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Over the past few decades, exciton-polaritons have attracted substantial research interest due to their half-light-half-matter bosonic nature. Coupling exciton-polaritons with magnetic orders grants access to rich many-body phenomena, but has been limited by the availability of material systems that exhibit simultaneous exciton resonances and magnetic ordering. Here we report magnetically-dressed microcavity exciton-polaritons in the van der Waals antiferromagnetic (AFM) semiconductor CrSBr coupled to a Tamm plasmon microcavity. Using angle-resolved spectroscopy, we reveal an exceptionally high exciton-photon coupling strength, up to 169 meV, demonstrating ultrastrong coupling that persists up to room temperature. By performing temperature-dependent spectroscopy, we show the magnetic nature of the exciton-polaritons in CrSBr microcavity as the magnetic order changes from AFM to paramagnetic. By applying an out-of-plane magnetic field, we achieve effective tuning of the polariton energy while maintaining the ultrastrong exciton-photon coupling strength. We attribute this to the spin canting process that modulates the interlayer exciton interaction. Exciton-polaritons are hybrid light matter quasi-particles, which can occur in systems exhibiting strong light-matter coupling. Here, Wang et al study exciton-polaritons in the van der Waals antiferromagnetic material, CrSBr, coupled to a Tamm plasmon microcavity and find the exciton-polaritons are sensitive to and can be tuned by the magnetic order of CrSBr.

Phase engineering of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDs) offers opportunities for exploring unique phase-specific properties and achieving new desired functionalities. Here, we report a phase-selective in-plane heteroepitaxial method to grow semiconducting H-phase CrSe 2 . The lattice-matched MoSe 2 nanoribbons are utilized as the in-plane heteroepitaxial template to seed the growth of H-phase CrSe 2 with the formation of MoSe 2 -CrSe 2 heterostructures. Scanning tunneling microscopy and non-contact atomic force microscopy studies reveal the atomically sharp heterostructure interfaces and the characteristic defects of mirror twin boundaries emerging in the H-phase CrSe 2 monolayers. The type-I straddling band alignments with band bending at the heterostructure interfaces are directly visualized with atomic precision. The mirror twin boundaries in the H-phase CrSe 2 exhibit the Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid behavior in the confined one-dimensional electronic system. Our work provides a promising strategy for phase engineering of 2D TMDs, thereby promoting the property research and device applications of specific phases. Phase engineering of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides enables the investigation of emerging physical properties. Here, the authors report a phase selective in-plane heteroepitaxial method to grow semiconducting H-phase CrSe 2 thin films from MoSe 2 nanoribbons, showing Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid behaviour in the CrSe 2 mirror twin boundaries.

The paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) is crucial for food intake control, yet the presynaptic mechanisms underlying PVH neurons remain unclear. Here, we show that RUVBL2 in the PVH is significantly reduced during energy deficit, and knockout (KO) of PVH RUVBL2 results in hyperphagic obesity in mice. RUVBL2-expressing neurons in the PVH (PVH RUVBL2 ) exert the anorexigenic effect by projecting to the arcuate hypothalamus, the dorsomedial hypothalamus, and the parabrachial complex. We further demonstrate that PVH RUVBL2 neurons form the synaptic connections with POMC and AgRP neurons in the ARC. PVH RUVBL2 KO impairs the excitatory synaptic transmission by reducing presynaptic boutons and synaptic vesicles near active zone. Finally, RUVBL2 overexpression in the PVH suppresses food intake and protects against diet induced obesity. Together, this study demonstrates an essential role for PVH RUVBL2 in food intake control, and suggests that modulation of synaptic plasticity could be an effective way to curb appetite and obesity. The paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH) exerts an indispensable role in body weight control. Here, authors demonstrate the role of PVH RUVBL2 in suppressing food intake and reveal two anorexigenic circuits of PVHRUVBL2 → ARCPOMC and PVHRUVBL2 → DMH.

Hyperbolic polaritons have drawn great attention in nanoscale light manipulation due to their unique properties. Currently, most studies focus on natural hyperbolic phonon materials in the mid-infrared, limiting their application in the visible to near-infrared range. Here, we present a work on broadband near-infrared hyperbolic plasmon polaritons in a van der Waals material MoOCl 2 by a perturbation-free direct imaging technique of photoemission electron microscopy. In particular, the hyperbolic polariton behavior has been dynamically tailored and manipulated by wavelength, polarization, interlayer twist, and artificial structure, providing a reconfigurable platform for nanophotonic applications. Notably, the full iso-frequency contours can be reconstructed via polarization-selective excitations. Our work has contributed to hyperbolic materials in the broadband near-infrared with MoOCl 2 , and has revealed PEEM to be an ideal method for studying hyperbolic plasmon polaritons at the space-time limit. Materials with opposite signs of permittivity along the two orthogonal directions can support hyperbolic polaritons. Here, the authors demonstrate tunable broadband near-infrared hyperbolic plasmon polaritons in MoOCl 2 .

Suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are common in adolescent patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Thus, delineating the unique characteristics of suicide attempters having adolescent MDD with NSSI is important for suicide prediction in the clinical setting. Here, we performed psychological and biochemical assessments of 130 youths having MDD with NSSI. Participants were divided into two groups according to the presence/absence of suicide attempts (SAs). Our results demonstrated that the age of suicide attempters is lower than that of non-attempters in participants having adolescent MDD with NSSI; suicide attempters had higher Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) impulsivity scores and lower serum CRP and cortisol levels than those having MDD with NSSI alone, suggesting levels of cortisol and CRP were inversely correlated with SAs in patients with adolescent MDD with NSSI. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis revealed that NSSI frequency in the last month and CRP levels were suicidal ideation predictors in adolescent MDD with NSSI, which may indicate that the increased frequency of NSSI behavior is a potential risk factor for suicide. Additionally, we explored the correlation between psychological and blood biochemical indicators to distinguish suicide attempters among participants having adolescent MDD with NSSI and identified a unique correlation network that could serve as a marker for suicide attempters. Our research data further suggested a complex correlation between the psychological and behavioral indicators of impulsivity and anger. Therefore, our study findings may provide clues to identify good clinical warning signs for SA in patients with adolescent MDD with NSSI.

The ultra-wide bandgap (~6.2 eV), thermal stability and radiation tolerance of AlN make it an ideal choice for preparation of high-performance far-ultraviolet photodetectors (FUV PDs). However, the challenge of epitaxial crack-free AlN single-crystalline films (SCFs) on GaN templates with low defect density has limited its practical applications in vertical devices. Here, a novel preparation strategy of high-quality AlN films was proposed via the metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) technique. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies clearly indicate that sharp, crack-free AlN films in single-crystal configurations were achieved. We also constructed a p-graphene/i-AlN/n-GaN photovoltaic FUV PD with excellent spectral selectivity for the FUV/UV-C rejection ratio of >103, a sharp cutoff edge at 206 nm and a high responsivity of 25 mA/W. This work provides an important reference for device design of AlN materials for high-performance FUV PDs.

The hybridization of multiple excitons in a heterobilayer composed of two transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) based on strong light–matter interaction is interesting from the viewpoint of both fundamental research and practical application. Here, we investigate numerically and experimentally the hybridization of three excitons in a heterobilayer mediated by the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) excited on a thin Au film and the transverse-electric (TE) polarized waves excited on a Si /Ag heterostructure via photon–exciton coupling. Relying on numerical simulation, we observe anticrossing behaviors in the angle-resolved reflection spectra calculated for MoS /WS /Au and WS /MoS /Si /Ag heterostructures, which reveal the coupling between the surface wave (SPPs or TE waves) and the multiple excitons in the heterobilayer. In experiments, we employ the oligomers of polystyrene (PS) nanospheres as scatters to transfer the surface waves into far-field radiations. Similarly, we observe anticrossing behaviors in the angle-resolved scattering spectra measured for the oligomers of PS nanospheres. Relying on the coupled oscillator model, we observe Rabi splitting energies of Ω ∼206.79 meV for the SPPs and Ω ∼237.60 meV for the TE waves. Based on the calculated current density distributions and Hopfield coefficients, we demonstrate the hybridization of the three excitons in the WS /MoS heterobilayer mediated by the TE waves. Our findings open new horizons for manipulating light–matter interaction in TMDC heterobilayers and suggest the potential applications of exciton hybridization in energy transfer.

Memristors have emerged as a transformative technology in the realm of electronic devices, offering unique advantages such as fast switching speeds, low power consumption, and the ability to sensor-memory-compute. The applications span across non-volatile memory, neuromorphic computing, hardware security, and beyond, prompting memristors to become a versatile solution for next-generation computing and data storage systems. Despite enormous potential of memristors, the transition from laboratory prototypes to large-scale applications is challenging in terms of material stability, device reproducibility, and array scalability. This review systematically explores recent advancements in high-performance memristor technologies, focusing on performance enhancement strategies through material engineering, structural design, pulse protocol optimization, and algorithm control. We provide an in-depth analysis of key performance metrics tailored to specific applications, including non-volatile memory, neuromorphic computing, and hardware security. Furthermore, we propose a co-design framework that integrates device-level optimizations with operational-level improvements, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical models and practical implementations.

Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) demonstrate regionally selective susceptibility in Parkinson's disease (PD) compared to those in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, the molecular mechanism for this distinct vulnerability remains unclear. Here, it is shown that Legumain, also known as asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), is activated in a subgroup of SRY‐box transcription factor 6 /Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1, (Sox6+/ALDH1A1+) neurons in the ventral tier of the SNpc and cleaves Sox6 and ALDH1A1, leading to repression of Special AT‐rich sequence binding protein 1 (Satb1) that is a dimeric/tetrameric transcription factor specifically binding to AT‐rich DNA sequences, and toxic dopamine metabolite accumulation. AEP cuts Sox6 and ALDH1A1 in dopaminergic neurons that project to the locus coeruleus (LC), abolishing Sox6's transcriptive and ALDH1A1's enzymatic activities. Co‐expressing AEP‐truncated Sox6 and ALDH1A1 fragments in 3‐month‐old A53T SNCA transgenic mice accelerates dopamine degeneration, whereas expressing AEP‐resistant Sox6 N336A/N446A and ALDH1A1 N220A mutants alleviates rotenone‐induced PD pathologies. Hence, different circuitries and intrinsic properties of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc and VTA render differential predispositions in PD. The Gut‐to‐brain propagation of pathologic α‐Syn via vagus nerve‐DMVN‐LC‐SN initiates PD. SNpc DA neurons form stronger connections with the LC than the VTA. AEP is subsequently activated by α‐Syn fibrils in the SNpc, leading to cleavage of Sox6 and ALDH1A1 in SNpc DA neurons, contributing to the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.

The effects of nicotine on aging‐related motor and cognitive decline remain controversial due to limited empirical evidence. Here, mice are permitted to orally consume nicotine over a 22‐month period and observed attenuated motor decline without pathological alterations in major metabolism‐related peripheral organs or immune system dysfunction. Multi‐organ metabolomic profiling and network analysis of aged mice (24 months old) identified nicotine‐responsive pathways related to glycolipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Dynamic gut microbiota profiling via series expression miner‐based longitudinal analysis reveals that nicotine consumption preserved microbiota composition and altered microbial‐derived metabolites associated with the sphingolipid pathway, known to regulate age‐related muscle dysfunction and sarcopenia. Assays in aged mice and C2C12 cells confirmed that nicotine regulates sphingolipid turnover, particularly via sphingomyelin synthases and neutral sphingomyelinases, to enhance nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide availability and energy metabolism. These metabolic adaptations correlated with reduced ceramide accumulation and improved motor function. Behavior‐Metabolome Age (BMAge) score confirmed a biologically younger phenotype in the nicotine‐treated mice. Together, these findings suggest that life‐long oral nicotine consumption reprograms aging‐associated metabolism through regulation of systemic sphingolipid homeostasis, conferring resilience against age‐related motor decline. Long‐term oral nicotine intake protects against age‐related motor decline in mice without eliciting systemic toxicity. Integrated multi‐organ metabolomic profiling and longitudinal gut microbiota analyses reveal that nicotine induces coordinated remodeling of glycolipid and sphingolipid metabolism, enhances NAD⁺ bioavailability, and suppresses ceramide accumulation, collectively supporting a systemic metabolic reprogramming that confers resilience to age‐related motor decline.