A review paper by scientists from Beijing Institute of Technology reviewed the theoretical foundations, key technologies, innovative applications, and future challenges of autonomous robots in precise drug delivery, a field with revolutionary potential.

The new research paper, published on Jun. 29 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems, provided a hierarchical, function‑oriented framework that directly links microrobot design to the progressive physiological barriers encountered in vivo, from accessible body cavities to the most challenging immune‑privileged sites.

Methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas, contributes significantly to climate forcing. While urban green infrastructure, such as green roofs, offers many environmental benefits, their capacity to mitigate CH₄ emissions has remained largely unexplored. New findings demonstrate that incorporating biochar, a carbon-rich material, into engineered green roof substrates substantially boosts their ability to absorb atmospheric methane. This discovery offers a promising avenue for strengthening climate resilience in urban environments.

Green Roofs: Beyond Aesthetics to Climate Action

Green roofs are gaining recognition for moderating building energy use, managing stormwater, and supporting urban biodiversity. They also act as important carbon sinks by storing carbon in vegetation and substrates. However, the exchange of non-CO₂ greenhouse gases, particularly CH₄, from these systems has received limited attention. Traditional green roof substrates, often rich in organic matter, can even promote localized CH₄ production. Quantifying and enhancing CH₄ exchange in these engineered systems is essential for maximizing their climate benefits.

A study published in eGastroenterology reveals a paradoxical role for the TERT rs10069690 variant in cholangiocarcinoma. In more than 500,000 UK Biobank participants, carriers of the T allele had a reduced risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). However, among 221 patients undergoing curative-intent surgery, the same variant was associated with shorter overall survival. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses suggest that TERT-related pathways may influence tumor growth and immune regulation.

Achieving omnidirectional multispectral compatible camouflage remains a significant challenge due to the pronounced disparities in electromagnetic wavelengths and constraints on the response mechanisms of natural materials. Herein, neural networks are employed to intelligently optimize the design of multiscale impedance-gradient (IG) metadevices tailored for multispectral compatibility. The macro-gradient unit is engineered with precise impedance matching and high rotational symmetry to provide exceptional microwave ultra-broadband absorption (2–18 GHz), with insensitivity angles reaching 60°. By integrating a polyimide foam substrate with an MXene-functionalized nanostructured photochromic top layer, the finalized device exhibits remarkable infrared thermal insulation (ΔT 65 °C) and low emissivity (0.38), alongside rapid visible color change (1 ~ 2 s) enabled by nanoscale photochromic switching. Furthermore, IG metadevices deliver programmability and multimodality, alongside impact resistance (~ 30,000 N) and environmental stability. This work provides novel paradigms for the intelligent design of multispectral compatible camouflage systems adaptable to complex scenarios.

Hepatocytes, the primary functional cells of the liver, release soluble Tim-3 protein during drug-induced injury, and this protein acts as a protective feedback signal to limit excessive immune cell infiltration in the liver. A new study reveals that hepatocyte-derived sTim-3 could bind to Galectin-3 and Galectin-9 to suppress monocyte and macrophage recruitment, thereby reducing tissue necrosis and preserving liver function. The findings identify sTim-3 as a potential therapeutic target for drug-induced liver injury.

Parkinson’s disease remains one of the most challenging neurodegenerative disorders, with current treatments offering partial and temporary relief. A new experimental study from the University of Guadalajara investigated whether bee venom could serve as an adjunct to standard therapy. Using a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, the team examined whether combining bee venom with L-DOPA/carbidopa could improve motor and cognitive outcomes. The findings provide encouraging behavioral evidence, supporting further research into this unconventional therapeutic approach.

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading cause of liver transplantation in children, yet even after corrective surgery, most infants eventually face liver failure.

Human biological evolution typically unfolds over millennia, while artificial intelligence can undergo major advances within years. This growing disparity in rates of change raises a fundamental question: How should humanity respond as technological change increasingly outpaces biological adaptation?

Addressing this question, a team led by Professor Tian-Ling Ren of Tsinghua University has published a Position Paper titled “Transcending Natural Evolution in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” in SCIENCE CHINA Information Sciences. The paper describes this disparity as an “evolutionary tempo mismatch” and examines how artificial intelligence could extend from the digital realm into physical environments, the human body, and neural tissue. It also introduces two related concepts, the “embodiment threshold” and “transcending natural evolution”, and outlines how flexible bioelectronics and brain-computer interfaces could support human-machine integration. The paper further considers the risk of “biological-technological stratification” under constraints in compute capacity, energy, materials, and technological access, and proposes a phased, trigger-based framework for adaptive governance.

Researchers at Westlake University have developed a new anion exchange membrane for water electrolysis that combines long-term chemical stability with easier large-scale manufacturing. The material reduces reliance on corrosive superacids during synthesis and performs efficiently in both lab-scale devices and kilowatt-scale hydrogen-producing stacks.