Genes born “from scratch,” known as de novo genes, can transform previously noncoding DNA into functional units that drive evolutionary novelty.

Researchers have found a new way to control special light waves—called Dirac plasmon polaritons—in ultra-thin quantum materials known as topological insulators. By adjusting the spacing between tiny nanostructures made from Bi₂Se₃, they can fine-tune how these waves travel at terahertz frequencies. This breakthrough allows for more precise, lower-loss control of light at the nanoscale, paving the way for next-generation advanced plasmonic THz devices.

Flower shape is a defining trait of ornamental plants, influencing their aesthetic value and commercial appeal. 

The study used a tungsten doping strategy to stabilize manganese-based bimetallic phosphide (W-CoMnP), effectively inhibiting the Mn³⁺ disproportionation and Mn²⁺ dissolution caused by the Jahn-Teller effect, and significantly improving the electrocatalytic activity and stability. The material exhibited excellent HER (η₁₀ = 95 mV) and OER (η₅₀ = 225 mV) performance, and achieved efficient and stable hydrogen evolution at 1.52 V in the AEM water electrolyzer, demonstrating its broad prospects in practical applications.

Despite decades of research and the approval of several therapies to help manage symptoms, there is still no cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Prevention through genetic testing, such as carrier screening, remains the most effective for families at risk. Prevention is always better than treatment. We spoke with Prof. Tran Van Khanh, Director of the Center for Gene-Protein Research and Head of the Department of Molecular Pathology at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam, as she shared her perspective on prevention, diagnosis, and family planning for DMD.

The advancement of clean electricity is positioning electrochemical reactors at the forefront of future electrosynthesis technologies. Solid-state electrolyte (SSE) reactors emerge for their distinctive configurations and ability to produce high-purity fuels and chemicals efficiently without additional purification steps. This marks a substantial development in electrochemical synthesis. In this perspective, we critically examine cutting-edge innovations in SSE devices with particular emphasis on the architectural introduction of core cell components, novel electrochemical cell configurations, and assembly methodologies. The use of SSE reactors is presently undergoing a pivotal transition from fundamental laboratory investigations to large-scale engineering implementations, demonstrating remarkable progress in multiple domains: (1) sustainable synthesis of high-value organic acids (formic and acetic acids), (2) production of critical oxidizers hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and liquid fuels (ethanol), (3) ammonia (NH₃) production, (4) carbon capture technologies, (5) lithium recovery and recycling, and (6) tandem or coupling strategies for high-value-added products. Importantly, the transformative potential in environmental remediation, particularly for airborne pollutant sequestration and advanced wastewater purification, is addressed. Additionally, the innovative architectural blueprints for next-generation SSE stack are presented, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework to guide the transition from laboratory-scale innovation to industrial-scale deployment of SSE devices in the foreseeable future.

Researchers from Hebei University of Technology have developed an innovative approach to lithium-ion battery management that could significantly improve the safety and performance of electric vehicles. The new method, which estimates a battery's state of charge (SOC) based on its internal core temperature rather than surface temperature, addresses a critical flaw in current battery management systems while requiring less computational resources. SOC estimation—essentially determining how much "fuel" remains in an electric vehicle's battery—is crucial for safe and efficient battery operation. However, current methods typically rely on surface temperature measurements that can be misleading for the accuracy of SOC estimation.

Rheumatoid arthritis has traditionally been framed as a self-contained autoimmune disease confined to joints, yet mounting clinical and molecular evidence now argues that it functions as a hub within an expansive web of interacting disorders. Drawing on 392,423 Finnish residents—12,555 of whom carry an RA diagnosis—disease-wide association scanning traces 1,289 distinct medical events before and after the first rheumatology clinic visit. By coupling survival modelling to systematic nosology, clusters of pre-RA liabilities and post-RA sequelae emerge that dissolve the boundary between “the index disease” and apparently unrelated organ pathology.

Submonolayered ruthenium-modified palladium mesoporous nanosheets have been developed and serve as highly efficient multifunctional electrocatalysts, which demonstrate exceptional performance in both hydrogen evolution and alcohol oxidation reactions, opening a promising avenue for highly efficient hydrogen production.