” hydrogels. Thermal treatment of these high metal content hydrogels then converts them into ceramic or metal architectures. To demonstrate the versatility of this approach, a variety of 3D ceramic and metal structures with shrinkages as low as 20% while maintaining densities >80% is fabricated. This infusion‐precipitation‐based process thus enables the VP of high‐quality ceramics and metals, which is necessary for the fabrication of advanced architected materials and devices.

AGEs promote the metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via centrosome amplification by KLF5–CEP57L1 axis

Hierarchical Co‐Assembly Achieves Shape‐Programmable All‐Boron‐Nitride Monoliths with Excellent Thermophysical Performances

ABSTRACT Despite boron nitride's (BN) exceptional physical performance and durability, the current lack of a systematic methodology for BN processing, which stems from its extreme robustness, often necessitates the use of additive materials, thereby frequently sacrificing its desirable properties. Here, we report binder‐free BN monoliths derived from a suspension with tunable rheology and long‐term colloidal stability. The control of solvent affinity allows the production of two distinct BN morphologies: (1) physically exfoliated, large‐size BN flakes (p‐BN) and (2) mechanochemically produced, small‐size BN particles (m‐BN) with hydroxyl‐functionalized edges. Crucially, the interfacial interactions and aspect ratio complementarity between the two BN components enable spontaneous co‐assembly into a long‐term stable, binder‐free suspension with programmable rheology. The resulting binder‐free BN films exhibit a 19‐fold enhancement in cohesive energy (3.8 J·m − 2 vs. 0.20 J·m − 2 for p‐BN), high in‐plane thermal conductivity (>40.6 W·m − 1 ·K − 1 ), and a neutron absorption coefficient of 28.3 cm − 1 , offering a promising solution for advanced aerospace, nuclear, and optoelectronic systems operating under severe environmental constraints.

Halogenated Chiral Spacer Integration in Silver Bismuth Double Perovskites for Efficient and Selective CPL Photodetection

ABSTRACT Chiral double perovskites (DPs) have emerged as a versatile class of materials for detecting circularly polarized light (CPL), offering sustainable alternatives to toxic Pb‐based systems. Despite their superior oxidative stability, the interplay between A‐site chiral cations and B‐site metal cations in DPs remains poorly understood, particularly regarding its influence on the electronic structure and chiroptical activity. In this study, we propose a rational chiral cation design strategy in which halogen substitution facilitates cooperative coupling with bond elongation induced by Jahn–Teller distortion in the inorganic layer, thereby revealing an enhanced chirality transfer phenomenon across the hybrid framework. Moreover, halogen···halogen interactions contribute to increased lattice rigidity in the 2D DPs, enhancing phase stability in thin‐film configurations. As a result, a CPL photodetector based on Br‐substituted chiral DPs achieves a CPL distinguishability of 0.32, the highest reported value among 2D chiral DP‐based devices, alongside high photodetection performance and extended operational stability.

Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 reads histone methylation via an aromatic cage to regulate gene expression and chromatin association

Repurposing nuclear receptors for ligand-responsive liquid condensate formation and gene regulation

Bioinspired charge reservoir enables efficient CO2 photoreduction with H2O via tungsten valence oscillation