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Interfacial adsorption layers based on N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine (BHEG) are constructed to inhibit Zn corrosion and polyiodide shuttle by employing an electrolyte additive strategy. These layers stabilize Zn anode via creating a “H2O-deficient” inner Helmholtz plane (IHP) and buffering the interfacial pH, while hindering polyiodide migration at the I2 cathode through ion–dipole interactions. Attributing to these benefits, a long-lasting aqueous Zn–I2 battery is realized.

Abstract

Aqueous zinc–iodine (Zn–I2) batteries are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage due to the merits of low cost and high safety. However, their commercial application is hindered by Zn corrosion and polyiodide shuttle at I2 cathode. Herein, N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine (BHEG) based interfacial adsorption layers are constructed to stabilize Zn anodes and mitigate polyiodide shuttle according to ion–dipole interactions, by using a strategy of electrolyte additive. The tertiary amine (N(CH2)3) and carboxyl (─COO−) groups in the deprotonated BHEG can reversibly capture H+ and dynamically neutralize OH− ions, efficiently buffering the interfacial pH of Zn metal anodes and suppressing hydrogen evolution reactions. Additionally, the BHEG adsorption layers can repel 39.3% of H2O molecules at the Zn interface, creating a “water-deficient” inner Helmholtz plane and preventing Zn corrosion. Significantly, the N(CH2)3 groups in BHEG also inhibit polyiodide shuttle at the I2 cathode, which exhibits high adsorption energies of −0.88, −0.41, and −0.39 eV for I−, I2, and I3 −, respectively. Attributing to these benefits, the Zn–I2 battery can achieve a high areal capacity of 2.99 mAh cm−2 and an extended cycling life of 2,000 cycles, even at a high mass loading of I2 cathode (≈21.5 mg cm−2).

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE06192F, PaperJiacheng Liu, Yan Wen, Wei Yan, Zhongliang Huang, Xiaozhi Liu, Xuan Huang, Changhong Zhan, Yuqi Zhang, Wei-Hsiang Huang, Chih-Wen Pao, Zhiwei Hu, Dong Su, Shunji Xie, Ye Wang, Jiajia Han, Haifeng Xiong, Xiaoqing Huang, Nanjun Chen
The production of value-added liquid fuels via the electroreduction of CO has received widespread attention. Although copper (Cu) has demonstrated promising activity in producing multi-carbon products, the yield of a...
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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00273G, Review Article Open Access &nbsp This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Licence.Hao Zhang, Suwen Wang, Enmin Lv, menghui qi, Chengchao He, Xing-Long Dong, Jieshan Qiu, Yong Wang, Zhenhai Wen
The transition to renewable energy sources and the need for efficient energy conversion technologies have led to the development of various types of catalysts, among which atomically dispersed metal catalysts...
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Recent aspects of chaperone functions in health and disease - A BIORIG SEMINAR

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Prof. Ulrich Hartl
• Tuesday 08 April 2025, 13:00-15:00
• Venue: Department of Chemistry, Cambridge, Unilever lecture theatre.
• Series: Biological Chemistry Research Interest Group; organiser: Xani Thorman.

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Cambridge MedAI Seminar - March 2025

Sign up on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cambridge-medai-seminar-series-tickets-1301806461169?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us for the Cambridge AI in Medicine Seminar Series, hosted by the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre and the Department of Radiology at Addenbrooke’s. This series brings together leading experts to explore cutting-edge AI applications in healthcare—from disease diagnosis to drug discovery. It’s a unique opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and students to stay at the forefront of AI innovations and engage in discussions shaping the future of AI in healthcare.

This month’s seminar will be held on Thursday 27 March 2025, 12-1pm at the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre (Main Lecture Theatre), University of Cambridge and streamed online via Zoom. A light lunch from Aromi will be served from 11:45. The event will feature the following talks:

Explainable and Interpretable AI: Building Trust and Uncovering Patterns in Healthcare and Neuroscience – Dr Michail Mamalakis, Research Associate, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge

Dr Michail Mamalakis is a research scientist at the University of Cambridge, specializing in AI, Machine Learning, Explainable AI and Computer Vision for biomedical applications. His work focuses on explainable AI (XAI) for integrating imaging, genomics, and phenotyping data in neuroscience and clinical decision-making. He has collaborated with leading institutions, including Oxford, Sheffield, and Cambridge, on projects in brain tumors, Alzheimer’s, cardiac arrhythmias and pulmonary hypertension. His research spans AI-driven biomarker discovery, uncertainty estimation, attributional interpretability in funtional and structural imaging and mechanistic interpretability in protein language models and large language models. Currently, he develops multi-modal AI frameworks for Alzheimer’s prediction and glioblastoma analysis contributing to high-impact projects like EBRAINS 2 .0.

Abstract: Explainability is a critical factor in enhancing the trustworthiness and acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, where decisions have a direct impact on patient outcomes. Despite significant advancements in AI interpretability, clear guidelines on when and to what extent explanations are required in medical applications remain insufficient. In this talk, I will provide guidance on the need for explanations in AI applications within healthcare. I will discuss possible explainable AI frameworks that can be used to identify new patterns and offer insights through explainable AI methods. These approaches have the potential to uncover new biomarkers and novel patterns relevant to the applications of interest. Finally, I will present some basic examples from neuroscience research to illustrate these concepts.

Retrospective evaluation and comparison of state-of-the-art deep learning breast cancer risk prediction algorithms – Joshua Rothwell, PhD Student, Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine

Josh is an MBBS /PhD student, researching and evaluating commercial mammography AI tools for the detection and prediction of breast cancer.

Abstract: Breast ‘interval’ cancers present between screening examinations and have poorer prognoses compared to screen detected cancers. Risk prediction tools can identify women that are at increased risk of developing cancer, and may therefore benefit from supplemental imaging or increased frequency screening, to detect cancers earlier and improve patient outcomes.This talk focuses on the retrospective evaluation of two state-of-the-art deep learning risk prediction algorithms, attempting to quantify potential cancer detection rates if implemented into the NHS Breast Screening Programme and discern the characteristics of misclassified cancers.

This is a hybrid event so you can also join via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/99050467573?pwd=UE5OdFdTSFdZeUtIcU1DbXpmdlNGZz09

Meeting ID: 990 5046 7573 and Passcode: 617729

We look forward to your participation! If you are interested in getting involved and presenting your work, please email Ines Machado at im549@cam.ac.uk

For more information about this seminar series, see: https://www.integratedcancermedicine.org/research/cambridge-medai-seminar-series/

• Speaker: Dr Michail Mamalakis and Joshua Rothwell
• Thursday 27 March 2025, 11:45-13:00
• Venue: Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre (Main Lecture Theatre), University of Cambridge.
• Series: Cambridge MedAI Seminar Series; organiser: Hannah Clayton.

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Responsive molecules are essential for organic in-sensor computing devices. This Review highlights recent advances in thedesign, synthesis, and incorporation of electrically, optically, and magnetically responsive molecules in multifunctional synaptic perception devices endowedwith both nonvolatile and volatile memory diversification. By exploiting the multifunctional nature of molecular switches, complex logic operations can be accomplished, bringing molecule-based neuromorphic computing closer to become a real technology.

Abstract

In the brain, both the recording and decaying of memory information following external stimulus spikes are fundamental learning rules that determine human behaviors. The former is essential to acquire new knowledge and update the database, while the latter filters noise and autorefresh cache data to reduce energy consumption. To execute these functions, the brain relies on different neuromorphic transmitters possessing various memory kinetics, which can be classified as nonvolatile and volatile memory. Inspired by the human brain, nonvolatile and volatile memory electronic devices have been employed to realize artificial neural networks and spiking neural networks, respectively, which have emerged as essential tools in machine learning. Molecular switches, capable of responding to electrical, optical, electrochemical, and magnetic stimuli, display a disruptive potential for emulating information storage in memory devices. This Review highlights recent developments on responsive molecules, their interfacing with low-dimensional nanostructures and nanomaterials, and their integration into electronic devices. By capitalizing on these concepts, a unique account of neurotransmitter-transfer electronic devices based on responsive molecules with ad hoc memory kinetics is provided. Finally, future directions, challenges, and opportunities are discussed on the use of these devices to engineer more complex logic operations and computing functions at the hardware level.

This study introduces a novel programmable encryption strategy with controllable DNA synthesis and sequential encoding. The proposed hairpin-mediated primer exchange reaction (HAMER) system enables the dynamic generation of DNA sequences and the secure recording of information with user-specific access. This approach enhances data security, positioning DNA as a high-performance material to meet future confidentiality, integrity, and availability demands.

Abstract

DNA molecules, with highly variable sequences and inherent programmability, emerge as a promising material for next-generation information storage and data encryption. However, due to the singular encryption method or limited randomness of the secret key, current encryptions remain vulnerable to brute-force attacks and the need for enhanced information security persists. This study introduces a programmable encryption strategy based on long-chain DNA synthesis and sequential encoding. The proposed hairpin-mediated primer exchange reaction (HAMER) system enables the generation of DNA keys and the recording of encoded information. Ultimately, encrypted text and image data can be decoded and retrieved through sequencing with customized access based on user permissions. This approach positions DNA as a high-performance information material and establishes a programmable encryption framework, offering strong potential to meet the confidentiality, integrity, and availability demands of future information security systems.

A fully synthetic active liquid crystal, energized by an acoustic field, is presented. This system exhibits active nematic behavior, tunable topological defect dynamics, and persistent hydrodynamic vortices at high activity levels. The material maintains stable properties while enabling precise activity control in a wide range.

Abstract

Active nematic materials combine orientational order with activity at the microscopic level. Current experimental realizations of active nematics include vibrating elongated particles, cell layers, suspensions of elongated bacteria, and a mixture of bio-filaments with molecular motors. The majority of active nematics are of biological origin. The realization of a fully synthetic active liquid crystal comprised of a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal energized by ultrasonic waves, is reported. This synthetic active liquid crystal is free from biological degradation and variability, exhibits phenomenology associated with active nematics, and enables precise and rapid activity control over a significantly extended range. It is demonstrated that the energy of the acoustic field is converted into microscopic extensile stresses disrupting long-range nematic order and giving rise to an undulation instability and proliferation of topological defects. The emergence of unconventional free-standing persistent vortices in the nematic director field at high activity levels is revealed. The results provide a foundation for the design of externally energized active liquid crystals with stable material properties and tunable topological defect dynamics crucial for the realization of reconfigurable microfluidic systems.

Implantable devices rely on batteries that demand surgical replacement, posing risks, and financial burdens. Ultrasound energy transfer (US-ET) offers a revolutionary wireless alternative but struggles with efficiency. The presented dielectric-ferroelectric-boosted US-TENG (US-TENGDF-B) is thin, flexible, and biocompatible that provides high-efficiency and stable power delivery in curved positions, fostering a future of noninvasive and sustainable wireless energy transfer solutions for biomedical applications.

Abstract

Wireless powering of rechargeable-implantable medical devices presents a challenge in developing reliable wireless energy transfer systems that meet medical safety and standards. Ultrasound-driven triboelectric nanogenerators (US-TENG) are investigated for various medical applications, including noninvasive percutaneous wireless battery powering to reduce the need for multiple surgeries for battery replacement. However, these devices often suffer from inefficiency due to limited output performance and rigidity. To address this issue, a dielectric-ferroelectric boosted US-TENG (US-TENGDF-B) capable of producing a high output charge with low-intensity ultrasound and a long probe distance is developed, comparatively. The feasibility and output stability of this deformable and augmented device is confirmed under various bending conditions, making it suitable for use in the body's curved positions or with electronic implants. The device achieved an output of ≈26 V and ≈6.7 mW output for remote charging of a rechargeable battery at a 35 mm distance. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the output-augmented US-TENG for deep short-term wireless charging of implantable electronics with flexing conditions in curved devices such as future total artificial hearts.

This study presents an anisotropic inductive liquid metal sensor (AI-LMS) inspired by the biomechanical properties of human fingertips. The AI-LMS demonstrates superior performance in multidimensional pressure sensing, characterized by high linearity and stability. Potential applications encompass enhancing robotic tactile perception and facilitating precise 3D surface scanning, representing a significant milestone in the field of soft robotics technology.

Abstract

The advancement of robotic behavior and intelligence has led to an urgent demand for improving their sensitivity and interactive capabilities, which presents challenges in achieving multidimensional, wide-ranging, and reliable tactile sensing. Here an anisotropic inductive liquid metal sensor (AI-LMS) is introduced inspired by the human fingertip, which inherently possesses the capability to detect spatially multi-axis pressure with a wide sensing range, exceptional linearity, and signal stability. Additionally, it can detect very small pressures and responds swiftly to prescribed forces. Compared to resistive signals, inductive signals offer significant advantages. Further, integrated with a deep neural network model, the AI-LMS can decouple multi-axis pressures acting simultaneously upon it. Notably, the sensing range of Ecoflex and PDMS-based AI-LMS can be expanded by a factor of 4 and 9.5, respectively. For practical illustrations, a high-precision surface scanning reconstruction system is developed capable of capturing intricate details of 3D surface profiles. The utilization of biomimetic AI-LMS as robotic fingertips enables real-time discrimination of diverse delicate grasping behaviors across different fingers. The innovations and unique features in sensing mechanisms and structural design are expected to bring transformative changes and find extensive applications in the field of soft robotics.

The study investigates the effects of nanoplastics on human immune cells using palladium-doped polystyrene nanoplastics and mass cytometry. It reveals that nanoplastics accumulate in various immune cell subpopulations, reducing cell viability and impairing function. In vivo experiments in mice confirm their accumulation in several immune cells. This accumulation poses health risks, highlighting the potential dangers of nanoplastics to human health.

Abstract

The increasing exposure to nanoplastics (NPs) raises significant concerns for human health, primarily due to their potential bioaccumulative properties. While NPs have recently been detected in human blood, their interactions with specific immune cell subtypes and their impact on immune regulation remain unclear. In this proof-of-concept study, model palladium-doped polystyrene NPs (PS-Pd NPs) are utilized to enable single-cell mass cytometry (CyTOF) detection. The size-dependent impact of carboxylate polystyrene NPs (50–200 nm) is investigated across 15 primary immune cell subpopulations using CyTOF. By taking advantage of Pd-doping for detecting PS-Pd NPs, this work evaluates their impact on human immune-cells at the single-cell level following blood exposure. This work traces PS-Pd NPs in 37 primary immune-cell subpopulations from human blood, quantifying the palladium atom count per cell by CyTOF while simultaneously assessing the impact of PS-Pd NPs on cell viability, functionality, and uptake. These results demonstrate that NPs can interact with, interfere with, and translocate into several immune cell subpopulations after exposure. In vivo distribution experiments in mice further confirmed their accumulation in immune cells within the liver, blood, and spleen, particularly in monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of NPs on human health.

Advanced Materials, Volume 37, Issue 12, March 26, 2025.

Biological Tissue Microstructures

The Morpho butterfly wing is a natural photonic crystal that interacts selectively with polarized light. Lisa V. Poulikakos and co-workers interface the Morpho wing with breast cancer tissue sections and illuminate the system with polarized light for quantitative, contact- and stain-free assessment of tissue microstructures. This imaging approach enables improved understanding of the role of tissue microstructure in the origin and progression of disease. More details can be found in article number 2407728.

Lignocellulose-Mediated Functionalization of Liquid Metals Composites

In article number 2415761, Wei Li, Liyu Zhu, Ying Xu, Guanhua Wang, Ting Xu, and Chuanling Si summarize the state-of-the-art of lignocellulose-based liquid metals materials for the frontiers of multifunctional materials and discuss how to design and functionalize lignocellulose-based liquid metals materials with specific performance. The cover image shows a lignocellulose-based liquid metals materials for the frontiers application.

Heterogeneous Integration of Wide Bandgap Semiconductors and 2D Materials

The heterogeneous integration of 2D materials and WBG enables the growth of high-quality WBG films and the 2D material-assisted layer transfer of them, facilitating flexible electronics and micro- LEDs. This cover image illustrates the transfer process of WBG/2D heterostructures and their potential applications in HEMTs and micro-LEDs. More details can be found in article number 2411108 by Soo Ho Choi, Yongsung Kim, Il Jeon, and Hyunseok Kim.

Nanomedicine Accumulation

Accurate prediction of nanomedicine accumulation is crucial for guiding patient stratification and optimizing treatment strategies in precision medicine. In article number 2416696, Shouju Wang and colleagues present an interpretable radiomics model capable of predicting nanomedicine tumor accumulation using routine medical imaging, achieving an impressive accuracy of 0.851. This study demonstrates the potential of noninvasive imaging for patient stratification and the precise tailoring of nanomedicine therapies, paving the way for more personalized and effective cancer treatment.

Nanoplastics

In article number 2413413, Acelya Yilmazer, Marco Orecchioni, Lucia Gemma Delogu, and co-workers explore the interaction of nanoplastics with human immune cells, using advanced single-cell mass cytometry. Findings reveal nanoplastics uptake on several immune cell subpopulations, affecting cell viability and functionality. Art by the team of INMYWORK Studio.

Suppression of Sepsis Cytokine Storm

Escherichia coli can be transformed into therapeutic nanodrugs through high-temperature treatment, alluding to the concept of the ‘phoenix bathing in fire, attaining nirvana, and being reborn, transforming defilement into purity.’ This suggests that drugs for combating infectious diseases can be derived from the transformation of pathogens themselves, offering a versatile and promising approach for drug development with broad potential applications. More details can be found in article number 2414237 by Yang Zhang, Wenqing Gao, Huijuan Liu, Tao Sun, and co-workers.

3D-Bio-NanoRulers

Central to super-resolution fluorescence microscopy is the need for reliable, biocompatible 3D nanostructures to validate resolution capabilities. The selection of these standards is challenging due to precise geometric and specific labelling requirements. In article number 2403365, José Ignacio Galle, Oleksii Nevskyi, Mark Bates, Jörg Enderlein, and co-workers propose the T4 virus as a 3D-Bio-NanoRuler. Using a simple preparation protocol and DNA-PAINT with astigmatic imaging, we detail viral structures, showcasing the benchmarking potential of T4.

The heterogeneous integration of wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGs) and 2D materials is emerging as a promising way to address various challenges faced by WBGs. This review covers recent advancements in fabrication techniques, mechanisms, devices, and novel functionalities of WBG/2D heterostructures. Furthermore, the directions and perspectives are outlined for realizing practical applications in the near future.

Abstract

Wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGs) are crucial building blocks of many modern electronic devices. However, there is significant room for improving the crystal quality, available choice of materials/heterostructures, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of WBGs. In this regard, utilizing layered 2D materials in conjunction with WBG is emerging as a promising solution. This review presents recent advancements in the integration of WBGs and 2D materials, including fabrication techniques, mechanisms, devices, and novel functionalities. The properties of various WBGs and 2D materials, their integration techniques including epitaxial and nonepitaxial growth methods as well as transfer techniques, along with their advantages and challenges, are discussed. Additionally, devices and applications based on the WBG/2D heterostructures are introduced. Distinctive advantages of merging 2D materials with WBGs are described in detail, along with perspectives on strategies to overcome current challenges and unlock the unexplored potential of WBG/2D heterostructures.