The introduction of two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers on top of three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films enhances the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the electronic effect of the spacer cation and the quality of the 2D capping layer are critical factors in achieving the required results. In this study, we compared two fluorinated salts: 4-(trifluoromethyl) benzamidine hydrochloride (4TF-BA·HCl) and 4-fluorobenzamidine hydrochloride (4F-BA·HCl) to engineer the 3D/2D perovskite films. Surprisingly, 4F-BA formed a high-performance 3D/2D heterojunction, while 4TF-BA produced an amorphous layer on the perovskite films. Our findings indicate that the balanced intramolecular charge polarization, which leads to effective hydrogen bonding, is more favorable in 4F-BA than in 4TF-BA, promoting the formation of a crystalline 2D perovskite. Nevertheless, 4TF-BA managed to improve efficiency to 24%, surpassing the control device, primarily due to the natural passivation capabilities of benzamidine. Interestingly, the devices based on 4F-BA demonstrated an efficiency exceeding 25% with greater longevity under various storage conditions compared to 4TF-BA-based and the control devices.

Two Virginia high school students have discovered how sea anemones respond to salinity changes caused by hurricane rainfall. As hurricanes worsen due to climate change, this important information could help conservation efforts and inspire advocacy efforts. The research was shared in a paper published in Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Research on October 7.

A research team has developed a fluorescent probe that allows scientists to visualize how individual lipid droplets break down inside living cells in real time. The probe changes its fluorescence properties depending on the chemical composition of each droplet, which allows researchers to observe not only their location within cells, but also their metabolic activity during lipid breakdown. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, may contribute to the development of new strategies to treat metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes, as well as cancers associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. 

A new study from the Systems Immunology Research Group at the Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, reveals that our immune system does more than defend against viruses. In certain cases, it induces mutations within viruses that make them easier to recognize later on. The findings have been published in Nature Communications. The research was led by Máté Manczinger and Gergő Balogh in collaboration with Csaba Pál and Balázs Papp. Experimental validation was coordinated by Gábor Szebeni. 

A new study reveals that interview-based sighting histories can reliably estimate the relative abundance of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Chinese coastal waters. By transforming local ecological knowledge into quantitative indices, researchers found strong correlations with actual population data. This method offers an affordable and practical alternative for monitoring marine megafauna in regions where traditional surveys are limited by cost and logistics.

Researchers employed single-cell RNA sequencing to map gonadal development in a simultaneous hermaphroditic scallop Argopecten irradians. Their work revealed key cell types and interactions, elucidating communication between germ cells and accessory cells. This finding offers insights into scallop reproduction and potential applications in aquaculture.