Research articles

Linear carbon (Cn), an elusive sp hybridized carbon allotrope, has attracted much interest both experimentally and among theorists due to remarkable properties and significant controversy. Here, the authors report the synthesis and characterization of an uncapped linear C5 as well as longer even- and odd-numbered carbon chains.

Authors identify and characterize 16 endo−1,3-fucanases within the GH168 family sequence space, unveiling a recognition mechanism for sulfate polysaccharides. These findings can promote the application of endo−1,3-fucanases for the development of sulfated fucans.

Authors study H₂ absorption in single Pd nanoparticles with systematically varied plastic deformation. They report deformation-level dependent kinetics and hydride formation pressures, and reveal their complex evolution during H₂ cycling.

Novel brain implants generate massive data flow to be processed efficiently. Here, authors propose a light artificial spiking neural network to perform spike sorting, a key processing step that isolates single neuron activity, to benefit future low-power brain implants.

Uranium recovery from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing in ultra-acidic and radiation-intensive environments is challenging. Here, we present a pyrophosphate-g-C₃N₄ polymer with high resistance to HNO₃ and radiation, achieving a uranium adsorption capacity of 75.3 mg g⁻¹ and 79.1% recovery efficiency.

Blubber is a key adaptation of modern cetaceans, but its molecular evolution remains incompletely understood. Here, Tian and colleagues identify loss of the master adipose tissue regulator β3-adrenergic receptor in crown cetaceans, possibly providing a means for later radiation and dispersal.

Lysosomes are vital for cellular health and linked to many diseases. Here, authors use cryo-ET to image intact lysosomes and resolve lysosomal protein structures, providing a platform to advance the study of lysosome biology.

Practical implementation of all-perovskite tandem solar cells faces challenges due to the self-reinforcing photothermal-mechanical degradation mechanism. Here, authors employ a polyamine ligand to establish I-Sn-N coordination for stabilizing lattice framework, achieving device efficiency of 29.6%.

Binze Wang and colleagues reveal that hidden flows (overburden, waste rock, and tailings) in China’s car supply chain are 35 times greater than the final material use, with about half originating from overseas sources.

On-demand access to information encoded in nucleotides lies at the heart of DNA/RNA applications. Here the authors develop a real-time method using nanopore sequencing, SUSTag-ORCtrL, to directly read DNA tags and access stored data without PCR.

This paper analyzes global trends in “socioeconomic farm size.” It shows that the average size rose 14% (2000-2020) and may triple by 2100, underscoring the urgent need for tailored policies to balance sustainability, equity, and food security.

Preparation of a pure Si₄₆ framework in the clathrate-I structure is a challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate the stepwise Ba evacuation process and observe a guest-free Si₄₆ framework from Ba_8-xSi₄₆ using atomic-scale STEM imaging during in-situ heating.

How the brain adjusts the neural integration gain to keep its neural codes for continuous variables accurate is unknown. Using bump attractor networks, the authors derive the principles of this gain adjustment and identify two biologically plausible, error-driven mechanisms.

Tau misfolds in Alzheimer’s disease, but how the link between tau filament structure and pathogenicity is unclear. This study shows that both filament core structure and phosphorylation in the fuzzy coat are required for full seeding capacity.

Many perennial plants reproduce in irregular pulses, known as masting, triggered by weather cues. This global study finds temperature is the key driver, with climate change expected to cause divergent reproductive impacts in tropical versus temperate regions.

Using electron microscopy, the authors demonstrate direct tracking of Hf dopant diffusion along the α-Al2O3 Σ31 grain boundary. Theoretical calculation elucidates that interstitial diffusion can greatly enhance diffusivity through shuffle motion.

The properties of the Antarctic Bottom Water largely determine the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation’s depth and strength across climate states by affecting the routes via which North Atlantic Deep Water returns to the ocean surface.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-TIGIT have been used individually as tumour therapies. Here the authors fuse IL-2 and anti-TIGIT in a combined therapeutic and show that this promotes Treg cell fragility in the tumour environment which in turn promotes neutrophil function to enhance CD8 T cell anti-tumour function in mouse models.