Browse Articles

Proximity of parks to polluting sites in the United States

Wide‐Bandgap Subcells for Tandem Solar Cells: From Metal Halides to Metal Chalcogenides and Metal Chalcohalides

ABSTRACT Efficient wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have propelled the rapid advancement of perovskite (PVK) tandem solar cells (TSCs). However, their commercialization remains impeded by the intrinsic instability of WBG PSCs, particularly under high‐temperature maximum power point tracking conditions, underscoring the urgent need to develop robust, high‐performance WBG top‐cell materials. Here, we first summarize strategies to enhance the device performance of mainstream WBG metal halide PSCs, highlighting advances achieved through interface engineering, additive engineering, and related approaches. Then we evaluate the potential of metal chalcogenides solar cells as top‐cell candidates, identifying their high processing temperatures as a key factor that constrains their integration in TSCs. Finally, we propose metal chalcohalides as promising top‐cell materials for TSCs, owing to their suitable bandgaps, low toxicity, superior stability, and moderate processing temperatures. This review aims to provide design guidelines for the development of next‐generation WBG top‐cell materials in TSCs.

Association between light BioAge and cognitive impairment risk in middle-aged and elderly people: a retrospective cohort study

Electro‐ and Photocatalytic C─X Bond Coupling in Valorization of Waste Plastics/Biomass: Reaction Mechanism and Catalyst Engineering

ABSTRACT Electro‐ and photocatalytic carbon─heteroatom (C─N/S) coupling has opened an emerging avenue for upgrading waste plastic/biomass‐derived feedstocks into value‐added nitrogen‐ and sulfur‐containing chemicals, such as amides, amino acids, and organosulfur compounds. However, this process is hindered by complex reaction networks, competing side reactions, and unstable active sites, which compromise activity, selectivity, and long‐term stability. Overcoming these challenges requires a fundamental understanding of catalytic mechanisms and rational catalyst design to achieve efficient substrate activation and optimized intermediate management. However, a systematic review specifically addressing the transformation of waste plastics/biomass into C─X compounds remains lacking to date. To fill this gap, this review summarizes recent advances in electro‐ and photocatalytic C─X coupling reactions for the valorization of waste plastics/biomass, focusing on the design of synergistic active sites, the control of reactive intermediates, mechanistic elucidations, and large‐scale production design. Furthermore, we evaluate the economic feasibility and environmental benefits of such strategies through techno‐economic analysis and life‐cycle assessment. Finally, key challenges in process integration and scale‐up are discussed, outlining future directions to advance these technologies toward practical implementation in a circular carbon economy.

Handedness and self-regulation in the early years

Abstract Evidence shows that non-right-handed children are more likely to present with neurodevelopmental conditions compared to their peers, possibly because of brain lateralization differences. This, in turn, suggests that atypical cognitive abilities may explain this elevated risk. We explored whether non-right-handed children exhibit atypical patterns of self-regulation, an ability related to both cognitive and emotional development ( N  = 11,147, 50.19% girls). We used longitudinal data from the UK’s Millennium Cohort Study, a large and representative birth cohort. Self-regulation was assessed at ages 3, 5, and 7 with two parent-completed subscales of the Child Social Behaviour Questionnaire: independence self-regulation (related to cognitive self-regulation) and emotional dysregulation. Handedness (hand preference for writing) was reported by children at age 14 (a retrospective measure). We fitted linear growth curve models to examine if handedness predicts children’s cognitive and emotion regulation trajectories, adjusting for covariates. While handedness was not related to emotional dysregulation, being non-right-handed predicted lower cognitive self-regulation. Effects sizes were very small. In the sensitivity analysis excluding the mixed-handers from the non-right-handed group, this finding was not replicated. Overall, this study suggests that lower cognitive self-regulation might account for the higher risks that mixed-handed children face in their development, but also that left-handed and right-handed children show similar cognitive and emotional regulation in the early years.

Deterministic Nucleation of Nanocrystal Superlattices on 2D Perovskites for Light‐Funneling Heterostructures

ABSTRACT Semiconductor heterostructures that combine components with different dimensionalities provide an interesting avenue to manipulate the physical properties of the resulting material. Two‐dimensional lead halide perovskites crystallize as flat microcrystals and have efficient in‐plane exciton mobility, while perovskite nanocrystals are efficient emitters with a tunable bandgap that can self‐assemble into microscopic superlattices. However, combining such intricate architectures into heterostructures has been challenging due to the mismatch in solubility and difficult transfer procedures. Here, we realize heterostructures where CsPbBr 3 nanocrystal superlattices are deterministically grown along the faces of PEA 2 PbBr 4 2D layered perovskite microcrystals. The growth can either be limited to the lateral faces of the microcrystals and result in core–crown epitaxial heterostructures, or extended to the vertical direction leading to core–shell‐like structures. We demonstrate that these heterostructures can be employed as efficient light‐harvesting systems. In fact, energy can be transferred from the 2D microcrystal domain to the superlattices, enabling switching between linear and nonlinear carrier recombination regimes by tuning the excitation fluence. Moreover, by exploiting the lifetime shortening of CsPbBr 3 nanocrystal emission upon sample cooling, we ensure that energy transfer occurs after the biexcitonic and single‐excitonic decays of the nanocrystals, effectively extending the radiative life time of the superlattices.

Qualitative and quantitative change of fatty acid profile in water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) as a factor influencing survival at low temperatures

Spin‐Orientation Modulation of Topology and Transport in a Breathing‐Kagome Weyl Magnet

ABSTRACT The manipulation over diverse topological matters has become a critical demand for advancing quantum devices and topological spintronics. However, such experimental demonstrations remain scarce. Here, based on a novel breathing kagome magnetic Weyl semimetal LaCrGe 3 , we realize a spin‐rotation driven Weyl state evolution under the control of an external magnetic field. While the breathing of kagome lattice is revealed to boost the desired topologic state, the predicted Weyl points are observed around the Fermi level via angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy, and are further corroborated by transport effects of chiral‐anomaly‐related negative magnetoresistance and large anomalous Hall conductivity. By rotating the external magnetic field, we demonstrated that the reorientation of magnetic moments can drive the motion of Weyl points in momentum space, which is characterized by a highly tunable angle‐dependent Hall response. Our study presents a modulation of both topology and transport via spin orientation that offers fundamental insights for developing next‐generation spin‐based functional devices based on topological physics.

Modelling of multisegmental osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture using machine learning to analyse and predict risk factors

Ionizable Lipid‐Dependent Optimization of Steroid Lipid Nanoparticles With Tunable Immunomodulatory Properties

ABSTRACT Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a leading platform for nucleic acid delivery, yet their intrinsic adjuvanticity poses a significant materials design challenge for applications requiring immunological quiescence. Here, we report a modular engineering strategy that incorporates FDA‐approved corticosteroids into LNP formulations, creating a new class of steroid LNPs with tunable anti‐inflammatory properties. Through systematic screening of steroid and cholesterol substitution ratios, we establish structure–property relationships governing mRNA encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical characteristics, and inflammation suppression. Triamcinolone (TRI) emerges as our lead steroid, with 50% cholesterol substitution in SM‐102 LNPs preserving physicochemical characteristics. Importantly, we show that optimal substitution ratios are ionizable lipid‐dependent—80% for MC3 and 50% for SM‐102 and ALC‐0315—revealing fundamental design principles for these dual‐functional LNPs. In an endotoxemia mouse model, TRI LNPs administered intramuscularly maintain mRNA delivery efficacy while reducing inflammatory cytokines by ∼4‐fold compared to SM‐102 LNPs. In a multiple sclerosis mouse model, TRI LNPs delivering therapeutic mRNA promote antigen‐specific tolerance in spinal cord tissue and protect against paralysis. Compared to SM‐102 LNPs, TRI LNPs reduce inflammatory cytokines by ∼3‐fold and prolong protection against paralysis. Together, our work introduces a generalizable materials design strategy for engineering LNPs with tunable immunomodulatory properties to expand their therapeutic utility.

Expression of MDR1 and P-glycoprotein in acute myeloid leukemia and their association with clinical parameters

Abstract Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major obstacle in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is frequently associated with the overexpression of the MDR1 gene and its protein product, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). The present study aimed to evaluate MDR1 gene expression and P-glycoprotein levels in AML patients and to investigate their relationships with selected clinical and molecular parameters. This study was conducted in Diyarbakır, Türkiye, and included 45 newly diagnosed AML patients and 20 healthy controls. MDR1 mRNA expression was analyzed using real-time PCR, while P-glycoprotein expression was evaluated by flow cytometry before and after chemotherapy. Both MDR1 gene expression and P-gp levels were higher in AML patients compared with healthy controls. P-glycoprotein positivity was detected in approximately 60–65% of the patients, and MDR1 expression was observed in the majority of AML cases. Comparison of MDR1 expression before and after chemotherapy demonstrated that MDR1 levels increased in 30 of 45 patients (67.5%), whereas decreased expression was observed in 15 patients (32.5%). Higher MDR1 and P-glycoprotein levels were also observed in patients who died during the follow-up period compared with surviving patients. In addition, gender-based analysis showed that MDR1 gene expression and P-glycoprotein levels tended to be higher in male patients, whereas FLT3-ITD mutation frequency appeared to be higher among female patients. Because AML-M3 patients received a distinct treatment regimen, a separate descriptive subgroup analysis was performed. The AML-M3 subgroup ( n  = 6) demonstrated heterogeneous changes in MDR1 gene expression and P-glycoprotein expression following treatment. No significant correlations were identified between MDR1/P-gp expression and blast percentage, white blood cell count, or FLT3-ITD mutation status. These findings suggest that MDR1 expression and P-glycoprotein are commonly observed in AML and may be associated with multidrug resistance. When interpreted together with established clinical and molecular parameters, these biomarkers may provide complementary information regarding treatment resistance in AML. However, these findings should be interpreted in light of the relatively small AML-M3 subgroup and require validation in larger, prospective studies.

Universal Upcycling of Spent Cathodes Into Lithium Donors for High‐Performance and Resilient Batteries

ABSTRACT Conventional direct regeneration struggles to restore the electrochemical performance of spent cathodes, particularly long‐term cycling stability, and this challenge is amplified for unsorted mixed waste streams. Instead of restoring reversible electrochemical activity, we develop a universal reversible‐to‐sacrificial strategy that converts spent cathode materials into transition metal/Li 2 O nanocomposites as efficient sacrificial lithium sources with negligible gas evolution during initial charge. This transformation is achieved by coating spent cathode powders onto commercial separators, followed by contact lithiation with thick lithium foil at room temperature, creating a lithium‐donating separator. Unlike conventional direct‐contact prelithiation methods relying on ultrathin lithium foils that are difficult to fabricate and handle and may damage electrodes, our separator‐based approach enables the use of thick lithium foil while avoiding electrode degradation. Full cells incorporating this functional separator exhibit markedly improved electrochemical performance, especially reversible capacity and cycling stability. Moreover, the modified separator enhances cell resilience under zero‐voltage storage and over‐discharge conditions by serving as a lithium buffer, stabilizing the absolute potentials of both electrodes against detrimental deviation. This strategy is applicable to representative cathode chemistries and mixed cathode waste streams, providing a scalable route for battery recycling and lithium replenishment.

FAM19A5 negatively regulates cutaneous wound healing via PPARD-dependent inhibition of keratinocyte migration

Bioinspired Adaptive Surfaces for Intelligent Liquid Manipulation: Progressing From Passive and Active to Hybrid Strategies

ABSTRACT Natural surfaces demonstrate sophisticated liquid manipulation through passive interfacial energy landscapes, whereas active systems rely on external stimuli for dynamic control. Bringing these strategies offers a promising route to balance energy efficiency with adaptive control. This review first outlines the principles of passive strategies and externally actuated active methods, and then critically assesses emerging hybrid approaches. Hybrid strategies utilize external energy to program the interfacial properties of passive surfaces, after which liquid motion proceeds without continuous energy input, driven by the stored interfacial energy of reconstructed surfaces. This approach, combining passive energy efficiency with active flexibility, could address the trade‐off between low energy consumption and adaptable liquid manipulation. Emerging applications are further discussed across sustainable energy, environmental science, thermal management, smart manufacturing, and healthcare engineering, with guidance on selecting appropriate liquid manipulation strategies for different application scenarios. Finally, perspectives are provided on energy acquisition, material innovation, design methodologies, and system integration, envisioning a technological framework in which passive, active, and hybrid strategies advance in parallel as complementary pillars to accelerate the translation of liquid manipulation surfaces from laboratory discoveries to real‐world applications.

Long-term psychobiological stress responses following soft political repression

Abstract The sociopolitical environment can act as a potent stressor with significant consequences for health and well-being. Of increasing global relevance in this context is soft political repression, including denunciation and surveillance, which is employed to prevent oppositional behavior while minimizing international attention. Although common in authoritarian regimes, including the former German Democratic Republic (GDR; 1949–1990), little is known about its psychobiological health consequences. We examined 100 individuals raised in the GDR (49 exposed to repression, 51 matched controls) to investigate stress responses, a key pathway to long-term health. Participants completed questionnaires and, if health-related inclusion criteria were met and they felt able to complete the task, underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST; repression n  = 29, controls n  = 46). Subjective stress, cortisol, heart rate, and heart rate variability were assessed. The repression group reported higher stress, but did not differ from controls in physiological measures. Subgroup analyses showed that repression participants who declined attending the TSST exhibited elevated symptoms of distress, anxiety, depression and trauma, whereas completers were comparable to controls. Our findings suggest differential long-term consequences of soft political repression, with preliminary evidence for both vulnerable and resilient groups and raise broader methodological questions regarding the ecological validity of laboratory-based stress research in vulnerable groups.

Electron‐Rich Cores Empower Organic C‐Shaped Dyes With Emission Peaking Around 1000 nm, 14.3% PLQY, and >3% EQE in OLEDs

ABSTRACT We establish a molecular design blueprint for highly emissive, metal‐free organic NIR emitters by integrating an electron‐rich S,N‐heteroacene core into a C‐shaped architecture, affording CT‐F, and further extending this framework through selenium incorporation to generate the S,Se,N‐heteroacene‐based CT‐Se and CT‐2Se. This molecular architecture synergistically enhances intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) while suppressing internal reorganization energy through increased molecular rigidity. The optimized CT‐F dye achieves a solid‐state photoluminescence quantum yield of 14.3% at 970 nm. Incorporation of CT‐Se into a hyperfluorescent OLED employing a transfer‐printed sensitizer and balanced charge injection yields an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3.07% at 1000 nm, whereas introducing an additional PM6 buffer layer enables relay‐type interfacial energy transfer, elevating the EQE to 3.56% at 995 nm. Comprehensive mechanistic studies reveal that electron‐rich core–driven ICT modulation, molecular rigidification with controlled stacking, asymmetric vibronic coupling regulation, and balanced intrinsic charge transport cooperatively establish an omnidirectional optimization strategy for achieving high‐efficiency organic OLEDs peaking around 1000 nm and extending into the NIR‐II region.

Application of quantum machine learning in NBA game outcome analysis

High‐Quality Photoplethysmography Signal Enabled by Narrowband Red Phosphor Converted Light‐Emitting Diodes for Accurate Blood‐Pressure Monitoring

ABSTRACT Photoplethysmography (PPG) is widely used for noninvasive cardiovascular monitoring, yet raw‐signal quality is often limited by the broadband emission and thermal spectral drift of conventional red LEDs, increasing reliance on complex downstream processing. Here, we develop a red light source by integrating an Rb 2 LiGaF 6 :Mn 4+ (RLGF:Mn 4+ ) microcrystal phosphor with a blue InGaN chip to form a narrowband phosphor‐converted LED (pc‐LED, FWHM = 13.4 nm) as a replacement for a commercial red module. The crystallized RLGF:Mn 4+ microcrystals deliver a high external quantum efficiency (EQE = 52%) and enable clearer structure–emission correlation via experimentally resolved dual‐site Mn 4+ emission. The resulting pc‐LED exhibits high electro‐optical efficiency (η = 32.03%) and minimal thermal spectral drift (peak shift ≤ 0.3 nm from 20°C–100°C). Using this narrowband, thermally stable light source in a wearable PPG prototype, we quantitatively demonstrate improved signal quality and more stable VPG/APG feature localization compared with a commercial red module. Finally, we provide a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of blood‐pressure estimation by lightly training a basic convolutional neural network, achieving mean absolute errors of 2.86 mmHg for SBP and 2.40 mmHg for DBP on an independent test set. This work establishes a materials‐to‐device pathway for improving PPG quality through optical spectral engineering.

Association of estimated glucose disposal rate with incident stroke in circadian syndrome: a prospective cohort study

A Zwitterionic Azo Posolyte for Long‐Lifetime Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries

ABSTRACT A growing share of variable renewable generation requires low‐cost, long‐duration grid‐level energy storage. Aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) offer tunable molecular chemistry and scalable flow architecture; acidic systems enable high power and leverage mature vanadium‐flow hardware. A central challenge is designing posolytes that combine high redox potential, solubility, capacity density, and stability. Here, we report a two‐electron azo‐based zwitterionic molecule 4,4′‐azo‐bis(1‐pyridinium‐3‐propane‐sulfonate) (ABPS) that addresses these constraints through intrinsic structural features. The zwitterionic character dramatically enhances water solubility (1.30 M in 2.0 M H 2 SO 4 ) while maintaining overall electroneutrality, thereby intrinsically reducing molecule crossover and suppressing capacity decay during cycling. Symmetric cell testing confirms outstanding stability over 3800 cycles (∼100 days) with an average coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.98% and nearly zero capacity loss (0.198% year −1 ). In the full cell demonstration, ABPS delivers a high voltage of 1.14 V (paired with V 2+/3+ ). A capacity density of 48.5 Ah L −1 and the corresponding posolyte energy density of 55.3 Wh L −1 are achieved (1.0 M molecule concentration), and an ultralow capacity decay rate of 0.084% year −1 over 1100 h of operation. The rational design of azo‐based zwitterionic structure thus offers a promising universal route to durable, high‐power acidic AORFB posolytes.