Researchers have developed a new method using microdroplets to convert waste plastics into valuable diacids without the need for catalysts. This approach offers a more sustainable and efficient pathway for plastic upcycling, potentially reducing environmental pollution. The findings, published in Nature, highlight a promising step toward circular plastic economy.

Researchers developed membranes made from graphene oxide and polydopamine with precisely controlled interlayer spacing. This advancement could enhance filtration and separation technologies, such as water purification or molecular sieving. The work, published in Nature, offers a scalable method to tailor membrane performance.

A new study in Nature reveals that neural representations along the cortical hierarchy are rarely categorical but highly separable, meaning distinct stimuli are encoded in separate patterns. This challenges traditional views of how the brain organizes information. The findings have implications for understanding neural computation and may influence AI models.

Researchers have compiled a large-scale encyclopedia of enhancer–gene regulatory interactions in human cells, detailing how non-coding DNA regions control gene activity. This resource helps scientists understand gene regulation mechanisms and their roles in development and disease, offering a valuable tool for future biomedical research.

Researchers have observed a fractional high-Chern insulator in twisted rhombohedral graphene, a new quantum state of matter. This discovery could advance the development of topological quantum computing and novel electronic devices.

A study published in Nature reveals that the ketogenic diet's ability to suppress intestinal tumor growth is driven by dietary lipids rather than ketone bodies. The research clarifies the mechanism, showing that fat content itself, not the metabolic state of ketosis, mediates anti-tumor effects. This finding could refine dietary strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.

Researchers found that people mentally use quick, simplified simulations to understand and predict outcomes in unfamiliar games. This cognitive strategy allows efficient reasoning without deep analysis, revealing how the brain adapts to novel challenges. The findings could inform AI and learning models.

Researchers identified cell-type signatures of Alzheimer's disease that are consistent across diverse population groups. The findings suggest common underlying biological mechanisms, which could improve diagnosis and treatment development. This universality of disease markers is significant for global health equity in Alzheimer's research.

Researchers discovered that certain cellular metabolites act as "glues" to bind proteins together, enabling cells to sense purine levels and adjust their response to chemotherapy. This mechanism could explain why some cancers resist treatment and open new strategies to improve drug efficacy.