Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising next‐generation photovoltaics, offering high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and low‐cost potential. The properties of their internal interfaces are critical determinants for device performance of both PCE and long‐term stability. This review focuses on the five core functions of interfacial layers including: (1) optimizing energy level alignment to facilitate efficient charge transport, (2) passivating defects to suppress nonradiative recombination, (3) regulating carrier dynamics to enhance charge utilization, (4) inhibiting ion migration to improve structural stability, and (5) forming environmental barriers to prevent detrimental substance exchange. We systematically discuss these functions across four key interfaces in standard layered PSCs: the transparent conductive oxide/electron transport layer (ETL), the ETL/perovskite, the perovskite/hole transport layer (HTL), and the HTL/top electrode. We emphasize the synergistic optimization of these interfaces is paramount for achieving devices with high efficiency and robust stability. Finally, we outline future research directions, highlighting the need for holistic multi‐interface engineering, the development of adaptive materials for stability, and the simplification of fabrication processes for scalable production. A concerted effort toward these goals will advance PSCs toward commercialization, fulfilling the dual requirements of high performance and long‐term stability in an environmentally benign and cost‐effective manner.

The advancement of solution-processable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) necessitates the effective management of defects generated during fabrication and operation via chemical passivation. Herein, an enolate-type zwitterionic molecule, the open-ring merocyanine (MC) isomer of 1,3,3-trimethylindolino-beta-naphthopyrylospiran (SPBenz), is used as a dynamic passivator. Upon exposure to polar solvents and sunlight, spiropyran-type SPBenz undergoes a ring-opening transformation to release its zwitterionic MC isomer. The oxygen atom in MC possesses a high electron density, enabling strong interactions with both the perovskite components and the underlying mesoporous TiO2 electron transport layer. Concurrently, the zwitterionic MC passivates existing defects within the perovskite bulk and at the perovskite/TiO2 interface while suppressing the formation of new defects during aging. The interaction also retards crystallization and optimizes the energy level alignment at the perovskite/TiO2 interface, thereby facilitating efficient electron extraction. Benefiting from SPBenz incorporation, the power conversion efficiency of hole-conductor-free, fully printable mesoscopic carbon-electrode PSCs increased from 19.10% to 21.86%. Furthermore, the SPBenz device retained approximately 90% of their initial efficiency after 570 h of maximum power point tracking under simulated 1-sun illumination at 55 degrees C +/- 5 degrees C.

Integrating tin-lead (Sn-Pb) perovskites, with their high hole conductivity and ideal bandgap, into fully printable, hole-conductor-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs) using carbon electrodes offers a promising potential toward high-efficiency, low-cost photovoltaics. However, the mesoporous TiO2 (m-TiO2) electron transport layer within this architecture readily chemisorbs oxygen molecules, generating reactive species that aggressively oxidize Sn2+ to Sn4+ and degrade device performance. Herein, we propose a UV-assisted O2 desorption strategy to deactivate the m-TiO2 surface. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, UV irradiation effectively triggers the desorption of adsorbed oxygen species, resetting the interface to a chemically inert state. Comprehensive electron paramagnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses systematically validate this "surface cleansing" effect. The treatment suppresses Sn2+ oxidation by surface-adsorbed oxygen, preserves the Sn-Pb lattice integrity, suppresses non-radiative recombination, and optimizes carrier dynamics at the modulated TiO2/perovskite interface. Consequently, the devices achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 10.55%, the first demonstration of Sn-Pb p-MPSCs, obviously outperforming control devices (9.38%). Moreover, inhibiting interfacial oxidation yields prolonged storage longevity, with unencapsulated cells retaining 93% of their initial efficiency after 1250 h in the N2 atmosphere.

Light intensity strongly influences plant nitrogen uptake and utilization, but the molecular pathway linking light signaling to nitrate acquisition in wheat remains poorly understood. Although HY5 has been implicated in coordinating light responses and nitrogen metabolism in several plant species, whether TaHY5 directly regulates specific nitrate transporter genes to mediate light-dependent nitrogen accumulation in wheat remains unclear. The objective of this study was to identify the regulatory mechanism by which TaHY5 mediates light-regulated nitrogen accumulation in wheat seedlings. We demonstrate that low light reduces root-associated growth, chlorophyll content, whole-seedling nitrogen content, root nitrate influx, and the expression of multiple nitrogen use-related genes, accompanied by reduced TaHY5 expression. TaHY5 overexpression enhances root nitrate influx and nitrogen-related traits, whereas loss of TaHY5 reduces the expression of TaNRT2.4-7A and TaNRT2.4-7B. Furthermore, we show that TaNRT2.4-7A and TaNRT2.4-7B encode high-affinity nitrate transporters and are repressed under low light. Promoter analysis, EMSA, and LUC reporter assays reveal that TaHY5 binds to G-box-containing promoter fragments of TaNRT2.4-7A and TaNRT2.4-7B and activates their promoter activity. Collectively, these results identify TaHY5 as an important component of light-dependent nitrate uptake in wheat and reveal a light–TaHY5–TaNRT2.4 regulatory module that provides mechanistic insight into nitrogen acquisition under variable light conditions. Manipulating this module may provide a potential strategy for improving wheat nitrogen acquisition under variable light environments.

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an essential tool for selecting embryos free of genetic abnormalities. However, current PGT methods often require separate platforms for aneuploidy (PGT-A), monogenic disorders (PGT-M), and structural rearrangements (PGT-SR), leading to increased costs and operational complexity when multiple PGT tests are needed for a single embryo. Here, we present KaryoSeq, a low-pass whole-genome sequencing-based comprehensive PGT approach that integrates PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR into a single platform. An assistant decision-making system was constructed to pre-evaluate the required sequencing depth for specific genes or regions. Clinical validation of KaryoSeq was performed on 166 blastocyst samples from 31 families previously diagnosed by using conventional PGT methods. KaryoSeq achieved 100% concordance with traditional platforms using the Infinium Asian Screening Array in combination with low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (approximately 0.1x); it also offered improved whole-genome coverage, reduced variability, and efficient simultaneous analysis of PGT-A, PGT-M, and PGT-SR at a whole-genome sequencing depth of approximately 2x for most genes. In addition, KaryoSeq identified triploidy, uniparental disomy, parental origin of copy number variations, and maternal cell contamination, further enhancing its clinical utility and efficiency in PGT applications.

Manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) are essential micronutrients for human health. However, the genetic basis for the content of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se in wheat grains remains unclear. A recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population derived from Yangmai 4/Yanzhan 1 (YM4/YZ1) with wheat 55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and micronutrient content of two environments was used to construct a genetic linkage map and dissect the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the content of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se in wheat. A total of 8 QTL were detected and located on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2D, 4D, 7A, and 7D, respectively. Among them, QFe.yaas-2D and QSe.yaas-2D were co-located on chromosome 2D, while QMn.yaas-4D and QZn.yaas-4D were co-located on chromosome 4D, which were in the dwarfing locus of Rht-D1 region. The positive alleles of QCu.yaas-1A, QMn.yaas-1B, and QZn.yaas-7D were contributed by YZ1 and explained 7.66-19.92% of the phenotypic variances, while the positive alleles of QFe.yaas-2D, QSe.yaas-2D, QMn.yaas-4D, QZn.yaas-4D, and QCu.yaas-7A were contributed by YM4 and explained 5.77-20.11% of the phenotypic variances. The positive alleles of QCu.yaas-1A, QMn.yaas-1B, and QMn/Zn.yaas-4D increased TGW by 3.52%, 3.45%, and 7.51% respectively, while the positive alleles of QFe/Se.yaas-2D decreased TGW by 6.45%. Six SNP markers flanked the target QTL were converted into Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers, and their effects were validated in a panel of one hundred and forty-nine wheat advanced lines. Twenty-five advanced lines harboring at least five positive alleles were identified in the validation populations. A total of 60 and 51 high-confidence annotated genes for QFe/Se.yaas-2D and QMn/Zn.yaas-4D were identified using the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium Reference Sequence v2.1 (IWGSC RefSeq v2.1), respectively. Some genes in these two regions were involved in stress tolerance, growth development, Zn synthesis in plants. These results provide the basis for fine-mapping the target QTL of micronutrient content and marker-assisted selection in grain quality breeding programs.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show effectiveness in gastric cancer (GC) treatment, yet enhancing their efficacy remains challenging. We encapsulated the anticancer compound Heterophyllin B (HB) in mPEG-PLGA-NH2 nanoparticles (NPs), modified with αPDL1, forming mPEG-PLGA-NH2@HB-αPDL1 NPs. These NPs displayed low toxicity to GES-1 cells and good blood compatibility. They effectively inhibited GC cell malignant phenotypes and downregulated PD-L1 expression via the PI3K/AKT pathway. In GC allograft mice, the HB and αPDL1 combination therapy outperformed monotherapy, with the NPs showing better efficacy than free drugs. Additionally, the NPs improved the tumor immune microenvironment. H&E staining confirmed no significant toxicity to major mouse organs. Thus, mPEG-PLGA-NH2@HB-αPDL1 offers a promising strategy for optimizing ICI therapy in GC treatment.

Defect states at the boundaries and the perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) interface critically induce charge recombination in printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs). Herein, we engineer the defect management by introducing two multifunctional benzimidazole derivative additives, 1H-benzimidazole-2-carboxylicacid (2-CBIm) and 5-benzimidazolecarboxylic acid (5-CBIm), which are isomers with different functional group positions, for improving the performance of p-MPSCs. The functional group position differences modulate the defect passivation ability of 2-CBIm and 5-CBIm in p-MPSCs. 5-CBIm, featuring desired distribution of the carboxyl group and the imidazole group, presents superior binding with perovskite and the TiO2 ETL than 2-CBIm, whose interaction ability is influenced by the steric effect. The enhanced interaction facilitates defect passivation and nonradiative recombination suppression in p-MPSCs. Consequently, the 5-CBIm device achieves a well-improved champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.61%, surpassing the 2-CBIm device (19.40%) and the control device (18.17%). This work contributes to a better understanding of structure-property relationships and opens extended possibilities for designing advanced defect passivation additives.

Dear Editors, Wheat(Triticum aestivum)faces significant threats from diseases such as powdery mildew(Blumeria graminis)and Fusarium head blight(FHB;caused by Fusarium graminearum),which cause se-vere yield losses.Moreover,the antagonism between yield-related traits and disease resistance makes yield resistance coor-dination a major challenge in wheat breeding.

Carbon-based printable mesoscopic solar cells (p-MPSCs) offer significant advantages for industrialization due to their simple fabrication process, low cost, and scalability. Recently, the certified power conversion efficiency of p-MPSCs has exceeded 22%, drawing considerable attention from the community. However, the key challenge in improving device performance is achieving uniform and high-quality perovskite crystallization within the mesoporous structure. This review highlights recent advancements in perovskite crystallization for p-MPSCs, with an emphasis on controlling crystallization kinetics and regulating perovskite morphology within confined mesopores. It first introduces the p-MPSCs, offering a solid foundation for understanding their behavior. Additionally, the review summarizes the mechanisms of crystal nucleation and growth, explaining how these processes influence the quality and performance of perovskites. Furthermore, commonly applied strategies for enhancing crystallization quality, such as additive engineering, solvent engineering, evaporation controlling, and post-treatment techniques, are also explored. Finally, the review proposes several potential suggestions aimed at further refining perovskite crystallization, inspiring continued innovation to address current limitations and advance the development of p-MPSCs.

Non-glaucous wheat can reduce solar light reflection in low-light cultivation regions, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and potentially increasing yield. In previous work, a non-glaucous cuticular line, YL-429, was discovered in derivatives of pentaploid hybrids by crossing the synthetic wheat LM/AT23 (non-glaucous cuticular) with its tetraploid donor parent LM (glaucous) and selfing to F7 generations. In the present study, multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to characterize the karyotype of the YL-429 line; genome resequencing was performed to identify the breakpoint of the 2D-2A chromosome translocation of YL-429; and bulk sequencing analysis was conducted to detect the SNP in the translocated fragment and accordingly develop specific kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers for use in breeding. The line YL-429 was preliminarily determined as a 2DS and 2AS translocation (LM T2DS-2AS.2AL) line through karyotyping. Genome alignment identified an approximately 13.8 Mb segment, including the wax inhibitor gene Iw2, in the telomeric region of the 2DS chromosome arm replacing an approximately 16.1 Mb segment in that of the 2AS chromosome arm. According to the bulk DNA sequencing data, 27 specific KASP markers were developed for detecting the translocated fragment from the 2DS of Aegilops tauschii. The LM T2DS-2AS.2AL translocation line YL-429 could be helpful in improving the photosynthesis of durum wheat cultivated in low-light cultivation regions. The developed markers can assist the screening of the T2DS-2AS.2AL translocation in breeding.

OLEOSIN proteins (OLEs) are the predominant class of proteins localized on the surface of oil bodies. Previous studies have established that light facilitates the degradation of oil bodies via the action of PHOTOCHROME A/B (PHYA/B). However, the specific roles of OLEs in light signaling pathways and their underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we provide evidence that OLE4 inhibits hypocotyl elongation under red light conditions but has no significant effect in the dark. We demonstrated that red light suppressed both the expression and protein accumulation of OLE4. PHYB reduces OLE4 levels, moreover PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 3 (PIF3) directly represses OLE4 by binding to its G-box motifs; this repression is further strengthened by HDA5 and HDA6. Transcriptomic analysis of the ole4 mutant indicated substantial changes in the expression of genes involved in abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, stress responses, and light stimulus pathways. Correspondingly, ABA levels were markedly elevated in OLE4 overexpression lines (OLE4#1), as well as in phyB-9 and pif3-3 mutants under red light exposure. Applying external ABA restored the hypocotyl growth in ole4 mutants and increased the expression of both OLE4 and PIF3. Additionally, the ole4 mutant exhibited heightened sensitivity to ABA under red light and diminished tolerance to salinity and drought stress conditions. Collectively, these results reveal that OLE4 connects the PHYB-PIF3-HDA5/6 signaling pathway with ABA signaling, thereby controlling hypocotyl elongation regulated by red light.

Modulating the interface between the electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite to minimize interfacial recombination is pivotal for developing efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. Here, we introduce an ultra-thin ZrO2 insulating interface layer onto the inner surface of the mesoporous TiO2 ETL via the chemical bath deposition in the zirconium n-butoxide solution, which alters the interface characteristics between TiO2 and perovskite for the printable hole-conductor-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs). The insulating ZrO2 interface layer reduces interface defects and suppresses interfacial non-radiative recombination. Furthermore, the ZrO2 interface layer improves the wettability of the mesoporous TiO2 ETL, which favors the crystallization of perovskite within the mesoporous scaffold. Meanwhile, the device performance presents thickness dependence on the interface layer. While increased thickness improves the open-circuit voltage, excessive thickness negatively impacts both the short-circuit current density and fill factor. Consequently, an improved power conversion efficiency of 19.9% was achieved for p-MPSCs with the ZrO2 interface layer at its optimized thickness.

Cell organelle-based tumor-targeting strategies offer more precise approaches for tumor treatment, reducing adverse reactions and drug dosage. Mitochondria play a crucial role in cell proliferation and signal transduction, making them important organelle targets for disease intervention. This study developed a novel mitochondria-targeting and ultrasound-responsive nanosystem (MRTP) that can control the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and carbon monoxide (CO). MRTP is a combination of narrow-band gap sonosensitizers and mitochondria-targeting CO-releasing molecules. It can effectively cross both cellular and mitochondrial barriers and selectively target tumor cell mitochondria. When ultrasound is focused on the tumor site, MRTP can precisely release ROS and CO. Interestingly, MRTP can improve the tumor microenvironment (TME), not only alleviating tumor hypoxia but also depleting glutathione and catalyzing the generation of ·OH from H2O2. These TME regulatory strategies can increase the level of ROS production. Ultimately, the cascade effect of ROS and CO generation will reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, promote tumor cell apoptosis, and inhibit tumor growth.

A novel Fusarium head blight resistance locus, QFhb-3BL, was identified and fine-mapped in common wheat. Identification and utilization of major resistance genes is key to developing new wheat cultivars/lines with improved Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance. In this study, a moderately FHB-resistant cultivar Yangmai 16.2 (YM16.2) was crossed with a susceptible cultivar Yanzhan 1 (YZ1) to create a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Using bulk segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) and linkage analysis, a new FHB quantitative trait locus (QTL) named QFhb-3BL, contributed by YM16.2, was identified. Eight Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers were used to detect homozygous recombinants in the derived lines of the remaining heterozygous line (RHL). QFhb-3BL was finely mapped to the 751.10–756.45 Mb interval, which contains 75 high-confidence genes. Through variation analysis of the candidate region and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we identified 11 genes with sequence variations and 14 genes expressed within the fine-mapping interval, with four genes overlapping between the two groups. KASP markers for the candidate gene TraesCS3B03G1226500 were validated in 103 wheat cultivars/lines, and lines carrying these markers showed a 38.89

The allotetraploid wild grass Aegilops ventricosa (2n = 4x = 28, genome DvDvNvNv) has been recognized as an important germplasm resource for wheat improvement owing to its ability to tolerate biotic stresses. In particular, the 2NvS segment from Ae. ventricosa, as a stable and effective resistance source, has contributed greatly to wheat improvement. The 2NvS/2AS translocation is a prevalent chromosomal translocation between common wheat and wild relatives, ranking just behind the 1B/1R translocation in importance for modern wheat breeding. Here, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of Ae. ventricosa RM271 with a total length of 8.67 Gb. Phylogenomic analyses revealed that the progenitor of the Dv subgenome of Ae. ventricosa is Ae. tauschii ssp. tauschii (genome DD); by contrast, the progenitor of the D subgenome of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is Ae. tauschii ssp. strangulata (genome DD). The oldest polyploidization time of Ae. ventricosa occurred '0.7 mya. The Dv subgenome of Ae. ventricosa is less conserved than the D subgenome of bread wheat. Construction of a graph-based pangenome of 2AS/6NvL (originally known as 2NvS) segments from Ae. ventricosa and other genomes in the Triticeae enabled us to identify candidate resistance genes sourced from Ae. ventricosa. We identified 12 nonredundant introgressed segments from the Dv and Nv subgenomes using a large winter wheat collection representing the full diversity of the European wheat genetic pool, and 29.40% of European wheat varieties inherit at least one of these segments. The high-quality RM271 reference genome will provide a basis for cloning key genes, including the Yr17-Lr37-Sr38-Cre5 resistance gene cluster in Ae. ventricosa, and facilitate the full use of elite wild genetic resources to accelerate wheat improvement.

The extensive compositional landscape of high-entropy halide perovskites (HEPs) offers a fertile ground for the design of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that exhibit enhanced entropy-driven stabilization. Nonetheless, the vast compositional expanse also presents significant challenges in the engineering of efficient and stable HEPs. This work introduces a computationally efficient and transferable strategy for the targeted design of HEP photovoltaic materials. Focusing on the experimentally synthesized Cs2MCl6 (M = Zr, Sn, Te, Hf, Pt), we systematically reduced the element of HEP to identify the pivotal two-element M-site combinations. Subsequently, highthroughput calculations were conducted on double and triple perovskites incorporating these key twoelements. Our research reveals that by fine-tuning the ratio of these key binaries, multi-element HEPs can be purposefully designed. We have crafted a five-element HEP structure (Cs2{Zr0.18Sn0.36Te0.27Hf0.09Pt0.1}Cl6) and a six-element HEP structure (Cs2{Zr0.18Sn0.36Te0.27Hf0.09Re0.05Pt0.05}Cl6) characterized by high carrier mobilities, suitable band gaps, and high spectroscopy limited maximum efficiencies. Utilizing semiconductor device simulations, we achieved single-junction PSCs with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 17.67 % and 30.35 %, respectively. This approach offers a strategy into the direct modulation of HEP structures, achieving highefficiency and highly stable PSCs.

QKl/Tgw/Gns.yaas-2D associates with KL, TGW, and GNS, and QKl/Tgw.yaas-5A associates with KL and TGW. Significantly pleiotropic and additive effects of these two QTL were validated. The YM5 allele both at QKl/Tgw/Gns.yaas-2D and QKl/Tgw.yaas-5A was proved to be the best allelic combination for improving yield potential. Kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW), thousand grain weight (TGW), and grain number per spike (GNS) play important roles in the yield improvement of wheat. In this study, one recombinant inbred line (RIL) derived from a cross between Yangmai 5 (YM5) and Yanzhan 1 (YZ1) was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with KL, KW, TGW, and GNS across three years. Two pleiotropic QTL namely QKl/Tgw/Gns.yaas-2D and QKl/Tgw.yaas-5A were located in two genomic regions on chromosomes 2D and 5A, respectively. Breeder-friendly Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers for QKl/Tgw/Gns.yaas-2D and QKl/Tgw.yaas-5A were developed and validated in a set of 246 wheat cultivars/lines. Analysis of allelic combinations indicated that the YM5 allele both at QKl/Tgw/Gns.yaas-2D and QKl/Tgw.yaas-5A is probably the best one to promote TGW, GNS, and grain weight per spike. Based on the analysis of gene annotation, sequence variations, expression patterns, and GO enrichment, twenty-five and twenty-four candidate genes of QKl/Tgw/Gns.yaas-2D and QKl/Tgw.yaas-5A, respectively, were identified. These results provide the basis of fine-mapping the target QTL and marker-assisted selection in wheat yield-breeding programs.