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Seawater corrosion can impact the lifespan and reliability of metallic materials for marine applications. This work develops a titanium alloy exhibiting active passivation behavior that ensures its electrochemical and mechanical stability in seawater-like environments.

Atomic level engineering of graphene-based materials is highly demanded for the customized structures and properties. Here, the authors show heteroatom dopant-specific unzipping of carbon nanotubes as a reliable and controllable route to customized 'intact crystalline' graphene-based nanostructures.

The realization of high-performance flexible perovskite/crystalline-silicon tandem solar cells requires efficient photocarrier transport and mitigation of residual stress. Here, authors reveal the critical role of perovskite phase homogeneity, achieving flexible devices with efficiency of 29.88%.

Interlayer spacing and termination are important for controlling the physical and chemical properties of MXenes, largely affecting their potential applications. Here authors present a general approach for simultaneously tuning the interlayer spacing and termination of MXenes using Lewis-basic halides.

The authors cloned anti-NMDAR (N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor) monoclonal antibodies from the immune B cells of persons with autoimmune encephalitis and revealed their precise binding epitopes on NMDARs and the pathological mechanism underlying the downregulation of synaptic function.

Three structures of human SLC15A4 are presented in the outward-facing apo monomeric and dimeric states and the inward-facing TASL-bound state, revealing the molecular mechanism of SLC15A4-mediated TASL recruitment in human endolysosomal TLRs signalling.

A hybrid cathode interfacial layer (AZnO-F3N) is developed, delivering 21.0% efficiency along with excellent stability, mechanical robustness and broad versatility, highlighting its potential to advance organic solar cells.

A catalytic Joule heating approach is developed for the growth of one-dimensional nanomaterials via a vapour–liquid–solid mechanism under far-from-equilibrium reaction conditions. It demonstrates broad applicability for the rapid and energy-efficient synthesis of diverse nanowires and nanotubes, including refractory and high-entropy systems.

Copper-based catalysts are preferred for electrochemical CO₂ reduction to hydrocarbons, which however easily undergo structural reconstruction. Here, the authors report a class of reconstruction-resistant copper sites with tunable electronic structures through σ-π dative bonding interaction.

Ionic or molecular transport in conventional polymeric membranes often suffers from a trade-off between permeability and selectivity. The authors report on an interfacial polymer cross-linking strategy to produce a robust, permeable and selective 3-µm-thick ultrathin polymeric membrane containing quasi-ordered reticular cross-linking structures.

A major challenge for the effective use of Ti-based MXenes in applications with harsh environmental conditions is their poor resistance to oxidation. Here, authors report an air-stable Ti₃C₂T_x composite with extracted bentonite able to endure high-temperature annealing in air by an oxygen adsorption competition mechanism.

Structural analyses of the human dopamine transporter in apo and substrate-bound states and in complex with drugs and inhibitors reveal key binding residues and conformational transitions that occur during substrate transport.

GPR174 is a lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS) activated GPCR. Here, the authors report the cryo-EM structure of LysoPS-bound human GPR174 in complex with G_s protein. The study reveals how GPR174 recognizes the lipid ligand and engages G_s in a distinct binding mode.

The apelin receptor regulates heart and metabolic health via G-protein and β-arrestin signaling pathways. Here, authors present receptor-β-arrestin complex structures with distinct stoichiometries that provide insight into biased signaling, guiding targeted drug design.

A nanostructure inspired by the sea anemone is very effective in removing a range of water contaminants.

Wear- and corrosion-resistant hardfacing steels rely on carbon for strengthening. Here, the authors report an ultra-high strength silicide phase that could lead to a new class of silicide-strengthened stainless steels and alternative coatings for nuclear applications.

Intestinal motility disorders that can occur following small intestine resection often require regular monitoring. This study reports a biodegradable ultrasound contrast tape (BioUCT) that adheres to the intestine for high-contrast imaging for up to two weeks for non-invasive monitoring of postoperative intestinal motility.

Modular synthesis and structural biology are used to design and characterize group A streptogramin antibiotics, one of which has activity against streptogramin-resistant strains and demonstrates efficacy in a mouse model of bacterial infection.

Histamine receptors are effective targets for allergy treatments and antihistamines are the first choice of many allergic disorders, but the exact mechanism of agonist binding and receptor activation remain unknown. Here, the authors present the cryo-EM structure of histamine-bound H1R/Gq complex and propose a mechanism of ligand induced receptor activation.

The apelin receptor (APJR) is a drug target for cardiovascular and metabolic health. Here, authors reveal how ligand binding, receptor dimerization, and G protein coupling cooperate to regulate APJR signaling pathway, providing insight for drug discovery.

Connexin 36 (Cx36) gap junction channel is responsible for signal transmission in electrical synapses. Here, the authors determine cryo-EM structures of Cx36, providing insights into a potential role of lipids in the channel gating.

There is interest in methods to extend products shelf-life to reduce food waste. Here, the authors report on an amyloid-like protein coating that extends fruit shelf-life 2-5 times by blocking microbes and moisture loss, preserving nutrients, cutting waste and reducing the need for cold chain storage and transport.

Controlling the orientation of the constituent parts of a metamaterial enables the creation of a new family of optical stereoisomer materials that have an electromagnetic response that can be carefully tailored.

Hydrogen production coupled with biomass upgrading is vital for sustainable energy developments. Here, the authors report an acidic hydrogen production system that combines enol electrooxidation to achieve industrial current densities with an operating bias of less than 1.23 V.

An in situ-grown layer of SiO_xN_y contributes to passivating surface defects in inverted organic solar cells, enabling power conversion efficiency of up to 18.49% and an estimated device lifespan of over 16 years.

Immobilized cobalt phthalocyanine shows promise in CO₂ electroreduction to methanol. However, the reaction mechanism remains unclear. This study reveals that cathodic potential critically influences methanol production by altering the symmetry and binding properties at the cobalt active center.

In this study, the authors present a genomic surveillance of avian influenza genomes sampled from live poultry markets in China. They report that a number of variants have emerged since 2016 that pose an increased risk to humans. They highlight the importance of continuous genome surveillance of circulating influenza strains.

Here, the authors increase the grain size of Nb_0.55Ta_0.4Ti_0.05FeSb by three orders of magnitude by Sb-pressure controlled annealing, resulting in enhanced mobility and cooling power density compared to Bi₂Te₃-based devices.

While hydrogen spillover has been widely investigated in heterogeneous catalysis, the migration of metal species via a similar mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, the authors reveal a metal-species spillover process enabled by water adlayers on support surfaces.

FGF signaling through ERK is known to promote the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ES cells). Here, the authors demonstrate that the lncRNA Trincr1 binds and represses TRIM71 in ES cells, leading to downregulation of SHCBP1 protein, the reduction of FGF/ERK signaling and the promotion of self-renewal.

In this clinical trial, the authors demonstrate that recombinant gE-Fc Fusion Protein Vaccine LZ901 for herpes zoster induces superior cellular immunogenicity and exhibits a better safety profile than HZ/su in adults ≥50 years, supporting its potential as vaccine candidate.

aGPCRs play key roles in multiple physiological processes. Here the authors report cryo-EM structures of GPR110 in complexes with G_q, G_s, G_i, G₁₂ and G₁₃ protein to reveal a detailed mechanism of aGPCR activation via the tethered stalk peptide and principles of G-protein coupling and selectivity on GPR110.

Electrocatalytic N₂ conversion to ammonia offers a low-carbon alternative to industrial ammonia production, although the rational design of active, efficient catalysts remains limited. Here, authors show Ti³⁺-pair sites in anatase TiO₂ to be active for aqueous N₂ electroreduction to ammonia.

Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing and chromatin-accessibility analyses in rice (a C₃ plant) and sorghum (a C₄ plant) provide insight into how C₄ photosynthesis evolved in bundle-sheath cells, revealing that the acquisition of ancestral cis-elements was key.

In the paper, Dr. Wang et al reported a cryo-EM structure of the human leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (BLT1) in complex with its native ligand leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in an active conformation complexed with Gi protein. The structure reveals the molecule determinant of LTB4 binding and the mechanism of receptor activation. These structural information will boost the understanding of LTB4-BLT1 signaling and provide a rational basis for designing novel anti-leukotriene drugs.

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 causes interstitial pneumonia and viral replication in the lungs of transgenic mice that express a human version of ACE2, confirming the pathogenicity of the virus in this model.

A one-pot kinetically controlled synthetic framework for constructing regioselective architectures in a series of well-defined metallic heterostructures is demonstrated, in which phase and morphology regulation of Pd–Sb substrate are implemented to validate the kinetically controlled synthesis.

Acid chloride formation is generally limited to the chlorination of carboxylic acids. Here, the authors report a palladium-catalyzed regiodivergent hydrochlorocarbonylation of alkenes for the synthesis of various alkyl acid chlorides.

Graphene holds promise as a protective coating; however, lattice defects may hinder its practical applicability. Here, the authors investigate the oxidation behavior of graphene-coated copper foils and unveil the interplay between structural defects and oxygen radicals from water molecules in ambient air.

Extraction of ubiquitinated proteins from chloroplasts in CHLORAD is driven by the cytosolic ATPase Cdc48. The UBX-domain protein PUX10 is shown to be a CHLORAD component that recruits Cdc48 to the chloroplast surface.

The performances of rechargeable batteries are detrimentally affected by low temperatures (e.g., < 0 °C). Here, the authors report a few-layer Bi2Se3 material capable of improving battery cycling performances when operational temperatures are shifted from +25 °C to −20 °C.

Controlling the number of molecular switches and their relative positioning within porous materials is critical to their functionality and properties. Here the authors systematically control the number of spiropyran units in a covalent organic framework using a mixed-linker synthetic strategy which resulted in one photoresponsive unit per pore.

Here, the authors structurally and biochemically characterise the YcfA-YcfC enzyme system, crucial for biosynthesis of the anticancer and antimicrobial agent 6-thioguanine.

Through-plane conductivity in anion-exchange membranes is beneficial for their use in fuel cells as it aids movement of ions from cathode to anode. Liu and colleagues use ferrocenium polymers and an applied magnetic field to orient ion channels appropriately and achieve improvements in stability by formation of magnetically induced mixed-valence states.

Soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) is a potentially value biocatalyst, but production of active recombinant sMMO is very challenging. Here the authors report the rational design and construction of a catalytically active miniature sMMO which enables high-yield production of methanol in E. coli.

The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and accumulation of circulating free (cf) DNA increase with age but it is unknown whether DNA fragments cause joint inflammation. Here authors show that cf DNA levels are higher in RA patients and that in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model, the exonuclease TREX1 suppresses synovial inflammation via promoting the degradation of cf DNA and inhibiting a senescence-like cellular state.