Core Viewpoint - The study published in Nature Communications indicates that brain aging accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting even those who did not contract SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the significant impact of the pandemic on mental and neurological health [2][4][5]. Summary by Sections Study Background - The research conducted by the University of Nottingham analyzed brain scans from 15,334 healthy adults with an average age of 63, utilizing machine learning models to predict brain age based on structural features [8][10]. Findings on Brain Aging - The study found that individuals experienced an average brain aging acceleration of 5.5 months during the pandemic, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection status, suggesting that environmental factors also play a crucial role in brain health [10][12]. Demographic Insights - The accelerated brain aging was most pronounced in older adults, males, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, indicating that stressors such as unemployment and poor health significantly impacted brain aging [12]. Cognitive Function Assessment - Cognitive tests revealed that only participants who had contracted SARS-CoV-2 showed declines in cognitive abilities, such as processing speed and flexibility, indicating that physical brain aging does not necessarily correlate with cognitive decline [12]. Future Research Directions - The study calls for further research to explore the causal relationships behind accelerated brain aging during the pandemic, including the roles of mental health, isolation, and lifestyle factors [12].

Core Viewpoint - The launch of the new journal "Nature Sensors" aims to cover the entire field of sensing technology, emphasizing its transformative impact on society and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex challenges in various sectors [2]. Group 1: Journal Overview - "Nature Sensors" is a new addition to the Nature family, which now includes 67 journals, with 26 being review journals and 41 research journals [2]. - The journal focuses on the development of novel sensor materials and devices, as well as the design, integration, and broader applications of sensor systems [2]. - It highlights advancements in sensor design, materials, signal processing, and data analysis, aiming to connect scientific research, engineering, and industry [2]. Group 2: Topics Covered - The journal encompasses a wide range of topics including imaging sensors, sensor materials, signal processing, sensor circuits, optical sensing, quantum sensing, acoustic and ultrasonic sensing, chemical sensors, nanosenors, biosensors, wearable sensors, implantable sensors, instant diagnostics, data analysis, IoT, big data, sensor networks, structural health monitoring, environmental sensing, smart materials and structures, remote sensing, sustainability and green technology, robotic sensor integration, autonomous systems, human-computer interaction, AI-enhanced sensing, edge computing, industrial automation, predictive maintenance, supply chain and inventory management, wireless sensing, and 5G/6G sensor networks [3]. Group 3: Editorial Team - The journal is led by Dr. Olga Bubnova, who has a background in mechanical engineering and has held various editorial positions within the Nature publishing group [4][6]. - Dr. Frank Sun serves as the deputy editor, with expertise in biointerface materials and biomedical platforms [7][9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development and potential of the AI-CEMA system, a deep learning-assisted diagnostic tool for intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and lung lesions, which demonstrates diagnostic accuracy comparable to experienced experts [3][5][6]. Group 1: Background on Intrathoracic Lymphadenopathy - Intrathoracic lymphadenopathy is a common challenge faced by pulmonologists, characterized by abnormal enlargement of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes [2]. - The most common malignant cause of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy is lung cancer, which is the leading cancer globally and the primary cause of cancer-related deaths, with an estimated 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2022 [2]. Group 2: AI-CEMA System Development - The AI-CEMA system was developed by a team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and published in Cell Reports Medicine, focusing on the detection and diagnosis of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy using endobronchial ultrasound multimodal videos [3]. - The system utilizes convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) multimodal videos to automatically select representative images, identify lymph nodes, and differentiate between benign and malignant nodes [5]. Group 3: Performance and Validation - AI-CEMA was trained on a dataset of 1,006 lymph nodes and validated through a retrospective study, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8490, comparable to the expert level AUC of 0.7847 [5]. - The system also successfully applied to lung lesion diagnosis, achieving an AUC of 0.8192, indicating its versatility and effectiveness in clinical settings [5]. Group 4: Clinical Implications - The AI-CEMA system offers a non-invasive diagnostic approach, providing automated and expert-level diagnosis for intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and lung lesions, showcasing significant potential in clinical diagnostics [6][8].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in gene therapy for congenital deafness, highlighting its superiority over traditional cochlear implants in restoring natural hearing and improving speech perception [2][12]. Group 1: Overview of Hearing Loss - Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disabilities globally, affecting 20% of the population, with 5% experiencing disabling hearing loss [2]. - Approximately 2-3 out of every 1000 newborns are born with congenital hearing impairment, with 60% of cases linked to genetic factors [2]. Group 2: Traditional Treatments and Limitations - Cochlear implants have been the gold standard for severe hearing loss for nearly half a century, but they do not fully restore natural hearing and have low acceptance due to external device maintenance [2][12]. - There has been no clinical treatment available for congenital deafness until the emergence of gene therapy [2]. Group 3: Gene Therapy Advancements - A study led by Fudan University found that gene therapy significantly outperformed cochlear implants in restoring hearing function and speech perception in children with congenital deafness [3][6]. - The study included 11 children who received gene therapy and compared them with 61 children who received cochlear implants, assessing multiple dimensions of auditory perception over a year [6]. Group 4: Results of Gene Therapy - Among the 11 patients treated with gene therapy, 9 showed stable hearing recovery and improved speech abilities after one year [8]. - The gene therapy group scored significantly higher in various auditory perception tests compared to the cochlear implant group, indicating better auditory processing capabilities [9][10]. Group 5: Clinical Implications - The research provides evidence that gene therapy can lead to faster recovery and better quality of auditory perception compared to cochlear implants, marking a new era in precise auditory medicine [12][26]. - The findings suggest that even patients with prior cochlear implants can benefit from subsequent gene therapy, enhancing their auditory capabilities [10]. Group 6: Future Directions - The success of gene therapy for congenital deafness may pave the way for advancements in treating other rare genetic diseases, as the techniques developed can be applied to broader genetic conditions [24][25]. - A new laboratory focused on rare disease gene editing and cell therapy has been established to further research in this area, aiming to develop effective treatments for various genetic disorders [24][25].

Core Viewpoint - Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with no current treatment to alter its progression, primarily linked to mutations in the ATP1A3 gene, which accounts for approximately 70% of cases [2][6]. Group 1: Disease Overview - AHC manifests within the first 18 months of life, characterized by recurrent symptoms such as hemiplegia, muscle tone disorders, abnormal eye movements, and seizures, along with developmental delays and intellectual disabilities [1][6]. - The ATP1A3 gene encodes the α3 subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase, crucial for neuronal function, and its dysfunction leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and metabolic imbalances [2]. Group 2: Genetic Insights - Over 50 pathogenic mutations related to AHC have been reported, with three mutations (D801N, E815K, G947R) accounting for over 65% of cases [2]. - The dominant-negative disease mechanism of ATP1A3 mutations complicates traditional gene therapy approaches, as these mutations not only lose function but also interfere with normal protein function [2]. Group 3: Research Breakthroughs - A study published on July 21, 2025, in the journal Cell demonstrated the use of prime editing technology to treat AHC in mouse models, effectively correcting common ATP1A3 mutations and restoring Na+/K+ ATPase activity [3][4]. - The research team achieved correction rates of 48% at the DNA level and 73% at the mRNA level in the brain cortex of treated mice, leading to significant improvements in seizure activity, motor deficits, and cognitive impairments, as well as extended lifespan [9][12]. Group 4: Future Implications - The findings suggest that prime editing could serve as a one-time therapeutic approach for AHC, potentially opening avenues for treating other long-considered untreatable neurological disorders [4][11]. - The study emphasizes the importance of patient-centered research, as highlighted by the involvement of RARE Hope's founder, who advocates for increased accessibility to treatments for rare neurological conditions [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential benefits of a four-day workweek, highlighting a study that shows improvements in employee well-being without a reduction in pay [3][4][11]. Group 1: Study Findings - The largest trial of a four-day workweek found that it led to happier, healthier employees with higher job satisfaction due to increased work efficiency, reduced fatigue, and fewer sleep issues [3][4]. - Employees in the trial reported a reduction in work hours by an average of 5 hours per week, with those reducing hours by 8 or more experiencing lower burnout and improved mental health [8]. - Over 90% of companies that participated in the trial chose to continue the four-day workweek after six months, indicating confidence in maintaining productivity and profits [11]. Group 2: Research Methodology - The study involved 2,896 employees from 141 companies across Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Ireland, and the UK, who had eight weeks to reorganize workflows before the trial [6]. - Employees completed surveys assessing their mental health and job satisfaction before and after the implementation of the four-day workweek [7]. - The research compared the results of trial participants with 285 employees from 12 companies that did not participate, providing a control group for analysis [7]. Group 3: Long-term Effects - Data collected 12 months after the trial indicated that employee happiness remained high, suggesting lasting positive effects of the four-day workweek [9]. - Concerns about employees being unable to complete a five-day workload in four days were addressed, with findings suggesting that better rest leads to fewer mistakes and greater engagement during work hours [10]. Group 4: Limitations and Future Research - The study's conclusions are based on self-reported data from voluntarily participating companies, which may not be representative of all types of organizations [12]. - The authors call for randomized studies to further validate the effects of a four-day workweek [12].

Core Viewpoint - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease primarily affecting the elderly, characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage and subsequent joint pain and limited mobility. Current treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and, in severe cases, total joint replacement [2]. Group 1: Treatment Innovations - The FDA has recently approved Matrix-associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) for repairing isolated cartilage injuries in patients aged 18-55, indicating that cell therapy may become an effective treatment for osteoarthritis [3]. - Procr chondroprogenitors, identified in a study published in Cell, are sensitive to mechanical stimuli and play a crucial role in maintaining and regenerating articular cartilage, presenting a promising cell source for treating degenerative orthopedic diseases like osteoarthritis [4][9]. Group 2: Research Findings - The study found that mechanical stimulation from forced running significantly increased the number of Procr+ cells, while mechanical unloading decreased their numbers. OA activates Procr+ cells to repair cartilage erosion, and their genetic knockout accelerates OA progression [6]. - Inhibition of the mechanosensor Piezo1 significantly impairs the cartilage repair function of Procr+ cells, while intra-articular injection of Piezo1 agonists improves OA symptoms [6]. - Purified Procr+ superficial cells, after expansion and in vivo transplantation, can effectively repair cartilage defects, highlighting their potential as a reliable cell source for treating knee joint diseases like osteoarthritis [9].

Core Viewpoint - There is a compelling link between gut microbiota and atherosclerosis, a disease characterized by cholesterol and inflammatory cell deposits in arterial walls, leading to potential health issues like stroke and heart attacks [1][5]. Group 1: Research Findings - A study published in Nature identified Imidazole Propionate (ImP), a metabolite produced by gut bacteria, as a driver of atherosclerosis, suggesting new targets for early detection and personalized treatment of cardiovascular diseases [2][10]. - The study highlights the necessity for early intervention in seemingly healthy populations due to rising morbidity and mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases [5]. - The research team found a strong correlation between ImP levels and the severity of atherosclerosis in both mouse models and human cohorts [7][10]. Group 2: Mechanism of Action - ImP promotes atherosclerosis through the activation of the imidazoline-1 receptor (I1R) in myeloid cells, indicating a specific signaling pathway that could be targeted for therapeutic purposes [8][10]. - Blocking the ImP-I1R signaling axis can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis induced by either ImP or a high-cholesterol diet, suggesting a potential intervention strategy [8][10]. Group 3: Implications for Treatment - The findings open new avenues for the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of atherosclerosis, emphasizing the importance of understanding gut microbiota's role in cardiovascular health [10].

撰文丨王聪 编辑丨王多鱼 排版丨水成文 雌性生殖干细胞 （FGSC） 是最近发现的存在于哺乳动物出生后卵巢中的生殖系干细胞，其能够分化为卵母细胞，并在移植入卵巢后产生可育后代。长期以来， 人们一直认为，在雌性哺乳动物出生前，雌性生殖细胞在减数分裂前期 I 的双线期停滞不前。FGSC 的发现使得生成新的卵母细胞以恢复受损的女性生殖功能成为 可能，这在生殖医学和再生医学领域引起了极大的关注。 该领域的一个关键挑战在于体外调控 FGSC 在静息和激活状态之间的转换，以确保其固有的干细胞特性得以保持。然而，由于干细胞命运在很大程度上取决于天 然细胞外基质 （ECM） 的生物物理特性，尤其是其粘弹性机械特性，传统的 2D 刚性培养环境 （例如玻璃或塑料培养皿） ，难以提供调节细胞命运所必需的粘 弹性机械信号。这种缺陷会导致干细胞的复制能力下降以及应激相关基因的上调，从而抑制其发育潜能。 上海交通大学 樊春海 院士、 吴际 教授，上海大学 李江 研究员等 Cell 子刊 Cell Biomaterials 上发表了题为： Dictating the fate of female germline stem cells u ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing prevalence of Structural Heart Disease (SHD) and highlights the development of an AI screening tool, EchoNext, which can accurately identify patients with SHD from standard electrocardiograms (ECGs) [1][4][10]. Group 1: Overview of Structural Heart Disease - Structural Heart Disease (SHD) includes conditions affecting heart valves, walls, or chambers, impacting millions globally [1]. - Early detection of SHD can reduce mortality, treatment costs, and improve quality of life, but many patients are diagnosed late due to the lack of affordable screening tests [2]. Group 2: Development of EchoNext - Researchers from Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital developed EchoNext, an AI tool that analyzes ECG data to identify SHD patients with higher accuracy than human experts [3][4]. - EchoNext aims to provide a cost-effective method to determine which patients require further expensive echocardiogram examinations [7]. Group 3: Performance and Validation of EchoNext - The AI model was trained on over 1.2 million ECG-echocardiogram pairs from 230,000 patients to detect various forms of SHD [10]. - In a validation study across four healthcare systems, EchoNext demonstrated high accuracy in identifying SHD, including conditions like heart failure and valvular disease [12]. Group 4: Clinical Application and Results - In a study involving nearly 85,000 patients who had not undergone echocardiograms, EchoNext identified over 7,500 individuals (9%) at high risk for undiagnosed SHD [13]. - Among those identified as high-risk, 55% underwent their first echocardiogram, with nearly 75% diagnosed with SHD, indicating a positive rate twice that of those without AI assistance [14]. Group 5: Comparison with Human Experts - A comparison of EchoNext with 13 cardiologists showed that while AI assistance improved the accuracy of human assessments, EchoNext outperformed human experts with an accuracy of 77.3%, sensitivity of 72.6%, and specificity of 80.7% [16][17].