Whole-genome sequencing identifies EN1 as a determinant of bone density and fracture

The extent to which low-frequency (minor allele frequency (MAF) between 1-5%) and rare (MAF

Fish-scale bio-inspired multifunctional ZnO nanostructures

Scales provide optical disguise, low water drag and mechanical protection to fish, enabling them to survive catastrophic environmental disasters, predators and microorganisms. The unique structures and stacking sequences of fish scales inspired the fabrication of artificial nanostructures with salient optical, interfacial and mechanical properties. Herein, we describe fish-scale bio-inspired multifunctional ZnO nanostructures that have similar morphology and structure to the cycloid scales of the Asian Arowana. These nanostructured coatings feature tunable light refraction and reflection, modulated surface wettability and damage-tolerant mechanical properties. The salient properties of these multifunctional nanostructures are promising for applications in: - (i) optical coatings, sensing or lens arrays for use in reflective displays, packing, advertising and solar energy harvesting; - (ii) self-cleaning surfaces, including anti-smudge, anti-fouling and anti-fogging, and self-sterilizing surfaces, and; - (iii) mechanical/chemical barrier coatings. This study provides a low-cost and large-scale production method for the facile fabrication of these bio-inspired nanostructures and provides new insights for the development of novel functional materials for use in 'smart' structures and applications.

Zr4+ doping in Li4Ti5O12 anode for lithium-ion batteries: Open Li+ diffusion paths through structural imperfection

One-dimensional nanomaterials have short Li+ diffusion paths and promising structural stability, which results in a long cycle life during Li+ insertion and extraction processes in lithium rechargeable batteries. In this study, we fabricated one-dimensional spinel Li 4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanofibers using an electrospinning technique and studied the Zr4+ doping effect on the lattice, electronic structure, and resultant electrochemical properties of Li-ion batteries (LIBs). Accommodating a small fraction of Zr4+ ions in the Ti4+ sites of the LTO structure gave rise to enhanced LIB performance, which was due to structural distortion through an increase in the average lattice constant and thereby enlarged Li+ diffusion paths rather than changes to the electronic structure. Insulating ZrO2 nanoparticles present between the LTO grains due to the low Zr4+ solubility had a negative effect on the Li+ extraction capacity, however. These results could provide key design elements for LTO anodes based on atomic level insights that can pave the way to an optimal protocol to achieve particular functionalities. Distorted lattice: Zr4+ is doped into a 1 D spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanostructure and the resulting electrochemical properties are explored through a combined theoretical and experimental investigation. The improved electrochemical performance resulting from incorporation of Zr4+ in the LTO is due to lattice distortion and, thereby, enlarged Li+ diffusion paths rather than to a change in the electronic structure.