Browse Articles

Multi-objective design of multi-material truss lattices utilizing graph neural networks

Abstract The rapid advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) across different scales and material classes have enabled the creation of architected materials with highly tailored properties. Beyond geometric flexibility, multi-material AM further expands design possibilities by combining materials with distinct characteristics. While machine learning has recently shown great potential for the fast inverse design of lattice structures, its application has largely been limited to single-material systems. In this work, we propose a novel approach that incorporates material properties as edge features within the graph representation of multi-material truss lattices, utilizing graph neural networks (GNNs) to develop a fast and efficient inverse design framework. We validate this framework by designing lattices with tunable thermal expansion and stiffness properties, showcasing its ability to explore a broad and flexible design space. We showcase the framework’s inverse design capabilities for both single and multi-objective optimization tasks and assess its limitations. Additionally, we demonstrate the superior capacity of GNNs in capturing structure-property relationships for multi-material systems. We anticipate that the continued advancement of GNN-assisted inverse design will play a key role in unlocking the full potential of multi-material truss lattices.

Atomically thin high-entropy oxides via naked metal ion self-assembly for proton exchange membrane electrolysis

Patient and public involvement and engagement to improve impact on antimicrobial resistance

Cathodic tandem alkylation/dearomatization of heterocycles enabled by Al-facilitated carbonyl deoxygenation

The α-globin super-enhancer acts in an orientation-dependent manner

Abstract Individual enhancers are defined as short genomic regulatory elements, bound by transcription factors, and able to activate cell-specific gene expression at a distance, in an orientation-independent manner. Within mammalian genomes, enhancer-like elements may be found individually or within clusters referred to as locus control regions or super-enhancers (SEs). While these behave similarly to individual enhancers with respect to cell specificity, distribution and distance, their orientation-dependence has not been formally tested. Here, using the α-globin locus as a model, we show that while an individual enhancer works in an orientation-independent manner, the direction of activity of a SE changes with its orientation. When the SE is inverted within its normal chromosomal context, expression of its normal targets, the α-globin genes, is severely reduced and the normally silent genes lying upstream of the α-globin locus are upregulated. These findings add to our understanding of enhancer-promoter specificity that precisely activate transcription.

Biomimetic and biodegradable separator with high modulus and large ionic conductivity enables dendrite-free zinc-ion batteries

CHD6 has poly(ADP-ribose)- and DNA-binding domains and regulates PARP1/2-trapping inhibitor sensitivity via abasic site repair

Mechanisms of RCD-1 pore formation and membrane bending

Abstract Regulator of cell death-1 (RCD-1) governs the heteroallelic expression of RCD-1-1 and RCD-1-2, a pair of fungal gasdermin (GSDM)-like proteins, which prevent cytoplasmic mixing during allorecognition and safeguard against mycoparasitism, genome exploitation, and deleterious cytoplasmic elements (e.g., senescence plasmids) by effecting a form of cytolytic cell death. However, the underlying mechanisms by which RCD-1 acts on the cell membrane remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that RCD-1 binds acidic lipid membranes, forms pores, and induces membrane bending. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and AlphaFold, we show that RCD-1-1 and RCD-1-2 form heterodimers that further self-assemble into ~14.5 nm-wide transmembrane pores (~10 heterodimers). Moreover, through AFM force spectroscopy and micropipette aspiration, we reveal that RCD-1 proteins bend membranes with low bending moduli. This combined action of pore formation and membrane deformation may constitute a conserved mechanism within the broader GSDM family.

Towards device technologies non-invasive to our daily lives

Highly printable, strong, and ductile ordered intermetallic alloy

Time Code for multifunctional 3D printhead controls

Natural variation of CTB5 confers cold adaptation in plateau japonica rice

Mathematical model linking telomeres to senescence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals cell lineage versus population dynamics

Abstract Telomere shortening ultimately causes replicative senescence. However, identifying the mechanisms driving replicative senescence in cell populations is challenging due to the heterogeneity of telomere lengths and the asynchrony of senescence onset. Here, we present a mathematical model of telomere shortening and replicative senescence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae which is quantitatively calibrated and validated using data of telomerase-deficient single cells. Simulations of yeast populations, where cells with varying proliferation capacities compete against each other, show that the distribution of telomere lengths of the initial population shapes population growth, especially through the distribution of cells’ shortest telomere lengths. We also quantified how factors influencing cell viability independently of telomeres can impact senescence rates. Overall, we demonstrate a temporal evolution in the composition of senescent cell populations—from a state directly linked to critically short telomeres to a state where senescence onset becomes stochastic. This population structure may promote genome instability and facilitate senescence escape.

Serpina3k lactylation protects from cardiac ischemia reperfusion injury

Supramolecular discrimination and diagnosis-guided treatment of intracellular bacteria

Silicon-based all-solid-state batteries operating free from external pressure

Abstract Silicon-based all-solid-state batteries offer high energy density and safety but face significant application challenges due to the requirement of high external pressure. In this study, a Li21Si5/Si–Li21Si5 double-layered anode is developed for all-solid-state batteries operating free from external pressure. Under the cold-pressed sintering of Li21Si5 alloys, the anode forms a top layer (Li21Si5 layer) with mixed ionic/electronic conduction and a bottom layer (Si–Li21Si5 layer) containing a three-dimensional continuous conductive network. The resultant uniform electric field at the anode|SSE interface eliminates the need for high external pressure and simultaneously enables a twofold enhancement of the lithium-ion flux at the anode interface. Such an efficient ionic/electronic transport system also facilitates the uniform release of cycling expansion stresses from the Si particles and stabilizes bulk-phase and interfacial structure of anode. Consequently, the Li21Si5/Si–Li21Si5 anode exhibited a critical current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 45 °C with a capacity of 10 mAh cm−2. And the Li21Si5/Si–Li21Si5|Li6PS5Cl|Li3InCl6|LCO cell achieve an high initial Coulombic efficiency of (97 ± 0.7)% with areal capacity of 2.8 mAh cm−2 at 0.25 mA cm−2, as well as a low expansion rate of 14.5% after 1000 cycles at 2.5 mA cm−2.

Exploring force-driven stochastic folding dynamics in mechano-responsive proteins and implications in phenotypic variation

Quasi-vertically asymmetric channels of graphene oxide membrane for ultrafast ion sieving

Size-controlled assembly of phase separated protein condensates with interfacial protein cages

Genetic variation in IL-4 activated tissue resident macrophages determines strain-specific synergistic responses to LPS epigenetically

Abstract How macrophages in the tissue environment integrate multiple stimuli depends on the genetic background of the host, but this is still poorly understood. We investigate IL-4 activation of male C57BL/6 and BALB/c strain specific in vivo tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs) from the peritoneal cavity. C57BL/6 TRMs are more transcriptionally responsive to IL-4 stimulation, with induced genes associated with more super enhancers, induced enhancers, and topologically associating domains (TAD) boundaries. IL-4-directed epigenomic remodeling reveals C57BL/6 specific enrichment of NF-κB, IRF, and STAT motifs. Additionally, IL-4-activated C57BL/6 TRMs demonstrate an augmented synergistic response upon in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, despite naïve BALB/c TRMs displaying a more robust transcriptional response to LPS. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of mixed bone marrow chimeras indicates that transcriptional differences and synergy are cell intrinsic within the same tissue environment. Hence, genetic variation alters IL-4-induced cell intrinsic epigenetic reprogramming resulting in strain specific synergistic responses to LPS exposure.