Chinese scientists have identified five major fundamental scientific questions for extreme complex geological disaster chains: “disaster gestation through multi-sphere interactions, disaster regulation by multi-interface control, disaster propulsion by multi-dynamic coupling, disaster initiation by extreme events, and disaster amplification through multi-disaster chain interactions.” They further reveal the core characteristics of disaster chains from the three dimensions of time, space, and human activities, and construct a coherent “mechanism–prediction–prevention and control” research framework.

Weyl topological superconductivity is a rare state promising for quantum computing, but it usually requires complex band properties like strong spin-orbit coupling. Researchers have now shown that transitioning from a 2D square to a 3D cubic lattice, simple repulsive interactions between electrons create geometric frustration. This naturally forms a unique octupolar Weyl superconducting state. By removing the need for spin-orbit coupling, this opens a simpler, universal path for discovering new quantum materials and realizing unconventional 3D superconductivity

A Chinese research team has shown that a self-developed, transportable cold atom gravimeter can measure the strength of Earth's gravity as accurately as the world's mainstream laser-interferometer instruments. During a two-month comparison organized by China's Crustal Movement Observation Network (CMONOC) in Wuhan, the atom-based instrument, WAG-H5-2#2508, was tested side by side with eight conventional absolute gravimeters. Its result differed from the group consensus value by only 1.4 microGal, about one billionth of the surface gravity, confirming that mechanically wear-free atom interferometry is now ready for high-precision, long-term gravity monitoring.

Deleting the zinc transporter ZIP9 from the mouse hippocampus causes premature death, memory loss, neuroinflammation, and synapse damage. The study links ZIP9, which is a membrane androgen receptor, to brain aging and cognitive function through disrupted gut microbiota and lipid remodeling. Findings reveal that ZIP9 expression declines in naturally aging mice, and hippocampal deletion studies indicates that ZIP9 loss disrupts brain-gut-lipid homeostasis, ultimately leading to accelerated brain aging and premature mortality.

Immune checkpoints (ICs) are receptors that regulate immune responses through both activating and inhibitory mechanisms. Inflammatory microenvironment modulates IC expression through cytokines, metabolites, and oxidative signals. Immune checkpoint inhibitors not only enhance antitumor immunity but also reshape systemic immune networks. This review summarizes the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which ICs regulate inflammatory responses and highlights their roles across diverse pathological conditions.

On 28 March 2025, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck near Mandalay, Myanmar, killing over 5,400 people. Satellite data revealed a 500-km rupture along the Sagaing Fault, with maximum surface slip of 4.6 meters. The earthquake showed no shallow slip deficit and part of it traveled at supershear speed. Large-magnitude earthquakes (Mw＞7) on the segments that ruptured in this event may recur every 104–131 years, while the northern segment may have a shorter one.

For decades, scientists have observed that the mass diffusion coefficient D and viscosity η governing momentum diffusion violate their expected inverse scaling relationship in glass-forming liquids implied by the widely assumed Stokes-Einstein relationship derived from Brownian motion theory. A recent article in National Science Review reveals that this so-called‘decoupling’ phenomenon does not arise from the inherent dynamic heterogeneity of glass-forming liquids, as often assumed, but rather simply from differences in the activation free energies of D and η already present in liquids at elevated temperatures where no appreciable dynamic heterogeneity exists. Dynamic heterogeneity is a symptom rather than the cause of decoupling.