BINA

Zinc-bromine batteries (ZBBs) hold great potential for large-scale energy storage due to their high energy density, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the practical application of flowless ZBBs is hindered by self-discharge (SD) from uncontrolled bromine diffusion and the overlap of the Br⁻/Br2 redox potential with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Additionally, the limited solubility of bromine complexing agents (BCAs) in aqueous media poses a significant challenge. Here, we introduce a targeted localized presence (TLP) strategy, encapsulating hydrophobic BCAs within porous activated carbon electrodes to address these limitations. By examining three BCA structures, we demonstrate that TLP effectively reduces SD and increases coulombic efficiency. We show that the formation of hydrophobic phases within the pores can be controlled by manipulating the BCA alkyl chain length. This tailored TLP approach minimizes OER susceptibility and extends the voltage window to 2.7V (0.1M ZnBr2). Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis highlights the aggregation behavior of BCAs, elucidating their role in stabilizing the system. Remarkably, insoluble BCAs with hexyl side chains achieved >98% CE at 200 mAh/g over 1000 cycles at 1 A/g. This work presents a robust pathway for advancing aqueous zinc-halide batteries towards scalable and durable energy storage solutions.

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of brain cancer, with limited therapeutic options and poor patient prognosis. Recent research has identified the TMED family of proteins as key regulators of tumor progression and aggressiveness across multiple cancer types. TMED members are cargo receptors expressed within the early secretory pathway and involved in bidirectional traffic of various proteins including EGFR, TGF-ɑ and WNT. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of the cargo receptor TMED9 in glial tumor models. Our findings demonstrate that TMED9 expression is upregulated in glioma and that this upregulation is associated with poor patient survival. Using patient-derived glioma tumor cells, we demonstrate that TMED9 is highly expressed in the cancer stem cell population and that this upregulation promotes the cells’ self-renewal and migration. This is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, that TMED9 has been shown to play a major role in the function and tumorigenesis of brain tumor cancer stem cells. BRD4780, a small molecule that targets TMED9, effectively reduced TMED9 abundance, resulting in decreased viability, migration and stemness of patient-derived glioma stem cells. Moreover, BRD4780 mitigated the proliferation and migration of differentiated glioma tumor cells. When applied together with temozolomide, an established glioblastoma treatment, BRD4780 elicited an enhanced anti-tumor response. Lastly, to demonstrate the broad applicability of our findings, we targeted TMED9 in pediatric glioma cells and showed efficient inhibition of …

Zinc-bromine batteries (ZBBs) hold great potential for large-scale energy storage due to their high energy density, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the practical application of flowless ZBBs is hindered by self-discharge (SD) from uncontrolled bromine diffusion and the overlap of the Br⁻/Br2 redox potential with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Additionally, the limited solubility of bromine complexing agents (BCAs) in aqueous media poses a significant challenge. Here, we introduce a targeted localized presence (TLP) strategy, encapsulating hydrophobic BCAs within porous activated carbon electrodes to address these limitations. By examining three BCA structures, we demonstrate that TLP effectively reduces SD and increases coulombic efficiency. We show that the formation of hydrophobic phases within the pores can be controlled by manipulating the BCA alkyl chain length. This tailored TLP approach minimizes OER susceptibility and extends the voltage window to 2.7V (0.1M ZnBr2). Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis highlights the aggregation behavior of BCAs, elucidating their role in stabilizing the system. Remarkably, insoluble BCAs with hexyl side chains achieved >98% CE at 200 mAh/g over 1000 cycles at 1 A/g. This work presents a robust pathway for advancing aqueous zinc-halide batteries towards scalable and durable energy storage solutions.

Thermal imaging technology has revolutionized various fields, but current high operating temperature (HOT) mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras, particularly those based on xBn detectors, face limitations in size and cost due to the need for cooling to 150 Kelvin. This study explores the potential of extending the operating temperature of these cameras to 180 Kelvin, leveraging advanced AI algorithms to mitigate the increased thermal noise expected at higher temperatures. This research investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach for remote sensing applications, combining experimental data with cutting-edge image enhancement techniques like Enhanced Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Networks (ESRGAN). The findings demonstrate the potential of 180 Kelvin operation for xBn MWIR cameras, particularly in daylight conditions, paving the way for a new generation of more affordable and compact thermal imaging systems.

We present the design, fabrication, and application of robust metal/protein/metal junctions with ultrathin (~20 nm) protein films demonstrating long-term stability in ambient conditions and preserving their electron transport behavior also at ~10 K. These junctions establish a reliable platform with a permanent contact configuration, where the confined protein layer retains its functional activity after metal contact evaporation on the protein. A bottom-up micropore device (MpD) fabrication strategy was used and optimized to ensure reproducibility. The sub-nanometer roughness of the bottom electrode was preserved within the micropore, enabling uniform protein layer deposition and film formation. In the MpD structures, protein layers are integrated between Au-covered substrates and an e-beam evaporated Pd contacts. Depositing multi-layered protein films allows for defining film widths, as tested by the AFM-based scratching technique. The films were composed of human serum albumin (HSA) and bacteriorhodopsin (bR). Pd’s preferred two-dimensional growth minimized metal penetration and short circuits. Impedance phase response analysis shows that ~60% of the junctions are functional ones, demonstrating the effectiveness of the fabrication approach. These protein-based MpD junctions provide a stable platform for electron transport studies of bio- and other soft materials.

We have studied photo-induced (PI) dewetting of thin amorphous chalcogenide films (ACF) As20Se80 that occurs on glass substrates under continuous wave (cw) laser illumination (λ = 660 nm). The kinetics of PI growth of pores has been studied both experimentally and theoretically. Experiments were carried out with films of various thicknesses (50–700 nm) in the temperature range 273–393 K. The nucleation of pores under illumination is accelerated by the formation of ripples on the surface of ACF. A model of PI dewetting that occurs by volume diffusion of the film constituents driven by capillary forces is developed. According to the model, the pore radius grows with time as t1/2 that is confirmed in our experiments. The PI diffusion coefficients, which are determined from the dewetting kinetics, are in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results.

The ability of bacteria to commit to surface colonization and biofilm formation is a highly regulated process. In this study, we characterized the activity and structure of SadB, initially identified as a key regulator in the transition from reversible to irreversible surface attachment. Our results show that SadB acts as an adaptor protein that tightly regulates the master regulator AmrZ at the post-translational level. SadB directly binds to the C-terminal domain of AmrZ, leading to its rapid degradation, primarily by the Lon protease. Structural analysis suggests that SadB does not directly interact with small molecules upon signal transduction, differing from previous findings in Pseudomonas fluorescens. Instead, the SadB structure supports its role in mediating protein-protein interactions, establishing it as a major checkpoint for biofilm commitment.

Ricin, a highly toxic glycoprotein derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis, poses significant risks in bioterrorism and toxicology due to its rapid absorption and ease of dissemination. Rapid, ultra-sensitive detection is crucial for timely medical intervention and implementing security measures. However, existing methods often lack sufficient sensitivity or require lengthy processing, limiting their utility for trigger-to-treat scenarios. Here, we present an optical modulation biosensing (OMB)-based ricin assay capable of detecting low concentrations of ricin in buffer, plasma, and biological samples. The assay combines magnetic-bead-based target capture with fluorescent signal enhancement, achieving a limit of detection (LoD) of 15 pg/mL in buffer and 62 pg/mL in plasma, with a 4-log dynamic range. Optimized protocols reduced the assay time to 60 min, maintaining an LoD of 114 pg/mL in plasma while preserving accuracy and reproducibility. The assay successfully detected ricin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum from mice that were intranasally exposed to ricin, with signals persisting up to 48 h post exposure. Its rapid, high-throughput capabilities and simplified workflow make the OMB-based assay a powerful tool for toxicology, forensic analysis, and counter-bioterrorism. This study highlights the OMB platform’s potential as a sensitive and robust diagnostic tool for detecting hazardous biological agents.

The ability of bacteria to commit to surface colonization and biofilm formation is a highly regulated process. In this study, we characterized the activity and structure of SadB, initially identified as a key regulator in the transition from reversible to irreversible surface attachment. Our results show that SadB acts as an adaptor protein that tightly regulates the master regulator AmrZ at the post-translational level. SadB directly binds to the C-terminal domain of AmrZ, leading to its rapid degradation, primarily by the Lon protease. Structural analysis suggests that SadB does not directly interact with small molecules upon signal transduction, differing from previous findings in Pseudomonas fluorescens. Instead, the SadB structure supports its role in mediating protein-protein interactions, establishing it as a major checkpoint for biofilm commitment.

Understanding and harnessing X-ray quantum effects could open new frontiers in imaging and quantum optics. In this study, we measured the process of X-ray Parametric Down Conversion, where a single high-energy X-ray photon splits into two lower-energy photons. Using the SACLA X-ray Free Electron Laser in Japan at 9.83 keV, we found clear evidence that pairs of photons were produced along the energy-angle relationship that conserved both energy and momentum, as predicted for down-conversion, and consistent with quantum entanglement of X-ray photons. By matching specific photon pairs for energy and momentum conservation, we observe a signal rate of 1,250 pairs per hour, confirming that correlated photon pairs can be generated and observed in the absence of explicit time correlations. Our results show that with further refinement, the number of entangled photons produced per laser pulse could increase by an order of magnitude. This paves the way for demonstrating quantum-enhanced X-ray imaging, and confirmation of X-ray photon entanglement.

Editorial: Prevention is better than a cure, and adopting green technologies can prevent many health complications. Following a paradigm shift in the raw inventories of the chemical industry (including the pharmaceutical, refinery, and manufacturing industries), catalysis chemists have begun a race to explore the feasibility of extending the use of the conventional and classical industrial catalysts (eg, zeolites, modified alumina, polyoxometalates, noble-and non-noble-metal-based supported catalysts, and sulfuric, nitric, and hydrochloric acid) used to convert bio-based resources into biofuels, biochemicals, and biomass. Breakthroughs as vital as the two Nobel prize-winning epochal achievements of Haber Bosch, who activated elemental nitrogen and hydrogen on the surface of iron to induce ammonia synthesis, and Gerhard Ertl, who elucidated the reaction mechanism of the ammonia synthesis process, are …

Cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs) induced by various stresses have been linked to cancer and other disorders. Which active energy pathways are required for SG formation remains unclear. We used nutrient deprivation to show that glutamine is the sole amino acid source governing whether cancer cells form SGs. Metabolic profiling revealed the essential functions of glutamine and glucose in SG formation under limiting metabolic conditions. Providing glutamine during metabolic stress restored ATP levels in cancer cells and revived many essential gene expression patterns. Myc, a known regulator of the shift between glucose and glutamine metabolism, showed increased expression as cells moved to glutamine uptake. Inhibition of MYC prevented SG formation even with glutamine present and increased cell death after arsenite exposure. The RNA-binding proteins G3BP1/2 were required for glutamine utilization …

Despite possessing a high gravimetric capacity above 230 mAh g–1, Li-rich NMC oxides suffer from the bottleneck of capacity fading and a decrease in the discharge voltage upon cycling. Therefore, suppressing the discharge voltage decay is a major concern for employing these cathodes in Li-ion cells. To understand the structural change during initial cycles, the ex-situ X-ray diffraction investigation of Li-rich NMC cathodes at different charged states (4.0, 4.4, and 4.6 V) after completing one cycle in the potential domain of 2.0–4.7 V is conducted, which reveals the generation of a spinel phase only when polarized to above 4.4 V. Hence, Li-rich Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 cathodes herein are investigated across three different voltage ranges: 2.0–4.6 V, 2.7–4.6 V, and 2.7–4.4 V versus Li, after being activated first by polarization up to 4.7 V, to assess the suitable operational voltage range for their stable cycling …

Significance Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating rapid and accurate diagnosis to limit irreversible brain damage. However, many advanced imaging modalities (computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) remain inaccessible in remote or resource-constrained settings due to high costs and logistical barriers. Aim We aim to evaluate the feasibility of a laser speckle–based technique, coupled with deep learning, for detecting simulated stroke conditions in a tissue phantom. We investigate whether speckle patterns can be leveraged to differentiate healthy from restricted flow states in arteries of varying diameters and depths. Approach Artificial arteries (3 to 6 mm diameters) were embedded at different depths (0 to 10 mm) within a skin-covered chicken tissue, to mimic blood-flow scenarios ranging from no flow (full occlusion) to high flow. A high-speed camera captured the secondary …

In this short paper we briefly summarize the conference presentation that contained introducing several novel schemes allowing 3D-position tunable focusing through and behind scattering medium. By scanning the object (that is positioned behind the scattering medium) with the position tunable focus one can perform its 3D imaging. In the proposed schemes both the illumination module and the detection module are on the same side of the inspected object. In addition to that, the imaging process is a real time fast converging operation. The physics behind the new concepts involves either the assumption that the imaging lens can produce several images with several focusing lengths or that the illuminating wavefront travels forward and backwards through the same scattering medium, or simply apply super resolving either wavelength or time multiplexing concepts. The presented techniques allow reference-free …