Optical neural networks hold promise as future hardware for energy-efficient artificial intelligence tasks. The implementation of nonlinear functions in photonic integrated circuits is required for optical neural network design and performance calculation. A European scientific collaboration has experimentally demonstrated a novel optical nonlinearity arising from the hydrodynamic behavior of electrons in doped semiconductors. These results could enable advanced photonic integrated circuits using mature microfabrication processes, paving the way for scalable, high-performance optical computing.

In a study published in aBIOTECH, researchers identified GmSSBG1, a soybean β-glucosidase, as a key regulator of soyasaponin metabolism that enhances resistance to the destructive soybean pod borer (Leguminivora glycinivorella)

In a paper published on aBIOTECH, the authors constructed G protein mutants using CRISPR/cas9 technology and investigated the biological functions of G proteins in growth, development, and symbiotic nodulation in Medicago truncatula.

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) have attracted significant attention due to their high theoretical energy density and low-cost raw materials. However, LSBs still face various challenges in practical applications, particularly the shuttle effect, electrode passivation, and slow kinetics. In recent years, trisulfur radicals (TRs), important intermediates in LSBs, have emerged as a promising and beyond-traditional solution to these problems, which serves as a mediated catalyst to improve the electrochemical performance of LSBs. As a system that is inconsistent with the catalytic conversion process discussed in the traditional LSBs, this review focuses on the generation, detection, promotion, and catalytic roles of TRs, especially emphasizing the formation of TRs in solid-state lapis lazuli analogs and discussing the pros and cons of high donor number solvents and/or their co-solvents in stabilizing TRs. Strategies involving homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysts are discussed for increment of TRs and enhancing catalytic reactions in LSBs. Ultimately, given TRs’ significant potential as a key factor in enhancing the performance of LSBs, future perspectives and outlooks are provided to guide the further development of TRs in LSBs. This review provides valuable insights into the design of electrolytes and catalysts for increment of TRs, paving the new practical direction and way for advanced LSBs.

In a paper published in Astronomical Techniques and Instruments, the Solar Close Observations and Proximity Experiments (SCOPE) mission will send a spacecraft into the solar atmosphere at a low altitude of just 5 R☉ from the solar center. It aims to elucidate the mechanisms behind solar eruptions and coronal heating, and to directly measure the coronal magnetic field.

The combination of solar energy and natural hydrothermal systems will innovate the chemistry of CO₂ hydrogenation; however, the approach remains challenging due to the lack of robust and cost-effective catalytic system. Here, Zn which can be recycled with solar energy-induced approach was chosen as the reductant and Co as catalyst to achieve robust hydrothermal CO₂ methanation. Nanosheets of honeycomb ZnO were grown in situ on the Co surface, resulting in a new motif (Co@ZnO catalyst) that inhibits Co deactivation through ZnO-assisted CoO_x reduction. The stabilized Co and interaction between Co and ZnO functioned collaboratively toward the full conversion of CO₂–CH₄. In situ hydrothermal infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of formic acid as an intermediate, thereby avoiding CO formation and unwanted side reaction pathways. This study presents a straightforward one-step process for both highly efficient CO₂ conversion and catalyst synthesis, paving the way for solar-driven CO₂ methanation.

Realizing the point-of-care tumor markers biodetection with good convenience and high sensitivity possesses great significance for prompting cancer monitoring and screening in biomedical study field. Herein, the quantum dots luminescence and microfluidic biochip with machine vision algorithm-based intelligent biosensing platform have been designed and manufactured for point-of-care tumor markers diagnostics. The employed quantum dots with excellent photoluminescent performance are modified with specific antibody as the optical labeling agents for the designed sandwich structure immunoassay. The corresponding biosensing investigations of the designed biodetection platform illustrate several advantages involving high sensitivity (~ 0.021 ng mL^-1), outstanding accessibility, and great integrability. Moreover, related test results of human-sourced artificial saliva samples demonstrate better detection capabilities compared with commercially utilized rapid test strips. Combining these infusive abilities, our elaborate biosensing platform is expected to exhibit potential applications for the future point-of-care tumor markers diagnostic area.

CHAF1B, a histone chaperone component of the chromatin assembly factor-1 complex, is overexpressed in multiple cancers and linked to tumor progression, but its role in lung squamous-cell carcinoma (LUSC) remained unclear. This study identifies CHAF1B as a critical oncogenic driver in LUSC through integrated bioinformatics, in vitro experiments, and in vivo models. Analysis of the GSE68793 LUSC dataset via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) highlighted CHAF1B as a top hub gene enriched in cell cycle regulation pathways. Immunohistochemistry of 126 LUSC tissues confirmed CHAF1B overexpression compared to adjacent normal tissues, with higher expression correlating significantly with advanced tumor stages and poor patient survival. Functional assays demonstrated that CHAF1B knockdown suppressed LUSC cell proliferation, induced S-phase cell cycle arrest, and reduced colony formation. In mouse xenograft models, CHAF1B silencing markedly inhibited tumor growth, underscoring its pro-tumorigenic role.

Researchers have experimentally observed the enhancement of neutron-rich particle emission from out-of-fission-plane in Fermi energy heavy ion collisions, suggesting a new probe for nuclear equation of state. The fast-rotating reaction system provides a beneficial environment to study the mechanisms of isospin migration and fission dynamics.