Keke Shao, Xuan Zhang, Mengjie Song, Jun Shen, Lizhen Huang, Tianzhuo Zhan, Haidong Wang, Bo You, Libor Pekař, Dong Rip Kim, Christopher Y.H. Chao, Long Zhang
{"title":"Manipulating trapped air bubbles in ice for message storage in cold regions","authors":"Keke Shao, Xuan Zhang, Mengjie Song, Jun Shen, Lizhen Huang, Tianzhuo Zhan, Haidong Wang, Bo You, Libor Pekař, Dong Rip Kim, Christopher Y.H. Chao, Long Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102622","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102622","url":null,"abstract":"<h2>Summary</h2> Message storage using documents and telecommunications encounters high energy consumption and a short life cycle in cold regions. Easily available low temperature and water have created the history-recording glaciers. Inspired by the naturally occurring bubbles in glaciers, we elucidate the underlying physics governing them and develop an ice-based message storage method. The formation process of trapped air bubbles is controlled by the heat and mass transfer during freezing. We identify four ice regions based on the bubbles' distribution and determine the critical freezing rate between the bubble and clear ice regions at 2.87 μm/s. Manipulating the bubble layer by varying the freezing rate successfully utilizes Morse, binary, and ternary codes to store messages. These findings reveal the underlying physics of the trapped air bubble formations, and the intermittent growth of bubble layers also provides the potential for incorporating artificial intelligence into material solidification, glacier analysis, and gas exploration.","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 6","pages":"102622-102622"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2666386425002218","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147900355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Robustness in biomolecular simulations: Addressing challenges in data generation, analysis, and curation.","authors":"Anne M Brown, Justin A Lemkul","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102566","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Computational simulations of biomolecules provide a wealth of information about the thermodynamic landscape of biologically important systems, kinetics of important cellular processes, and the biophysical basis of life. Despite the ubiquity of molecular simulations in biophysical literature, major challenges persist for new practitioners entering the field, and even for experienced computational scientists, in maintaining and distributing their simulation outcomes. Here, we summarize critical obstacles encountered when performing biomolecular simulations and provide best practices for performing simulations that are robust, reproducible, and hypothesis-driven. We also discuss practices that promote improved reproducibility and accessibility using reliable tools and databases.</p>","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12165335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144301192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"G-quadruplex and i-motif DNA structures form in the promoter of the key innate immune adaptor <i>MYD88</i>.","authors":"Susie Brown, Kennith Swafford, Mason McCrury, Farhana Nasrin, Carlon Q Gragg, Arundhati Chavan, Samrat Roy Choudhury, Jonathan Dickerhoff, Danzhou Yang, Samantha Kendrick","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102560","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Innate immune responses rely on a critical adaptor protein, MYD88, to bridge extracellular inflammatory signals and transcription factor networks inside the cell. Dysregulation of MYD88 is associated with immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, and cancer. Here, we identify a stretch of guanine/cytosine-rich DNA in the <i>MYD88</i> promoter capable of adopting stable G-quadruplex and i-Motif structures. Molecular characterization of the i-motif reveals a unique folding pattern with asymmetric lateral loop sizes, a transition pH in line with previously documented i-motifs, and <i>in vitro</i> recognition by the chromatin insulator/transcription factor (CTCF). In exploring the transcriptional role and therapeutic potential of the MYD88 structures, we show the known G-quadruplex ligand, TMPyP4, destabilizes the i-motif, stabilizes the G-quadruplex, and promotes <i>MYD88</i> expression. A ligand, 33353, from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Diversity Set, also differentially interacts with the two structures yet represses <i>MYD88</i>. This work discovers DNA structures in <i>MYD88</i> that can be pharmacologically leveraged for their ability to control gene expression.</p>","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":7.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12245167/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144607519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yixin Yang, Daniel Q. Tan, Siyu Ma, Cong Xie, Yufei Zhao, Shiyi Gao, Shuo Zhang, Nan Wang, Yachin Ivry
{"title":"Giant piezodielectric effect near the polymorphic phase boundary of perovskites near resonant frequencies","authors":"Yixin Yang, Daniel Q. Tan, Siyu Ma, Cong Xie, Yufei Zhao, Shiyi Gao, Shuo Zhang, Nan Wang, Yachin Ivry","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102602","url":null,"abstract":"<h2>Summary</h2> Traditional enhancement of piezoelectric properties via morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) engineering or the incorporation of relaxor ferroelectric (FE) materials faces limitations, including a reduced Curie temperature (<i>T</i><sub>C</sub>) and permittivity saturation. This article introduces a piezodielectric effect that capitalizes on the resonant frequency of common piezoelectric materials with dual-phase coexistence. This approach has yielded an extraordinary permittivity increase exceeding 1,000% at FE–FE phase transition temperature on permittivity-temperature curves. This method of magnifying the FE–FE permittivity shoulder provides a foundation for the precise determination of the MPB position on the phase diagram. In addition, by decoupling permittivity enhancement from <i>T</i><sub>C</sub> reduction, we achieved a colossal relative permittivity (>40,000) and a calculated piezoelectric coefficient (>5,000 pC/N) near room temperature alongside a relatively high <i>T</i><sub>C</sub> (>300°C) in relaxor ferroelectric ceramics. This breakthrough paves the way for amplifying dielectric and piezoelectric properties, offering significant benefits for the performance of transducers and sensors.","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 6","pages":"102602-102602"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2666386425002012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147910480","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yun Hu, Ye Sha, Yan Fang, Meng Zhang, Yonghong Zhou, Puyou Jia, Tianyu Zhu
{"title":"Sea-cucumber-inspired bio-based polyurethane with desirable stretchability, recyclability, and self-healing capabilities","authors":"Yun Hu, Ye Sha, Yan Fang, Meng Zhang, Yonghong Zhou, Puyou Jia, Tianyu Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102598","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102598","url":null,"abstract":"<h2>Summary</h2> The widespread adoption of polyurethane (PU) materials in adhesives and ultraviolet (UV)-resistant applications is limited by the challenge of balancing stretchability, recyclability, and self-healing capabilities, which requires an advanced molecular structural design. Here, we synthesize a castor-oil-based PU (COPUSD) that integrates disulfide bonds and multiple hydrogen bonds, drawing inspiration from the remarkable self-healing capabilities and stretchability of sea cucumbers. This biomimetic approach facilitates the development of a multifunctional PU material with excellent self-healing properties, tunable stretchability, and recyclable processing characteristics. The resulting PUs are employed as adhesion and anti-UV radiation materials and exhibit excellent adhesion properties. The transmittance of the PU is close to 0% in the range of 200–400 nm, indicating a strong blocking ability against UV. This study presents a pioneering approach for developing versatile and scalable PU materials that combine adjustable self-healing capabilities and efficient recyclability for adhesive and UV-resistant applications.","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 5","pages":"102598-102598"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2666386425001973","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147881207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synthesis of selective BCL-XL PROTAC and potent antitumor activity in glioblastoma","authors":"Meichen Liu, Biao Sun, Rui Niu, Yue Zhang, Xinyu Li, Jiefei Wang, Xin Wang, Jinlong Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102593","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102593","url":null,"abstract":"<h2>Summary</h2> Glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and treatment-resistant form of brain cancer, is significantly influenced by GBM stem cells (GSCs), which contribute to tumor initiation and recurrence. This study introduces two innovative proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), AN-1 and AN-2, designed to degrade BCL-X<sub>L</sub>, a key anti-apoptotic protein in the BCL-2 family. Optimized from ABT-263, these PROTACs utilize MDM2 as an E3 ligase, a strategy not previously used in GBM therapy. Our approach leverages the high expression of MDM2 in GSCs and low expression in platelets, enhancing therapeutic specificity and reducing the risk of thrombocytopenia—a key side effect of BCL-X<sub>L</sub> inhibition. Both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies show that AN-1 and AN-2 effectively inhibit GSC proliferation, promote apoptosis, and significantly improve survival rates without inducing thrombocytopenia. This study highlights the potential of targeting underexplored E3 ligases in cancer therapy and offers a selective approach to treating GBM, overcoming current treatment limitations.","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 5","pages":"102593-102593"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2666386425001924","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147904071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Cyclic brush spherical nucleic acids for enhanced gene-immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma via neutrophil polarization","authors":"Songbin Liu, Zhenghao Tao, Hongbing Liu, Shuang Yan, Longtianyang Lei, Yao Cheng, Rongguo Fu, Haitao Zhang, Cui‐Yun Yu, Hua Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102562","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102562","url":null,"abstract":"Publisher of over 50 scientific journals across the life, physical, earth, and health sciences, both independently and in partnership with scientific societies including Cell, Neuron, Immunity, Current Biology, AJHG, and the Trends Journals.","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 5","pages":"102562-102562"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147880842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Artificial pancreas with engineered β cell microspheres overexpressing PD-L1 and algae ameliorate type 1 diabetes","authors":"Zhangyan Jing, Xiaohong Li, Wenli Fang, Yishi Tian, Yuan Li, Chi Zhang, Zhaoxin Yang, Chanjuan Li, Zixuan Fan, Fanqiang Meng, Xin Liang, Xudong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102549","url":null,"abstract":"Publisher of over 50 scientific journals across the life, physical, earth, and health sciences, both independently and in partnership with scientific societies including Cell, Neuron, Immunity, Current Biology, AJHG, and the Trends Journals.","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 5","pages":"102549-102549"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147330484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wenxuan Li, Jianjia He, Yilan Zhang, Le Ye, Guoying Yao, Zixuan Zhang, Shiang Li, Xinhui Lu, Haipeng Lu, Tao Zeng, Zhenyu Yang
{"title":"Branched intercalating cations regulate the structural evolution of two-dimensional perovskites","authors":"Wenxuan Li, Jianjia He, Yilan Zhang, Le Ye, Guoying Yao, Zixuan Zhang, Shiang Li, Xinhui Lu, Haipeng Lu, Tao Zeng, Zhenyu Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102509","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102509","url":null,"abstract":"Two-dimensional metal halide perovskites (TMHPs) have emerged as prominent semiconductor materials in optoelectronic devices due to their composition-dependent properties. While previous research has concentrated on the types and the lengths of cations affecting TMHPs, our study systematically explores a new series of Dion-Jacobson (DJ)-phase TMHP structures featuring dithioketal-containing organic cations. Through X-ray crystallography and spectroscopy analyses, we demonstrate that steric hindrance from longer-branched groups distorts the structures and influences the photophysical behaviors of TMHPs. Additionally, we observe thermodynamically driven transitions from the DJ phase to the Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase when incorporating cations with extended branches, further impacting their structural and optoelectronic characteristics. Understanding and controlling these structural changes enable the design of TMHPs with tailored properties, opening avenues for advanced materials that enhance device performance.","PeriodicalId":9703,"journal":{"name":"Cell Reports Physical Science","volume":"6 4","pages":"102509-102509"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147918149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}