Volume 20 Issue 6, June 2025

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) computing and data storage are emerging fields that are unlocking new possibilities in information technology. Here, we discuss technologies and challenges regarding using DNA molecules as computing substrates and data storage media.

Nanoscale, covalently bonded GeSe crystals can withstand up to 12.8% recoverable tensile strain through an atomic mechanism called reversible shuffle twinning, giving rise to anisotropic superelasticity.

A multifunctional additive enables facet-selective crystallization and defect passivation in wide-bandgap perovskites, unlocking scalable, efficient and stable all-perovskite tandem solar cells.

Recent advancements in perovskite colloid engineering have shown promise in overcoming the complex processing challenges of tin-based formulations compared to lead-based ones.

An achromatic metagrating waveguide with a tailored periodic structure designed using a stochastic topology optimization algorithm efficiently guides red, green and blue light at the same angle. This structure provides a compact, lightweight architecture for waveguide-based full-colour augmented reality displays.

The interfacial dynamics in high-potential lithium batteries with polymer electrolytes have been challenging to characterize. Now, X-ray synchrotron analyses reveal that the rearrangement of ion-conductive phases in polymer electrolytes at electrode|electrolyte interfaces disrupts ionically conductive paths and contributes to battery performance degradation.

A three-site Kitaev chain, constructed from three semiconducting quantum dots coupled by superconducting segments in a hybrid InSb/Al nanowire, shows enhanced robustness of edge zero-energy modes against variations in the coupling strengths or electrochemical potentials compared with a chain containing only two quantum dots.

In situ mechanical testing and simulations unveil a reversible shuffle twinning mechanism enabled by bond switching, which gives rise to anisotropic tensile superelasticity in GeSe ceramics.

Carbon–hydrogen and carbon–deuterium bonding in organic polymers were mapped in real space with single-nanometre spatial resolution using a monochromated transmission electron microscope.

A 500-μm-thick design simplifies fabrication and reduces weight while offering good brightness and colour uniformity for augmented reality near-eye optical design.

Dynamic nanodomains in lead halide perovskites, dictated by A-site cations, crucially affect the optoelectronic properties by modulating electronic disorder and consequently enabling better solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

Piracetam improves wide-bandgap perovskite crystallinity and uniformity, enabling monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells with efficiencies of 28.71% (0.07 cm²) and 28.20% (1.02 cm²), ensuring minimal efficiency loss during scale-up.

Lewis acid additive semicarbazide hydrochloride improves the formation of α-phase FAPbI₃-based films and promotes a homogeneous vertical distribution of A-site cations through a deprotonation–reprotonation process. The upgraded device performance reaches up to 26.12% with high stability, and mini-module perovskite solar cells achieving 21.47% (area, 11.52 cm²) demonstrate great scalability.

Caesium cations promote the coagulation of 2D and 3D perovskite colloids, synchronizing their nucleation kinetics and enabling the formation of homogeneous 2D/3D heterostructured lead-free photovoltaics with a certified power conversion efficiency of 16.65%.

X-ray synchrotron measurements reveal heterogeneities at electrode|electrolyte interfaces of lithium metal batteries operating at high potentials. Here the authors demonstrate the rearrangement of ionically conductive phases in polymer electrolytes that lead to battery performance degradation.

Aqueous and non-aqueous Li-based electrolyte solutions have narrow electrochemical stability windows, which hinder the operation of batteries at high cell potentials. Here, to circumvent this limitation, the authors propose the combined use of tailored aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte solutions in various Li-based cell configurations.

A graphene-nanopocket-protected pure Pt nanocatalyst has been reported for heavy-duty-vehicle fuel cells that deliver high power density, high efficiency and exceptional durability with >200,000-h projected lifetime.

The authors present a photocatalytic method to selectively oxidize glycerol to hydroxypyruvic acid over rubidium–iridium catalytic pairs on poly(heptazine imides) under visible-light illumination.

By controlling the contribution of secondary nucleation in the self-assembly of chiral photoswitch molecules using light, it is possible to preferentially generate metastable aggregates, thereby reversing the supramolecular chirality.

A nanoporous photocatalyst producing low levels of hydrogen peroxide is shown to modulate intracellular stress granules, enhancing resilience against oxidative stress and providing cardioprotection in an ex vivo rodent model of myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury.

Genetic vaccines can be quickly formulated and tested but require multiple administrations to generate a durable antibody response, as in the case of protein subunit vaccines. Here SpyTag/SpyCatcher technology is used to develop a genetic vaccine encoding antigen-displaying capsid virus-like particles to enhance the immune response against the Pfs25 malaria antigen.