Browse Articles

Recyclable Turing‐Structured Polymer Electrolytes for Sustainable Solid‐State Batteries

Abstract Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) face critical limitations in ionic conductivity, ion transference numbers, and recyclability. We report a recyclable Turing‐structured polymer electrolyte (TPE) prepared at gas/liquid/solid interface through evaporation/diffusion‐driven instability. The Turing structure provides fast ion‐conduction surfaces/channels with periodic lithium (Li)‐ion (Li + ) self‐concentration domains to enable a 3D percolating Li + conduction, reducing migration barriers to achieve a high Li + conductivity (1.6 × 10 −3 S cm −1 at 25 °C) and transference number (0.61). TPEs enable stable cycling performance in various solid‐state batteries at low‐temperature conditions (−20 °C), alongside excellent self‐healing, flame‐retardant, and recyclable properties. Closed‐loop recycling recovers 86.5% of polymer precursors and 82.6% of costly Li bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt, with regenerated electrolytes retaining their initial performance. These results highlight the potential of Turing structure as a scalable design paradigm for sustainable and high‐performance energy storage and conversion systems.

DNA end configurations dictate synaptic complex formation during NHEJ-mediated end bridging

Cascading chirality from molecule to twisted microstructures with amplified circularly polarized luminescence

Binaphthalene‐Modified <i>C</i> ‐Scorpionate Zinc Catalysts for Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Bio‐Based <i>γ</i> ‐Ketolactones to High‐Molar‐Mass Degradable Polyesters

Abstract The metal‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic (di)esters is a key strategy for producing sustainable polyesters, yet the development of robust, efficient, and tunable catalysts remains a major challenge. Herein, we reported a series of zinc catalysts supported by poly(1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane ( C ‐scorpionate) ligands for the controlled ROP of 4,4,6,7‐tetramethyloxepane‐2,5‐dione (MeOPD), a bio‐derived γ ‐ketolactone obtained from ketoisophorone. Ligand framework optimization afforded a highly active and stable binaphthalene‐containing zinc complex, enabling the synthesis of degradable polyesters with absolute M w  &gt; 900 kDa and M n  &gt; 800 kDa. Mechanistic studies revealed that steric and electronic features of the ligand suppress catalyst aggregation and stabilize the Zn─OR species. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited remarkable tolerance to excess alcohols, allowing for precise molar mass control even at low catalyst loadings while maintaining polymerization efficiency. Tensile testing confirmed improved mechanical properties of the resulting polyesters with increasing molar mass, while photodegradation studies demonstrated efficient UV‐triggered degradation enabled by backbone ketone functionalities. These findings offer important insights into catalyst design for next‐generation sustainable polymers.

Advances, challenges and prospects of origami and kirigami optoelectronics

Identification of thermotolerant non-canonical PAMs for robust one-pot CRISPR-Cas12a detection

Abstract The canonical PAM site TTTV (where V = A, G, or C) is widely used in the design of CRISPR-Cas12a systems for both genome editing and diagnostic applications. Although several non-canonical protospacer-adjacent motifs (PAM) have been identified, they generally exhibit weak Cas12a cleavage activity. In this study, we find that increasing the reaction temperature to 45 °C or higher allows the identification of numerous non-canonical PAMs with trans -cleavage activity comparable to that of canonical PAMs, while displaying only weak cis -cleavage activity. Moreover, we observe that combining these non-canonical PAMs with elevated temperatures significantly enhances the Cas12a system’s ability to discriminate highly similar sequences. Based on these findings, we develop a non-canonical PAM-mediated, poikilothermal, one-pot CRISPR-Cas12a detection platform (POP-CRISPR), which demonstrates substantial improvements in sensitivity, specificity, speed, and target adaptability for nucleic acid detection compared to existing methods. These advantages are validated through the reliable detection of clinical samples, including those of Human papillomavirus (HPV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), and its drug-resistant strains. Additionally, we show that POP-CRISPR enables rapid, on-site pathogen detection within 20 min, using a fast sample processing protocol and a miniaturized detection device.

Photoswitchable Peptides as Molecular Tools to Encode Structural Order and Disorder in Intracellular Assemblies

Abstract Understanding how self‐assembled structure formation affects cells remains a central challenge in supramolecular chemistry. However, chemical tools that allow access to both ordered and disordered intracellular assemblies from a single molecular scaffold are rare due to design complexity. Here, we present a photoswitchable isotripeptide incorporating an arylazopyrazole (AAP) unit, which undergoes intracellular cleavage to yield a self‐assembling monomer. Upon photoisomerization, the planar trans ‐isomer forms β ‐sheet‐rich nanofibers with strong aromatic interactions, while the non‐planar cis ‐isomer assembles into disordered, random‐coil aggregates lacking aromatic contribution. The structural dynamics of the assemblies are demonstrated by repeated photoswitching between the two states in buffered conditions. Notably, A549 cancer cell viability correlates with the isomer‐dependent assembly behavior and critical aggregation concentrations (CACs): the trans ‐isomer, with higher aggregation propensity, exhibits greater cytotoxicity. This photoswitchable peptide system thus provides a powerful platform with fast, reversible and robust switching kinetics, long isomer half‐lives, and high photostability to probe the intracellular consequences of supramolecular order and disorder using a single molecular scaffold.

Efficient Synthesis and Catalytic Performance Tuning of High‐Entropy Alloys Using a Weaving Strategy

Abstract High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have garnered considerable interest for their exceptional properties, notably in catalysis, owing to their multiple active sites and synergistic metal interactions. High‐entropy metal–organic frameworks (HE‐MOFs) have emerged as promising precursors for the synthesis of diverse HEAs. However, conventional approaches to synthesizing HE‐MOFs rely primarily on increasing metal ion diversity within the MOF nodes, often leading to complex and poorly controlled reaction kinetics. In this work, we present a novel weaving strategy that incorporates the pre‐synthesis of metal–ligand complexes (MLs) as modular building blocks to overcome the intricate coordination dynamics associated with multiple metal ions and ligands. By designing a series of ML “threads” and precisely controlling their stoichiometry and combination, we successfully fabricate HE‐MOFs incorporating cerium oxide clusters as structural nodes. Subsequent carbonization and reduction convert these HE‐MOFs into CeO 2 /C‐supported alloys or HEAs with finely adjustable metal contents and tunable catalytic properties. A dye‐sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen evolution system revealed that the optimized HEAs(10L)/CeO 2 /C catalyst exhibits a hydrogen evolution rate of 13.4 mmol g −1 h −1 . This pioneering method permits atomic‐level control over the metal composition of HEAs, ensuring a broad range of metal ions are homogeneously distributed and enabling the rational design of highly efficient catalytic systems.

NALIRIFOX versus gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in Chinese patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a randomized, open-label phase II trial

Spatiotemporally controlled drug release via a click-release system utilizing mono-alkyl-hydroxylamine and cyclooctyne chemistry

Lattice Hydrogen Engineering Unlocks Inert TiO ₂ for H ₂ O ₂ Electrosynthesis in Neutral Media

Abstract Electrochemical H 2 O 2 production through the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e − ORR) represents a transformative route for sustainable and decentralized chemical synthesis. Nevertheless, conventional catalysts struggle to achieve optimal intermediates adsorption and efficient proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) under neutral conditions, as the sluggish dissociation of water imposes a severe kinetic bottleneck. Herein, we introduce a lattice hydrogen engineering strategy that confers unprecedented catalytic functionality to traditionally inert metal oxides. Through precise hydrogen implantation into the TiO 2 lattice, we establish Ti‐O 2C ‐H active centers—a dual‐function motif that simultaneously achieves near‐ideal OOH* adsorption (positioned at the Sabatier volcano apex) and intrinsic proton reservoir capability. This atomically engineered H‐TiO 2 catalyst delivers &gt; 95% H 2 O 2 selectivity, operating stably for over 100 h at an industrial current density of 200 mA cm −2 . This robust operation yields a high H 2 O 2 production rate of 13,968 mmol g −1 h −1 with an energy efficiency of 41.3%. Crucially, the universality of lattice hydrogen engineering is demonstrated through the activation of WO 3 , MoO 3 , and Nb 2 O 5 , yielding comparable performance enhancements for neutral 2e − ORR. By unlocking metal oxides as a robust catalyst platform for H 2 O 2 electrosynthesis, this work establishes a scalable pathway toward scalable, green and cost‐effective peroxide production.

Endothelial FUNDC1 regulates metabolic reprogramming and the obesity-diabetes transition through the SIRT3/GATA2/endothelin-1 axis

Estimating COVID-19 incidence and prevalence using lateral flow tests in England and Scotland, 2023-2024

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in winter. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, community prevalence surveys provided detailed monitoring of infection levels. The Winter Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey (WCIS), conducted in England and Scotland from the 14 th November 2023 to the 7 th March 2024, enabled the UK Health Security Agency to publish fortnightly estimates of community infection levels in England and Scotland. Unlike previous community prevalence surveys, WCIS conducted testing using Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests, and featured a repeat testing design that enabled estimation of key epidemiological parameters. LFD tests have a substantially lower cost per unit than Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests which were used in previous SARS-CoV-2 prevalence surveys; however, they have a high false negative rate that must be accounted for to produce reliable estimates. In this manuscript, statistical methods to robustly estimate incidence and prevalence while adjusting for time-varying false negative rates are developed. This enabled timely and robust inference of the incidence and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2, stratified by age group, location and sex. Overall, the study design of WCIS overcame key limitations of earlier large-scale community prevalence studies and demonstrated the utility of LFD tests in infectious disease surveillance.

Orbital Hybridization at Au‐O‐Zr Interface Promotes Synergistic Single‐Atom/Cluster Catalysis for Durable Zinc–Air Batteries

Abstract Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are fundamentally limited by the activity–stability trade‐off in oxygen electrocatalysis, primarily due to the high surface energy and aggregation tendency of isolated metal atoms. Herein, we develop a low‐temperature (200 °C) in situ thermal anchoring strategy to construct a hybrid Au catalyst (Au ACSA–ZrO 2 ) comprising atomically dispersed Au single atoms and clusters stabilized on ZrO 2 nanoparticles. This mild yet effective process induces strong metal‐support interactions (SMSI), leading to the formation of covalent Au‐O‐Zr interfacial bonds. These bonds effectively inhibit atomic migration and coalescence while simultaneously promoting interfacial charge transfer. Electronic coupling between Au single atoms and adjacent clusters induces significant hybridization between O 2 p and Zr 4 d orbitals, which modulates the local coordination environment and optimizes the adsorption energetics of oxygenated intermediates, thereby accelerating both oxygen reduction and evolution reaction kinetics. When applied in a Zn–air battery, this dual‐site catalyst exhibits exceptional durability with 71.07% round‐trip efficiency and negligible decay over 260 h of continuous cycling, demonstrating that precise orbital interaction, achievable even at low synthesis temperatures, is crucial for high‐performance bifunctional electrocatalysis.

Molecular basis of antagonism of the dimeric human arginine vasopressin receptor 1A

Cooperative Au _vertex –Au _shoulder Pair Sites of Biicosahedral Au ₂₅ Cluster for Highly Oxidative Carbonylation of Diamine to Cyclic Urea

Abstract The realization of target reactants completely transformed on the designed active sites toward desired products remains a challenge. Here, we report that the [Au 25 (PPh 3 ) 10 (SCH 2 CH 2 Ph) 5 Cl 2 ] 2+ cluster in the library of metal clusters is unique for the oxidative carbonylation of diamine to cyclic urea. Our studies reveal that the ligand on–off dynamics in the presence of solvent coupled with diamine can invoke the active function of the vertex and shoulder Au of the [Au 25 (PPh 3 ) 10 (SCH 2 CH 2 Ph) 5 Cl 2 ] 2+ , i.e., that is respectively capped by Cl and PPh 3 . Notably, the transient exposed Au vertex –Au shoulder neighboring sites exhibit a selective recognition to reaction molecules, leading to the interdependent and stepwise reactivity for the oxidative carbonylation of diamine with CO and O 2 . The diamine is preferentially adsorbed on the Au shoulder site, with the CO inserting sequentially into the diamine to produce the key intermediate containing the secondary amide group, and meanwhile the Au vertex site engages in converting O 2 to singlet oxygen and finally enables the H‐atom abstraction from the amine group of the above intermediate, thereby achieving an exclusive selectivity for cyclic urea. This work provides an alternative route for the efficient carbonylation upgrading of diamine, typically distinguished from homogeneous organometallic complexes and heterogeneous supported metal catalysts.

Deciphering stress perturbations throughout the 2025 Mw 7.1 Dingri, Southern Xizang Earthquake

Reduction of RAD23A extends lifespan and mitigates pathology in a mouse model of TDP-43 proteinopathy

An artificial cell capable of signal transduction mediated by ADRB2 for the regulation of glycogenolysis

Abstract Bottom-up construction of artificial cells helps elucidate the working mechanism of cells. Signal transduction from extracellular to intracellular artificial cells is essential for autonomous artificial cells. It remains highly challenging to reconstitute G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways to regulate downstream metabolism in artificial cells. Here, we reconstitute β2-adrenergic receptor, Gs subunit α and adenylate cyclase V into artificial cell membranes to enable signal transduction from extracellular isoproterenol (ISO) to intracellular cAMP (visualization via Epac1-cAMP probes). cAMP production is ISO dose-dependent, with a maximum amplification fold of 22.45 ± 2.14. By encapsulating the glycogenolytic pathway, cAMP activates protein kinase A, triggering phosphorylation of phosphorylase kinase and glycogen phosphorylase to convert glycogen to glucose-1-phosphate (G-1-P). G-1-P is further converted to 6-phosphogluconolactone accompanying with NADPH. ISO stimulation induces G-1-P and NADPH generation, achieving progressive signal amplification. The successful reconstitution of GPCR-mediated signaling pathway in artificial cells paves the way for developing autonomous artificial cells.

Epoxy-oxylipins direct monocyte fate in inflammatory resolution in humans

Abstract The role of cytochrome P450-derived epoxy-oxylipins and their metabolites in human inflammation and resolution is unknown. We report that epoxy-oxylipins are present in blood of healthy, male volunteers at baseline and following intradermal injection of UV-killed Escherichia coli , an experimental model of acute resolving inflammation. At the site of inflammation, cytochrome P450s and epoxide hydrolase (EH) isoforms, which catabolise oxylipins to corresponding diols, are differentially upregulated throughout the inflammatory response, as is the biosynthesis of epoxy-oxylipins. GSK2256294, a selective sEH inhibitor specifically elevates 12,13-EpOME and 14,15-EET. While inhibition of sEH hastens pain resolution, it has no effect on tissue heat, redness and swelling. GSK2256294, however, significantly reduces numbers of circulating intermediate monocytes that expand during inflammation. We find that 12,13-EpOME blocks the transition of classical to intermediate monocytes in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner, results that are recapitulated when blocking p38 MAPK in vitro and when administering the p38 MAPK inhibitor losmapimod in vivo to healthy volunteers. Furthermore, fewer intermediate monocytes are observed at the site of inflammation, accompanied by reduced tissue CD4 T cells. Hence, we have mapped the expression, activity and function of epoxy-oxylipins in human inflammation revealing new mechanisms of monocyte differentiation and resolution biology.