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In this work we demonstrate that cell pressure controls the morphology and stability of electroplated sodium metal deposits on carbon black nucleation layers in ether-based electrolytes. At pressures below 500 kPa we observe the presence of three-dimensional Na nuclei accompanied by low Coulombic efficiencies (CEs less than 98%). Conversely, at pressures between 500 and 1272 kPa we observe smooth, planar Na deposits, high CEs up to 99.9%, and stable electrochemical cycling. Through a series of tests conducted at elevated current densities and with or without rest stages, our findings elucidate the balance of important competing time scales for creep and morphology evolution under pressure and the rate of charge transfer that determines Na morphology and stability. This highlights how chemo-mechanical effects at pressure ranges relevant for battery packaging in coin and pouch cells are key factors in the design and operation of Na metal batteries. 

The diffusion of colloids, nanoparticles, and small molecules near the gas–liquid interface presents interesting multiphase transport phenomena and unique opportunities for understanding interactions near the surface and interface. Stratification happens when different species preside over the interfaces in the final dried coating structure. Understanding the principles of stratification can lead to emerging technologies for materials’ fabrication and has the potential to unlock innovative industrial solutions, such as smart coatings and drug formulations for controlled release. However, stratification can be perplexing and unpredictable. It may involve a complicated interplay between particles and interfaces. The surface chemistry and solution conditions are critical in determining the race of particles near the interface. Current theory and simulation cannot fully explain the observations in some experiments, especially the newly developed stratification of nano-surfactants. Here, we summarize the efforts in the experimental work, theory, and simulation of stratification, with an emphasis on bridging the knowledge gap between our understanding of surface adsorption and bulk diffusion. We will also propose new mechanisms of stratification based on recent observations of nano-surfactant stratification. More importantly, the discussions here will lay the groundwork for future studies beyond stratification and nano-surfactants. The results will lead to the fundamental understanding of nanoparticle interactions and transport near interfaces, which can profoundly impact many other research fields, including nanocomposites, self-assembly, colloidal stability, and nanomedicine. 

A bioinspired approach produces bright afterglow colloids that can excite endogenous fluorescent proteins for brain imaging. 

Abstract Immune checkpoint blockade antibodies have promising clinical applications but suffer from disadvantages such as severe toxicities and moderate patient–response rates. None of the current delivery strategies, including local administration aiming to avoid systemic toxicities, can sustainably supply drugs over the course of weeks; adjustment of drug dose, either to lower systemic toxicities or to augment therapeutic response, is not possible. Herein, we develop an implantable miniaturized device using electrode-embedded optical fibers with both local delivery and measurement capabilities over the course of a few weeks. The combination of local immune checkpoint blockade antibodies delivery via this device with photodynamic therapy elicits a sustained anti-tumor immunity in multiple tumor models. Our device uses tumor impedance measurement for timely presentation of treatment outcomes, and allows modifications to the delivered drugs and their concentrations, rendering this device potentially useful for on-demand delivery of potent immunotherapeutics without exacerbating toxicities. 

Abstract Niche signals maintain stem cells in a prolonged quiescence or transiently activate them for proper regeneration 1 . Altering balanced niche signalling can lead to regenerative disorders. Melanocytic skin nevi in human often display excessive hair growth, suggesting hair stem cell hyperactivity. Here, using genetic mouse models of nevi 2,3 , we show that dermal clusters of senescent melanocytes drive epithelial hair stem cells to exit quiescence and change their transcriptome and composition, potently enhancing hair renewal. Nevus melanocytes activate a distinct secretome, enriched for signalling factors. Osteopontin, the leading nevus signalling factor, is both necessary and sufficient to induce hair growth. Injection of osteopontin or its genetic overexpression is sufficient to induce robust hair growth in mice, whereas germline and conditional deletions of either osteopontin or CD44, its cognate receptor on epithelial hair cells, rescue enhanced hair growth induced by dermal nevus melanocytes. Osteopontin is overexpressed in human hairy nevi, and it stimulates new growth of human hair follicles. Although broad accumulation of senescent cells, such as upon ageing or genotoxic stress, is detrimental for the regenerative capacity of tissue 4 , we show that signalling by senescent cell clusters can potently enhance the activity of adjacent intact stem cells and stimulate tissue renewal. This finding identifies senescent cells and their secretome as an attractive therapeutic target in regenerative disorders. 

A bidirectional brain interface with both “write” and “read” functions can be an important tool for fundamental studies and potential clinical treatments for neurological diseases. Herein, a miniaturized multifunctional fiber‐based optoacoustic emitter (mFOE) is reported thatintegrates simultaneous optoacoustic stimulation for “write” and electrophysiology recording of neural circuits for “read”. Because of the intrinsic ability of neurons to respond to acoustic wave, there is no requirement of the viral transfection. The orthogonality between optoacoustic waves and electrical field provides a solution to avoid the interference between electrical stimulation and recording. The stimulation function of the mFOE is first validated in cultured ratcortical neurons using calcium imaging. In vivo application of mFOE for successful simultaneous optoacoustic stimulation and electrical recording of brain activities is confirmed in mouse hippocampus in both acute and chronical applications up to 1 month. Minor brain tissue damage is confirmed after these applications. The capability of simultaneous neural stimulation and recording enabled by mFOE opens up new possibilities for the investigation of neural circuits and brings new insights into the study of ultrasound neurostimulation.