Scientists have developed a way to precisely tune atomic-scale platinum “skin” layers on porous PtCu nanodendrites—revealing how these ultrathin shells reshape catalytic behavior in fuel cells. By gradually thickening or thinning the Pt shell, the team uncovered a striking parabolic shift in the d-band center, showing how geometric strain and electron transfer interplay to govern reaction kinetics. At the heart of this curve lies a sweet spot: a two-layer Pt-skin that delivers the fastest oxygen reduction, exceptional durability, and record-high activity. This work not only pinpoints why this configuration excels but also establishes a roadmap for constructing more efficient, low-Pt catalysts for clean energy systems.

An international study led by Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and published in Science Translational Medicineshows that preserving or restoring cardiac vagal innervation—especially the right vagus nerve—prevents heart aging. A bioabsorbable nerve conduit enabled vagal regeneration, opening new strategies for long-term cardiac protection

Anar Dushpanova and colleagues used an implantable conduit to reconnect the right vagus nerve with the heart in minipigs, soon after surgically removing part of the nerve. The biodegradable guide preserved cardiac function and encouraged partial repair of the nerve in the pigs. The right vagus nerve is a key parasympathetic regulator of heart function, but it can be damaged or severed in chest surgeries, leading to postoperative heart problems. Dushpanova et al. now show that a cuff-like guide made of 3D-printed chitosan/poly-ε-caprolactone mesh, implanted early after right vagus nerve resection in a minipig model, protected the pig heart against stress-induced dysfunctional cardiac remodeling. The guide also promoted at least partial nerve regrowth. With clinical testing, the guide could be one potential therapeutic option to shield the heart against the impacts of right vagus nerve resection that occurs during thoracic surgery or organ transplantation, the researchers note.

New smart surfaces, known as metasurfaces, can shape and utilize light to activate cells in the body, offering a gentle and wireless approach to treating health conditions. By manipulating light for medicine and biomedical devices, they enable treatments for vision, hearing, heart, and neurological disorders. Combined with virtual reality and advanced controls, these tools could help doctors design non-invasive and personalized treatments for a wide range of medical needs.

A new study in Engineering reveals how macrophage-released U2AF1 aids heart repair after heart attack by steering Yap1 splicing toward the pro-angiogenic Yap1-2γ isoform, offering a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for improving cardiac recovery.

Children’s Hospital Colorado successfully performed the hospital’s first-ever heart and liver dual organ transplant, with support from dozens of team members across 25 different multidisciplinary care teams. Only 38 other pediatric heart and liver dual organ transplants have been completed in the United States. 

A novel analysis investigating the contribution of social determinants of health (SDoH) to cardiac aging has found that financial strain and food insecurity are the strongest drivers of accelerated biological aging and increased mortality risk. The study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, published by Elsevier, underscores the complexity and interplay of novel social risk factors that may contribute to cardiovascular events and emphasizes the need for targeted preventive interventions and patient-centered care.