Advanced Science最新文献

Stoichiometric homeostasis, the ability to maintain internal nutrient balance, is central to plant fitness under soil nutrient variability. While traditionally viewed as static, emerging theory posits that it is a conditionally flexible trait, though empirical evidence is scarce. Through large-scale field investigations, nutrient additions, and data synthesis, this study shows that Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), a fast-growing plant species, employs a unique compartmentalized homeostasis strategy by decoupling nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) regulation across tissues. It achieves strict N:P homeostasis in leaves while allowing P flexibility in woody tissues to serve as reservoirs that buffer leaves from soil P limitation and microbial competition. This mechanism, consistently observed in bamboo across wide geographical and soil nutrient gradients, yields lower leaf N:P variability than 75 out of 91 co-occurring tree species, can be one of the critical factors for sustaining ≈25% higher annual productivity than other forests (including evergreen-broadleaf, deciduous-broadleaf, and coniferous forests). These findings reconcile classical views of stoichiometric homeostasis and plasticity by demonstrating a flexible, compartmentalized mechanism that resolves growth-stability conflicts. Recognizing such flexible strategy advances the understanding of eco-evolutionary feedbacks in ecosystem stoichiometry and improves predictions of species adaptability, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration under global change.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) have revolutionized the study of cellular heterogeneity and tissue organization. However, the increasing scale and complexity of these data demand more powerful and integrative computational strategies. Although conventional statistical and machine learning methods remain effective in specific contexts, they face limitations in scalability, multimodal integration, and generalization. In response, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, enabling new modes of analysis and interpretation. In this review, we survey AI applications across the transcriptomic analysis workflow-from initial preprocessing through key downstream analyses such as trajectory inference, gene regulatory network reconstruction, and spatial domain detection. For each analytical task, we trace the developmental trajectory and evolving trends of AI models, summarize their advantages, limitations, and domain-specific applicability. We also highlight key innovations, ongoing challenges, and future directions. Furthermore, this review provides practical guidance to assist researchers in model selection and support developers in the design of novel AI tools. An online companion supplement providing an in-depth look at all methods discussed: https://zhanglab-kiz.github.io/review-ai-transcriptomics.

Insect-microbial symbiont relationships are widespread in nature and often involve lateral gene transfer. Although the evolutionary processes that allow insects to adapt to complex environments remain largely unknown, it is clear that symbiotic relationships have essential roles in these processes. Here, gut microbes-mediated regulation of Propylea japonica insecticide tolerance is found through modulation of a horizontally transferred gene (P. japonica Domain unknow funcation 1, PjDUF1) expression. However, this gene regulates the host capacity for dinotefuran tolerance by affecting the oxidative phosphorylation rate. This is confirmed by the RNAi-Mediated Silencing of PjDUF1. Importantly, evidence is found that PjDUF1 is donated from Acenitobacter via horizontal gene transfer (HGT). The findings provide the first experimental evidence that HGT events are important for pesticide tolerance in a prominent natural enemy species. Further study of the evolutionary origins of key natural enemy tolerance genes will shed additional light on how insects have developed resistance to adverse environments, suggesting strategies for protecting insect species that provide critical ecosystem services.

The development of advanced robotic systems capable of precise movement without relying on traditional mechanical actuators is a growing area of research. One promising approach involves the use of acoustic waves, where sound waves are used to generate a propulsion force without the use of any moving parts. However, achieving controlled 2D movement in such systems remains a challenge, particularly in terms of efficiency, precision, and scalability. This paper explores the use of 3D-printed focused acoustic vortex propulsion (FAVP) lenses to drive a miniature robotic swimmer in two dimensions. The principles behind acoustic vortex generation and its application to create both rotational and translational motion on the miniature robot are investigated. The findings demonstrate that a specially designed acoustic lens can focus sound waves to produce localized vortices and streaming forces, which are then harnessed for precise 2D motion control. The robotic swimmer is tested in a variety of controlled environments to validate its ability to perform complex maneuvers, such as forward motion, rotational control, and directional steering. This research highlights the potential of acoustic vortex propulsion as a viable solution for non-contact, high-precision movement in small-scale robots, with profound implications in fields such as micro-robotics and underwater exploration.

High-voltage disordered spinel LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ is a promising cathode material for high power density in lithium-ion batteries. However, it suffers from poor cycle life associated with the rock-salt phase transformation. This study presents a straightforward synthesis approach to enhance the electrochemical performance of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ through a synergistic solid-state modification with LiF and AlF₃. This dual modification promotes rapid Li⁺ diffusion, enables near-complete delithiation/lithiation, approaching the theoretical capacity of disordered LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄, and, more importantly, effectively mitigates the formation of the rock-salt phase, thereby enhancing structural stability, as confirmed by operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD). As a result, the optimized LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ (10 mg AlF₃ + 30 mg LiF) delivers high reversible capacities of 142.1, 139.1, 129.2, 121.6, 110.3, 93.5, and 76.1 mAh∙g^-1 at 0.2C, 0.5C, 1.0C, 2.0C, 3.0C, 4.0C, and 5.0C, respectively. Full cells using graphite as the anode and a high-loading cathode exhibit excellent cycling performance. They retain 80% of their capacity after 200 cycles at 0.5C within a voltage window of 3.5-4.9 V with cathode loading of 11 mg∙cm^-2. The findings of this study will significantly advance high-power LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ materials, offering improved battery life and thereby enhancing their potential for practical applications.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is of great concern due to its accumulation in living organisms and reproductive toxicity. Although prior studies indicate that PFOS exposure causes female reproductive disorders, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying PFOS-induced female reproductive toxicity at human-relevant exposure levels. These results demonstrate that PFOS exposure (0.2 and 20 µM) significantly reduces polar body extrusion (PBE) and delays germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in oocytes. Additionally, PFOS exposure (1 mg kg^-1 day^-1) decreases the proportion of two-cell embryos and reduces progesterone (P4) levels. Elevated O-GlcNAcylation levels are observed in both ovaries and granulosa cells (GCs) under PFOS treatment. Proteomic profiling of protein O-GlcNAcylation identifies that the O-GlcNAcylation of forkhead box k1 (FOXK1) at threonine (Thr) 573 cite involved in ovarian steroidogenesis. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) combined with LC-MS/MS analysis reveals a physical interaction between FOXK1 and pescadillo ribosomal biogenesis factor 1 (PES1). Increased O-GlcNAcylation of FOXK1 at Thr573 inhibits the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of PES1, leading to elevated PES1 expression. Furthermore, PES1 promotes aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C18 (AKR1C18) to reduce P4 levels, ultimately disrupting oocyte maturation and early embryonic development. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the role of protein post-translational modifications in oocyte maturation and embryonic development under PFOS exposure.

Effective osseointegration of implants remains a major challenge in biomaterials and regenerative medicine. In this context, restoring the disrupted microenvironment between the implant and bone tissue is critical, as it is primarily influenced by excessive ROS, infections, immune inflammatory reactions, and imbalances in bone homeostasis. To address these challenges, a composite hydrogel coating composed of lithium disilicate (Lap) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is developed, fabricated through the crosslinking of methacrylated carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCSMA) and methacrylated gelatin hydrogel (GelMA). The resulting Lap-CMCSMA/GelMA@SeNPs hydrogel exhibits excellent biocompatibility and forms a robust adhesion to titanium (Ti) implants. In vitro studies demonstrate that titanium substrates coated with Lap-CMCSMA/GelMA@SeNPs could efficiently neutralize excessive intracellular ROS. Moreover, the coating displays potent anti-inflammatory properties by promoting a shift in macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype. Additionally, the integration of SeNPs markedly improves the antibacterial performance of Lap, showing strong inhibitory effects against common pathogens such as E. coli and S. aureus. Both in vitro and in vivo evaluations show superior osteogenic activity of the Lap-CMCSMA/GelMA@SeNPs-coated implants, largely attributed to the inherent osteogenic potential of Lap. The findings indicate that titanium implants functionalized with the Lap-CMCSMA/GelMA@SeNPs hydrogel may provide an innovative therapeutic strategy for mitigating peri-implant microenvironment imbalances post-surgery.

Intracerebral cell transplantation holds promise for treating stroke and neurological disorders, yet challenges in precise delivery and post-engraftment monitoring impede progress. This work introduces OPTRACE (OPtical imaging-guided Transplantation and tRAcking of CElls), a two-step optical framework integrating real-time visualization during transplantation with longitudinal post-transplantation in vivo cell tracking. Leveraging cost-effective translucent glass micropipettes and two innovative predictive mathematical modeling-the retention-depth model (predicts retained fraction versus injection depth) and the hypoperfusion-volume model (predicts hypoperfused fraction versus graft volume)-that this work fits to data (depth-retention R² = 0.91; volume-growth R² = 0.78)-OPTRACE optimizes delivery parameters to maximize engraftment and minimize hypoxia. A novel pulse-elevation injection technique further enhances the precision of superficial cortical retention. Following transplantation, multicolor labeling combined with two-photon fluorescence microscopy permits longitudinal single-cell tracking, revealing host microglial responses, and altered neuronal calcium signaling at the graft interface. OPTRACE provides micrometer precision, longitudinal dynamics and quantitative insights of cells during and after transplantation, accelerating mechanistic understanding and therapeutic development for regenerative cell therapies.

The development of stable zinc anodes is critical for advancing high-rate, long-life aqueous zinc batteries. Here a tape-inspired anode modification is reported using a poly (methyl methacrylate)-grafted natural rubber (NRAc) copolymer as a conformal protective coating. The microphase-separated architecture integrates elastic, hydrophobic NR domains with Zn²⁺-coordinating PMMA nanodomains, forming mechanically adaptive and ion-selective channels. Density functional theory and microscopy reveal that Zn²⁺ preferentially binds to PMMA, lowering desolvation barriers and biasing deposition toward the stable (002) facet. This dual mechanical-chemical regulation suppresses dendrite growth and parasitic hydrogen evolution, while maintaining intimate interfacial contact under dynamic cycling. As a result, NRAc@Zn symmetric cells achieve unprecedented cycling lifetimes exceeding 32,000 cycles, while Zn||V₂O₅ full cells deliver stable operation at current densities up to 10 A g^-1. Scaling to a 1.5 Ah pouch cell demonstrates the practical feasibility of the approach. This work establishes polymer microphase engineering, inspired by the multifunctionality of adhesive tapes, as a versatile strategy to stabilize Zn anodes and advance the deployment of aqueous Zn batteries for large-scale energy storage.

Reticular materials, including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), have emerged as a promising platform for enzyme immobilization due to their large surface area, tunable porosity, and diverse functional sites. However, the performance of enzymes encapsulated within these frameworks is frequently compromised, which primarily arises from spatial confinement, unfavorable interactions, and altered microenvironments that impair the native structure and dynamics of enzymes. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular events underlying enzyme encapsulation within frameworks is pivotal for the development of effective strategies to boost biocatalyst activity, thus unlocking its full potential in practical applications. Based on cutting-edge examples, this review summarizes these approaches from the multiscale aspect, encompassing material tuning at the nano/macro level, interface design at the molecular interface level, and protein surface engineering at the molecular level. Meanwhile, the differences in improving the enzyme activity among MOFs-, COFs-, and HOFs-based biocomposites are highlighted. Additionally, the regulations derived from the nano-bio effect can achieve the nanobiohybrids with customized, non-native biocatalytic functions, which are systematically discussed. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities in heterogeneous biocatalysts based on reticular chemistry are underscored, charting a path toward advanced designs and their translation into impactful real-world applications.