Browse Articles

Engineering in vitro models to replicate the complexity of chronic wounds

Surprising cryptic cavefish diversity in a long-studied karst cave ecosystem of northern Alabama

Bclaf1 drives heart failure by recruiting Srsf2 to enhance Hand2 pre-mRNA splicing and pathological hypertrophy

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Field‐Driven Electron Spillover across ZnO Facets

ABSTRACT Efficient spatial separation of photogenerated charge carriers remains a formidable challenge in photocatalysis. Here, we employ in situ Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) to reveal unexpected electron accumulation on nonpolar {010} facets in wurtzite ZnO platelets (N‐ZnO), which represents a dynamic “electron spillover” process beyond static facet confinement. Crucially, femtosecond transient absorption (fs‐TA) spectroscopy directly captures interfacial electron transfer from polar Zn‐terminated (0001) facets (Zn‐ZnO) to N‐ZnO with a lifetime of 60.82 ps. However, electrons spilling over from Zn‐ZnO to N‐ZnO recombine with the photogenerated holes inherent to N‐ZnO, thereby turning it into a recombination center. Guided by this insight, we construct a dual‐cocatalyst architecture (AuZnOCo): Au is selectively anchored on N‐ZnO and Zn‐ZnO to extract electrons, and Co 3 O 4 is deposited on O‐terminated (000) facets (O‐ZnO) to trap holes. The loading of dual cocatalysts promotes charge separation and suppresses this electron spillover‑induced recombination. Quantitative analysis reveals ≈3739 holes localized on O‐ZnO, ≈1771 electrons on Zn‐ZnO, and ≈812 electrons on N‐ZnO in AuZnOCo, while the electron diffusion length ( L ) increases from 81.41 to 121.77 nm. This work deciphers the spatiotemporal resolution of charge‐carrier dynamics, offering a blueprint for rationally engineering anisotropic photocatalysts.

Chiral Cages With Asymmetric π‐Clefts Enable Catalytic Enantioconvergent S _N 1 Transformation via Synergistic Cation–π and Anion–π Interactions

ABSTRACT Understanding and exploiting noncovalent interactions are essential for advancing chemical transformations and catalysis. While both cation–π and anion–π interactions have attracted growing attention, their deliberate use as a dominant design element remains elusive. Here, we present an ion–π catalysis strategy employing both π interactions as the key driving force to steer challenging stereoselective carbocation transformation, enabling catalytic enantioconvergent S N 1 reactions. Through straightforward one‐pot synthesis, we efficiently constructed a series of chiral cages composed solely of aromatic units, featuring electron‐rich asymmetric π clefts and electron‐deficient π exterior surfaces. This all‐π system leverages strong cation–π interactions to trap and stabilize carbocation intermediates within its chiral V‐cleft, while simultaneously engaging the counteranion via anion–π interactions on its exterior surface. This synergistic π network drives a highly enantioconvergent S N 1 process, enabling asymmetric allylation of propargyl acetates to form congested quaternary stereocenters. This system shows considerable sensitivity to subtle electronic and steric changes, resembling enzymatic behavior. This work provides a strategic approach for harnessing noncovalent π interactions to address challenging transformations.

Safety-aware transformer-enhanced unified multi-task perception for road anomaly detection, drivable area segmentation and lane estimation

Structural insights into the MLH1–FAN1 interaction reveal an uncharacterized binding interface on MLH1

Abstract Huntington’s disease is driven by CAG repeat expansion in the mutant huntingtin gene. Nuclease FAN1 and mismatch repair protein MLH1 regulate repeat expansion through direct interaction, but the underlying structural basis remains unclear. Here, we show that the MLH1 C-terminal domain binds to FAN1-derived peptides containing either the MIP or MIM motif with comparable affinities. Crystal structures of this domain bound to each motif provide structural insights into human MLH1–FAN1 interaction, revealing a conserved mechanism for FAN1-MIP recognition and a previously unrecognized binding site on MLH1, termed the S3 site, for FAN1-MIM engagement. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that mutation of key MLH1 residues disrupts FAN1 binding in cells. These findings establish the molecular basis of MLH1–FAN1 recognition and provide a structural framework for understanding the regulation of CAG repeat expansion in Huntington’s disease.

Suppressing Interfacial‐Accelerated Degradation in Perovskite Solar Cells via Supramolecular Co‐Assembly

ABSTRACT Metal halide perovskites exhibit exceptional optoelectronic properties, but the perovskite/organic hole‐transport layer interface often accelerates device degradation under thermal and illumination stress. Single‐component interlayers are insufficient to prevent this coupled interfacial failure, leading to simultaneous destabilization of both the perovskite absorber and doped Spiro‐OMeTAD. Here, we report a carbazole‐derived supramolecular co‐assembly composed of ammonium‐functionalized (CzPACl) and flexible oligo(ethylene glycol) (CzOEG) monomers that simultaneously passivates the perovskite surface and stabilizes the adjacent Spiro‐OMeTAD layer. The resulting nanosheet interlayer suppresses non‐radiative recombination, mitigates ionic migration, and preserves the concentration of Spiro‐OMeTAD radical cations, enhancing interfacial wettability and mechanical compliance. Perovskite solar cells incorporating this co‐assembled layer achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.8% and retain over 90% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h of continuous illumination or over 80% after 1000 h of aging at 85°C. This work highlights supramolecular co‐assembly as a rational strategy to suppress coupled interfacial degradation pathways, providing a general approach for stabilizing perovskite optoelectronic devices.

Dynamic Covalent Se─Se Bonds Enable Mechanically Adaptive Selenium Crystals

ABSTRACT Dynamic covalent chemistry has enabled adaptive behavior in organic polymer networks and molecular crystals, yet analogous control in inorganic crystalline solids remains largely unexplored. Here we show that elemental selenium can operate as a dynamic covalent inorganic crystal, whose architectural and functional adaptability arises from dynamic covalent Se─Se bonds within the trigonal selenium backbone. External mechanical (or optical) stimuli drive Se─Se bond cleavage and reformation, mediating structural reconfiguration of the crystalline framework. Embedding selenium in a crosslinked polymer matrix creates a mechanically programmable environment that exerts real‐time and persistent mechanical signals in situ. Under this chemo‑mechanical coupling, crystal branching frequency and three‐dimensional architecture respond to matrix stiffness and external light, and these translate directly into tunable dielectric behavior in polymer‐selenium composites. This work expands dynamic covalent chemistry from organic to inorganic crystalline materials, and reveals dynamic covalent inorganic crystals as a new class of adaptive materials.

Enhanced angiogenetic and proliferative effects of remote ischemic conditioning following esophageal resection and anastomosis in a rat model

Endosteal integrin-α8⁺ mesenchymal stem cells maintain haematopoietic stem cell function via extracellular matrix-mediated interactions

Abstract The stem cell niche is a specialised microenvironment essential for maintaining haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Here we identify a distinct subset of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressing integrin α8 (Itga8⁺ MSCs) within the bone marrow (BM) endosteum. These cells exhibit distinct MSC properties and higher haematopoietic supportive activity than other MSC subsets. Depletion of Itga8⁺ MSCs decreased HSC numbers, reduced quiescence of endosteal HSCs and diminished BM repopulating capacity. Itga8⁺ MSCs support haematopoiesis through cell adhesion-related mechanisms. Single-cell RNA sequencing further identified Itga8⁺ MSCs as a distinct subpopulation within bone-lining cells. Moreover, we identified Mfap4 as a candidate factor expressed in Itga8⁺ MSCs, and Mfap4 supported the BM reconstitution capacity of HSCs. These results suggest that Itga8⁺ MSCs represent a distinct niche cell population for HSC maintenance. This work provides new insights into HSC regulation and strategies to optimise in vitro HSC maintenance and enhance in vivo engraftment.

Stacking the Deck to Make Materials With Atypically Short Heterometallic <i>d</i> ⁸ M(II)···Au(III) Bonds

ABSTRACT The first Pt II ···Au III metallophilic interaction is reported in K 4 [Pt(CN) 4 ][Au(CN) 4 ]Cl·6H 2 O, which consists of a 1D chain of stacking [Pt(CN) 4 ] 2− and [Au(CN) 4 ] − units bridged by potassium cations, with extremely short Pt II ···Au III distances of 3.0024(4) and 3.0057(4) Å at 80 K. The chloride ions and water molecules are bound to the potassium cation. Addition of KCl to the reaction mixture is necessary for the metallophilic Pt II ···Au III chain to assemble. The isostructural [Pd(CN) 4 ] 2− and [Ni(CN) 4 ] 2− analogs can be rationally synthesized in a similar manner, which feature the first Pd II ···Au III and Ni II ···Au III interactions, with the Ni II analog having the shortest metal‐metal distances of 2.968(3) and 2.978(3) Å. The bromide versions of all compounds were also synthesized by substituting KBr for KCl in the reaction mixture. 195 Pt solid‐state NMR of the title compound revealed highly anisotropic, axially symmetric magnetic shielding which resembles that found in systems with Pt II ···Pt II interactions, such as K 2 [Pt(CN) 4 ]·H 2 O. The Pd II and Pt II analogs are emissive, with λ max of 555 and 570 nm. Theoretical calculations indicate that the positive charge of the K + ions effectively neutralizes the electrostatic repulsion between the cyanometallates, resulting in significant metal‐based donor‐acceptor interactions. These novel d 8 ··· d 8 interactions provide a conceptual framework for the rational design of future metallophilic compounds.

Water-rich environments trigger coal instability risks via dynamic energy evolution and microscopic damage mechanisms

Dipeptidyl peptidase 3 sets the threshold for immune activation and survival during experimental bacterial infection

Anode for Nanoparticles, Cathode for Alloy: A Dual‐Functional Electrochemical Strategy for Spent ITO Upcycling

ABSTRACT The production and disposal of indium tin oxide (ITO) targets are rapidly increasing with the expansion of cutting‐edge optoelectronic and display technologies. To reduce reliance on indium (In) resources, there is an urgent need to develop efficient recycling strategies for spent ITO (s‐ITO). Here, we propose a facile electrochemical recovery approach in which s‐ITO serves as both the anode and cathode in Na 2 SO 4 solution. This dual‐function system enables selective anode conversion of s‐ITO into nanoscale Sn‐doped In 2 O 3 particles and cathode electro‐deoxidation into an In–Sn alloy, delivering an overall current‐utilization efficiency exceeding “120%.” Combined experiments and density functional theory (DFT) reveal fundamentally differentiated electrode pathways: anodic conversion proceeds through lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) deconstruction with oxygen‐vacancy formation and structural destabilization, whereas cathodic recovery is governed by oxygen removal and in situ alloying. The process remains stable under 150 A scale‐up electrolysis over eight cycles, with the anode enabling parallel recovery and the cathode enabling recovery toward the In–Sn alloy. These findings establish a mechanism‐informed, acid‐free, and dual‐functional route for the closed‐loop upcycling of s‐ITO.

Managing Lattice Strain Enables Irreversible Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Transformation of Covalent Organic Frameworks

ABSTRACT Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) typically rely on reversible covalent chemistry to achieve crystallinity, whereas irreversible and rigid linkages are generally required to achieve enhanced robustness and extended π‐conjugation. Single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) transformation offers a promising route to access such frameworks; however, irreversible bond reconfiguration imposes permanent mechanical strain that often disrupts lattice order. Here, we demonstrate sulfur‐assisted SCSC transformation of imine‐linked COFs into rigid benzothiazole‐linked frameworks with experimentally resolved atomic structures. Time‐resolved structural analyses uncover two distinct stress‐accommodation pathways‐cooperative lattice adaptation and stress‐driven transient domain reconstruction that enable irreversible bond fusion while preserving long‐range crystallographic order. The resulting single‐crystalline thiazole‐linked COFs exhibit enhanced chemical stability, rigidified pore architectures, and improved optoelectronic performance. This study establishes a mechanistic framework for managing lattice strain during irreversible covalent transformation and provides a general design principle for constructing structurally robust crystalline polymers.

Engineered hepatic cells with stable expansion and heat-inducible liver function

Embodied cognition-driven interpretable trajectory prediction of autonomous systems

Abstract For autonomous systems to operate safely and reliably in dense traffic, they must perform trajectory prediction with human-like, interpretable reasoning. Prevailing data-driven “black-box” models fundamentally lack this capability. This research proposes a paradigm shift toward embodied intelligence, unifying cognitive science principles into a hierarchical framework: a Scene Attention Mechanism for threat prioritization, Social Impact Theory-driven graphs for intent inference, and a physics-compliant Social Force Model. Experimental results demonstrate that our framework reduces average displacement error by 42% and Final Displacement Error by 40% compared to existing state-of-the-art models on ETH and UCY, while enabling near-real-time inference (0.003 s). Crucially, the model’s interpretable architecture, which is validated through risk-sensitive heatmaps and graph visualizations, reveals how agents dynamically balance safety, efficiency, and socio-cultural norms. Beyond performance gains, this work constructs an interpretable bridge between computational models and human cognitive science, laying a foundation for trustworthy autonomous systems.

Molecular Lubricant Mitigates Self‐Assembled Monolayer Aggregation in Perovskite Photovoltaics

ABSTRACT Molecular aggregation in self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) remains a critical bottleneck for inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), particularly at buried interfaces where this phenomenon induces detrimental defects that severely compromise photovoltaic performance and operational stability. Addressing this challenge requires the development of novel functional materials capable of precisely regulating molecular packing in SAMs and suppressing their aggregation, which is a key research direction for enhancing device efficiency and durability. Herein, we introduce 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF 4 ), an ionic liquid employed as a molecular lubricant that effectively suppresses SAM aggregation through steric‐electrostatic dual modulation. The steric hindrance exerted by BMIMBF 4 physically prevents close packing of adjacent SAM molecules, while its ionized moieties form electrostatic shielding that disrupts π–π stacking interactions and reduces micellar dimensions. Consequently, the fabricated PSCs deliver a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.82% and retain 92.3% of their initial efficiency after 800 h of continuous operation at 85°C under AM 1.5G illumination. This work presents the novel concept of molecular lubricants that suppress SAM aggregation via synergistic steric and electrostatic modulation, enabling uniform and densely packed SAM anchoring for high‐performance PSCs.

Biomechanical constraints of excessive adiposity on smartphone-derived directional acceleration and dynamic balance during unilateral sit-to-stand transitions in young adults