Abstract Thick cathodes are essential for practical high-energy batteries, yet their development is hindered by sluggish charge kinetics, particularly in lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) where robust three-phase boundaries (TPBs) for e−, Li+, and O2 are indispensable. Herein, we propose a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) integration strategy that enables the construction of a streamlined dual-conductive network for both e− and Li+ while preserving optimal porosity for rapid O2 diffusion in thick cathodes (~2 mm). This innovative architecture creates extensive and continuous TPBs throughout the entire cathode, enabling an exceptional areal capacity of 34.6 mAh cm−2, surpassing most previously reported LOBs, and a record-breaking gravimetric capacity of 19000 mAh g−1. Numerical simulations further validate the superiority of this approach. Our work provides a proof of concept for overcoming kinetic transport limitations in thick cathodes, paving the way for next-generation high-capacity and stable LOBs.

Abstract Rifting and drifting of the Qaidam–Kunlun continent in northern Tibet triggered the opening of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean, but its paleogeography remains debated, particularly the timing of ocean opening, which ranges from pre-Silurian to Devonian. This debate largely reflects the lack of reliable Devonian paleolatitude constraints. Here, we present new paleomagnetic, geochronological, and geochemical data from Devonian bimodal volcanics of Qaidam–Kunlun. Primary remanent magnetization directions, supported by positive fold, reversal, and conglomerate tests, yield a paleolatitude of ~25.6°S at ~411 Ma. These results place Qaidam–Kunlun along the northern margin of Gondwana and demonstrate significant latitudinal separation from the contemporaneously northern North China during the Early Devonian. Geochemical characteristics of the volcanic indicate formation in an intraplate extensional regime. Integration with available Paleozoic paleomagnetic data suggests that Qaidam–Kunlun rifted from Indian Gondwana in the Early Devonian, and subsequently drifted northward during the Devonian, facilitating the opening of Paleo-Tethys.

Abstract To colonize new habitats, plant seeds have evolved a variety of specialized structures for wind dispersal. The African tulip tree, identified as one of the 100 world’s worst invasive alien species, features filmy winged seeds predominantly dispersed by wind. Herein, we found that most of the wing region is single-cell-layer thick with the thinnest part measuring only 0.4 μm, enabling the wing to cover 90% of the seed’s size while constituting only 25% of the total mass. We revealed that such ultrathin wing is reinforced by a series of heterogeneous vein-like structures that maintain the wing extension even in the turbulent airflow and can resist circumferential fracture to minimize the detrimental impact on the aerodynamic performance. The filmy wing is also able to conformably attach to the uneven wet substrates, enhancing the chance of locating on water-rich soils for seed germination. The unique geometry and material composition in the seed wing present an elegant natural solution in balancing lightweight, proper stiffness, and directional toughness suited for varied environments. Inspired by the natural seed, we designed a passive micro-flier with a customizable wing that can realize multifunction, illuminating new possibilities in large-scale aerial delivery for wide-range sampling and environmental monitoring.

The hippocampus comprises subregions of distinct cell types critical for memory and cognition, but their gene expression profiles and spatial distribution patterns remain to be clarified. Using single-cell spatial transcriptomic analysis and single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we obtained transcriptome-based atlases for the macaque, marmoset and mouse hippocampus. Cross-species comparison revealed primate- and lamina-specific glutamatergic cell types in the subicular complex, as well as enrichment of VIP-expressing GABAergic cells from mice to primates, including humans. Furthermore, we found reduced transcriptomic differences between CA3 and CA4 subregions and distinct longitudinal distributions of various cell types and expression of ion-channel genes, correlated with differences in electrophysiological properties of CA3, CA4 and CA1 neurons revealed by slice recording from marmosets and mice. Collectively, this cross-species study provides a molecular and cellular basis for understanding the evolution and function of the hippocampus.

Physical objects serving as haptic proxies offer a promising approach to enrich tactile experience in virtual reality. However, conventional haptic proxies are hampered by prohibitive costs, limited reusability, and the logistical burden of creating and storing numerous object-specific models. Here, we introduce a fabric-based topological haptic proxy (FTHP) that functions as a programmable and universal interface. Our approach synergistically integrates origami-inspired topological constraints with triboelectric sensor yarns. The engineered topological design, featuring heterogeneous rigid and flexible segments, restricts deformation pathways, ensuring structural stability and generating distinct, classifiable electrical signals for different interactions. This allows a single, reusable FTHP to be dynamically reconfigured into multiple functional states (e.g. a flat touchpad or various 3D geometric controllers), bypassing the need for a rigid one-to-one correspondence between physical props and pre-stored virtual assets. Integrated with a convolutional neural network (CNN), the system achieves a 92.4% recognition accuracy across 14 distinct actions and 3 interaction modes. The FTHP presents a scalable and versatile platform for high-fidelity haptic interaction, advancing the design of more immersive and accessible virtual reality (VR) systems.