Physics

The Global Deep Sea Exploration Goals strategy is a spatially balanced, probability-based, actionable global sampling design identifying 10,000 target locations for deep-sea visual observation (≥200 m). This sampling approach integrates four seafloor characteristics: bathymetry, geomorphology, sediment composition, and particulate organic carbon flux, while accounting for documented historical deep-submergence deployments. It aims to correct for historical observational biases across factors such as depth zones, ocean basins, geomorphology, and maritime jurisdictions. These proposed targets will nearly double the number of unique observed seafloor locations, establishing a more geographically and environmentally representative dataset. This globally distributed sampling design also highlights critical scientific gaps in underexplored regions, guiding both exploration and capacity-building priorities. By aligning with and amplifying complementary global initiatives in mapping and sampling, this effort lays the foundation for a more inclusive, coordinated, and statistically representative approach to deep-ocean science, which is essential for informed policy and sustainable resource management.

Land vertebrates today comprise amniotes and lissamphibians, which have highly different modes of gas exchange, and distinct skull shapes and body size distributions. A central hypothesis of tetrapod evolution proposes a connection between these traits during their initial divergence, 335 million years ago. However, this has yet to be tested in a broad phylogenetic context. We investigate the evolution of body size, skull proportions, and respiratory traits among early land vertebrates, from the Middle Devonian to Early Permian using quantitative analysis of a dataset incorporating 344 species. We find that lissamphibian precursors show stronger constraints on body size than stem amniotes and increases in relative skull height were facilitated by relaxed constraints on the amniote stem lineage. These differences can be explained by respiratory innovations. Dependence on cutaneous gas exchange constrained lissamphibians and their close relatives to small body sizes, whereas rib-based lung ventilation relaxed constraints on skull shape and maximum body size in terrestrial amniotes.

This research evaluates a therapeutic approach based on tissue-targeted immunomodulation with a potential broad application to treat autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes (T1D). We generated a bispecific immune agonist that binds beta cells and suppresses autoreactive T cells. These bispecific molecules called immune modulating monoclonal-T cell receptor (TCR) against autoimmune disease (ImmTAAI), consist of a human-specific TCR-targeting domain fused with a programmed death-1 agonist. We used live pancreas slices to demonstrate targeting of ImmTAAI molecules to preproinsulin peptide-HLA-A2 complexes on human beta cells. ImmTAAI molecules protected beta cells from T cell killing by increasing T cell motility and inhibiting effector molecule and cytokine secretion. ImmTAAI treatment also increased the motility of islet-infiltrating T cells in slices from a donor with recent-onset T1D and preserved insulin secretion in slices cocultured with T cell avatars transduced with diabetogenic TCRs. These data demonstrate that ImmTAAI molecules have the potential to limit T cell activity locally, making this an attractive platform to elicit targeted immunoregulation in T1D.

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) catalyzes the conversion of glucose-1-phosphate and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) to ADP-glucose (ADPG), the dedicated precursor of starch in plants. It is a rate-limiting enzyme of the starch biosynthesis pathway, and its activity is closely linked to crop productivity. Plant AGPase is a heterotetramer composed of two types of subunits, and its activity is subject to allosteric regulation by photosynthetic metabolites, with 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) acting as an activator and phosphate as an inhibitor. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of <i>Arabidopsis</i> heterotetrameric AGPase in apo, 3-PGA-bound, phosphate-bound, ATP/3-PGA-bound, and ADPG/3-PGA-bound states. AGPase consists of two small subunits (APS1) and two large subunits (APL1), organized as a dimer of APS1-APL1 heterodimers. Both the small and large subunits comprise an N-terminal catalytic domain and a C-terminal left-handed β-helix domain. By combining structural analysis with functional characterization, we identified the binding sites of the allosteric modulators and substrate/product in the AGPase and elucidated the mechanism of allosteric regulation, which involves 3-PGA binding-induced conformational changes at the active site. These findings provide critical insights into ADPG synthesis by plant heterotetrameric AGPase and offer clues to engineer the AGPase to enhance starch production and increase crop yields.

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Although most infections are self-limiting, zoonotic genotypes can persist in immunocompromised individuals. Transmitted via the fecal-oral route, HEV has been suggested to directly infect the intestinal epithelium, a tissue with high regenerative capacity. Here, we demonstrate that HEV predominantly infects proliferative transit-amplifying and intestinal stem cells within the crypts of human pluripotent stem cell-derived intestinal organoids (hIOs). Supporting this, we detected HEV RNA in the intestinal crypts of an HEV-infected patient. We further found that HEV infection spreads through cell division and is maintained in hIOs for more than 40 days, contrasting with acute hepatitis A virus, whose infections are rapidly cleared from hIOs. Given the self-renewal ability and metabolic constraints of proliferative intestinal progenitor cells, our findings suggest that intestinal crypts could serve as reservoirs for chronic HEV infection and highlight the intestinal crypt as a primary target for viral infection in the gastrointestinal tract.

Offshore relatively fresh groundwater (ORFG; <10 grams per liter) represents an underexplored frontier in addressing global freshwater scarcity, yet its origin, persistence, and vulnerability remain poorly constrained. Here, we reveal a vast climate-driven freshwater reservoir beneath the Pearl River estuary and adjacent shelf. Integrating hydrochemical profiling, isotopic tracing, and groundwater dating, we demonstrate that this ORFG is a relic of ancient meteoric recharge, emplaced during Late Pleistocene sea-level lowstands and preserved beneath the seafloor for tens of millennia. Secular equilibrium in offshore ²²⁶Ra/²³⁰Th activity ratios, consistent ¹⁴C ages of 6 to 10 thousand years in onshore groundwater, and pronounced onshore-offshore contrasts in salinity and δ¹⁸O collectively confirm its fossil nature rather than slowly circulating modern groundwater. Numerical modeling further constrains the timescale of natural degradation, underscoring the system's resilience. These findings establish ORFG as not only as a long-lived archive of paleohydrological cycles but also as a potential strategic freshwater reserve, with substantial implications for coastal water security in a changing climate.

Chaotic behaviors, epitomized by the butterfly effect where small causes have outsized consequences, are ubiquitous in light-matter interactions yet remain challenging to localize and even harder to engineer. Here, we demonstrate and model the direct light interacting with a programmable chaotic center-the core of photopatterning liquid-crystal topological vortices-where chaos reshapes into symmetry-protected light branching. Via confocal polarizing microscopy and Landau-de Gennes free-energy simulations, we observe the core splitting in-plane while spanning out-of-plane. This splitting pattern and peripherical director field dictate the branches number, while defect-induced refractive index variations with core-sensitive nonlinear dynamics yield distinct, spatially mapped Lorenz-like attractors. Applying a low-voltage field further allows us to reconfigure the splitting pattern and dynamically redirect the branching pathways. These findings potentially establish a versatile platform for on-chip topological photonics while serving as a laboratory analog for light scattering in extreme cosmological environments, such as near black holes.

Humans can see in exquisite detail despite the fact that the eyes' optics can only focus light at a single wavelength at a time. It remains an open question what wavelength is brought into best focus by the human eye. Here, we investigate this question. We used a custom optical apparatus to measure the eye's focusing response (accommodation) to a range of stimuli with different wavelength compositions. We then developed a biologically informed model of the measured responses. Conventional wisdom holds that accommodation works to maximize visual acuity, but our findings suggest otherwise. Rather, our results support alternative lines of evidence that accommodation is guided by chromatic mechanisms that maximize signal quality in a color-opponent channel. Our results challenge prevailing views of oculomotor control and can inform therapeutic interventions for slowing the development and progression of myopia.

The intensifying outbreaks of the novel monkeypox virus clade Ib in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have raised global concern about the potential for wider epidemic spread. Some clade Ib mpox outbreaks have shown a distinct transmission pattern in which transmission associated with both sexual and nonsexual contacts coexist. Here, we characterize these outbreaks in a network epidemic model, which incorporates sexual and nonsexual contacts, and project age- and route-specific transmission potentials under a wide range of scenarios. Our analyses suggest that the dominant route of transmission may shift over time from sexual to nonsexual contacts, which leads to larger epidemics. The age groups contributing most to overall infections and mortality also change over time, suggesting that target groups for intervention should be adjusted accordingly. For countries at risk of travel-associated mpox outbreaks, these findings highlight the importance of monitoring evolving monkeypox virus transmission patterns and interacting transmission routes to support timely and effective control measures.

ABSTRACT The alkaline all‐iron flow battery (AIFB) adopting Fe complexes in both half‐cells is an essential pathway to large‐scale energy storage with inherent merits of long discharge duration. However, inferior electrochemical reversibility and ligand crossover hinder the long cycling stability of the AIFB. Herein, we delicately design the Fe complex anolyte with large‐space steric hindrance and a negatively charged protective layer, which significantly boosts the long‐term stability of the AIFB. While the coordination of Fe 3+ with polydentate multi‐ligands abundant in hydroxyl and sulfonic acid groups renders Fe complex a high steric hindrance, the negatively charged interface of Fe complex also effectively prevents OH − attack and active species crossover by virtue of electrostatic repulsion, thereby synergistically achieving high electrochemical stability and low membrane permeation. Based on the design guidelines, the anolyte design process starts with 12 organic ligands as building blocks, followed by constructing 11 distinct Fe complexes with tailored structures. After multiple rounds of screening, the AIFB adopting the [Fe(HPF)BHS] 4− anolyte exhibits a record‐breaking ultra‐long cycling stability over 6000 cycles at 80 mA cm − 2 . This work provides deep insights into efficient anolyte design and offers a universal Fe complex design strategy, which is beneficial to promoting the application of high‐performance iron‐based flow batteries.

ABSTRACT Na 4 Fe 3 (PO 4 ) 2 P 2 O 7 (NFPP), with its high specific capacity and excellent structural stability, is a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries. This study reveals the structural regulation mechanism of cobalt‐doped Na 4 Fe 3 (PO 4 ) 2 P 2 O 7 cathode materials and demonstrates their optimization effects on the high‐voltage performance of sodium‐ion batteries. By combining multi‐scale characterization with electrochemical testing, we reveal that Co substitution for Fe can induce lattice expansion, stabilize the (210) crystal plane, and enhance Na + diffusion. Na 4 Fe 2.7 Co 0.3 (PO 4 ) 2 P 2 O 7 (NFCPP‐3) exhibits remarkable rate performance (82.3 mAh g −1 at 100C) and long‐term cycling stability (85.6% after 5000 cycles at 10C). DFT calculations show cobalt doping significantly enhances the material's adaptability under high voltage conditions by reducing the formation energy of the (210) crystal plane (E f : 0.158→0.151 eV) and Na + migration energy barriers (0.807 → 0.623 eV). Furthermore, full cell testing (NFCPP‐3//HC) confirms practical application potential, with a capacity retention of 82 mAh g −1 at 10C and 94.1% after 450 cycles at 1C. This study provides a new perspective for developing cathode materials for high‐voltage and high‐rate sodium‐ion batteries.

ABSTRACT CO 2 electrolysis is an emerging technology for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. Its transition from laboratory‐scale research to real‐world application is strongly driven by both regulatory and strategic means, aimed at achieving net‐zero greenhouse gas emissions. To meet this goal, accelerated progress in CO 2 electrolysis research and technological development is essential to ensure economic viability. This requires clear performance targets, reference materials, and standardized testing protocols that serve as a basis for reliable performance comparison within the CO 2 electrolysis community. To address this need, a Round Robin experiment was conducted involving well‐established R&amp;D entities in the field of CO 2 electrolysis. The objective was to identify and mitigate the main sources of experimental variability, thereby enhancing reproducibility. We found that especially the modes of temperature measurements and cell/anolyte heating alongside pressure fluctuations and overpressures during product analysis are considerable differences among labs, while adjustments to the initial electrochemical protocol helped in minimizing voltage spikes in changing operation. As a result of multiple measurement campaigns and in‐depth discussions among participants, a recommendation for a standardized testing protocol and test setup requirements for CO 2 electrolyzers are provided.

ABSTRACT The NASICON‐type Na 3 VAl(PO 4 ) 3 (NVAP) cathode has garnered extensive attention owing to its robust thermodynamic stability and high operating voltage enabled by multi‐electron redox reactions (V 3+ /V 4+ /V 5+ ). However, the voltage hysteresis observed in the high‐voltage region (∼4 V vs. Na + /Na), caused by derived anti‐site defects (DASDs) where V 5+ occupies Na1 vacancies (V/Na), results in sluggish Na + diffusion kinetics and poor electrochemical reversibility. To mitigate this issue, we introduced highly electronegative F doping into the NVAP structure. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations of ion migration energetics reveal that Na 2.88 VAl(PO 3.96 F 0.04 ) 3 (NVAP‐F) exhibits a higher formation energy for V/Na anti‐site defects and a higher migration barrier for V 5+ moving to the Na1 site (3.80 eV) compared to NVAP (3.15 eV). In situ XRD results further demonstrate that the F doping effectively suppresses the formation of V/Na anti‐site defects in NVAP‐F, thus alleviating voltage hysteresis during the V 4+ /V 5+ redox reaction and maintaining a low volume strain of 4.62%. Consequently, NVAP‐F delivers superior rate capability (54.4 mAh g −1 at 30 C) and exceptional long‐cycle stability (91.5% capacity retention after 5000 cycles). Comprehensive in‐/ex situ analyses confirm enhanced ion/electron diffusion kinetics in the NVAP‐F cathode. This work offers valuable insights for the development of high‐voltage and high‐rate vanadium‐based phosphate cathodes.

ABSTRACT Half‐Heusler (HH) alloys have attracted extensive attention due to their exceptional mechanical properties and high‐temperature thermal stability. However, simultaneously optimizing their power factor ( PF ) and figure of merit ( zT ) remains challenging due to the conflict of tuning electron and phonon behavior. Here, a microstructure reconfiguration strategy based on tuning the enthalpy‐dominated atomic chemical affinity is proposed to decouple electrical and thermal transport properties. The introduction of Yb into Hf‐doped ZrNiSn alloys weakens the d ‐ d orbital hybridization, which reduces the negative mixing enthalpy and diminishes the atomic affinity, thereby suppressing the formation of Hf precipitates. The Hf precipitates are transformed into superstructures, which promote the electron mobility with a 55% increase by eliminating the electron scattering around discontinuous lattices and introducing strong phonon scattering to suppres the thermal conductivity. Therefore, a “double‐high” Zr 0.66 Hf 0.3 Yb 0.04 NiSn 0.98 Sb 0.02 material with a high PF of 58 µW·cm − 1 ·K − 2 and a peak zT of 1.32 at 950 K was obtained, contributing to a high experimental conversion efficiency of 10.2% in the fabricated module, which is among the highest values in HH alloys. This work highlights enthalpy‐dominated microstructure reconfiguration as an effective pathway for developing high performance thermoelectric power generations.

ABSTRACT Wide‐bandgap perovskite absorbers are essential for achieving high‐efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. However, in p‐i‐n architectures, their inherent strong p ‐type (or weak n ‐type) characteristics hinder electron extraction, causing significant open‐circuit voltage ( V OC ) deficits. To address these challenges, we developed 3‐phthalimidopropanoic acid (DPA). This molecular passivation material leverages the electron‐deficient properties of its phthalimide core. DPA delivers three synergistic effects: it acts as an interface dipole layer to precisely align surface energy levels, enhance the surface n ‐type characteristics, and boost quasi‐Fermi level splitting (QFLS); it forms a gradient distribution during anti‐solvent processing to modulate crystallization kinetics, improve film morphology, and minimize defects; and it achieves carboxyl‐group chelation of undercoordinated Pb 2+ to effectively passivate surface and bulk traps, thereby significantly enhancing device stability. Consequently, a DPA‐modified wide‐bandgap (1.68 eV) perovskite solar cell achieves an efficiency of 22.91%. Moreover, a two‐terminal perovskite‐silicon tandem solar cell delivers an efficiency of 31.66%. This approach provides a robust strategy for efficient and stable tandem photovoltaics, advancing n ‐type interface engineering.

Nonreciprocity refers to a phenomenon in which a system’s response, such as wave transmission or current flow, depends on the direction of propagation. In superconductors, this manifests as the superconducting diode effect, where the maximum critical supercurrent differs for opposite directions of flow. Here, we report the first observation of such an effect in a two-gap transition-metal alloy, achieving a 17% diode efficiency through a single-step process using molybdenum–rhenium thin films with asymmetric silver overlayer deposition. Our results establish multigap superconductors as a promising platform for realizing superconducting diodes, which offer access to unique physical regimes arising from distinct proximity couplings of the normal overlayer with large- and small-gap condensates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that simple proximity engineering with noble metals can yield competitive superconducting diode efficiencies compatible with standard thin-film fabrication techniques. This work not only raises fundamental questions about the interplay between two-gap superconductivity and nonreciprocal transport but also outlines a practical route toward new cryogenic electronic applications.

In this work, fundamental studies of the influence of magnetoactive rare–earth atoms contained in the 1:2:3 high-temperature superconductors (HTSC) structure on the course of continuous and topological phase transitions in the Josephson medium of two-level high-temperature superconductors were carried out for the first time using the example of granular HTSC DyBa2Cu3O7-δ. It is shown that the presence of magnetoactive atoms and a non-zero internal magnetic field Hint enhances dissipation processes and leads to a significant decrease in the critical temperatures of continuous phase transitions occurring in the region of existence of the resistivity of the Josephson medium; but it does not affect the nature of topological phase transitions, which is consistent with the previously established independence of topological phases arising as a result of the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) phase transition from the type of external influence.