Florida State University chemists have synthesized new molecules derived from bacteria found in a Pacific Ocean sea sponge, a breakthrough for the future of drug development, particularly for rare forms of cancer.

Researchers from Concordia University are investigating how blood flow restriction (BFR) training can boost the benefits of low-intensity exercise. By partially restricting blood flow during workouts, BFR may help improve strength, muscle growth and recovery without heavy loads, making it promising for athletes, older adults and people recovering from injury.

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) have been recognized as promising power generation devices for future clean energy systems, owing to their relatively low activation energy for proton migration and high energy conversion efficiency. In certain application scenarios, the use of N₂O (a potent greenhouse gas), as an alternative oxidant to air, presents a feasible strategy. This work can provide a feasible direction for energy and environmental protection strategies.

Researchers now report an yttrium-based MOF, Y-ebdc, featuring cage-type structures that accommodate protonated dimethylamine (DMA) as both counter cations and molecular sieving gates. Subsequent optimization of the adsorption separation performance for propylene/propane (C₃H₆/C₃H₈) was achieved through regulation of DMA’s thermal decomposition. With approximately 70% of DMA removed, the expanded aperture window and increased pore volume remarkably enhance dynamic C₃H₆ uptake while simultaneously facilitating the direct production of polymer-grade (>99.5%) C₃H₆ in a single adsorption–desorption cycle.

Large-area and free-standing photonic crystal polymer films exhibit highly saturated iridescence and robust structural colors, making them promising for applications in the field of display, anti-counterfeiting, and camouflage. However, their practical utilization has been hindered by challenges in achieving both vivid coloration and reusability. Professor Suli Wu's team at Dalian University of Technology has developed a sandwich-structured PC film that overcomes this limitation. Fabricated through colloidal self-assembly on porous paper substrates and polymer encapsulation, the film features a PC core protected by two polymer layers, exhibiting a synergistic effect that ensures excellent color fastness (withstanding 100 rubbing cycles), bright iridescence, flexibility, and reusability. By replacing the bottom layer with adhesive, a versatile PC sticker adaptable to various surfaces can be created, offering a new approach to functional iridescent polymer films.

Diabetic wounds are complicated to heal due to factors such as infection, excessive inflammation, and impaired angiogenesis. Now, a groundbreaking, innovative hydrogel dressing has emerged, synthesized from the decellularized extracellular matrix of deer antler and a therapeutic metal-phenolic network. This multifunctional material opens up new prospects for chronic wound management by synergistically exerting antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects while promoting robust angiogenesis and tissue regeneration.

A research team has developed an innovative nanodrug platform, NP_β-lap+PRO, for precise non-small cell lung cancer treatment. This system combines NQO1 bioactivation therapy with PROTAC technology and overcome drug solubility and targeting limitations. The design features a PLGA nanoparticle core co-encapsulating β-lapachone and a PARP1-targeting PROTAC molecule, shielded by a pH-responsive gadolinium-tannic acid shell. The platform's paramagnetic properties enable MRI tracking of drug distribution. Experiments confirm effective tumor accumulation and pH-triggered drug release. In A549 models, the system induces PARP1 degradation, disrupts DNA repair, and amplifies β-lap-NQO1-reactive oxygen species production, resulting in enhanced DNA damage and apoptosis.

A multifunctional hydrogel (HRZn) was fabricated through in situ mineralization and dynamic crosslinking of HA, Rhein, and Zn²⁺, resulting in enhanced mechanical properties and sustained release of bioactive components. In vivo evaluations demonstrated its potent efficacy in accelerating the healing of S. aureus-infected deep burn wounds.

A novel catalyst featuring a unique Ni−O−Si interface, engineered through a dual-polymer modification, enables efficient urea production from carbon dioxide and nitrate waste. This breakthrough offers a sustainable, energy-saving alternative to the traditional, energy-intensive industrial process, achieving high yield, selectivity, and long-term stability under ambient conditions.