In a National Science Review perspective, the research progress and future challenges of nuclear optical clocks are presented. The Th-229 clock, with a small nucleus and separated quantum states, may outperform atomic clocks. After 50-year research, key breakthroughs have been made, and solving remaining issues will revolutionize timekeeping and fundamental physics.

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the traditional education system, with its rigid curriculum and prescribed learning paths, is increasingly seen as inadequate for preparing students to embrace the complexities of the modern world. Researchers have identified the tension between prescribed curriculum and student autonomy as the core issue of the educational system. This study analyzes how changes to the prescribed curriculum, pedagogy, and assessments can enhance student autonomy and learning.

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) benefits metabolic health, yet sex differences in its effects are often overlooked. A study by Sichuan Agricultural University published in Life Metabolism reveals TRF impacts liver metabolism differently in males and females. TRF promotes amino - acid - driven lipid synthesis in females and suppresses lipid production in males, linked to liver ERα. Experiments with knockout models confirm ERα’s role. The research uncovers molecular mechanisms, aiding personalized nutrition and metabolic disorder interventions.

This research provides a robust framework for optimizing the operation of electric grids with integrated PEM electrolyzers. By accurately modeling the electrolyzer's performance and incorporating it into the grid dispatch strategy, the study demonstrates how to enhance grid flexibility, reduce costs, and increase renewable energy utilization. The findings are particularly relevant for regions with high renewable energy penetration and offer practical insights for grid operators and policymakers aiming to achieve sustainable energy systems.

Inherited retinal degeneration (IRD) encompasses various disorders characterized by progressive loss of retinal photoreceptor cells, ultimately leading to vision loss and blindness. Among the numerous genetic factors implicated in IRD, mutations in the CRB1 gene stand out as significant contributors to severe forms of retinal degeneration, including retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Recent research has unveiled a novel mechanism linking CRB1 mutations to retinal degeneration through bacterial translocation from the gut to the eye, opening up promising therapeutic avenues.

The CRB1 gene encodes a transmembrane protein crucial for maintaining the integrity of epithelial barriers in both the retina and the colon. In the retina, CRB1 plays a vital role in the structure and function of photoreceptor cells and the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). Recent studies have shown that CRB1 is also expressed in colonic enterocytes, where it maintains the integrity of adherens junctions (AJ) and the colonic epithelial barrier. Mutations in CRB1 disrupt these barriers, creating a "leaky gut" and "leaky retina" phenomenon that allows gut bacteria to translocate to the retina.