In a paper published in SCIENCE CHINA Chemistry, the review comprehensively introduces strategies for regulating water activity through electrolyte engineering to achieve side reaction-suppressed Zinc-based aqueous batteries (ZABs), including the latest research on aqueous zinc-metal batteries, the origin of critical zinc-related problems, and the development of technological and electrolyte additives. Lastly, various strategies were summarized from different perspectives to improve the performance of zinc metal anodes.

Near-infrared II (NIR-II) photoacoustic imaging (PAI) technology is an emerging biomedical imaging modality characterized by high spatial resolution, deep tissue penetration, and high signal-to-noise ratio. NIR-II PAI enables highly clear real-time monitoring of various physiological and pathological processes and visualizes different biological entities, making it crucial for advancements in life sciences and medicine. NIR-II PAI technology holds significant application potential in disease diagnosis and treatment, particularly in early diagnosis, precise localization, boundary delineation, and monitoring of treatment response for tumors and other conditions. By combining with multimodal or diagnostic-therapeutic integrated molecular probes, this technology enables accurate disease localization and guided treatment, which is crucial for early diagnosis and therapy. This review provides a detailed overview of research progress on NIR-II PAI probes, discussing the emergence and latest developments of various NIR-II PAI probes and their applications in early diagnosis and treatment of tumors, cerebrovascular systems, inflammation, and other tissues. Additionally, it summarizes the development status of these probes and outlines future prospects and challenges.

Malignant tumors remain a serious threat to human health and life and are a major public health problem globally. Herein, we designed and synthesized a novel nucleic acid nanomedicine AS1411-siRNA-LNPs (As@LNPs). Bmi-1 siRNA was coated with cationic liposomes, and a nucleic acid aptamer AS1411 with tumor cell-targeting ability was attached to the outermost layer of the liposomes. The average particle size of As@LNPs was 183 nm, and the polydispersion coefficient was 0.187. The encapsulation rate and drug loading of As@LNPs were 85% and 4.6%, respectively. The average electron mobility of the drug was 2.64 (μ/s)/(V/cm), and the zeta potential of As@LNPs was 33.79 ± 0.78 mV. The microstructure of the nanomedicine was evaluated via transmission electron microscopy. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that As@LNPs significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. As@LNPs showed favorable biosafety with major tissues and organs, except glomerulus and renal epithelial cells.

A new study has uncovered the complex genetic interaction between root-knot nematodes and tomato plants, revealing how these microscopic parasites manipulate plant genomes to induce gall formation.

A recent study sheds light on the essential role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in preventing postharvest chilling injury (PCI) in fruits, a widespread issue that compromises fruit quality and shortens shelf life.

A recent perspective unveils the potential of using virus-based biotechnologies to improve the performance and diversity of Solanaceae crops, which are essential to global food security.

A recent study has unlocked the genetic secrets of Houttuynia cordata, an Asian herb renowned for its distinctive aroma and medicinal properties.

A recent study has uncovered the genetic basis behind the color of tomato fruits, focusing on the role of the YFT3 gene in carotenoid biosynthesis.