The review dissects the computational workflows, strengths, limitations, and future directions of both technologies. It emphasizes that bulk RNA-seq remains the most cost-effective and robust method for analyzing gene expression across large sample sizes—ideal for clinical cohorts, agricultural populations, and time-series studies. In contrast, scRNA-seq offers unprecedented resolution, enabling scientists to uncover cellular heterogeneity, identify rare cell types, and trace developmental trajectories at the single-cell level.

A team of researchers from Tianjin University has developed a novel tree-like nitrogen-doped carbon (T-NC) support structure that addresses key challenges in fuel cell technology—cost, performance, and durability. Published in Front. Energy, this innovation enables low-platinum (Pt) loaded fuel cells to deliver superior efficiency and longer lifespan, bringing the widespread commercialization of hydrogen-powered vehicles one step closer.

Researchers at Beijing University of Technology have developed a new type of acid-stable bimetallic phosphide-silver core-shell nanowire catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)，which was published in Frontiers in Energy

 This research investigates the role of TRIM66 and HP1γ in chromatin remodeling, specifically focusing on facultative heterochromatin (fHC) formation. The study reveals that TRIM66 interacts with HP1γ through its PxVxL motif, promoting liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and driving fHC domain formation. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining genomic stability and regulating gene expression.

 A new study published in the journal Biochemistry (Moscow) investigates the role of monocytes, a type of white blood cell, in premature coronary artery disease (CAD).

A recent review by Dr. Sanjay Singhal from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences examines aerosol drug therapy (ADT) practices in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The Aero-in-ICU study found that ADT is frequently used in ARDS, with bronchodilators delivered mainly via jet nebulizers. Despite a strong physiological rationale, randomized controlled trials have not confirmed clinical benefits. The findings highlight the gap between clinical evidence and practice, underscoring the need for further research.

A team of Chinese scientists has uncovered a hidden 3D structure in rice DNA that allows the crop to grow more grain while using less nitrogen fertilizer. The finding, published in Nature Genetics by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Oct. 29, could guide the next "green revolution" toward higher yields and more sustainable farming.

Extreme cold weather seriously harms human thermoregulatory system, necessitating high-performance insulating garments to maintain body temperature. However, as the core insulating layer, advanced fibrous materials always struggle to balance mechanical properties and thermal insulation, resulting in their inability to meet the demands for both washing resistance and personal protection. Herein, inspired by the natural spring-like structures of cucumber tendrils, a superelastic and washable micro/nanofibrous sponge (MNFS) based on biomimetic helical fibers is directly prepared utilizing multiple-jet electrospinning technology for high-performance thermal insulation. By regulating the conductivity of polyvinylidene fluoride solution, multiple-jet ejection and multiple-stage whipping of jets are achieved, and further control of phase separation rates enables the rapid solidification of jets to form spring-like helical fibers, which are directly entangled to assemble MNFS. The resulting MNFS exhibits superelasticity that can withstand large tensile strain (200%), 1000 cyclic tensile or compression deformations, and retain good resilience even in liquid nitrogen (− 196 °C). Furthermore, the MNFS shows efficient thermal insulation with low thermal conductivity (24.85 mW m⁻¹ K⁻¹), close to the value of dry air, and remains structural stability even after cyclic washing. This work offers new possibilities for advanced fibrous sponges in transportation, environmental, and energy applications.

Pipelines are extensively used in environments such as nuclear power plants, chemical factories, and medical devices to transport gases and liquids. These tubular environments often feature complex geometries, confined spaces, and millimeter-scale height restrictions, presenting significant challenges to conventional inspection methods. Here, we present an ultrasonic microrobot (weight, 80 mg; dimensions, 24 mm × 7 mm; thickness, 210 μm) to realize agile and bidirectional navigation in narrow pipelines. The ultrathin structural design of the robot is achieved through a high-performance piezoelectric composite film microstructure based on MEMS technology. The robot exhibits various vibration modes when driven by ultrasonic frequency signals, its motion speed reaches 81 cm s⁻¹ at 54.8 kHz, exceeding that of the fastest piezoelectric microrobots, and its forward and backward motion direction is controllable through frequency modulation, while the minimum driving voltage for initial movement can be as low as 3 V_P-P. Additionally, the robot can effortlessly climb slopes up to 24.25° and carry loads more than 36 times its weight. The robot is capable of agile navigation through curved L-shaped pipes, pipes made of various materials (acrylic, stainless steel, and polyvinyl chloride), and even over water. To further demonstrate its inspection capabilities, a micro-endoscope camera is integrated into the robot, enabling real-time image capture inside glass pipes.

Aerogels are ultra-lightweight, porous materials defined by a complex network of interconnected pores and nanostructures, which effectively suppress heat transfer, making them exceptional for thermal insulation. Furthermore, their porous architecture can trap and scatter light via multiple internal reflections, extending the optical path within the material. When combined with suitable light-absorbing materials, this feature significantly enhances light absorption (darkness). To validate this concept, mesoporous silica aerogel particles were incorporated into a resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) sol, and the silica-to-RF ratio was optimized to achieve uniform carbon compound coatings on the silica pore walls. Notably, increasing silica loading raised the sol viscosity, enabling formulations ideal for direct ink writing processes with excellent shape fidelity for super-black topographical designs. The printed silica–RF green bodies exhibited remarkable mechanical strength and ultra-low thermal conductivity (15.8 mW m^–1 K^–1) prior to pyrolysis. Following pyrolysis, the composites maintained structural integrity and printed microcellular geometries while achieving super-black coloration (abs. 99.56% in the 280–2500 nm range) and high photothermal conversion efficiency (94.2%). Additionally, these silica–carbon aerogel microcellulars demonstrated stable electrical conductivity and low electrochemical impedance. The synergistic combination of 3D printability and super-black photothermal features makes these composites highly versatile for multifunctional applications, including on-demand thermal management, and efficient solar-driven water production.