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This study develops a light-responsive liposome Lip-CuRA that synergizes photothermal therapy (CuS/980 nm) with dual NLGN3 regulation: RuBi-GABA/UCNPs suppress NLGN3 synthesis via Cl⁻ channels, while GI254023X inhibits ADAM10-mediated release. In glioma models, this strategy blocks PI3K/Wnt pathways, reduces stemness, and prolongs survival through combined neuromodulation-photothermal effects.

Abstract

Neuronal activity is shown to potentiate glioma initiation, progression, and/or metastasis. A key mechanism in neural regulation of brain cancer involves the activity-dependent cleavage and release of the synaptic adhesion molecule neuroligin-3 (NLGN3). Here, this report describes the preparation of optogenetics-like liposome Lip-CuRA, which is used to regulate the content of NLGN3 in neurons and mediate phototherapy in cancer cells. Lip-CuRA contains upconversion nanoparticles encapsulating CuS (CuS@PUCNPs), a visible light-activated neurotransmitter prodrug RuBi-GABA, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM10) inhibitors GI254023X. Upon 980 nm laser irradiation, the photothermal conversion of CuS not only induces tumor cell apoptosis, but also destroys liposome structure, releasing Rubi-GABA and GI254023X. The UCNPs convert the 980 nm laser into 540 nm, activating RuBi-GABA into GABA. GABA selectively opens Cl⁻ channels in nerve cells, reducing the expression of NLGN3 and the degree of axonal connections. GI254023X inhibits the activity of the ADAM10 enzyme on the nerve surface, reducing the release of NLGN3, thereby blocking the transmission of proliferation and stemness signals. In the GL261-luc orthotopic glioma model, C6-luc orthotopic glioma model, and glioma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, Lip-CuRA effectively inhibits tumor recurrence, reduces glioma stemness, and extends survival through a synergistic photothermal and NLGN3-regulating therapy.

Graphene-skinned alumina fiber fabric (GAFF) with widely tunable electrical and electromagnetic properties is developed by graphene chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on each fiber in alumina fiber fabric (AFF). GAFF offers broad tunability in sheet resistance, electrothermal capability, as well as electromagnetic reflectivity and transmissivity. GAFF with widely tunable multifunction promises significant advancements in diverse applications in modern electronics and instrumentation.

Abstract

As electronics and instrumentation grow increasingly complex, multifunctional materials are essential for simplifying designs. Electrothermal and electromagnetic functions are commonly used, typically supplied by separate materials. Integrating them into a single material can reduce components and miniaturize systems. Meanwhile, materials with widely tunable electrical and electromagnetic properties are needed to meet diverse application requirements, from electromagnetic waves transmitting to shielding, and electric heating across a wide temperature range. Graphene-skinned alumina fiber fabric (GAFF) with widely tunable electrical and electromagnetic properties is developed by graphene chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on each fiber in alumina fiber fabric (AFF). GAFF offers broad tunability in sheet resistance (1–10 000 Ω·sq−1), electrothermal capability (up to ≈1400 °C), as well as electromagnetic reflectivity (≈0.003 to ≈0.91) and transmissivity (≈0.98 to ≈0.0001) by adjusting graphene thickness and AFF pore size. Mass production of GAFFs in various specifications is realized, enabling diverse applications. Heating-shielding-integrated device (GAFF-HS) featuring high electromagnetic reflectivity and low transmissivity, and heating-transmitting-compatible device (GAFF-HT) with low electromagnetic reflectivity and high transmissivity, are both fabricated to target distinct applications: electrothermal anti-/de-icing for electromagnetic interference shielding systems and radar systems, respectively. GAFF with widely tunable multifunction promises significant advancements in diverse applications in modern electronics and instrumentation.

This research proposes self-powered difunctional flexible chemosensors by using a specially designed smart adaptable ion-introduced hydrogel to address the issue of single perception function in wearable devices, which can be highly sensitive and crosstalk-free to accurately assess oxygen and humidity levels in different states, and is expected to be widely used in the fields of safety, health and non-contact human-machine interaction.

Abstract

The development of self-powered, flexible, and multi-function sensors is highly anticipated in wearable electronics, however, it remains a daunting challenge to identify different signals based on a single device with singular sensing material without algorithmic support. Here, a smart adaptable hydrogel is developed by co-introducing two ions with vastly different hydrophilicity for the construction of an electrochemically self-powered, flexible, and reversibly switchable difunctional chemosensor with a metal-air battery structure. The prepared hydrogel can readily switch between water-rich and water-deficient states for crosstalk-free detection of oxygen and humidity respectively, since O2 gas and water molecules can directly participate in the oxygen reduction reaction in the device and act alone as limiting reactants and catalysts to affect the reaction rate under different hydrogel states. The resulting sensor demonstrates breakthrough O2 and humidity sensing performance with sensitivities as high as 4170.5%/% and 380.2%/% RH in water-rich and water-deficient states, respectively, and ultrawide detection ranges. Thanks to these, the devices can be applied for real-time and remote monitoring of ambient oxygen, transcutaneous oxygen pressure changes, respiration, and skin moisture by combining with wireless communication technology, and therefore have important application prospects in the fields of safety, health management, and non-contact human-machine interaction.

An ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium triiodide (MPII3) based electrochromic battery is developed, achieving a high areal capacity of 56 396 mAh m−2, which is substantially higher than those of previously reported electrochromic batteries.

Abstract

Electrochromic batteries are multifunctional devices that integrate optical modulation with energy storage capabilities through electrochemical reactions. Traditional electrochromic batteries rely on solid-state thin films, but their limited material loading constrains capacity to ≈100–300 mAh m−2, failing to meet practical demands. Herein, an electrochromic battery based on ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium triiodide (MPII3) is proposed, where the color-changing mechanism is based on the reversible redox reaction of I−/I3 − in solution, with 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium cation (MPI+) forming a complex with I3 − to suppress its shuttle effect. More importantly, the resulting ionic liquid MPII3 demonstrates exceptional reaction kinetics, enabling rapid and extensive charge transfer, thereby significantly enhancing the energy storage potential of electrochromic batteries. The fabricated devices achieve a high capacity of 56396 mAh m−2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. Additionally, these MPII3 electrochromic batteries exhibit an optical modulation as high as 68.1% and excellent cycling stability, with 92.3% capacity retention after 20 000 cycles. These findings represent a significant advancement and are expected to promote the practical application of electrochromic batteries in smart windows, energy-efficient buildings, and other fields.

High-purity graphite serves as a fundamental material for scientific research and technological applications. Here, an effective solid refining process is developed utilizing the nickel (Ni) atomic lattice to eliminate both intrinsic and extrinsic impurities, producing ultrapure graphite. The resultant graphite exhibits the highest elemental, structural, and doping purity among all the known natural and artificial graphite, enabling its excellent transport properties.

Abstract

Graphite has sparked extensive quantum physical discoveries and demonstrated numerous cutting-edge applications. However, existing graphite typically contains considerable impurities, and effective purification is still lacking. Here, a solid refining purification method is reported for obtaining ultrapure graphite. Through this design, impurities are filtered by the atomic lattice of a solid-state nickel (Ni). Suitable absorption, diffusion, and precipitation energy barriers are utilized in this method, allowing only carbon (C) atoms to effectively migrate through the Ni lattice to form high-quality graphite. The obtained ultrapure graphite shows the lowest elemental impurity density (<10 parts per million (ppm), which is one order of magnitude lower than that of the best available graphite), the highest structural purity (<0.2 parts per billion (ppb) of in-plane structural defect density and >99% Bernal stacking), and the highest doping purity (carrier doping density <2.0 × 1010 cm−2). Such superior purity of graphite facilitates the all-integer visible Landau levels and the ultralow quantum transition magnetic field in the fabricated graphene device. This solid refinement technique should inspire the purification of various layered crystals, leading to the discovery of new phenomena and the development of advanced applications.

By employing the body thickness scaling and channel length scaling strategies, polymer monolayer transistors with a channel length of 18 nm are demonstrated, which exhibit good operational stability and reliability with the on-state current density of 2.4 × 10−4 A mm−1 and the intrinsic gate delay of 0.79 ps. Moreover, the short channel effect is investigated by varying the dielectric thickness.

Abstract

The scaling strategy is widely used to achieve much improved performance and reduced cost in a single chip with more devices for field-effect transistors (FETs) based on Si and state-of-the-art 2D materials. However, the downscaling of polymer FETs with high performance has not been achieved. Here both the body thickness scaling and channel length scaling strategies are employed, and demonstrate a 2.4-nm-thick polymer monolayer FET, where the shortest channel length (L) of 18 nm is achieved that is comparable to the smallest technology node (≈20 nm) for planar Si FETs. Such short-channel FETs, with good operational stability and reliability, exhibit only slightly lower field-effect mobility than the device with micrometer-long channel, but the on-state current density reaches 2.4 × 10−4 A µm−1. More importantly, a high intrinsic gate delay of 0.79 ps is achieved, while maintaining the on/off current ratio up to 109. Additionally, by increasing the thickness of gate dielectric a remarkable short channel effect is observed, which is in excellent agreement with natural scale length evaluated by the Scale Length Theory.

Nanoporous (Cu0.25Ni0.25Fe0.25Co0.25)6Sn5 high entropy intermetallic compound achieves excellent performance for ammonia electrosynthesis, allowing electrocatalytic nitrate reduction in a wide concentration range, excellent stability, and direct production of ammonium product. The high intrinsic catalytic activity is attributed to improved H* generation, inhibited hydrogen evolution reaction, and low reaction free energy of the hydrogenation process.

Abstract

Electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) provides a feasible strategy for green ammonia production and the treatment of nitrate pollution in wastewater. The generation of active hydrogen (H*) plays an important role in improving the selectivity, yield rate, and Faradaic efficiency of ammonia products. Here, structurally ordered nanoporous Cu6Sn5-type high entropy intermetallics (HEI) with extremely superior performance toward NO3RR is demonstrated. The optimal nanoporous (Cu0.25Ni0.25Fe0.25Co0.25)6Sn5 HEI delivers a high NH3 Faradaic efficiency of 97.09 ± 1.15% and excellent stability of 120 h at the industrial level current density of 1 A cm−2, accordingly directly converting NO3 ‒ to high-purity (NH4)2HPO4 with near-unity efficiency. Theoretical calculations combined with experimental results reveal that the ordered multi-site nature of the nanoporous HEI can simultaneously promote water dissociation, reduce the reaction-free energy of the hydrogenation process, and suppress hydrogen evolution. This work provides the design of the precious-metal-free HEI for sustainable NH3 synthesis and paves insights into the H* enrichment mechanism.

In this work, a non-intrusive electrolyte presodiation strategy is reported. Active organic salt sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) as an electrolyte additive, which is dissolved in the electrolyte and subsequently injected into dry cells. During cell charging, the salt undergoes anodic oxidation, releasing active Na ions to compensate for capacity loss. Meanwhile, the organic ligand (-SCN) dimerizes to form the electrolyte cosolvent NCS-SCN.

Abstract

Na-ion batteries show great promise, but their practical utilization is hindered by irreversible Na-ion loss during cell formation, resulting in initial coulombic efficiencies typically below 80%. Conventional presodiation methods, which involve solid additives in the cathode, can compromise electrode integrity and leave deteriorated residues, especially with high Na ion compensation (20%). An electrolyte presodiation approach is introduced that utilizes sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) as an electrolyte additive, discovered through cheminformatics and machine learning. This organic salt decomposes at 3.3–4.0 V, releasing active Na ions and forming a cosolvent without damaging the electrode and the cell, as confirmed by spectroscopic and microscopic analyses. The method improves the initial coulombic efficiency of a hard carbon|P2-Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/3Ti1/3O2 pouch cell from 80.8% to 95.2%, with a capacity retention of 84.5% over 400 cycles. These findings present a practical and non-intrusive way to address Na-ion deficiency challenges in Na-ion batteries.

O, S, and N atoms are adopted to bridge the 2D conjugated central cores, yielding three acceptors of CH─O, CH─S, and CH─N. CH─N-based device affords the highest fill factor of 83.13% in organic photovoltaics and the first-class binary device efficiency of 20.23%.

Abstract

Almost all of central cores in high-performance acceptors are limited to the electron-withdrawing diimide structure currently, which constrains further acceptor structural innovation greatly. Herein, oxygen (O), sulfur (S), and nitrogen (N) atoms are adopted to bridge the 2D conjugated central cores, yielding three acceptor platforms of CH─O, CH─S, and CH─N that differ in structure by only two atoms. Because of the characteristic atomic outer electron configuration and hybrid orbital orientation, O-, S-, and N-bridged central cores display quite different conformations and electronic properties, namely, dibenzodioxin (planar, non-aromatic), thianthrene (puckered, non-aromatic) and phenazine (planar, aromatic), respectively. A systematic investigation discloses how the central core, especially its p-π orbital overlap between lone pair on O/S/N and coterminous benzene planes, affect the intrinsic photoelectronic properties of acceptors for the first time. Finally, CH─N-based binary device affords the highest fill factor of 83.13% in organic photovoltaics along with a first-class efficiency of 20.23%. By evaluating the strictly controlled O-, S-, and N-bridged molecular platforms comprehensively, the work reveals the potential uniqueness of diimide in determining the excellent photovoltaic outcomes of acceptors.

Micromotion activates a “mechano-electro-pharmaceutical” system, converting mechanical energy to electrical cues that trigger Met release. These cues suppress inflammation via M1-M2 macrophage polarization and osteogenesis enhancement, while Met blocks NF-κB (reducing cytokines) and activates AMPK (promoting bone/vessel growth). In diabetic fractures, Met-PF@PPy cut inflammation, boosted vasculature, and elevated bone metrics.

Abstract

The use of piezoelectric materials to convert micromechanical energy at the fracture site into electrical signals, thereby modulating stress-concentrated inflammation, has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for diabetic fractures. However, traditional bone-guiding membranes often face challenges in diabetic fracture repair due to their passive and imprecise drug release profiles. Herein, a piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibrous membrane is fabricated through electrospinning and oxidative polymerization to load metformin (Met) into a polypyrrole (PPy) coating (Met-PF@PPy), creating a “mechanical-electrical-pharmaceutical coupling” system. In a micromotion mechanical environment, Met-PF@PPy converts mechanical energy into electrical signals, activating the electrochemical reduction of PPy and triggering stress-responsive Met release. The generated electrical signals suppress inflammation through M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and simultaneously enhance osteogenesis. Simultaneously, Met inhibits the NF-κB pathway to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines while activating the AMPK pathway to promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis. In a diabetic mouse femoral fracture model, Met-PF@PPy significantly reduces inflammatory markers, enhances vascularization, and increases bone mineral density and bone volume fraction by over 30%. This “force-electric-drug coupling” strategy provides an innovative approach for active regulation in diabetic fracture repair and offers a versatile platform for advancing piezoelectric materials in regenerative medicine.

Disordered rocksalts with lithium excess (DRX) offer a new direction in Li-ion cathode design beyond conventional Ni- and Co-based materials. This review highlights the design principles, synthesis strategies, and performance optimization of DRX oxides and oxyfluorides for energy-dense, sustainable batteries using Earth-abundant transition metals and tailored cation disorder.

Abstract

To address the growing demand for energy and support the shift toward transportation electrification and intermittent renewable energy, there is an urgent need for low-cost, energy-dense electrical storage. Research on Li-ion electrode materials has predominantly focused on ordered materials with well-defined lithium diffusion channels, limiting cathode design to resource-constrained Ni- and Co-based oxides and lower-energy polyanion compounds. Recently, disordered rocksalts with lithium excess (DRX) have demonstrated high capacity and energy density when lithium excess and/or local ordering allow statistical percolation of lithium sites through the structure. This cation disorder can be induced by high temperature synthesis or mechanochemical synthesis methods for a broad range of compositions. DRX oxides and oxyfluorides containing Earth-abundant transition metals have been prepared using various synthesis routes, including solid-state, molten-salt, and sol-gel reactions. This review outlines DRX design principles and explains the effect of synthesis conditions on cation disorder and short-range cation ordering (SRO), which determines the cycling stability and rate capability. In addition, strategies to enhance Li transport and capacity retention with Mn-rich DRX possessing partial spinel-like ordering are discussed. Finally, the review considers the optimization of carbon and electrolyte in DRX materials and addresses key challenges and opportunities for commercializing DRX cathodes.

In this work, by synergistically modulating carrier dynamics, both the separation efficiency and the quantity of electrons and holes transferred to ferroelectrics are optimized in parallel. As a result, the highest apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 5.78% at 365 nm for overall water splitting among ferroelectric materials is achieved and reported to date.

Abstract

Ferroelectric materials, known for their non-inversion symmetry, show promise as photocatalysts due to their unique asymmetric charge separation, which separates hydrogen and oxygen evolution sites. However, the strong depolarized field induces a relaxed surface structure, which in turn directly leads to slow hole charge transfer dynamics, hindering their efficiency in water splitting. In this study, a fundamental breakthrough in dramatically enhancing the overall water-splitting activity is presented, through the synergistically regulating of the surface behaviors of photogenerated carriers, resulting in nearly perfect parallel dynamics and balanced amounts. By depositing atomic layers of TiO2 onto the surface of PbTiO3, surface vacancies are effectively passivated, significantly prolonging the hole lifetime from 10−6 to 10−3 s. Spatially resolved transient photovoltage spectroscopy showed that improved hole dynamics led to a 180° phase shift between photogenerated electrons and holes, indicating nearly identical extraction dynamics. Notably, hole and electron concentrations increased to equivalent levels. This leads to a nearly 578-fold increment in the apparent quantum yield, resulting in significantly increased overall water-splitting rates, with a quantum yield of 5.78% at 365 nm. The strategy is also effective with Al2O3 and SiO2, demonstrating its versatility across varied materials, providing a valuable method for creating high-performance ferroelectric photocatalysts.

This work fabricates abundant vacancy defects on the MXene surface for anchoring neighboring metal single atoms, to construct atomically dispersed sub-metallene (Pd ADSM) on the nanoscale. Pd ADSM combines the advantages of 2D structures, single atoms, and metal bonds, which makes it excellent and active in alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions and room-temperature hydrogen sensing.

Abstract

Despite the metal coordination and single-atom catalyst (SAC) have been extensively investigated in surface science over the past decade, their overall activity in involving multi-step reactions remains unsatisfactory owing to the metal bond and single atom being irreconcilable. Here, a stable atomically dispersed Pd sub-metallene (Pd ADSM) layer supported on the 2D MXene (Mo2TiC2) is reported, which combines the advantages of 2D structures, single atoms, and metal bonds. Pd ADSM shows covalent structures along the z-coordination and highly coordinated metal bonds in the 2D direction. During the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), Pd ADSM shows 7- and 112-times higher mass activity than the SAC (Pd SAC) and commercial Pt/C at the overpotential of −108 mV, respectively. Operando characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the Pd─Pd interface not only makes the adsorbed water form a flexible hydrogen-bonded skeleton closer to the catalytic center but also reduces the energy barrier for the HER rate-determining step. Moreover, the moderate adsorption energy of Pd─Pd bonds in ADSM can rapidly activate, dissociate, and desorb hydrogen molecules at room temperature, resulting in record-high hydrogen sensing performances (Response time, Recovery time, and Sensitivity for 100 ppm H2 are 4.8, 1.6 s, and 43.5%, respectively).

The 3D self-assembled SiO2@SiO2/C nanorods crosslinked nitrogen-doped carbon fiber (SSA/NCF) networks are prepared by electrostatic spinning to promote the preferential deposition of (101) crystalline surfaces to obtain dense and flat zinc anodes. Uniform zinc ion transport and enhanced ion transfer kinetics are also achieved toward flexible, binder-free, and high-performance APLs.

Abstract

Owing to the low redox potential, abundant nature, and widespread availability, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted extensive investigation. Nevertheless, the commercialization of the batteries is severely hindered by negative side reactions, catastrophic dendrite growth, and uneven Zn2+ diffusion. Here, 3D self-assembled necklace-like nanofibers are developed by a simple electrospinning technique, in which SiO2@SiO2/C nanospheres are sequentially aligned on interconnected nitrogen/carbon networks (SSA/NCF) to achieve binder-free, high-performance, and dendrite-free growth of APLs. The design structure combines excellent interfacial ion transfer, corrosion resistance, and unique planar deposition regulation. The protective layer of SSA/NCF paper exhibits a high affinity for Zn2+, thereby reducing the nucleation barrier of Zn2+ and ensuring a more homogeneous Zn deposit. More importantly, this multifunctional interfacial layer induces preferential crystalline (101) oriented electroplating growth and promotes oriented dense Zn deposition. Consequently, the SSA/NCF paper layer endowed the cell with remarkable cycling stability, achieving an extended cycle life of 3000 h at 5 mA cm−2/1.25 mAh cm−2. This study offers novel insights into the development of high-performance zinc anodes.

A mesoporous-dominant carbon nanoreactor is designed with dimensions in the range of 15–43 nm with edge-rich defective atomic Zn sites. The crystal size and pore diameter of this carbon nanoreactors can be precisely adjusted to enable tunable mass diffusion pathways and porosities. The hydrophobic nature of 25 nm nanoreactors maximizes the nonkinetic advantages of active site exposure and rapid O2 mass transfer at the triple-phase interface.

Abstract

High-active nonplatinum group metal oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts have great potential to improve fuel cell and metal–air battery performance due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. However, a fundamental understanding of their size-dependent structure–performance relationships remain elusive. Here a mesoporous-dominant carbon nanoreactor with dimensions in the range of 15–43 nm with edge-rich defective atomic Zn sites is designed. The crystal size and pore diameter of this carbon nanoreactors can be precisely adjusted to enable tunable mass diffusion pathways and porosities. Importantly, the hydrophobic nature of 25 nm nanoreactors maximizes the nonkinetic advantages of active site exposure and rapid O2 mass transfer at the triple-phase interface. The developed Zn-N-P/NPC catalysts delivers outstanding alkaline and acidic ORR performance with half-wave potentials of 0.92 and 0.80 V, respectively, as well as excellent zinc–air battery performance with charge/discharge over 400 h under 20 mA cm−2. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations indicate that the enhanced ORR catalytic activity of Zn-N-P/NPC stems from the introduction of P atoms and edge carbon defects effectively exciting the localized electronic asymmetric distribution of Zn species. The findings provide new perspectives on the size effect of porous carbon supports for the development of efficient cathodes catalysts with multifunctionality.

This study presents a novel approach room-temperature ultrasound assisted atomic ordering method using to fabricate multi-grained NiPt nanoalloys with an intermetallic Ni3Pt5 phase. The resulting catalyst exhibits state-of-the-art durability and activity in all operational condition of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Structural and electrochemical analyses reveal direct the role of atomic ordering in mitigating metal dissolution, ensuring long-term stability.

Abstract

Rational design of catalytic nanomaterials is essential for developing high-performance fuel cell catalysts. However, structural degradation and elemental dissolution during operation pose significant challenges to achieving long-term stability. Herein, the development of multi-grained NiPt nanocatalysts featuring an atomically ordered Ni3Pt5 phase within intragrain is reported. Ultrasound-assisted synthesis facilitates atomic transposition by supplying sufficient diffusion energy along grain boundaries, enabling unprecedented phase formation. The Ni3Pt5 embedded nanocatalysts exhibit outstanding proton exchange membrane fuel cell performance under both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle conditions, with significantly reduced Ni dissolution. Under light-duty vehicle conditions, the catalyst achieves a mass activity of 0.94 A mgPt −1 and a 421 mA cm−2 current density (@ 0.8 V in air), retaining 78% of its initial mass activity after long-term operation. Under heavy-duty vehicle conditions, the multi-grained nanocrystal demonstrates only an 8% decrease in Pt utilization, a 5% power loss, and a 13 mV voltage drop, surpassing U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) durability targets. This study underscores the critical role of the atomically ordered Ni3Pt5 phase in stabilizing multi-grained NiPt nanocrystals, enhancing both durability and catalytic activity. These findings establish Ni3Pt5 embedded nanocatalysts as promising candidate for next-generation PEMFC applications, addressing key challenges in long-term operation.

Cellular Responses to Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of numerous human diseases and is often accompanied by changes in metabolic flux, mitochondrial morphology, and proteostatic signalling. In patients, such dysfunction is associated with conserved adaptive responses involving proteome remodeling, altered autophagy, and disruption of mitochondrial one-carbon metabolism. While many of these changes act as compensatory mechanisms, their chronic activation may ultimately impair cellular function. To identify modifiers of mitochondrial genome instability, we performed a genetic screen in Drosophila melanogaster expressing a proofreading-deficient mtDNA polymerase (POLγexo-). We identified critical pathways involved in nutrient sensing, insulin signalling, mitochondrial protein import, and autophagy that rescue the lethal phenotype of POL γexo- flies. Notably, hemizygosity for dilp1, atg2, tim14, or melted restored autophagic flux and proteasome activity, and supported metabolic adaptation. While mtDNA mutation frequencies remained high in most rescued lines, melted-rescued flies showed a reduction, suggesting early developmental action. Our findings further identify the nucleation step of autophagy as a key therapeutic target in mitigating mitochondrial genome instability.

• Speaker: Professor Anna Wredenberg, Karolinska Institute, Finland
• Friday 16 May 2025, 15:00-16:00
• Venue: MRC MBU, Level 7 Lecture Theatre, The Keith Peters Building, CB2 0XY.
• Series: MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit Seminars; organiser: Lisa Arnold.

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Long-Term Dynamics of the Iceland Mantle Plume

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Callum Pearman
• Friday 09 May 2025, 16:00-17:00
• Venue: Tea Room, Old House.
• Series: Bullard Laboratories Tea Time Talks; organiser: David Al-Attar.

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Masking: the fine line between fitting in and exhaustion

Neurodivergent people, in particular Autistic and ADHD individuals are known for their masking abilities. This can allow them to be able to fit in to a range of social and emotional situations. However, at what price? Masking can cause Autistic and ADHD people to present with inaccurate personality traits which can lead to difficulties in relationships and careers. Furthermore, the very act of masking can be physically and mentally exhausting and can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns.

Is masking a superpower or a curse?

• Speaker: Andrew Whitehouse, SEND Network
• Wednesday 14 May 2025, 11:30-13:00
• Venue: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87076030035?pwd=XUpJuh8jiR0mae1AhkV79qbg8MtlSM.1.
• Series: ARClub Talks; organiser: Simon Braschi.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE00282F, PaperWeihong Jiang, Xianshu Wang, Xuerui Yang, Yun Zhao, Jun Yao, Xiaoping Yang, Wei Luo, Liang Luo, Jianguo Duan, Peng Dong, Yingjie Zhang, Baohua Li, Ding WANG
Residual lithium compounds (RLCs) on the surface of high-nickel layered oxides aggravate battery capacity decay, irreversible phase transformation and safety hazards, hindering the development of high-energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)....
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