Browse Articles

Stacking-engineering magnetoelectric coupling effects in van der Waals type-I multiferroics

Multiferroic materials have attracted significant attention for their potential applications in multifunctional spintronic devices. However, conventional multiferroics exhibit limited magnetoelectric coupling, as the magnetic and ferroelectric orders typically arise from distinct and incompatible mechanisms. In this study, we introduce a specific theoretical approach to magnetoelectric coupling that capitalizes on the intrinsic tunability of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Taking the prototypical 2D magnet CrI3 as an example, we demonstrate the following issues: (i) the easy magnetization axis of anti-aligned bilayer CrI3 exhibits an inherent inclination, attributed to crystalline symmetry breaking as determined by interlayer shifts; and (ii) spontaneous sliding ferroelectricity emerges, wherein the reversal of polarization signifies a phase transition between energetically preferable states. These findings reveal a strong interplay among magnetization, polarization, and layer degree of freedom, establishing a stacking-engineering mechanism for multiferroic modulations, further offering innovative insights into realizing magnetoelectric coupling effects and multi-state control paradigm in type-I multiferroic systems.

Propellane-free access to bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes

Non-Hermitian optical bistability with polarization quantization in Sm3+:BiPO4

In this study, we investigate non-Hermitian optical bistability in Sm3+:BiPO4 under the influence of polarization quantization. Our work focuses on how polarization affects this bistability, especially near exceptional points (EPs) in a non-Hermitian system. We demonstrate two types of optical bistability jumps: two-step one optical bistability jump and three-step two optical bistability jumps resulting from constructive and destructive polarization quantization. One optical bistability jump, without and with a non-Hermitian self-dressing switch, is observed at destructive and constructive polarization quantization near EP region, respectively. Two optical bistability jumps via nested-cascade dressing at horizontal polarization quantization are stronger than three cascaded dressings at circular polarization quantization. In addition, two types of non-Hermitian optical bistability jumps fit the second-order eigenvector intensity splitting theoretical model. Our findings are significant in controlling optical switching in materials used for quantum technologies. Such results have potential applications in quantization phase transitions in non-Hermitian photonic systems and advanced optical devices.

Changes in phenology mediate vertebrate population responses to temperature globally

Abstract Phenotypic responses to climate affect individual fitness, but the extent to which this translates into effects on population dynamics remains poorly understood. We assemble 213 time series on phenotypes and population sizes of wild vertebrates globally and match them with local climate data. Our meta-analysis shows that morphological traits are mostly climate insensitive. However, phenology is earlier in warmer-than-average years, which contributes positively to population growth in most species. At lower latitudes, temperature has weaker effects on phenology but stronger direct negative effects on population growth, likely because these populations are less capable of tracking climate via plasticity. Variation in the phenology-mediated effect of temperature on population growth cannot be explained by latitude, generation time, migratory mode, or diet. This suggests that simple relationships between species characteristics and population responses to warming may not occur in nature. Instead, we may need to embrace ecological complexity by considering local-scale predictors that capture intra-specific variation.

Sequence-encoded layered heteroleptic metalla-[2]catenanes for programmable supramolecular function

Reversible lipid-mediated pH-gating of connexin-46/50 by cryo-EM

Small molecule splicing modulators that disrupt O-GlcNAc homeostasis

Desilylative allylation of 3,3-borylsilylpropene under metallaphotoredox catalysis

Atomically precise ligand engineering of gold nanoparticles via interphase mass transfer

Flavonoid-mediated bacterial spermidine biosynthesis enhances vitamin accumulation in tomato fruits

Cultural diversity of religion across 117 countries

Binary mineral nanoparticles enable intravascular delivery of metal ions to tumors for metalloimmunotherapy

Quantum enhanced metrology based on flipping trajectory of cold Rydberg gases

The interconnected wirings between medial prefrontal cortex and claustrum and their governing roles in the methamphetamine reward memory in male mice

Integrated multi-omic atlas reveals the hierarchy of spatiotemporal regulatory networks of mouse gastrulation

Enhancing carbon sinks in China using a spatially-optimized forestation strategy

Targeting SPAK suppresses progression and averts an immune exhaustive microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma

Fate of Pomeranchuk effect in ultrahigh magnetic fields

Abstract The Pomeranchuk effect is a counterintuitive phenomenon where liquid helium-3 ( 3 He) solidifies under specific pressures, not when cooled, but when heated. This behaviour originates from the magnetic entropy of nuclear spins, suggesting a magnetic field should influence it. However, its detailed response to magnetic fields remains elusive due to the small nuclear magneton of 3 He and lack of analogous fermion systems. Here, we show that an electron system also exhibit the Pomeranchuk effect, where the Fermi liquid state solidifies in a high magnetic field, unlike conventional electron systems where a field melts an electron solid into a metal. Remarkably, the electron system displays a reentrant liquid state in ultrahigh fields. These responses are explained by changes in magnetic entropy and magnetisation, extending the underlying physics to 3 He. Our findings clarify magnetic-field impact on the Pomeranchuk effect and open avenues for magnetic control of chemical interactions.

Chamber-specific chromatin architecture guides functional interpretation of disease-associated Cis-regulatory elements in human cardiomyocytes

Abstract Cis- regulatory elements (CREs) are noncoding DNA regions regulating cell-type-specific gene expression programs by interacting with distal gene promoters. Here, we aim to decode the function and spatial organization of CRE-promoter interactions in human cardiomyocytes. We analyzed the epigenome and chromatin interactions of human male atrial, ventricular, and failing cardiomyocytes. Atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes harbored chamber-specific CRE-promoter interactions modulating gene expression as confirmed by functional epigenetic silencing. These CRE-promoter interactions explain the distinct contribution of non-coding genetic variants to atrial and ventricular diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. We dissected the prototypic KCNJ2 locus, encoding a potassium channel associated with ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility. Functional epigenetic silencing confirmed that CREs, harboring QT-duration-associated genetic risk factors, modulate KCNJ2 gene expression levels, alter KCNJ2-dependent channel currents, and affect cardiomyocyte repolarization. The presented human CM-specific chromatin interaction analysis provides key insights into regulatory mechanisms and aids in interpreting genetic risk factors.

Cooperative atomic motion during shear deformation in metallic glass

Abstract Elucidating mechanical deformation in glassy materials at the atomic level is challenging due to their disordered atomic structure. Using our frozen-atom analysis of the simulation data, we reveal that anelastic deformation in CuZr metallic glasses is fundamentally driven by cooperative atomic motions of tens of atoms elastically linked to one another, forming trigger groups. They initiate localized rearrangements, which can cascade into plastic flow. These cores show no clear structural or elastic precursors in the initial configuration, challenging the idea that deformation occurs in defective regions. Instead, deformation events are highly stochastic and transient, driven by collective atomic motion. This finding not only reshapes our understanding of glassy material deformation mechanisms but also highlights cooperative motion as a key factor in avalanche-like phenomena governing the behavior of disordered systems across multiple scales.