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Over the past decade, soft robot research has expanded to diverse fields, including biomedicine, bionics, service robots, human–robot interaction, and artificial intelligence. Much work has been done in modeling the kinematics and dynamics of soft robots, but closed‐loop control is still in its early stages due to limited sensory feedback. Thanks to the advancement in functional materials, structures, and manufacturing techniques for flexible electronics, flexible and stretchable sensors are developing rapidly. These sensors provide feedback for closed‐loop control tasks and enable soft robots to effectively explore the unknown and safely interact with humans and the environment. Herein, recent advances in perceptive soft robots that utilize flexible/stretchable sensors and functional materials are outlined. The perceptive functions of soft robots from two different aspects, that is, proprioception and exteroception, are summarized. Furthermore, the constructions of autonomous soft robots by integrating both proprioceptive and exteroceptive capabilities for closed‐loop control tasks and other challenging tasks in the real world are discussed. Soft robots have shown potential in bionics, human–robot interaction, and artificial intelligence. To improve their interactivity and adaptability, developing closed‐loop control systems is essential. Herein, a review of the proprioceptive and exteroceptive functions and closed‐loop control systems is presented to provide readers with a better understanding of recent advances in perceptive intelligence for soft robotics.

The application of stretchable strain sensors in human movement recognition, health monitoring, and soft robotics has attracted wide attention. Compared with traditional electronic conductors, stretchable ionic hydrogels are more attractive to organization‐like soft electronic devices yet suffer poor sensitivity due to limited ion conduction modulation caused by their intrinsic soft chain network. This paper proposes a strategy to modulate ion transport behavior by geometry‐induced strain concentration to adjust and improve the sensitivity of ionic hydrogel‐based strain sensors (IHSS). Inspired by the phenomenon of vehicles slowing down and changing lanes when the road narrows, the strain redistribution of ionic hydrogel is optimized by structural and mechanical parameters to produce a strain‐induced resistance boost. As a result, the gauge factor of the IHSS is continuously tunable from 1.31 to 9.21 in the strain range of 0–100%, which breaks through the theoretical limit of homogeneous strain‐distributed ionic hydrogels and ensures a linear electromechanical response simultaneously. Overall, this study offers a universal route to modulate the ion transport behavior of ionic hydrogels mechanically, resulting in a tunable sensitivity for IHSS to better serve different application scenarios, such as health monitoring and human–machine interface.

Hydrogels are stretchable ion conductors that can be used as strain sensors by transmitting strain-dependent electrical signals. However, hydrogels are susceptible to dehydration in the air, leading to a loss of flexibility and functions. Here, a simple and general strategy for encapsulating hydrogel with hydrophobic elastomer is proposed to realize excellent water-retention capacity. Elastomers, such as polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), whose hydrophobicity and dense crosslinking network can act as a barrier against water evaporation (lost 4.6 wt.% ± 0.57 in 24 h, 28 °C, and ≈30% humidity). To achieve strong adhesion between the hydrogel and elastomer, a porous structured thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used at the hydrogel-elastomer interface to interlock the hydrogel and bond the elastomer simultaneously (the maximum interfacial toughness is over 1200 J/m2). In addition, a PDMS encapsulated ionic hydrogel strain sensor is proposed, demonstrating an excellent water-retention ability, superior mechanical performance, highly linear sensitivity (gauge factor = 2.21, at 100% strain), and robust interface. Various human motions were monitored, proving the effectiveness and practicability of the hydrogel-elastomer hybrid.

Perceiving surface characteristics through tactile interaction typically requires high‐resolution devices or precise spatial scanning to record and analyze a significant amount of information. However, most available tactile sensors require complicated technological processes, redundant layouts, and data acquisition circuits, which limits their ability to provide a real‐time static perception and feedback for potential applications such as robotic manipulation. Drawing inspiration from the sliding tactile (ST) perception mode of the human fingertip, a robust and flexible ST sensor with a low array density of 2.7 cells cm−2 is reported. This innovative sensor has a soft and cambered configuration that allows it to rapidly and accurately recognize the 3D surface features of objects, including grooves as small as 500 μm. Benefiting from the strong correlation between collected electronic responding and local deformation of sensing cell, the ST sensor can adaptively reconstruct surface patterns with the assistance of deep learning, even on unstructured objects. The pattern recognition system based on the robot is demonstrated by accurately classifying a set of mahjong tiles with nearly 100% accuracy, surpassing human tactile perception capabilities in the same task. Herein, a flexible sliding tactile sensor that is inspired by the human fingertip, capable of constructing high‐resolution pattern images using just a few sensor cells, is proposed. Its unique deformation‐induced sensing mechanism provides a strongly correlated static response to unstructured pattern features and applied pressure. When combined with deep learning, this technology enables a robot to automatically classify significant patterns.

Despite the widespread observations on the osteogenic effects of magnesium ion (Mg 2+ ), the diverse roles of Mg 2+ during bone healing have not been systematically dissected. Here, we reveal a previously unknown, biphasic mode of action of Mg 2+ in bone repair. During the early inflammation phase, Mg 2+ contributes to an upregulated expression of transient receptor potential cation channel member 7 (TRPM7), and a TRPM7-dependent influx of Mg 2+ in the monocyte-macrophage lineage, resulting in the cleavage and nuclear accumulation of TRPM7-cleaved kinase fragments (M7CKs). This then triggers the phosphorylation of Histone H3 at serine 10, in a TRPM7-dependent manner at the promoters of inflammatory cytokines, leading to the formation of a pro-osteogenic immune microenvironment. In the later remodeling phase, however, the continued exposure of Mg 2+ not only lead to the over-activation of NF-κB signaling in macrophages and increased number of osteoclastic-like cells but also decelerates bone maturation through the suppression of hydroxyapatite precipitation. Thus, the negative effects of Mg 2+ on osteogenesis can override the initial pro-osteogenic benefits of Mg 2+ . Taken together, this study establishes a paradigm shift in the understanding of the diverse and multifaceted roles of Mg 2+ in bone healing. Supplementation of magnesium (Mg2+) or its inclusion in biomaterials has beneficial effects for bone formation, but it has also been reported that it can have detrimental effects. Here, the authors analyse dose- and time-dependent effects of Mg2+ on bone regeneration and show that it can stimulate monocyte-macrophage lineage cells to support bone formation in the early phases of repair, but inhibit bone repair and mineralization in later stages by promoting a pro-inflammatory environment.

Background Multimorbidity, a condition impacting more than 50% of older adults worldwide and creating a mounting burden in China, is strongly associated with reduced muscle strength. However, the precise mechanistic links underpinning this relationship are poorly defined. This prospective cohort analysis employs longitudinal information collected across multiple waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) to examine the association between a composite measure of muscular fitness and the onset of multiple chronic conditions. Methods This prospective study employs longitudinal data collected over four survey waves from the CHARLS, specifically the 2011 baseline along with subsequent follow-ups in 2013, 2015, and 2018. Low muscular strength was operationalized using a composite definition, where participants met the threshold if their handgrip strength fell below established cutoffs (< 28 kg for male or < 18 kg for female) or if they required 12 s or more to complete the five-times chair stand test. The primary outcome, multimorbidity, was characterized by the concurrent presence of two or more self-reported, physician-diagnosed chronic diseases. After completing the selection of variables, this study used the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) to screen out variables with multicollinearity. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to investigate the occurrence of comorbidities over time in individuals with low and normal muscle strength. The link between muscle strength and new-onset multimorbidity was analyzed via multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. Results are presented as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), relative to the low-strength group. We assessed whether the observed associations were modified by other variables through comprehensive subgroup analyses and by testing for statistical interactions. To ensure a robust characterization of the exposure-outcome relationship, a restricted cubic spline regression approach was employed. This flexible method allowed us to model non-linear dose-response curves for the risk of multimorbidity in relation to absolute grip strength, relative grip strength, and time taken to finish the five-times chair stand test. Results The final analytical cohort comprised 8,073 participants. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the probability of remaining free of comorbidities was significantly lower in the low muscle strength group than in the normal muscle strength group. The multivariable-adjusted Cox model indicated an inverse relationship between normal muscle strength and multimorbidity risk. The hazard ratio for the normal-strength group was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85–0.99), signifying a protective effect compared to their low-strength counterparts. The robust link between muscle strength and multimorbidity remained consistent when examining various subgroups categorized according to age, sex, educational attainment, marital status, geographic location, and behavioral factors. Furthermore, a restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a non-linear, U-shaped correlation between grip strength and the likelihood of developing multiple chronic conditions (p_overall<0.001, p_nonlinear < 0.005). Further analysis revealed that relative grip strength also had a non-linear relationship with the threat of multimorbidity (p_overall<0.001, p_nonlinear < 0.001), while the time for Five-Times Chair Stand had a linear relationship with the threat of multimorbidity (p_overall<0.001, p_nonlinear = 0.542). Conclusions A low level of muscle strength is significantly associated with an increased risk of comorbidities among middle-aged and older adults. Therefore, incorporating strength training into comorbidity prevention and control strategies is of great importance and should be considered a key intervention. Particular emphasis should be placed on lower limb strength exercises, which do not exhibit a plateau effect in reducing comorbidity risk and can thus yield more substantial health benefits.

Background/Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationships between 24-h movement guideline (24HMG) adherence and macronutrient intake, as well as assess dose–response relationships between 24-h movement behaviors and macronutrient intake among students aged 6–17 years. Methods: The study included 3624 participants aged 6 to 17 years from four rounds (2004–2011) of the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Participants’ 24-h movement behaviors and dietary intakes were evaluated. Results: Adherents to physical activity (PA) guideline had higher carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake (all p < 0.05). Those following the screen time (ST) guideline had a higher percentage of dietary energy intake (E%) from carbohydrates but a lower percentage from fat (all p < 0.05). Sleep (SLP) guideline adherents demonstrated lower protein intake and E% (all p < 0.05). PA guideline adherents were less likely to exceed carbohydrate Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69–0.99), but more likely to surpass fat DRIs (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02–1.40). ST guideline adherents were more likely to exceed carbohydrate DRIs (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11–1.56) and less likely to surpass fat DRIs (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68–0.91). Dose–response analyses showed that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and ST had positive linear associations with carbohydrate intake below DRIs. ST also showed positive linear associations with fat intake above DRIs. MVPA showed a nonlinear relationship with fat intake above DRIs. Conclusions: Among Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–17 years, those who meet the PA guideline should be cautious about the risk of excessive fat intake, while those adhering to the ST guideline should be aware of the risk of excessive carbohydrate intake in their daily diet. For promoting health and maintaining balanced macronutrient intake, MVPA should range from 60 to 90 min per day. This study underscores the importance of adjusting macronutrient intake according to levels of 24-h movement behaviors, especially MVPA and ST.

With the continual expansion of global urbanization and population growth, urban energy demands have intensified, and anthropogenic activities have precipitated profound shifts in the global climate. These climatic changes directly alter urban environmental conditions, which in turn exert indirect effects on human physiological function. Consequently, the comfort of outdoor community environments has emerged as a critical metric for assessing the quality of human habitation. Although existing studies have focused on improving singular environmental factors—such as wind or thermal comfort—they often lack an integrated, multi-factor coupling mechanism, and adaptive strategy systems tailored to hot-summer, cold-winter regions remain underdeveloped. This study examines the Minhe Community in Qian’an City to develop a performance evaluation framework for outdoor spaces grounded in subjective comfort and to close the loop from theoretical formulation to empirical validation via an interdisciplinary approach. We first synthesized 25 environmental factors across eight categories—including wind, thermal, and lighting parameters—and applied the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to establish factor weights, thereby constructing a comprehensive model that encompasses both physiological and psychological requirements. Field surveys, meteorological data collection, and ENVI-met (V5.1.1) microclimate simulations revealed pronounced issues in the community’s wind distribution, thermal comfort, and acoustic environment. In response, we proposed adaptive interventions—such as stratified vegetation design and permeable pavement installations—and validated their efficacy through further simulation. Post-optimization, the community’s overall comfort score increased from 4.64 to 5.62, corresponding to an efficiency improvement of 21.3%. The innovative contributions of this research are threefold: (1) transcending the limitations of single-factor analyses by establishing a multi-dimensional, coupled evaluation framework; (2) integrating AHP with ENVI-met simulation to realize a fully quantified “evaluation–simulation–optimization” workflow; and (3) proposing adaptive strategies with broad applicability for the retrofit of communities in hot-summer, cold-winter climates, thereby offering a practical technical pathway for urban microclimate enhancement.

Rechargeable sodium-ion batteries have become more attractive because of its advantages such as abundant sodium resources and lower costs compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. In keeping with the future development of high-capacity secondary batteries, solid-state batteries, which use solid electrolytes instead of liquid organic electrolytes, are expected to overcome the challenges of traditional lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, cycle life and safety. Among various electrolytes, polymer matrices have great potential and application in flexible solid-state sodium batteries, as they can form large molecular structures with sodium salts, exhibit low flammability and excellent flexibility. But there are still challenges including low ionic conductivity, poor wettability, electrode/electrolyte interface stability and compatibility, which can limit battery performance and hinder practical applications. The preparation, benefits, and drawbacks of polymer-based solid-state sodium batteries (SSBs) are examined in this article based on an overview of solid electrolytes from the perspectives of polymer-based sodium battery materials, solid polymer electrolytes, and composition polymer electrolytes. Finally, it provides insights into the challenges and potential developments for polymer-based solid-state sodium batteries in the future.

Background Neuroinflammation reportedly plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). We previously reported that circulating plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) from septic mice are proinflammatory. In the current study, we tested the role of sepsis plasma EVs in neuroinflammation. Methods To track EVs in cells and tissues, HEK293T cell-derived EVs were labeled with the fluorescent dye PKH26. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was conducted to model polymicrobial sepsis in mice. Plasma EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and their role in promoting neuronal inflammation was tested following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection. miRNA inhibitors (anti-miR-146a, -122, -34a, and -145a) were applied to determine the effects of EV cargo miRNAs in the brain. A cytokine array was performed to profile microglia-released protein mediators. TLR7- or MyD88-knockout (KO) mice were utilized to determine the underlying mechanism of EVs-mediated neuroinflammation. Results We observed the uptake of fluorescent PKH26-EVs inside the cell bodies of both microglia and neurons. Sepsis plasma EVs led to a dose-dependent cytokine release in cultured microglia, which was partially attenuated by miRNA inhibitors against the target miRNAs and in TLR7-KO cells. When administered via the ICV, sepsis plasma EVs resulted in a marked increase in the accumulation of innate immune cells, including monocyte and neutrophil and cytokine gene expression, in the brain. Although sepsis plasma EVs had no direct effect on cytokine production or neuronal injury in vitro, the conditioned media (CM) of microglia treated with sepsis plasma EVs induced neuronal cell death as evidenced by increased caspase-3 cleavage and Annexin-V staining. Cytokine arrays and bioinformatics analysis of the microglial CM revealed multiple cytokines/chemokines and other factors functionally linked to leukocyte chemotaxis and migration, TLR signaling, and neuronal death. Moreover, sepsis plasma EV-induced brain inflammation in vivo was significantly dependent on MyD88. Conclusions Circulating plasma EVs in septic mice cause a microglial proinflammatory response in vitro and a brain innate immune response in vivo, some of which are in part mediated by TLR7 in vitro and MyD88 signaling in vivo. These findings highlight the importance of circulating EVs in brain inflammation during sepsis.