Among the most well-established CRISPR-Cas systems, Cas13 has drawn attention for its unique activity to cut RNA, enabling advances in RNA editing, RNA interference, and molecular diagnostics. However, as this RNA-guided enzyme prevails in basic research and edges closer to clinical use, questions regarding its unintended activity in living cells remain a major concern.

Now, a study published in Science Bulletin reveals an unexpected mechanism of Cas13a activation that occurs independently of any RNA target. The research team discovered that Cas13a can be turned on by guide RNA (crRNA) alone—circumventing the requirement for a complementary RNA target as in the canonical activation model. This novel behavior, termed RNA target-independent non-canonical activation (RINCA), sheds light on a previously unanticipated source of background activity in Cas13a-based systems.

A Chinese research team led by Zhong-Shuai Wu at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a layer-by-layer 3D printing strategy for constructing thick lithium-ion battery cathodes with anisotropic ion pathways, achieving a record-high areal capacity of 38.4 mAh cm^-2.

Lithium-ion batteries and plastics—two of the most consumed products in modern society—are becoming increasingly problematic when they reach the end of their lives. While batteries pose risks due to toxic components and resource waste, plastics challenge global recycling systems with their sheer volume and chemical durability.

Now, researchers from Soochow University and Harbin Engineering University have jointly developed a novel, dual-waste recycling strategy that addresses both problems simultaneously. In a study recently published in Science China Chemistry, they report a breakthrough in repurposing spent lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery materials and graphite anodes into highly efficient photothermal catalysts capable of upgrading waste polyester plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

A joint team from Singapore and Spain has uncovered an intrinsic link between optical vortices and optical skyrmions. By restoring the longitudinal electromagnetic field at a phase singularity, they reveal a perfectly formed Gauss–Stokes skyrmion—a full Poincaré-sphere texture—without any beam superposition. The finding unifies phase, polarization and topology in a single scalar mode and offers an ultracompact route to on-chip topological photonics.

In this study, we evaluate the seismic vulnerability of buildings in Dir City, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, using a modified rapid visual screening (RVS) approach.

Immunization has long played essential roles in preventing diseases. However, the desire for precision delivery of vaccines to boost a robust immune response remains largely unmet. Here, we describe the use of acupoint delivery of nanovaccines (ADN) to elicit dual-niche immunological priming. ADN can simultaneously stimulate mast cell-assisted maturation of dendritic cells at the acupoint and enable direct delivery of nanovaccines into the draining lymph nodes. We demonstrate that ADN not only provokes antigen presentation by lymph node-resident CD8α⁺ dendritic cells, but also induces the accumulation of nanovaccines in B-cell zones, amplifying antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and immunoglobulin G antibody expression in draining lymph nodes. ADN also generates systemic immune responses by causing immune memory and preventing T-cell anergy in the spleen. Further supported by evoking effective antitumor responses and high-level antiviral antibodies in mice, ADN provides a simple yet versatile platform for advanced nanovaccination.

A new study proposes that multi-step fragmentation at approximately 1 GeV/nucleon could be a game-changer for producing rare neutron-rich nuclei. Simulations show that the method—using thick targets—outperforms traditional techniques by orders of magnitude, enabling access to drip-line isotopes previously beyond reach. If confirmed by experiments, this approach will expand our capacity to explore uncharted regions of the nuclear chart and investigate the structure of exotic nuclei.

Hormones affect human physical functions, behaviour and mental well-being, with testosterone, a primary androgen hormone, playing a vital role in shaping male social cognition and behaviour. A research team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has conducted interdisciplinary research to uncover the neurocognitive correlates of testosterone in the brain function of young men, and their impact on social behaviour. The findings provide valuable insights into potential applications of testosterone therapy in clinical and mental healthcare. 

As 5G deployment accelerates and 6G development begins, the demand for high-performance microwave dielectric ceramics (MWDCs) has surged. A team of researchers has developed a new garnet-type ceramic material, Y₃MgAl₃GeO₁₂ (YMAG), with excellent microwave properties, including low permittivity, high quality factor, and good temperature stability. By optimizing the material with TiO₂, they achieved near-zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency, and a dielectric resonator antenna based on this material demonstrated outstanding performance in the X-band, highlighting its potential for 5G/6G applications.

North China faces extreme heat, with temps hitting 40°C+ in 2023—breaking 60-year records. A new study links the heatwave to high-pressure systems and dry soils, warning such events may become normal due to climate change. Urgent adaptation needed for energy, health, and crops.