Browse Articles

Bio‐Inspired Gating‐Controlled Electronic Skin for Ultrafast Liquid Recognition and Precise Droplet Sliding Sensing in Robotic Intelligence

ABSTRACT Endowing intelligent robots with the ability to perceive and analyze complex liquid environments is essential for autonomous decision‐making. However, conventional liquid‐sensing technologies remain constrained by a fundamental trade‐off between transient response and recognition accuracy, a limitation stemming from the sluggish kinetics of interfacial charge transfer and complex analytical procedures. Herein, we present a bionic liquid‐sensing electronic skin (BLSE) inspired by the gating‐controlled signal transduction mechanism of ion channels on the surface of biological sensory cells. By emulating the transient signal transduction of ion channels, BLSE achieves instantaneous reconstruction of electronic pathways triggered by the contact between low‐impedance droplets and the high‐impedance sensing array. This design enables an ultrafast response and recovery time of 1.8 ms. To ensure stability in complex liquid environments, a superhydrophobic coating with a contact angle of 159° is integrated, minimizing interfacial adhesion to allow instantaneous functional recovery and stable cyclic sensing. By coupling a multi‐layer interlaced electrode network with deep learning algorithms for multi‐channel feature extraction, BLSE demonstrates a liquid recognition accuracy of 99.58% and the ability to precisely detect droplet sliding. This gating‐inspired sensing paradigm offers a versatile strategy for liquid recognition, paving the way for developing intelligent autonomous systems capable of human‐like environmental awareness.

Mediator Design for Coupled Electrochemical‐Chemical Reaction

ABSTRACT Electrochemical synthesis exploits electrode‐supplied electrons or holes as tunable redox equivalents. However, conventional electrocatalytic processes require electron transfer, substrate activation, and subsequent chemical conversion to all occur within the same electrode/electrolyte interfacial region. This interface‐confined paradigm increasingly restricts complex molecular synthesis, as multistep transformations require precise kinetic coupling unsustainable at a single interface. Coupled electrochemical–chemical reaction (CECR) systems overcome this limitation by employing redox mediators that functionally decouple electrode electron input from downstream substrate conversion. In these systems, the electrode generates, regenerates, or modulates active mediator states that relay charge, direct radical reactivity, or serve as electrophilic/nucleophilic units, forming target products via chemical steps away from the electrode surface. This review proposes a mediator‐centric paradigm for the rational design of CECR. We first examine the prerequisites for efficient CECR operation from thermodynamic, kinetic, and mediator‐design perspectives, focusing on driving force redistribution, rate‐space coordination, and the required properties of mediator molecules. Subsequently, based on the dominant role of the mediator in key transformations, we classify CECR mechanisms into three primary modes: electron‐transfer mediation, radical‐relay processes, and electrophilic/nucleophilic activation. This review aims to shift CECR from empirical reaction discovery toward mechanism‐guided electrosynthesis, enabling the preparation of high‐value chemicals.

Azobenzene's Cross‐Scale Optics and Photonics: Molecular Photoswitching, Mesoscopic Material Motions, and Adaptive Devices

ABSTRACT Azobenzene is a widely studied molecular photoswitch that converts light absorption into reversible E/Z isomerization and, when embedded in soft or ordered media, into optical, mechanical, thermal, transport, and bioadaptive functions. This review examines azobenzene optics and photonics through a cross‐scale structure‐property‐function framework. We first summarize the mechanistic landscape of trans–cis isomerization, including π–π* and n–π* excitation, ultrafast relaxation pathways, and molecular design rules that tune absorption wavelength, quantum yield, photostationary state (PSS), and cis‐ state lifetime. We then connect single‐molecule switching to collective responses in azobenzene‐containing materials, including photoalignment and all‐optical poling, stress‐driven surface patterning in amorphous polymers, photomechanics in liquid‐crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) and liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), and phase‐transition‐based responses. On this basis, we organize applications according to their dominant device functions: information processing and reconfigurable photonics, dynamic liquid crystals (LCs) and adaptive optical devices, molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage, mechanical motion and soft robotics, mechanically enabled processing, bioadaptive transport, and opto/iontronic interfaces. The Review emphasizes quantitative links between molecular orientation, stress generation, and macroscopic deformation, and highlights how modeling and materials design can improve visible/red‐light operation, fatigue resistance, penetration depth, manufacturability, and device integration. We close by outlining challenges and opportunities for durable, scalable, and multifunctional azobenzene‐based adaptive photonic matter.

Hydrogen Radicals Enable an Alternative Kinetic Pathway for H ₂ O ₂ Photosynthesis through Dual Redox Site Regulation of Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer

ABSTRACT Artificial photosynthesis offers a sustainable route for hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production, yet its efficiency is fundamentally limited by the kinetic decoupling of proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) during oxygen reduction. Here, we demonstrate that hydrogen radicals (H•) enable an alternative kinetic pathway for H 2 O 2 formation by accelerating the conversion of *OOH intermediates. This mechanism is realized through dual redox site regulation in Cu and O co‐modified Zn 3 In 2 S 6 (denoted as O/Cu‐ZIS). The introduction of Cu dopants increases hole density in the Zn─S layers, accelerating water oxidation kinetics and facilitating interfacial proton availability for oxygen reduction, while oxygen incorporation modulates the electronic structure of the In–S layer to promote electron transport, enhance O 2 activation, and weaken the interaction between protons and S sites. Quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy support the participation of H• in the conversion of *OOH intermediates, providing an additional kinetic channel beyond conventional PCET. Finally, O/Cu‐ZIS achieves a H 2 O 2 production rate of 167.1 µmol g −1 min −1 from pure H 2 O and O 2 , markedly exceeds most state‐of‐the‐art photocatalysts. This work establishes H• as active intermediates in photocatalytic H 2 O 2 evolution and provides a strategy for regulating PCET via dual redox site design.

Multidimensional Feature Tuning in Category Selective Areas of Human Visual Cortex

Two prominent accounts describe the functional organization of human high-level visual cortex. A categorical view emphasizes category-selective areas, while a dimensional view highlights continuous feature maps spanning these areas. Here, we asked whether these two views reflect complementary expressions of the same underlying organization. Using a data-driven decomposition of fMRI responses from human participants (female and male) in face-, body-, and scene-selective areas, we identified spatially overlapping activity patterns that were shared across individuals. Each area encoded multiple interpretable dimensions capturing both finer within-category and coarser between-category distinctions, even in the most category-selective voxels. These dimensions formed distinct clusters within category-selective areas but extended as distributed maps across visual cortex. Together, these findings reveal an underlying organization that links category-selective areas to continuous feature maps, thereby reconciling categorical and dimensional accounts of high-level visual cortex.

Importance of Inclusion of Representative Populations in Pivotal Clinical Trials: Zolbetuximab as an Example

High‐Triplet‐Energy Ancillary‐Ligand Regulation of Dual‐Antenna Eu(III) Scintillators: Near‐Unity PLQY for 3D X‐Ray Videography

ABSTRACT Eu(III) complex scintillators, benefiting from efficient triplet‐exciton utilization and strong x‐ray absorption, are promising candidates for advanced x‐ray detection and imaging. However, current design strategies for dual‐antenna Eu(III) complex scintillators primarily prioritize low‐triplet‐energy primary ligands, whereas the energetic and mechanistic roles of high‐triplet‐energy ancillary ligands remain insufficiently explored. Herein, we present a systematic study on ancillary‐ligand‐regulated scintillation in dual‐antenna Eu(III) complex scintillators. Using dibenzoylmethane (DBM) as the primary ligand and three high‐triplet‐energy arylphosphine oxides as ancillary ligands, a series of Eu(DBM) 3 (L) complexes (L = Dpepo, Xpo, Dppbo) were constructed. Among them, Eu(DBM) 3 (Dppbo) exhibits a near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield of 98.5% and an ultrahigh relative light yield of 61737 photons MeV −1 . This outstanding performance arises from triplet‐energy matching between the Dppbo and DBM that enhances ligand‐ligand charge transfer, together with increased ligand rigidity and ordered π–π stacking that suppresses nonradiative decay and facilitates charge‐carrier transport. Furthermore, Eu(DBM) 3 (Dppbo) was embedded into a styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene elastomer to afford a large‐area stretchable scintillation film, delivering > 30 lp mm −1 in static x‐ray imaging and enabling advanced x‐ray videography, including 3D dynamic, underwater, and stretchable imaging. These findings establish ancillary‐ligand engineering as a general molecular design strategy for achieving highly efficient Eu(III) complex scintillators.

Reply to: “Tislelizumab With Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Questions on Treatment Tolerance and Follow-Up Duration” and “NRF2 Pathway Status and Maintenance Immunotherapy Exposure in EC-CRT-002”

In Situ Explosion Induced “Stress + Defect” Structure for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

ABSTRACT The rational integration of lattice strain and carrier defect offers strategy to adjust the electronic structure of heterogeneous catalysts, yet remains synthetically difficult. We present an explosive‐driven approach to construct Pt nanoparticle–decorated UiO‐66 (Pt NP /UiO‐66) catalysts with tunable tensile lattice strain and defect‐engineered metal–MOF interfaces. By precisely controlling the explosive dosage, Pt nanoparticle with different degrees(0.229 nm) of lattice strain are generated in situ and anchored onto defect‐rich UiO‐66, leading to the formation of interfacial Schottky junctions. The acidic HER is selected as a representative model system to elucidate the correlation between structure and catalytic activity. Among the obtained catalysts, Pt NP‐10 /UiO‐66, possessing the highest lattice tensile strain, delivers an overpotential of 16 mV. In situ x‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements reveal the continuous variation of the local coordination structure of Pt throughout the HER process. Complementary spectroscopic characterizations combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations further show that explosive‐induced lattice strain systematically modulates the adsorption strength of the H* intermediate.

A Universal Quasi‐Atom Interaction Model and Application in Designing Single‐Atom Catalysts for Alkali–Metal Chalcogenide Batteries

ABSTRACT A deep understanding of reactant adsorption behaviors is crucial for unraveling structure–activity relationships and identifying simple descriptors for the kinetics of multi‐electron redox reactions, such as the sulfur redox process in Li–S batteries (LSBs). Recently, the “10‐electron rule” for evaluating the adsorption strength of single atoms ( E ads ) has been established for free‐atom‐like single‐atom alloys (SAAs). However, our density‐functional theory calculations show that this rule is unfeasible for single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with metal centers covalently coordinated by nonmetal atoms. Herein, we proposed a new 18‐electron rule for covalent SACs by establishing the quasi‐atom interaction model ( Q ‐AIM), which interprets the U‐type behavior of E ads (S) dominated by antibonding‐orbital filling. Additional calculations demonstrate that E ads (S) can serve as an efficient descriptor of the kinetics of sulfur redox involving multiatom polysulfides. Then, guided by the efficient predictor and Q ‐AIM, we employed machine learning to screen ∼800,000 candidate SACs. Ultimately, we obtained over 400 and 8000 promising SACs for sulfur evolution and sulfur reduction, respectively. Furthermore, E ads (S) can be extended to predict the catalytic performance of SACs in Li/Na/K‐S/Se batteries. This work not only simplifies complex multi‐electron processes to single‐atom adsorption energy but also establishes a link between occupied electronic states and the catalytic performance of SACs.

Mathematical Model Analysis for the Transmission Dynamics of Wheat Yellow Rust Disease: In Case of Melga Woreda, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia

Unveiling the role of lysosomes in antigen processing and presentation

Abstract Lysosomes drive antigen proteolysis and peptide loading for major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) presentation in antigen-presenting cells (APCs), enabling activation of peptide-specific CD4+ T helper cells (CD4+ Th cells). Tight regulation of endocytic trafficking, protease activity, and peptide editing is required to generate stable peptide–MHCII complexes and balanced immune responses. Conversely, dysregulation of antigen catabolism or loading can promote impaired pathological immunity, including autoimmunity. However, key mechanistic questions remain, including how proteolysis, redox regulation, and peptide editing shape the MHCII ligandome across APC subsets and inflammatory states. In this review, we explore the main mechanisms of antigen acquisition, endocytic/lysosomal factors controlling MHCII-restricted processing and presentation, and evidence linking lysosomal dysfunction to autoimmunity. Understanding the functions of lysosomes in immune cells is crucial for elucidating their roles in physiological and pathological states, for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and for enhancing the safety and efficacy of novel biological entities (NBEs).

Universal Sacrificial Coordination Strategy for ALD‐Resilient SAMs Achieving High‐Performance Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells

ABSTRACT Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (TSCs) offer a compelling route to surpass the Shockley–Queisser limit. In these TSCs, the self‐assembled monolayer (SAM), functioning as the hole extraction layer, critically governs the interfacial properties and device performance. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising technique to grow dense, pinhole‐free oxides on SAMs for improved wettability and leakage blocking. However, the detrimental reaction between the ALD precursor and SAM anchoring groups, which causes SAM desorption and severe current leakage, is a widespread and unresolved issue. To address this fundamental challenge, we developed a universal sacrificial coordination (SC) strategy by introducing a multifunctional 6‑hydroxy‑4‑(trifluoromethyl)nicotinic acid (HTFNA) into SAM precursors. HTFNA can suppress SAM molecular aggregation through hydrogen bonding, preferentially react with the ALD precursor to shield the anchored SAM, and increase the work function for favorable interfacial energy level alignment. This strategy demonstrates broad applicability across various SAM‐based devices. The champion perovskite/organic TSCs deliver a remarkable efficiency of 27.03% (certified of 26.56%; 0.062 cm 2 ). Moreover, the reinforced SAM/perovskite heterointerface exhibits substantially enhanced adhesion according to the ASTMD3359 standard, leading to superior operational stability ( T 90 of 1265 h) and ambient storage performance ( T 90 of 2037 h; ISOS‐D‐1 protocol).

Transient malaria suppression after mass drug administration with artemisinin-piperaquine in a holoendemic, non-isolated region of Togo

Delivery of extracellular vesicle–associated microRNA-146a regulates human monocyte phenotype and function

Abstract CCR2+ monocytes are recruited to sites of acute myocardial injury, where they play a critical role in clearing necrotic debris and replenishing the depleted resident macrophage population. Although this response is necessary for early tissue repair, prolonged activation of inflammatory pathways and persistent recruitment of CCR2+ monocytes have been associated with accelerated ventricular remodeling and adverse outcomes. Inhibition of CCR2 has shown promise in preclinical models of myocardial injury and represents a potential therapeutic target. Cardiosphere-derived cell extracellular vesicles (CDC-EVs) have demonstrated cardioprotective effects partly through modulation of the immune response. We investigated whether CDC-EVs regulate inflammatory monocyte trafficking through effects on CCR2 signaling. We found that CDC-EVs reduce the surface availability of CCR2 on human monocytes through an miR-146a–dependent mechanism, resulting in decreased monocyte migration toward CCL2. These findings identify a previously unrecognized mechanism by which CDC-EVs modulate CCR2-dependent monocyte trafficking and provide new insight into how EVs regulate innate immune responses after myocardial injury.

In Situ Visualizing the Electric‐Field‐Driven Assembly of Gradient Carbon Dot Hydrogel Electrolytes for Stable Zinc Battery

ABSTRACT Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have seen increasing use of carbon dots (CDs) as functional additives; however, their interfacial regulation mechanisms remain unclear due to the lack of direct in situ visualization under realistic conditions. In this study, we develop an operando electrochemical–confocal coupled platform that enables real‐time tracking of fluorescent CDs under an applied electric field. Using this system, we directly visualize the electrophoretic migration and interfacial enrichment of CDs, providing clear evidence of their roles in electric‐field modulation and Zn 2+ flux regulation. Guided by this insight, a gradient‐structured poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel electrolyte (2PVA@CDs) is in situ constructed via electric‐field‐driven assembly. Zn||Zn symmetric cells with 2PVA@CDs exhibit ultralong cycling stability over 6500 h at 1 mA cm −2 and 1 mAh cm −2 , and stable operation for 900 h at 85% depth of discharge. Combined experiments, finite element simulations, and density functional theory calculations reveal that CDs homogenize the interfacial electric field, regulate Zn 2+ flux, reduce the nucleation energy barrier, and suppress hydrogen evolution, thereby enhancing interfacial stability and overall electrochemical performance. This work clarifies the mechanistic role of CDs and establishes a general operando visualization strategy for functional additives in metal batteries.

Dual-approach to identify immunogenic cytomegalovirus antigens for vaccine design

Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a herpesvirus that infects most of the global population remains without a licensed vaccine. Although natural infection elicits an immune response that confers partial protection, the development of an effective CMV vaccine has proven challenging. Despite multiple vaccine attempts, the complex interactions between CMV and the host immune system have hindered successful vaccine design. In this study, we utilize the naturally acquired CMV-specific immunity of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients to identify viral antigens recognized by antibodies present in patient sera. Using Western blot and ELISA in combination with proteomic analyses, we identified five highly immunogenic CMV proteins: UL44, UL57, UL83, UL132 and RL11. While UL44, UL57 and UL83 are well-established immunodominant antigens, hereby validating our strategy, UL132 and RL11 emerged as additional highly immunogenic targets. The detection of antibodies against these CMV antigens in patients with a protective CMV-specific immune response underscores their immunogenicity and supports their potential relevance for vaccine development. Taken together, these findings identify CMV antigens of potential interest for vaccine research.

Semaphorin3E is a novel regulator of germinal center responses in a mouse model of allergic asthma

Abstract Little is known about the role of semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) in B cell responses and immunoglobulin regulation. Our recent data indicate that Sema3e knockout mice have significantly higher serum levels of total and allergen-specific IgE in allergic asthma, suggesting Sema3E’s crucial role in modulating the humoral response. We hypothesized that Sema3E may negatively regulate key T-dependent B cell processes, including germinal center (GC) responses and IgE production. To test this, Sema3e−/− and wild-type C57BL/6 mice underwent the acute house dust mite challenge protocol. We quantified GC B cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), IgE+ B cells, antibody isotypes (IgE, IgG1), and cytokines at baseline and upon allergen airway challenge. GC formation was blocked by intraperitoneal administration of anti-ICOS-L or rat IgG as an isotype control. At the steady state, Sema3e−/− mice had a significantly higher baseline number of GC B cells, Tfh cells, ASCs, and serum IgE compared with the wild-type counterparts. Upon house dust mite immunization, Sema3e−/− mice exhibited enhanced GC responses, IgE production, and B cell costimulatory molecules expression. Interestingly, Sema3E absence in mice led to an increase in the expression of ICOS on CD4+ T cells and disruption of ICOS/ICOS-L signaling, remarkably reducing the number of GC B cells, Tfh cells, IgE+ B cells, ASCs, serum levels of immunoglobulins, and lung inflammatory cells. Collectively, Sema3E may negatively regulate both enhanced GC responses and elevated IgE production at both steady state and postimmunization, highlighting its critical role in controlling humoral immunity and allergic inflammation.

An Electrode‐Less Fiber Battery With 600 Wh/L‐Level Volumetric Energy Density Enabled by Dynamic Deposition Chemistry

ABSTRACT Aqueous fiber batteries are essential for next‐generation wearable electronics due to their inherent safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, the low volumetric energy density (<100 Wh/L), stemming from the contradiction of insufficient spatial utilization and limited flexibility inherent to the pre‐coated fiber electrodes, significantly hinders their practical applications. Here, we introduce an ultrathin, electrode‐less fiber battery based on the dynamic deposition chemistry to decouple volumetric energy density from mechanical robustness. This battery addresses the core inefficiency of pre‐coated fiber batteries through dynamic deposition chemistry that dissolves redox‐active materials directly into the electrolyte, thereby eliminating the need for pre‐coated electrodes. This intrinsic design minimizes inactive material volume and facilitates on‐demand electrochemical deposition during operation. Thus, the resulting fiber battery achieves a high volumetric energy density of 612 Wh/L and an ultrathin diameter of 130 µm. Furthermore, its dynamic stiffness is reduced by three orders of magnitude compared to pre‐coated counterparts. This study unveils a new technological pathway for fiber batteries with high volumetric energy density. Simultaneously, it establishes a novel, material‐efficient architectural paradigm that seamlessly integrates into high‐performance textiles, enabling future wearable devices.

Correction: Optical spin-orbit interaction induced by magnetic textures