Silver-based atomic switches that create stable electrical connections between individual molecules and electrodes have been developed by researchers from Japan, addressing a key challenge in wiring molecular electronics. The switch operates by forming and breaking silver atomic filaments when a voltage is applied and reversed, corresponding to the “on” and “off” states. This method enables the scalable integration of molecular components, paving the way for ultra-compact and energy-efficient circuits built from single molecules.

Nicotine addiction remains one of the most persistent global health challenges, yet the cellular mechanisms underlying it are less explored. Now, researchers have discovered that astrocytes, glial cells in the brain thought to play only a passive role, actively contribute to the brain changes triggered by repeated nicotine exposure. The findings provide insights into nicotine-induced changes in the brain by an enzyme that regulates a key glutamate-related pathway linked to sensitized behavior.

A new hydrogel-based breakthrough is transforming extracellular vesicle research. Using meso–macroporous PEGDA hydrogels with ~400 nm pores, researchers can now isolate EVs directly from raw biofluids like blood, urine, milk, and more without preprocessing or specialized equipment. The method is faster, scalable, and highly efficient, yielding up to 1,500× more for milk EVs than traditional techniques. Beyond isolation, EVs can be preserved, enriched, and applied in diagnostics, therapeutics, and industrial-scale research.