Chinese scientists have found a way to make flexible tandem solar cells more efficient and durable by enhancing the adhesion of top layers to the bottom layers of the cell.

A genetically engineered protein featuring dual uranyl-binding sites significantly improves uranium extraction efficiency from seawater. The innovative strategy provides a promising candidate for uranium extraction and valuable insights for designing protein-based adsorbents to enhance metal ion adsorption capacity.

Meiosis is the core process of sexual reproduction. Proper spindle assembly and chromosome alignment are essential for the successful completion of meiotic division. Abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome misalignment often lead to female infertility. R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures composed of DNA-RNA hybrids and the displaced single-stranded DNA, and they play critical roles in gene transcription, DNA replication, and DNA damage repair. However, the dynamic localization and regulatory mechanism of R-loops during oocyte meiotic division remain unclear.

To determine the presence of female germline stem cells (FGSCs) in postnatal mammals under physiological and pathological conditions. We explored the presence of FGSCs using various models, including mice of different ages, an ovarian mouse model with mechanical injury, and a rat model of endometriosis. Moreover, we investigated the feasibility of inducing FGSCs in vitro using cultured ovarian tissues and employed the differential adhesion method for isolating FGSCs. For labeling FGSCs within the ovary, we employed markers such as mouse VASA homolog (MVH)/ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Our investigations revealed that FGSCs were not detectable in any of our models, across all conditions tested. Our experiments provide evidence for the viewpoint that no FGSC exists in the ovaries of postnatal mice or rats, and then support that mammalian ovaries do not produce new oocytes after birth.

To address the limitations of contemporary lithium-ion batteries, particularly their low energy density and safety concerns, all-solid-state lithium batteries equipped with solid-state electrolytes have been identified as an up-and-coming alternative. Among the various SEs, organic–inorganic composite solid electrolytes (OICSEs) that combine the advantages of both polymer and inorganic materials demonstrate promising potential for large-scale applications. However, OICSEs still face many challenges in practical applications, such as low ionic conductivity and poor interfacial stability, which severely limit their applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research advancements in OICSEs. Specifically, the influence of inorganic fillers on the main functional parameters of OICSEs, including ionic conductivity, Li⁺ transfer number, mechanical strength, electrochemical stability, electronic conductivity, and thermal stability are systematically discussed. The lithium-ion conduction mechanism of OICSE is thoroughly analyzed and concluded from the microscopic perspective. Besides, the classic inorganic filler types, including both inert and active fillers, are categorized with special emphasis on the relationship between inorganic filler structure design and the electrochemical performance of OICSEs. Finally, the advanced characterization techniques relevant to OICSEs are summarized, and the challenges and perspectives on the future development of OICSEs are also highlighted for constructing superior ASSLBs.

This research offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to noble metal-based catalysts, addressing the critical need for affordable and sustainable energy storage solutions.

In this study, the impact of C-Nap1 on spermatogenesis using C-Nap1 knockout mouse models was investigated. Single-cell RNA sequencing of 10-day testes from wild-type and knockout mice was performed.

This study proposes a novel measurement method based on the digital image correlation (DIC) technique for determining the natural frequencies and mode shapes of prestressed concrete wind turbine towers. The results show that the DIC method is an effective, convenient, and safe approach for measuring the natural frequencies of wind turbine towers, with significant practical value.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to promoting research in the transmission of humanities and cultural conservation. A scholar from the PolyU School of Design (PolyU Design) has made outstanding contributions to the study of urban visual culture by photo-documenting neon signs across Hong Kong. His project has been recognised with a prize in popular science publication category of the 9th Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards (Humanities and Social Sciences) by the Ministry of Education (MoE).