Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant breakthrough in the construction of lateral heterostructures in two-dimensional perovskite materials, highlighting the successful controlled patterning of mosaic lateral heterojunctions in thin-layer two-dimensional perovskite single crystals [4]. Group 1 - The research addresses the limitations of existing polycrystalline thin-film structures, which suffer from defects and poor ionic migration behavior, thereby hindering carrier transport efficiency and device performance [3]. - The study presents a method to create size-controllable square holes in two-dimensional perovskite, enabling the construction of large-area continuous lateral heterostructures [6]. - The team successfully synthesized a mosaic lateral heterostructure capable of emitting multiple colors, providing a versatile material platform for developing complex integrated light-emitting devices [6]. Group 2 - The lateral heterostructures are significant for exploring exotic physical phenomena, developing new devices, and achieving miniaturization of equipment [5]. - The research utilizes a patterned template growth technique, which offers a feasible solution for large-area patterning of heterostructures [5]. - The synthesis method provides new insights into the structural characteristics of perovskites and enhances the understanding of their properties [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the Warburg effect, highlighting how cancer cells exhibit increased glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen, leading to enhanced lactate production and cancer progression. Recent research has uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon, specifically focusing on the role of lactate in activating the ERK signaling pathway through a lactylation-phosphorylation loop involving the enzyme GCN5 [2][3][5][7]. Group 1 - The Warburg effect describes the phenomenon where cancer cells maintain high levels of glycolysis despite sufficient oxygen, which is contrary to normal cellular metabolism [2]. - A recent study published in Nature Chemical Biology reveals that lactate promotes tumor progression by inducing lactylation of the ERK protein, enhancing the RAS-ERK signaling pathway [3][5]. - The study identifies GCN5 as the lactyltransferase responsible for ERK lactylation, which is activated by ERK phosphorylation, creating a positive feedback loop that amplifies lactate-driven cancer progression [5][7]. Group 2 - The research demonstrates that lactate-induced ERK lactylation weakens its interaction with MEK, promoting ERK dimerization and activation, which further drives cancer development [5][7]. - A cell-penetrating peptide was developed to specifically inhibit ERK lactylation, showing potential in suppressing tumor growth in KRAS mutant cancer models [5][7].

Core Insights - On January 14, 2026, a total of 25 research papers were published in the prestigious journal Nature, with 11 of them authored by Chinese scholars, highlighting the significant contribution of Chinese researchers to global scientific advancements [3][5][7][8][10][12][13][15][17][19]. Group 1: Research Contributions - The paper titled "Mosaic lateral heterostructures in two-dimensional perovskite" was co-authored by Zhang Shuchen from the University of Science and Technology of China, Dou Letian from Purdue University, and Yu Yi from ShanghaiTech University [3]. - The research "Exciplex-enabled high-efficiency, fully stretchable OLEDs" was authored by Zhou Huanyu and Zhang Danzhen from Seoul National University [5]. - The study "Direct observation of the Migdal effect induced by neutron bombardment" featured Yi Difan as the first author, with contributions from Zheng Yangheng and others from various Chinese universities [7][8]. - The paper "3D-printed low-voltage-driven ciliary hydrogel microactuators" was co-authored by Liu Zemin from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich [10]. - The research "Trapping of single atoms in metasurface optical tweezer arrays" was co-authored by Yu Nanfang from Columbia University [12]. - The study "The Ubiquitin Ligase KLHL6 Drives Resistance to CD8 T Cell Dysfunction" was led by Li Guideng from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences [13]. - The paper "Language model-guided anticipation and discovery of mammalian metabolites" was co-authored by Qiang Hantao from Princeton University and Wang Fei from the University of Alberta [15]. - The research titled "Artificial intelligence tools expand scientists' impact but contract science's focus" was co-authored by Li Yong and Xu Fengli from Tsinghua University [17]. - The study "Sub-zero Celsius elastocaloric cooling via low-transition-temperature alloys" was led by Sun Qingping from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology [19].

Core Viewpoint - The research published by Professor Ren Wenkai's team from South China Agricultural University indicates that Lactobacillus reuteri and its metabolite L-theanine enhance the catabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), providing a potential therapeutic pathway for metabolic disorders associated with elevated BCAA levels [2][6]. Group 1 - The study reveals that gut microbiota can regulate circulating BCAA levels through direct conversion, and it uncovers an indirect mechanism by which gut microbiota influences host BCAA metabolism [4]. - The research team compared germ-free mice and pigs with wild-type counterparts, finding that Lactobacillus reuteri and L-theanine are associated with enhanced BCAA catabolism [5]. - Experiments on pig cell lines demonstrated that L-theanine increases the expression of branched-chain amino transferase (BCAT), which is involved in BCAA catabolism, by promoting BCAT2 mRNA expression and stabilizing the BCAT2 protein [5]. Group 2 - Overall, the study provides a potential pathway for developing therapies targeting metabolic disorders related to elevated BCAA levels [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a significant advancement in the field of biomanufacturing, focusing on the development of a technology called FLASH (flow-led assembly for spiral hierarchical structure) that enables the scalable fabrication of aligned myocardial tissues with a native-like helical architecture for heart repair [2][5]. Group 1: Research Background - The natural helical arrangement of myocardial fibers is crucial for efficient heart pumping, yet replicating this structure on a large scale remains a major challenge in biomanufacturing [2]. - The research published by Tsinghua University highlights the importance of mimicking the anisotropic structure of human heart tissue to enhance the functionality of engineered myocardium and improve cardiac tissue models' pumping performance [4]. Group 2: FLASH Technology - FLASH technology combines biomimetic structural design with scalable manufacturing processes, paving the way for organ-level cardiac models suitable for disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative therapy [7]. - This microfluidic platform assembles high cell density microfibers, with a core made of collagen/matrix gel containing cardiomyocytes and a sheath layer of alginate containing endothelial cells [5]. - Compared to traditional bioprinting techniques, FLASH achieves over 90% alignment rate of cardiomyocytes, adjustable mechanical anisotropy, and triples the spatial resolution/manufacturing time (RTM) [5]. Group 3: Experimental Results - The spiral ventricular model constructed using FLASH demonstrates coordinated ventricular scale contraction [5]. - In a rat myocardial infarction model, cardiac patches made using FLASH significantly improved heart function and reduced fibrosis [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the significant role of the dynamic interaction between tumor cells and the host in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia, a syndrome affecting approximately 50%-80% of cancer patients, with varying incidence rates across different malignancies [2][4]. Group 1: Overview of Cancer Cachexia - Cancer cachexia is characterized by systemic inflammation, weight loss, and muscle and fat tissue atrophy, primarily due to increased energy expenditure, hypermetabolism, and anorexia [4]. - Clinical criteria for considering cancer cachexia risk include weight loss of ≥5% within six months, BMI <20 kg/m² with weight loss of ≥2%, and weight loss of ≥2% in sarcopenic patients [4]. - The syndrome significantly impacts patients' quality of life, exacerbates treatment-related toxicities, and increases mortality rates by 20%-30% [4]. Group 2: Mechanisms and Interactions - The review discusses the systemic metabolic syndrome involving multiple tissues and organs, including skeletal muscle, fat, and liver, and how tumors influence distant organs through neural, blood, and lymphatic networks [5][19]. - It posits that catabolic metabolism activation and anabolic metabolism suppression are key features in cancer cachexia, leading to inflammatory responses that disrupt energy homeostasis [5][23]. - The interplay between metabolic reprogramming and inflammatory responses creates a vicious cycle, with immune and stromal cells releasing inflammatory mediators that further disturb systemic metabolism [23][26]. Group 3: Recent Advances and Therapeutic Strategies - Recent studies highlight innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at alleviating cancer cachexia, including the approval of Anamorelin, a ghrelin receptor agonist, which has shown promise in increasing muscle mass and weight [25]. - Targeting specific inflammatory factors, such as GDF15 with Ponsegromab, has demonstrated potential in improving weight and activity levels in early clinical trials [25]. - Metabolic interventions, including supplementation with specific amino acid derivatives and ω-3 fatty acids, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of cancer cachexia [26]. Group 4: Future Research Directions - The complexity of cancer cachexia mechanisms necessitates further research to identify new therapeutic targets, integrating immunology and metabolomics approaches [26]. - The need for more comprehensive studies using optimal animal models to simulate cachexia states is emphasized to enhance understanding of the syndrome's progression [26].

Core Viewpoint - The study highlights the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase KLHL6 as a dual negative regulator of T cell exhaustion and mitochondrial dysfunction during chronic antigen stimulation, suggesting its potential as a clinical target to enhance cancer immunotherapy effectiveness [5][7][9]. Group 1: T Cell Dysfunction and Mechanisms - T cell dysfunction, including exhaustion and mitochondrial impairment, is a major barrier in cancer immunotherapy [7]. - The research combines computational analysis with in vivo CRISPR screening to identify KLHL6 as a key factor in regulating T cell exhaustion and mitochondrial health [5][7]. - KLHL6 expression promotes the polyubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation of the exhaustion core regulator TOX, inhibiting the transition from precursor exhausted T cells (Tpex) to terminal exhausted T cells (Tex-term) [7][9]. Group 2: Therapeutic Implications - Enhancing KLHL6 expression in T cells significantly improves anti-tumor and anti-viral efficacy, indicating its critical role in T cell fate and function [5][8]. - The study suggests a new therapeutic approach to restore or enhance KLHL6 expression to reverse T cell exhaustion during chronic TCR stimulation [8][9]. - The findings underscore the potential of targeting protein homeostasis and ubiquitination modifications to improve immunotherapy outcomes [9][10].

Core Insights - The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating scientific discovery, with the 2024 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry awarded to scientists in the AI field, establishing the role of AI tools in science [2] - A paradox is revealed where the adoption of AI tools expands individual scientists' influence but narrows the focus of research fields [3][6] Group 1: Research Findings - The study analyzed over 41 million papers, with approximately 311,000 utilizing AI tools, showing that scientists using AI publish 3.02 times more papers, receive 4.84 times more citations, and become project leaders 1.37 years earlier than those who do not use AI [6] - The collective scientific focus has contracted by 4.63%, and collaboration among scientists has decreased by 22% due to the concentration of AI-assisted work in data-rich fields [6][7] Group 2: Implications and Recommendations - The research highlights the potential for AI to lead the scientific community towards "involution," focusing on optimization within a shrinking scope rather than exploring new frontiers [7] - There is a need to consciously establish mechanisms that encourage exploration and reward risk-taking in the use of AI for scientific research to balance efficiency and innovation [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the advancements in in vitro maturation (IVM) technology, particularly the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) to improve the success rates of egg maturation and pregnancy outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies [4][5][6]. Group 1: Challenges in Infertility Treatment - Over 10% of the reproductive-age population globally faces infertility issues, with conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome contributing to significant physical and economic burdens [9]. - Traditional in vitro fertilization (IVF) requires high doses of hormones, which can lead to complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome [9]. Group 2: Innovation in Stem Cell Technology - The recent study by Gameto utilized hiPSC technology to differentiate into ovarian support cells (OSC), significantly enhancing the success rates of IVM and clinical pregnancy rates [5][11]. - The OSC product, named Fertilo, was developed through the regulation of three key transcription factors, creating a supportive microenvironment for egg maturation [11][12]. Group 3: Clinical Research Results - Clinical trials showed that using Fertilo's OSC-IVM technology increased egg maturation rates from 52% to 70%, and the clinical pregnancy rate reached 41%, compared to 20% in the traditional IVM group [14]. - The Fertilo group successfully delivered 8 healthy babies, while the traditional IVM group only had 2, demonstrating the potential of hiPSC-derived OSC to improve egg maturation quality and pregnancy outcomes [14]. Group 4: Technical Advantages and Safety - Fertilo's OSC can dynamically respond to the developmental needs of eggs, unlike traditional IVM culture environments [17]. - Safety measures ensure that OSC cells are completely removed before embryo transfer, with genetic testing confirming no residual OSC cells or genetic material in the transferred embryos [17]. Group 5: Future Application Prospects - Fertilo is particularly suitable for high-risk groups for OHSS, such as patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, and offers a safer, more efficient option for cancer patients needing fertility preservation [19]. - As larger clinical trials are conducted, Fertilo has the potential to provide new hope for more couples facing infertility, marking a significant advancement in reproductive medicine and the clinical application of stem cell technology [20].

Core Viewpoint - The research highlights the superior potential of small intracellular vesicles (sIV) over small extracellular vesicles (sEV) in drug delivery and retinal neuroprotection, suggesting a promising avenue for clinical applications in biomedical engineering [3][9][12]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study developed a method for isolating sIV from various cell types and demonstrated that sIV outperforms sEV in uptake, drug delivery, and retinal neuroprotection [3][7]. - sIV are smaller in size and yield higher quantities compared to sEV, exhibiting stronger cellular uptake capabilities in both in vitro and in vivo models [9]. - Molecular analysis revealed that sIV are enriched with endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus-related proteins, possessing unique microRNA characteristics associated with the intracellular membrane system, and contain higher levels of phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine [9]. Group 2: Therapeutic Applications - sIV derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) showed remarkable therapeutic effects in a retinal degeneration model by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and delivering neuroprotective factors [9][11]. - The enhanced drug loading and delivery capabilities of sIV allow for effective transport of lipophilic compounds, such as rapamycin, to the retina [11]. Group 3: Implications for Clinical Translation - The findings indicate that sIV could serve as a promising alternative to traditional biological nanovesicles in clinical translation, potentially overcoming the limitations faced by sEV in therapeutic applications [12].