Researchers have developed a fully real-valued, end-to-end optical neural network chip that overcomes the physical limitation of non-negative light intensity to enable efficient, on-chip image generation.

A novel bioengineering strategy utilizing peptide display technology on the AAV1 capsid has successfully generated next-generation viral vectors with significantly enhanced specificity and efficiency for inner ear cell transduction, offering a promising advance toward targeted gene therapies for hearing and balance disorders.

Critical care medicine (CCM) in China is entering a new phase with the release of comprehensive national guidelines that redefine how intensive care units (ICUs) are planned, staffed, and managed. Published in Journal of Intensive Medicine on December 30, 2025, the consensus document integrates lessons learned from major public health emergencies with long-term system planning. It proposes tiered standards covering infrastructure, workforce development, quality management, digital transformation, and emergency preparedness, aiming to strengthen resilience, consistency, and equity in critical care delivery across hospitals nationwide.

Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation play a key role in regulating gene expression. Emerging evidence suggests that intermediates generated during DNA demethylation may have distinct biological roles. However, their detection remains challenging due to their low abundance. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a novel light-sensitive oligonucleotide probe that selectively crosslinks with 5-formylcytosine, an epigenetically important intermediate, enabling its detection in target DNA and complex biological samples.

Next-generation vascular stents can make cardiovascular therapies minimally invasive and vascular treatments safe and less burdensome. In a new advancement, researchers from Japan and China have successfully proposed a novel adaptive 4D-printed vascular stent based on shape-memory polymer composite. The stent exhibits mechanical flexibility, radial strength, biomechanical compliance, and cytocompatibility in in vitro and in vivo experiments, making them promising for future clinical applications.