A landmark mini-review from Peking Union Medical College Hospital delivers a snapshot of nine PD-1/IL-2 bi-functional drugs now in clinical trials. By silencing PD-1 and selectively fueling T cells with refined IL-2 in one molecule, these agents reinvigorate exhausted immune soldiers while sparing healthy tissue, promising safer and broader cancer cures.

Quasi-solid-state electrolytes, which integrate the safety characteristics of inorganic materials, the flexibility of polymers, and the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes, represent a transitional solution for high-energy-density lithium batteries. However, the mechanisms by which inorganic fillers enhance multiphase interfacial conduction remain inadequately understood. In this work, we synthesized composite quasi-solid-state electrolytes with high inorganic content to investigate interfacial phenomena and achieve enhanced electrode interface stability. Li_1.3Al_0.3Ti_1.7(PO₄)₃ particles, through surface anion anchoring, improve Li⁺ transference numbers and facilitate partial dissociation of solvated Li⁺ structures, resulting in superior ion transport kinetics that achieve an ionic conductivity of 0.51 mS cm⁻¹ at room temperature. The high mass fraction of inorganic components additionally promotes the formation of more stable interfacial layers, enabling lithium-symmetric cells to operate without short-circuiting for 6000 h at 0.1 mA cm⁻². Furthermore, this system demonstrates exceptional stability in 5 V-class lithium metal full cells, maintaining 80.5% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 0.5C. These findings guide the role of inorganic interfaces in composite electrolytes and demonstrate their potential for advancing high-voltage lithium battery technology.

A groundbreaking data generation platform developed by researchers at RWTH Aachen University's Center for Ageing, Reliability and Lifetime Prediction of Electrochemical and Power Electronic Systems (CARL) promises to transform how battery faults are detected and diagnosed in electric vehicles, potentially saving manufacturers millions in testing costs while enhancing safety.

The shipping industry has long relied on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to global pollution. With stricter environmental regulations like the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) greenhouse gas reduction strategy, the shift toward electric ships powered by lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is now unstoppable. These battery-powered vessels promise cleaner, more efficient maritime transport—but there’s a catch: the harsh marine environment poses unique challenges for battery performance and safety.