Researchers from Soochow University in China have developed a fast vapor-deposition strategy to fabricate twisted vertical heterostructures (TVHs) from two-dimensional organic crystals. By precisely controlling the deposition temperature through adjusting diffusion distance, the yield of vertical epitaxial structures is dramatically increased from below 20% to over 70%. The resulting TVHs exhibit a fixed 45° twist angle between crystal layers, enabling color-tunable interlayer coupling emission that ranges from blue to yellow-green. This work provides a practical approach for kinetic control of vertical heteroepitaxy and lays a material foundation for integrated photonics applications.

This study identified developmental stages and regulatory factors underlying stem quality of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) under high-density planting. In two cultivars grown at low and high density, gibberellin (GA)-triggered early stem elongation was found to be associated with delayed secondary cell wall deposition and reduced stem mechanical strength under high density. Foliar application of the GA biosynthesis inhibitor uniconazole at the 10–11 leaf stage delayed GA activation and slowed stem elongation, increasing stem mechanical strength and yield.

The WHO Global Action Plan for Poliovirus Containment, 4th edition (GAPIV) describes the necessary conditions for the containment of poliovirus material in poliovirus-essential facilities (PEFs). The method used for validation of chemical products for poliovirus decontamination in this study was based on processes outlined in European Standard EN14476, as recommended by the WHO GAPIV guidelines. The disinfectants 5 % Microchem Plus and 1 % Virkon®S were evaluated for efficacy against high titre poliovirus in solutions with and without high organic load using an endpoint dilution assay. A poliovirus Sabin 1 strain was used as the reference virus with the titre 8.33 log10 CCID50 (50 % cell culture infectious dose) in 0.1 ml. Microchem Plus only partially inactivated poliovirus and cannot be relied upon as the sole decontaminant. In contrast, Virkon®S performed well for both high titre poliovirus in solutions with and without high organic load, achieving >4 log10 titre reduction for both, making Virkon®S a suitable disinfectant for poliovirus.

Using seawater for large-scale electrolysis offers a highly promising route for sustainable energy systems, but aggressive chloride ions typically cause rapid degradation of conventional anodic catalysts. Researchers from Hainan University and Swinburne University of Technology have developed a self-stabilizing boron-doped high-entropy selenide for the anodic oxygen evolution reaction. By coupling dynamic valence oscillations for active-site protection with a robust selenate layer to repel chloride, this catalyst achieves over 1000 hours of continuous operation at industrial-level currents in a harsh seawater environment.

Researchers from the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMCAS) have characterized the structural and functional properties of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 sublineage BA.3.2.2 by studying RE.2.2, the lineage designation for the BA.3.2.2 branch gaining prevalence after prolonged low detection in European surveillance datasets.

Researchers from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with researchers from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry of CAS, have developed a coumarin-linked covalent organic framework (COF) that enables high-efficiency photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production.

A new study led by Prof. DU Yi from the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests the answer may lie in how music unfolds over time. Instead of merely distracting us from a stressful experience, music appears to engage the brain's stress-regulation system through changes in musical tension—the changing sense of anticipation and release that arises from the way music as a whole unfolds over time.

Researchers have developed an injectable supramolecular carrier that co‑encapsulates two hydrophobic anti‑inflammatory drugs within a hyaluronic acid matrix via Schiff‑base chemistry. The system achieves pH‑responsive release, suppresses inflammatory cytokines, promotes cartilage repair in a rat osteoarthritis model, and avoids the systemic toxicity of oral medications.

In vivo immune cell engineering directly reprograms endogenous immune cells, bypassing individualized ex vivo manufacturing and opening a path toward more accessible and scalable cell therapies. This review summarizes cell-specific engineering strategies, compares viral and non-viral delivery platforms, highlights emerging applications in cancer, autoimmune and degenerative diseases, and discusses the key challenges that must be overcome for clinical translation.

Researchers have developed an injectable supramolecular carrier that co‑encapsulates two hydrophobic anti‑inflammatory drugs within a hyaluronic acid matrix via Schiff‑base chemistry. The system achieves pH‑responsive release, suppresses inflammatory cytokines, promotes cartilage repair in a rat osteoarthritis model, and avoids the systemic toxicity of oral medications.