Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
φ-Aromaticity in prismatic {Bi6}-based clusters
Molecules based on cages of metal atoms ('metal clusters') exhibit properties that are usually very different from those known for organic molecules – although analogies are possible. The present case illustrates how a prism of metal atoms helps realizing a new type of aromaticity – φ-aromaticity.
The electric field cavity array effect of 2D nano-sieves
The electric field and potential array could be regulated by the size and distribution of mesoporous in 2-dimensional nano-sieves. These findings enable deeper construction of nano-dielectrics and provide a different way to illustrate the intricate modification mechanism from macro to micro.
Circular Vectors better than plasmids for RNA guide delivery and expression in cell culture experiments
We have developed an efficient, fully synthetic method and protocol called the Circular Vector method, which enables the production of circularized DNA containing expression elements that are ready for transfection in as little as 3 hours, thereby eliminating all bacterial cloning steps.
“Chopping wood” won’t bring back encroached grasslands
“People love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees results” (Albert Einstein). Research published recently has revealed that removing woody plants is not a useful strategy to reverse the global increase in woody plants, a phenomenon known as woody encroachment.
20%-efficient Polycrystalline Cd(Se,Te) Thin-Film Solar Cells with Compositional Gradient near the Front Junction
Through oxygen management, a Cd(O,S,Se,Te) region with gradient bandgap was incorporated at the front interface of Cd(Se,Te) solar cells to reduce interfacial recombination, demonstrating Cd(Se,Te) solar cells with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.03%.
The connective tissue protein 'ADAMTSL3' is crucial for heart function
A new study reveals essential role of ADAMTSL3, an extracellular protein of unknown function, in maintaining cardiac structure and function in the failing heart. By regulating a central heart failure signalling pathway, ADAMTSL3 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for this deadly syndrome.
A self-charging face mask with an ultralong lifespan of 60 hours
Triboelectrification excited by breathing continuously replenishes electrostatic charges, endowing the self-charging face mask with an ultralong service lifespan
Personalizing antibiotics on the ICU
Patients on the ICU often have infections and need to be treated with antibiotics. We know that patients often have too low concentrations of these antibiotics in their blood. Does personalizing dosing of antibiotics based on measuring these concentrations work?