Archived Intelligence

24 December 2025

Lead StoryGenetics & Molecular Biology
Nanoimprinted Chips Optimise CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery for Potent T-Cell Therapy

Nanoimprinted Chips Optimise CRISPR/Cas9 Delivery for Potent T-Cell Therapy

Researchers have developed a Nanoimprinted Photothermal Chip (NPC) that uses near-infrared light to deliver gene-editing complexes with high precision. This method successfully disrupted the PD-1 gene in T cells, significantly boosting their antitumor activity while maintaining high cell viability.

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Image for Breathing Room: A Major Step Forward for Lithium-air Batteries
Chemistry & Material Science

Breathing Room: A Major Step Forward for Lithium-air Batteries

Researchers have engineered a catalyst that allows batteries to function efficiently using ambient air, rather than pure oxygen. By manipulating the electronic structure of a ceramic material, the system can handle both oxygen and carbon dioxide simultaneously, leading to higher energy density and improved stability.

Image for A Universal Rhythm: Unifying the Screening Length Across Physics
Physics & Astronomy

A Universal Rhythm: Unifying the Screening Length Across Physics

Researchers have identified a universal scaling law governing how forces are dampened in a medium, applicable from electrolytes to higher-dimensional gravity. By analysing data across 30 orders of magnitude, the study reveals that interaction ranges consistently scale inversely with the square root of density.

Image for Life in the Shadows: How Chemosynthesis Powers Marine Caves
Environmental Science

Life in the Shadows: How Chemosynthesis Powers Marine Caves

Researchers investigated microbial life within marine cave sediments, discovering that biological diversity actually increases deeper inside the cave. The study confirms that chemosynthesis allows these ecosystems to thrive by metabolising inorganic compounds in the absence of sunlight.

Image for The Paradox of Historical Tropical Cyclones During the Little Ice Age
Environmental Science

The Paradox of Historical Tropical Cyclones During the Little Ice Age

A 653-year reconstruction of typhoon activity in the North Western Pacific reveals a surprising peak during the Maunder Minimum. The findings suggest that thermal contrast between a cooling landmass and a warm ocean drove the surge in storms.

Image for Mirror Images: The High Stakes of Chiral Molecular Assembly
Chemistry & Material Science

Mirror Images: The High Stakes of Chiral Molecular Assembly

Researchers have developed the 'Catassembly Triad,' a predictive framework that explains how catalysts must balance holding and releasing molecules to build complex, life-like structures. This model successfully predicts experimental outcomes, moving the field from trial-and-error to precise engineering.

Image for Peering Into the Living Brain: The Power of Three-Photon Microscopy
Neuroscience

Peering Into the Living Brain: The Power of Three-Photon Microscopy

Researchers have optimised an imaging technique to view deep brain structures without surgical damage. This allows for the observation of neural stem cells in their natural environment.

Image for Whispers in the dark: How semiconductor quantum dots respond to a magnet's gentlest nudge
Physics & Astronomy

Whispers in the dark: How semiconductor quantum dots respond to a magnet's gentlest nudge

Researchers have demonstrated a method to control light polarisation in specific quantum structures using incredibly weak magnetic fields. By exploiting the separation between electrons and holes, the study paves the way for compact sources of circularly polarised light.

Image for Macaque Data Challenges Dual-Circuit Model of Facial Motor Control
Neuroscience

Macaque Data Challenges Dual-Circuit Model of Facial Motor Control

New research utilising macaque subjects questions the long-held dichotomy between emotional and voluntary facial movements. Data indicates these systems may function as an integrated network rather than isolated streams.

Image for The Silent Choreographer: Rethinking the Nascent Polypeptide-Associated Complex
Genetics & Molecular Biology

The Silent Choreographer: Rethinking the Nascent Polypeptide-Associated Complex

New research identifies the Nascent Polypeptide-Associated Complex (NAC) as an active regulator that senses protein chains even before they exit the ribosome. By modulating translation speed, it prevents traffic jams and guides proper folding.

Image for New Design Strategy Supercharges Magnetic Kagome Materials
Physics & Astronomy

New Design Strategy Supercharges Magnetic Kagome Materials

Researchers have developed a method to separate magnetic and electronic layers in quantum materials. By weaving Terbium chains into a lattice, they achieved superior control over electron flow.

Image for Scrutinising the GPCR Activation Mechanism: Ligand Efficacy and Kinetic Traps
Genetics & Molecular Biology

Scrutinising the GPCR Activation Mechanism: Ligand Efficacy and Kinetic Traps

Researchers employed time-resolved cryo-EM to visualize intermediate states of the μ-opioid receptor under non-equilibrium conditions. The findings propose that ligand efficacy correlates with specific structural dynamics, suggesting partial agonists may induce a stalled state during activation.

Daily Briefing: 24 December 2025 | The Synaptic Report