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Entropy plateaus, combinatorial degeneracy, local moments, and heavy-fermion mass renormalization in magic-angle graphene
Abstract Heavy-fermion behavior, driven by the interaction-induced enhancement of electronic mass, underpins exotic states ranging from unconventional superconductivity to quantum criticality. Long restricted to complex three-dimensional f- electron compounds, these phenomena are now predicted to emerge within the flat bands of magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene. Here, we use high-resolution planar tunneling spectroscopy to perform inverse-compressibility and entropy measurements, providing direct evidence for topological heavy-fermion behavior in magic-angle graphene. Our inverse-compressibility data reveal strong, filling-dependent mass renormalization, consistent with the hybridization between localized and itinerant electrons within a Kondo-lattice framework. Furthermore, entropy spectroscopy reveals two plateau structures whose degeneracies directly encode the combinatorial structure of local moment states. This 8-to-4-fold degeneracy reduction is an entropic signature of strain-mediated symmetry breaking, consistent with the topological heavy-fermion model.
Quantitative RNA modification mapping by mass spectrometry with isobaric tags and nucleobase fragment analysis
Stochastic thermodynamics of social imitation beyond energetics
Macrophages tune NK cell IFNγ production through direct lipid transfer
Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are critical effectors of innate immunity, but their activity is strongly influenced by metabolic state. While intrinsic NK metabolism has been studied extensively, less is known about how surrounding immune cells shape NK cell function. Here, we identify a direct metabolic communication axis between macrophages and NK cells. Using co-culture and in vivo models, we show that lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages induce lipid accumulation in NK cells that suppresses mTORC1 activity and the production of IFNγ. This lipid accumulation is visualised as increased lipid droplets content in NK cells, generated using fatty acids synthesised within the macrophages. Genetic and pharmacological approaches show that fatty acid transfer from macrophages to NK cells requires cell-cell contact and is associated with CD36 protein transfer via trogocytosis. Blocking fatty acid synthesis specifically in macrophages prevents lipid accumulation in NK cells and restores both mTORC1 activity and IFNγ production. These findings define a previously unrecognized mechanism of macrophage-NK cell cross-regulation, revealing how metabolic exchange constrains NK effector function and establishing a feedback circuit with implications for hyperinflammation and immunotherapy.
Benchmarking RNA-seq with the Quartet and MAQC reference materials to establish best practices for accurate alternative splicing analysis
TiO2-facet-dependent reconstruction of Pt nanoparticles during CO oxidation
Spatially harnessing oxygenase enables paired and ultraselective electrooxidative waste depolymerization
Self-Assembled Multilayers Reduce Interfacial Energy Loss in Perovskite Solar Cells
Abstract The use of self-assembled multilayer (SAM) layers as hole transport layers (HTLs) represents a major advance for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, many SAMs materials suffer from aggregation, poor wettability, and weak interactions with the perovskite, which hinder charge transfer and cause energy losses that limit both power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability. In this study, we synthesized two SAMs, namely 2-(10-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)−7H-benzo[c]carbazol-7-yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (denoted as DMPA) and 2-(7H-benzo[c]carbazol-7-yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (denoted as BCPA). DMPA SAM effectively suppresses self‑aggregation and enhances substrate coverage. The methoxy groups in DMPA interact with the perovskite, thereby enabling DMPA to passivate defects at the buried interface and optimize perovskite crystallization. These interfacial improvements facilitate more efficient charge extraction and enhance interfacial stability. As a result, DMPA-based PSCs achieve a PCE of 27.59% (certified PCE of 27.2%) and show remarkable photothermal stability, retaining 94.5% of their initial efficiency after 1600 hours of continuous illumination under 1 Sun at 65 °C.
Human learning of probability distributions is biased toward moderate structural complexity
Abstract Inferring hidden environmental structures, which commonly involves learning arbitrary probability distributions from limited samples, is essential to optimal and adaptive behaviors across various cognitive domains. However, it remains largely unknown how the internal representations constructed by humans may deviate from actual probabilistic structures, and what computational processes, operated under inherent cognitive limitations, give rise to these representations. We first develop a structured distribution report task to reveal human participants’ internal representations, with findings verified in a further distribution recognition task. Across eight behavioral experiments (including one pre-registered study) in two modalities, participants estimate the overall probability density reasonably well, but exhibit a systematic bias toward moderate structural complexity, reporting too many clusters when the true distribution is a single Gaussian and too few when it contains many clusters. We then build a series of learning models in the framework of approximate Bayesian inference fit to our behavioral data. Through model comparisons, we reconstruct the prior beliefs guiding the evolution of participants’ internal representations. The best-fitting model for human reports reduces structure growth rate as complexity increases, effectively constraining the complexity of internal representations within memory limitations.
Cavity-Enabled Supramolecular Regulation of Capacitive–Redox Bromine Electrochemistry in Zinc–Bromine Batteries
Breathing ferroelectricity, flat-bands and multiple chiral phonons in van der Waals breathing kagome Nb3Cl8
A catalytically polymerized solid electrolyte enables 450 Wh kg−1 lithium–metal batteries with thermal–mechanical abuse tolerance
Abstract Practical implementation of solid polymer electrolytes is constrained by interfacial instability and manufacturing scalability. Here, we report a roll-to-roll compatible, 9.6-μm-thick solid polymer electrolyte membrane synthesized via in situ 1,3-dioxolane polymerization catalyzed by Lewis-acidic Li 1.3 Al 0.3 Ti 1.7 (PO 4 ) 3 on a polyethylene matrix, achieving a 99.1% conversion rate. The resulting membrane demonstrates 191.7 MPa mechanical strength and 418.7 mS ionic conductance at 25 °C. To resolve multiscale interfacial incompatibilities, a dual-additive strategy is employed: tris(4-fluorophenyl) phosphine constructs a fluorine-rich interphase extending positive electrode tolerance to 4.8 V, while Mg(TFSI) 2 forms a Li–Mg alloy lowering the negative electrode Li⁺ diffusion barrier to 0.127 eV. Validated in 1.2 Ah pouch cells, this system attains specific energy and energy density of 456.7 Wh kg⁻ 1 and 911.1 Wh L⁻ 1 (based on the total mass and volume of the pouch cell, respectively), stable wide-temperature cycling (−20 to 55 °C), and prevents thermal propagation under abuse conditions.
Atomically resolved wavefunction of integer and fractional quantum anomalous Hall states in twisted bilayer graphene
Sustained ash emission during lava effusion is a hidden volcanic hazard of silicic eruptions
Abstract Volcanic ash poses diverse and widespread hazards. Hybrid silicic volcanism – concurrent lava effusion and explosive ash venting – may constitute a significant but poorly quantified source of ash, so far only documented from a small number of eruptions, most notably the 2011–2012 eruption of Cordón Caulle (Chile). From that eruption, veneers of ash found welded on lava fractures have been attributed to the hybrid activity. Here, we report similar ash veneers from Holocene rhyolitic lavas at Torfajökull, Iceland, and Lipari, Italy. Focusing on the 877 CE Hrafntinnuhraun eruption of Torfajökull, we highlight that these veneers are widespread across its lavas, indicating that, similar to Cordón Caulle, Hrafntinnuhraun experienced long-lived ash venting alongside lava effusion. We develop a quantitative ash capture model based on textural complexities within the veneers, anda material and textural complexitiesrgue that hybrid activity is common to silicic volcanism and therefore represents a substantial and under-recognized hazard.
Prenatal PM2.5 exposure drives epigenetic reprogramming of fetal macrophages linked to atopic dermatitis
Abstract Prenatal environmental exposures are increasingly recognized as contributors to atopic dermatitis (AD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), a complex mixture of airborne pollutants, has been associated with elevated risk of allergic diseases, particularly during early development. Here we show that first-trimester PM 2.5 exposure is associated with an increased risk of AD in early childhood and induces epigenetic alteration in the placenta. Integrative multi-omics analyses, including single-cell approaches, reveal hypomethylation of FCER1G in fetal macrophages, leading to its sustained overexpression. This transcriptional program persists across developmental stages and re-emerges in M2 macrophages in AD skin and peripheral blood. Functional analyses demonstrate that FCER1G -associated networks promote NADPH oxidase–mediated reactive oxygen species signaling and Th2-related inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest that prenatal PM 2.5 exposure induces durable epigenetic changes in immune cells, predisposing individuals to inflammatory responses that contribute to AD pathogenesis, and highlight early-life environmental exposure as a potential target for prevention and intervention.
Uncovering the signaling networks of disseminated glioblastoma cells in vivo with INSIGHT
Abstract Dysregulation of intracellular signaling networks underpins cancer. Yet, resolving signaling networks within distinct or rare cell types in cancer in vivo has been unattainable. Here we develop INSIGHT by integrating cell sorting with mass spectrometry to enable quantitative phosphoproteomics and proteomics of discrete cell types from fixed tissues. Using INSIGHT, we map the signaling network within disseminating glioblastoma cells from patient-derived xenografts implanted in mice. Disseminating tumor cells undergo a proteome-wide shift from proliferative to mesenchymal, neural progenitor-like cell states. In parallel, signaling network and global kinase activity are rewired, transitioning from cell cycle-associated circuitries to those governing synaptic function, neuronal migration, and ion channel activity. Changes begin at the tumor margin and persist in distant brain parenchyma. Hornerin and phosphorylation of Ca²⁺-permeable GluA2 at Y876 were identified as mediators of glioblastoma progression. INSIGHT enables systems-level dissection of cell-type-specific signaling circuitries in vivo across wide range of biological systems.
Healthy vaccinee effect in the evaluation of updated COVID-19 vaccines in elderly populations
Abstract Established determinants of health in the elderly help guide routines for indicated vaccine administration, while unmeasured frailty may limit vaccine access. We evaluate the performance of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine adapted to the Omicron JN.1 lineage in a Swedish population aged ≥65 years ( N = 245 696). Vaccine effectiveness (VE) on COVID-19-related hospitalization and a negative control outcome (NCO; all-cause mortality) are assessed in various cohorts between October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. The VE was 75% (95% CI 70%–79%) overall, and 84% (95% CI 80%–87%) and 65% (95% CI 34%–82%) in individuals with and without vaccination with the prior updated COVID-19 vaccine in 2023-2024, respectively. The NCO in individuals exposed to the study vaccine in 2024-2025 was half of that seen in those not exposed to the vaccine (HR 0.43 [95% CI 0.40–0.45]). Removing individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 from this population did not change the difference in NCO (HR 0.43 [95% CI 0.41-0.46]). These findings suggest the presence of selection effects arising from under-provision of health services to elderly individuals with frailty. The healthy vaccinee effect should be considered in observational studies of the effectiveness of updated COVID-19 vaccines in elderly populations.
Cost competitiveness of alternative heavy-duty truck technologies under real-world utilisation profiles
Abstract Road freight transport is essential to modern economies, yet its decarbonization remains challenging. While previous studies often focused on average-duty or long-haul applications, the logistics sector is highly heterogeneous, spanning a wide range of truck usage patterns. This study assesses the economic viability of battery electric trucks (BETs) and fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) using microdata from four million trucks across Europe. Under baseline assumptions for cost and technical maturity, BETs outperform diesel trucks in total cost of ownership for 70-90% of heavy-duty road freight activity by 2030. When accounting for limited charging infrastructure until 2030, 25% of kilometres, corresponding to 19% of vehicles, remain economically and technically feasible-substantially higher than the 5-9% share of the total truck fleet expected under the 2030 EU CO 2 standards. By 2035, infrastructure roll-out and improved costs increase the share of kilometres to 77%. In contrast, the window for FCET cost-competitiveness is narrow.