Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Drifting discrete Jovian radio bursts reveal acceleration processes related to Ganymede and the main aurora Jovian short bursts (S-bursts) are induced by the Io-Jupiter interaction. Here, the authors show a drifting radio burst detection method and report S-bursts related to Ganymede-Jupiter interaction and to Jovian aurora. Emilie Mauduit, Philippe Zarka & Sébastien L. G. Hess Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Realization of an inherent time crystal in a dissipative many-body system Physical realizations of time crystals, non-equilibrium many-body systems with broken time-translation symmetry, typically require periodic driving. Here the authors demonstrate a time crystal without external periodic drive in a collection of erbium atoms under a continuous laser excitation. Yu-Hui Chen & Xiangdong Zhang Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Retrosynthesis prediction with an interpretable deep-learning framework based on molecular assembly tasks Automating retrosynthesis prediction in organic chemistry is a major application of ML. Here the authors present RetroExplainer, which offers a high-performance, transparent and interpretable deep-learning framework providing valuable insights for drug development. Yu Wang, Chao Pang & Leyi Wei Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Electro-capillary peeling of thin films Current methods for thin film peeling suffer from limitations because of complicated preparations and the limitations of applied films. Li et al. present a peeling method for the thin film’s detachment that is achieved by driving liquid to percolate and spread into the bonding layer under electric fields. Peiliu Li, Xianfu Huang & Ya-Pu Zhao Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Transmission-type photonic doping for high-efficiency epsilon-near-zero supercoupling The authors present a transmission-type doping approach to reduce resonant losses in photonic doping. Assisted by the approach, proximate ideal epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) supercoupling with neartotal energy transmission and zero-phase advance is achieved in experiments. Wendi Yan, Ziheng Zhou & Yue Li Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Broad and colossal edge supercurrent in Dirac semimetal Cd3As2 Josephson junctions The non-Hermitian skin effect, or localization of eigenstates at the boundary of a non-Hermitian system, has been intensively studied. Chu et al. observe a large and wide edge supercurrent in the Dirac semimetal Cd3As2-based Josephson junctions, which is consistent with the non-Hermitian skin effect. Chun-Guang Chu, Jing-Jing Chen & Zhi-Min Liao Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Controlling piezoresistance in single molecules through the isomerisation of bullvalenes The quest for miniaturisation of electromechanical nanosystems requires the use of single molecules as active components. Here, the authors develop a piezoresistor based on a single bullvalene molecule that changes its shape by a Cope rearrangement. Jeffrey R. Reimers, Tiexin Li & Nadim Darwish Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Facet-engineered TiO2 drives photocatalytic activity and stability of supported noble metal clusters during H2 evolution Decorating TiO2 with metal ensembles enhances photocatalytic hydrogen generation, but deactivation is a concern. Here, the authors show that Pt, Pd, and Au anchored on {001} anatase facets are more stable photocatalysts compared to {101} facets and correlate the results with first-principles calculations Yufen Chen, Lluís Soler & Jordi Llorca Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Constructing asymmetric double-atomic sites for synergistic catalysis of electrochemical CO2 reduction Elucidating the synergistic catalytic mechanism involving multiple active centers is of great significance for heterogeneous catalysis. Here the authors construct an asymmetric TeN2–CuN3 double atomic site catalyst featuring synergistic CO2 activation and H2O dissociation for CO2 electroreduction. Jiqing Jiao, Qing Yuan & Tongbu Lu Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access Versatile bubble maneuvering on photopyroelectric slippery surfaces Light-induced bubble maneuvering remains challenging in terms of response and functional adaptability due to the single driving mechanism including the Marangoni effect or asymmetrical deformation. Using a photopyroelectric slippery surface (PESS), Liu et al. demonstrate the splitting, merging, and detachment of underwater bubbles with high flexibility and precision. Haiyang Zhan, Zichao Yuan & Yahua Liu Article 03 October 2023 | Open Access An end-to-end pipeline for succinic acid production at an industrially relevant scale using Issatchenkia orientalis Microbial production of succinic acid at an industrially relevant scale has been hindered by high downstream processing costs arising from neutral pH fermentation. Here, the authors report an end-to-end pipeline for succinic acid production at low pH using engineered acid-tolerant Issatchenkia orientalis strain. Vinh G. Tran, Somesh Mishra & Huimin Zhao Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Thin lamellar films with enhanced mechanical properties for durable radiative cooling Practical application of radiative cooling technology in harsh outdoor conditions remains challenging. Here, the authors develop a lamellar ANFs/Mica@TiO2 composite via a “solvent exchange-reprotonation” process enabling durable outdoor cooling. Lianhu Xiong, Yun Wei & Hua Deng Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Incorporation of multiple supramolecular binding sites into a robust MOF for benchmark one-step ethylene purification One-step separation of C2H4 from ternary C2 hydrocarbon mixtures remains a challenge for current physisorbents. Here, the authors reported a strategy of designing multiple supramolecular binding sites in a robust and scalable MOF for highly efficient one-step C2H4 purification from ternary mixtures. Enyu Wu, Xiao-Wen Gu & Bin Li Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Control of metal oxides’ electronic conductivity through visual intercalation chemical reactions Cation intercalation is an effective method to optimise the electronic structures of metal oxides. Here authors present a visual intercalation chemical synthesis strategy to control intercalated structures of metal oxides and synthesise flexible conductive metal oxide films in one minute at room temperature. Yuanyuan Zhang, Xiaohua Zhang & Jianhua Yan Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access 2-Oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as a new bioisostere of the phenyl ring The phenyl ring is a basic structural element in chemistry. Here, the authors show the design, synthesis, and validation of 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane as a new saturated bioisostere with improved physicochemical properties Vadym V. Levterov, Yaroslav Panasiuk & Pavel K. Mykhailiuk Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Generative complex networks within a dynamic memristor with intrinsic variability Designing efficient AI hardware capable of creating artificial general intelligence remains a challenge. Here, the authors present an approach for the on-demand generation of complex networks within a single memristor by harnessing device dynamics with intrinsic cycle-to-cycle variability and demonstrate the effectiveness of memristive complex network-based reservoirs. Yunpeng Guo, Wenrui Duan & Huanglong Li Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Orientation distributions of vacuum-deposited organic emitters revealed by single-molecule microscopy The understanding of the orientation of luminescent molecules is currently limited by the ensemble-averaging nature of state-of-the-art measurements. Here, the authors apply single-molecule imaging to obtain complete orientation distributions of the transition dipole of individual emitter molecules. Francisco Tenopala-Carmona, Dirk Hertel & Malte C. Gather Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Mechanistic insight on water dissociation on pristine low-index TiO2 surfaces from machine learning molecular dynamics simulations Electronic structure methods are vital, yet they are often too computationally expensive. Here, the authors develop machine learned density matrices to fully represent electronic structures in a computationally cheap and accurate way. Zezhu Zeng, Felix Wodaczek & Bingqing Cheng Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Efficient magnetic switching in a correlated spin glass GeTe is a ferroelectric semiconductor with broken inversion symmetry, which leads to a large spin-orbit interaction. When doped with small amounts of manganese, it becomes magnetoelectric. Here, Krempasky et al show that the ferrimagnetic ordering of Mn-doped GeTe can be switched with unusually small currents under specific resonant conditions, orders of magnitude smaller than typical for spin-orbit torque based switching. Juraj Krempaský, Gunther Springholz & J. Hugo Dil Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Mechanically induced pyroptosis enhances cardiosphere oxidative stress resistance and metabolism for myocardial infarction therapy Therapeutic options for myocardial infarction therapy remain limited. Here the authors report the application of an optimized liquid crystal substrate in the mass production and effective preconditioning of cardiospheres, which could generate cardiospheres with improved cell bioactivity and resistance to oxidative stress for myocardial infarction therapy. Yingwei Wang, Qi Li & Zheng Wu Article 02 October 2023 | Open Access Hypersensitive MR angiography based on interlocking stratagem for diagnosis of cardiac-cerebral vascular diseases Current contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography approaches are sub-optimal. Here the authors present a hypersensitive MR angiography strategy based on interlocking stratagem of zwitterionic Gd-chelate contrast agents (PAA-Gd), enabling sophisticated micro-vessel angiography of cardiac-cerebrovascular diseases with ultrahigh resolution. Peisen Zhang, Junwei Cheng & Yi Hou Article 30 September 2023 | Open Access Programmable nanocomposites of cellulose nanocrystals and zwitterionic hydrogels for soft robotics Soft robots made of hydrogels with anisotropic and shape-change properties offer interesting design opportunities. Here, the authors report zwitterionic hydrogels and anisotropic cellulose nanocrystals composites in which the shear-induced alignment of cellulose nanocrystals allows for the development of shape-change programmable miniature robots. Rasool Nasseri, Negin Bouzari & Hamed Shahsavan Article 30 September 2023 | Open Access Recyclable soft photonic crystal film with overall improved circularly polarized luminescence Circularly polarized luminescence materials having simultaneously high dissymmetry factor and high luminescent quantum yield are desirable to improve applicability. Here, the authors report a soft photonic crystal film with chiral nanopores fulfilling these requirements when loaded with luminescent dyes. Yonghong Shi, Jianlei Han & Pengfei Duan Article 30 September 2023 | Open Access Modulation of perovskite degradation with multiple-barrier for light-heat stable perovskite solar cells The long-term stability of perovskite solar cells remains a critical challenge for the commercialization of the technology. Here, the authors adopt a non-noble metal/metal oxide/polymer multiple-barrier to suppress device degradation, achieving long-term stability in encapsulated p-i-n devices. Jing Zhou, Zonghao Liu & Wei Chen Article 30 September 2023 | Open Access Ballistic transport spectroscopy of spin-orbit-coupled bands in monolayer graphene on WSe2 By combining graphene with transition metal dichalcogenides, such as WSe2, it is possible to induce a large spin-orbit interaction in the graphene layer. Here, Rao et al study the spin-orbit coupling in graphene/WSe2 heterostructures using the ballistic transport based technique, known transverse magnetic focusing. Qing Rao, Wun-Hao Kang & Dong-Keun Ki Article 30 September 2023 | Open Access Inhibition of defect-induced α-to-δ phase transition for efficient and stable formamidinium perovskite solar cells The effect of various defects on α-phase stability of formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite remains unclear. Here, the authors reveal the degradation pathway, introduce water-insoluble compact layer to suppress α-phase collapse, and achieve maximum efficiency over 25% for perovskite solar cells. Tian Chen, Jiangsheng Xie & Pingqi Gao Article 29 September 2023 | Open Access Liquid–liquid phase separation within fibrillar networks Liquid–liquid phase separation is known in cell biology as an underlying mechanism of intracellular organization. The authors study a complex interplay between phase separation, network mechanics, and condensate capillarity, providing explanation for the phenomena in complex environments like the cellular interior. Jason X. Liu, Mikko P. Haataja & Rodney D. Priestley Article 29 September 2023 | Open Access Machine learning assisted vector atomic magnetometry Multiparameter sensors in quantum optics are often complex due to use of external fields. Here the authors demonstrate a simple single-shot all-optical vector atomic magnetometer based on machine learning for the correspondence of the measured signals and the magnetic field. Xin Meng, Youwei Zhang & Yanhong Xiao Article 29 September 2023 | Open Access Direct observation of topological magnon polarons in a multiferroic material A magnetic crystal hosts both magnons, the quanta of spin waves, and phonons, the quanta of lattice vibrations. In some materials with strong coupling between spins and lattices, a magnon-polaron can form. Here, using neutron scattering on a multiferroic, Fe2Mo3O8, Bao et al. observe magnon-polaron, and show that it is topologically non-trivial. Song Bao, Zhao-Long Gu & Jinsheng Wen Article 29 September 2023 | Open Access The role of arsenic in the operation of sulfur-based electrical threshold switches Spin defects in semiconductors are promising for quantum technologies but understanding of defect formation processes in experiment remains incomplete. Here the authors present a computational protocol to study the formation of spin defects at the atomic scale and apply it to the divacancy defect in SiC. Renjie Wu, Rongchuan Gu & Zhitang Song Review Article 29 September 2023 | Open Access The promise of data science for health research in Africa In this Review article, the authors discuss emerging efforts to build ethical governance frameworks for data science health research in Africa and the opportunities to advance these through investments by African governments and institutions, international funding organizations and collaborations for research and capacity development. Clement A. Adebamowo, Shawneequa Callier & Sally N. Adebamowo Article 29 September 2023 | Open Access Photostimulation of brain lymphatics in male newborn and adult rodents for therapy of intraventricular hemorrhage Intraventricular hemorrhage is one of the most fatal forms of brain injury. It is a common complication in premature infants and has limited treatment options. Here, the authors show that transcranial photostimulation can ameliorate lymphatic removal of blood from the brain of adult and newborn rodents after intraventricular hemorrhage, providing fast recovery and improvement of behavioral outcomes. Dongyu Li, Shaojun Liu & Dan Zhu Comment 28 September 2023 | Open Access Unlocking the potential of DNA-based tagging: current market solutions and expanding horizons The commercialization of DNA tagging is a growing trend that demonstrates the increasing practicality of this novel approach. This interdisciplinary technology is based on the distinctive characteristics of DNA as a molecule that can remain stable in varying environmental conditions and store data following appropriate preparation. Moreover, newly developed technologies could simplify DNA synthesis and the encoding of data within DNA. The implementation of DNA tagging presents distinctive benefits in comparison to conventional labelling techniques, including universal product code (UPC) barcoding, radio-frequency identification (RFID), quick response (QR) codes, and Bluetooth technologies, by surmounting the limitations encountered by these systems. The discourse pertains to extant DNA-tagging mechanisms along with prospective implementations in a wide range of domains, including but not limited to art, the metaverse, forensics, wildlife monitoring, and the military. The potential of DNA labelling in various contexts underscores the importance of continued research and development in this rapidly evolving field. Adam Kuzdraliński, Marek Miśkiewicz & Bogdan Księżopolski Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Towards bioresource-based aggregation-induced emission luminogens from lignin β-O-4 motifs as renewable resources Biorenewable feedstocks are important for developing more sustainable materials, but developing processes can be challenging due to incompatible reaction conditions. Here, the authors report the one-pot preparation of aggregation-induced emission luminogens from lignin moieties. Tenglong Guo, Yuting Lin & Tao Zhang Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Promoting multiexciton interactions in singlet fission and triplet fusion upconversion dendrimers The impact of multiexcitonic through-space interactions in macromolecular architectures is poorly investigated. Here the authors use dendritic macromolecules to study the effect of interchromophore interactions on the dynamics of multiexciton generation and decay as a function of dendrimer generation. Guiying He, Emily M. Churchill & Luis M. Campos Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Synthesis of a covalent organic framework with hetero-environmental pores and its medicine co-delivery application The characteristics of the pores are vital for controlling the performance of covalent organic frameworks, but obtaining different chemical environments in different pores is challenging. Here, the authors report the development of covalent organic frameworks with differing pore environments. Wenyan Ji, Pai Zhang & Bao-Hang Han Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access An amide to thioamide substitution improves the permeability and bioavailability of macrocyclic peptides Solvent shielding of the amide hydrogen bond donor through chemical modification or conformational control has been successfully utilized to impart membrane permeability to macrocyclic peptides. Here, the authors show that passive membrane permeability can also be conferred by masking the amide hydrogen bond acceptor through thioamide substitution, leading to improved pharmacological properties of peptide macrocycles. Pritha Ghosh, Nishant Raj & Jayanta Chatterjee Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Extending on-surface synthesis from 2D to 3D by cycloaddition with C60 On-surface synthesis (OSS) defines a special opportunity to investigate intermolecular coupling at. sub-molecular level and has delivered many appealing polymers but so-far OSS is limited to the. lateral covalent bonding of molecular precursors. Here, the authors demonstrate cycloaddition. between C60 and an aromatic compound allowing covalent coupling perpendicular to the surface and multiple non-planar covalent coupling of C60. Pengcheng Ding, Shaoshan Wang & Miao Yu Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Counteranion-mediated efficient iodine capture in a hexacationic imidazolium organic cage enabled by multiple non-covalent interactions The development of efficient adsorbents to capture iodine originating from radioactive wastes is of importance. Here, the authors synthesize hexacationic imidazolium organic cages and study the crucial role of the counter anions for iodine capture and the iodine binding modes at the molecular level on the solid state. Jian Yang, Shao-Jun Hu & Qing-Fu Sun Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Biomimetic single Al-OH site with high acetylcholinesterase-like activity and self-defense ability for neuroprotection The neurotoxicity of organophosphate compounds damages nerve system by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expression, but it is difficult to overcome the deactivation of AChE. Here, the authors report the design of Lewis acid sites in metal-organic frameworks as AChE mimics for effective neuroprotection. Weiqing Xu, Xiaoli Cai & Chengzhou Zhu Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Differential phase-diversity electrooptic modulator for cancellation of fiber dispersion and laser noise In this work, the authors showcase four-phase electrooptic modulators (FEOMs) implemented on thin-film lithium niobate. This innovation effectively addresses challenges related to dispersion and semiconductor laser noise limitations, offering a promising solution for integrated photonic applications. Ehsan Ordouie, Tianwei Jiang & Bahram Jalali Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Revealing the aging process of solid electrolyte interphase on SiOx anode Observing the evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase on SiOx-based electrodes in Li-ion batteries is challenging. Here, authors use three-dimensional tomography to visualize the growth of the interphase on single SiOx particles and propose a mechanical confinement strategy to prevent aging. Guoyu Qian, Yiwei Li & Feng Pan Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Tunable backbone-degradable robust tissue adhesives via in situ radical ring-opening polymerization Adhesives with both robust adhesion and tunable degradability are clinically and ecologically vital, but their fabrication remains a formidable challenge. Here, the authors report in situ radical ring-opening polymerization-based design and potential biomedical applications of a backbone degradable robust adhesive. Ran Yang, Xu Zhang & Shifang Luan Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Minimum entropy production by microswimmers with internal dissipation What is the physical limit on entropy production in a suspension of active microswimmers? In answer to this question, the authors derive a general theorem that provides an exact lower bound on the total, external and internal dissipation by a microswimmer and apply it to optimize swimmer shapes. Abdallah Daddi-Moussa-Ider, Ramin Golestanian & Andrej Vilfan Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access Iron phosphide nanocrystals as an air-stable heterogeneous catalyst for liquid-phase nitrile hydrogenation Iron is an ideal catalytic material due to its abundance, low cost, and low toxicity, but conventional iron catalysts show low activity and lack air stability. Here, the authors report an iron phosphide nanocrystal catalyst, which exhibits high stability in air and high activity for the liquid-phase nitrile hydrogenations. Tomohiro Tsuda, Min Sheng & Takato Mitsudome Article 28 September 2023 | Open Access CMOS backend-of-line compatible memory array and logic circuitries enabled by high performance atomic layer deposited ZnO thin-film transistor The progress of high-performance oxide-based transistors is essential for seamlessly integrating monolithic 3-D circuits into the CMOS backend. The authors propose using atomic layer deposition for ZnO due to its compatibility with low-temperature backend integration. They also successfully integrated ZnO TFTs with HfO2 RRAM in a 1 kbit 1T1R array, showcasing RRAM switching capabilities. Wenhui Wang, Ke Li & Yida Li