Browse Articles

A novel Umezawaea tangerina endophyte reveals anti-colorectal cancer activity and a rich biosynthetic landscape

Bioinspired Channel Functionalization via Covalent Grafting of Crown Ethers for Selective Ion Sieving

ABSTRACT The ultrahigh ion selectivity of biological ion channels inspires the design of high‐efficiency ion separation materials. Mimicking bionic structural and functional precision in synthetic polymer membranes remains challenging. Herein, we propose a bioinspired design strategy to construct selective structures within ion channels for high‐performance monovalent selective cation exchange membranes (MSCEMs). Using the polymer as a matrix and crown ethers as functional monomers to form a synergistic transport channel composed of a “membrane matrix‐crown ether recognition site” transport architecture. Sulfonic acid groups serve as ion hopping sites to sustain high ion flux, while embedded crown ethers provide size‐matched and coordination‐selective ion recognition. The optimal membrane exhibits selective ion transport in mixed salt systems (K + >Na + >Li + >>Mg 2+ ) with excellent long‐term stability and scalability. The membranes were scaled up and integrated into an electrodialysis stack, enabling lithium extraction from simulated salt‐lake brines. This strategy establishes an internal channel functionalization paradigm for polymer membranes, providing a rational route toward advanced ion separation materials.

Integrating spectral signatures and microbial profiling to differentiate diseased and healthy corals in the Red sea

Abstract Coral reef ecosystems face increasing threats from microbial diseases, especially those induced by bacterial infections. Conventional diagnostic techniques often require invasive sampling, extended processing time and are limited in their spatial applicability. Spectral reflectance analysis offers a non-invasive means for detecting subtle physiological alterations associated with coral disease; however, its application in characterizing microbiological changes remains largely unexplored. This research aimed to differentiate healthy from diseased coral colonies by analyzing the spectral fingerprints of the disease and their associated bacterial communities, using hyperspectral data, microbial profiling, and multivariate statistical analysis. The bacterial species identified in healthy coral samples included Bacillus subtilis , Cytobacillus firmus , Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , and Bacillus sporothermodurans . In contrast, the bacteria associated with diseased coral samples were Vibrio pelagius and Vibrio fortis . Healthy corals demonstrate consistently lower reflectance across all bands in comparison to diseased corals. The reflectance of diseased Favia lacuna showed a notable increase when compared to healthy specimens, especially at wavelengths of 594 nm, 649 nm, and 702 nm. In contrast, Acropora humilis exhibited heightened peaks at wavelengths of 580 nm, 693 nm, and 702 nm. The analysis of the second derivative revealed that coral colonies affected by disease exhibited distinct negative peaks at wavelengths of 450–460 nm, 580–590 nm, and 700–800 nm. The identified peaks are likely associated with tissue thinning, skeletal exposure, or microbial biofilm accumulation rather than pigment absorption, given that this region is dominated by scattering effects. In contrast, healthy colonies exhibited stable characteristics at approximately 675 nm, indicating the presence of intact symbiotic chlorophyll and preserved physiological structure. The present study demonstrates that hyperspectral reflectance profiling of bacterially infected corals shows promising potential as a non-invasive approach for differentiating healthy and diseased coral microbiomes. The integration of spectral indicators with microbial community data provides preliminary insights into coral health assessment and may contribute to the development of improved strategies for disease detection and understanding coral–microbe interactions under environmental stress.

Maxillary sinus morphology and septa: a cadaver-based study

Tandem Reactivity of Metal−Carbon and Carbon−Silicon Bonds in Mononuclear α‐Silyl Organolithium or Organosodium Complexes Towards CO, CO ₂ and Heteroallenes

ABSTRACT α‐Silyl alkyl complexes, such as the ubiquitous MCH 2 SiMe 3 , are some of the most used organometallic building blocks and reagents. Hitherto, most reports focus on the reactive metal–carbon bond, while the carbon–silicon bond has thus far been limited to a handful of serendipitous reaction patterns. Herein, by examining a range of reactions between mononuclear Li or Na α‐silyl alkyl complexes and CO, CO 2 , or heteroallenes (isocyanates, isothiocyanates, carbodiimides), we report tandem M─C and C─Si bond reactivity, with in‐depth mechanistic understanding unveiled by computational reaction pathway studies enabled by the artificial force induced reaction (AFIR) method. By bringing the long‐neglected C─Si bond reactivity to the awareness of synthetic chemists, we demonstrate that the C─Si bond should be taken into account in reaction design when using these α‐silyl alkyl complexes.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a multimedia quality assessment tool for health education and promotion through mixed methods

Trimethylphosphine‐Stabilized (Cyano)Phosphinidene: A Versatile PCN Transfer Reagent

ABSTRACT The development of phosphorus‐containing building blocks is crucial for efficient synthetic protocols in main group element chemistry. Among those, the PCN unit is a key structural motif for the construction of functional molecular frameworks. While anionic PCN‐containing species are well‐established, the isolation and utilization of neutral PCN molecules remain challenging. Herein, we report a straightforward synthesis of the neutral (cyano)phosphinidene adduct, Me 3 P─PCN, via the simple reaction of phosphorus tricyanide with trimethylphosphine. This methodology is general for a series of trialkylphosphines, yielding stable adducts R 3 P─PCN (R = Et, n Bu, Cy, t Bu). Comprehensive spectroscopic, structural, and computational studies of adduct Me 3 P─PCN confirm a polarized electron‐sharing P─P bond, with electron density shifted toward the Me 3 P moiety. Enabled by facile P─P bond cleavage, Me 3 P─PCN acts as an efficient and versatile PCN transfer reagent, providing access to diverse molecular architectures and opening new avenues for the integration of the PCN unit into complex systems.

Optimizing viral marketing strategies via a modified human evolutionary metaheuristic for social network influence

Interface Stability and Kinetics of Sulfide Electrolytes in all‐Solid‐State Batteries

ABSTRACT All‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are considered promising candidates for next‐generation energy storage systems, offering superior safety and energy density compared to conventional liquid‐based batteries. However, achieving stable long‐term cycling remains a significant challenge due to complex interfacial reactions, so interfacial stability has become a critical focus in the design and development of ASSBs. In this study, we present a comprehensive computational thermodynamic analysis of sulfide‐based solid electrolytes (SEs) and their various interfaces in ASSBs, with particular emphasis on cathode/SE, SE/interlayer, SE/coating, cathode/interlayer, cathode/coating and lithium‐silicon alloy/SE anode interfaces. The (electro)chemical stabilities of these interfaces are systematically evaluated. Our findings reveal that phosphate and sulfide‐type cathodes exhibit high thermodynamic stability when paired with sulfide SEs owing to favorable chemical bonding and compatibility. Furthermore, interlayers and coatings of cathode materials, such as phosphates and binary halides, notably improve interface stability by mitigating detrimental side reactions, making them particularly advantageous for long‐term cycling. For the lithium‐alloy anode, incorporation of silicon markedly improves stability by lowering the reaction energy, with the stabilization effect intensifying as the Si content increases. Kinetic analyses reveal that the interphase at Li x Si/Li 6 PS 5 Cl interface exhibits lower activation energy barriers for lithium‐ion migration compared to the bulk phases, thereby enhancing ionic transport.

Microfinger robot with inhaling channels for active sampling and analyzing gaseous and liquid substances toward source localization

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of YTH domain-containing RNA-binding protein family in maize reveals their potential role under abiotic stresses

Abstract Post-transcriptional control of gene expression is one of the strategies in plants to regulate growth, development, and stress adaptation. YT521-B homology (YTH) domain-containing RNA-binding proteins are essential for this post-transcriptional control through influencing the fate of RNA molecules containing N6-methyladenosine (m 6 A). Here, we conducted a genome-wide identification and characterization analysis of the YTH gene family in maize ( Zea mays L.) and found 22 ZmYTHs . Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ZmYTH could be divided into four groups, while the ZmYTH genes are distributed across ten chromosomes. Subcellular localization analysis suggests that most ZmYTH proteins often exhibit a nuclear localization consistent with their involvement in RNA metabolism. Duplication of genes, in particular segmental and whole-genome duplications, has driven the proliferation of this gene family, potentially endowing maize with greater capacity to regulate stress-responsive pathways. Further, we identified 31 cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions of ZmYTH genes involved in development, stress, and hormonal regulation. Protein-protein interaction prediction and miRNA target prediction further elaborate their role in post-transcriptional modification. We profiled ZmYTH’s expression pattern across development and stress conditions, confirming 10 genes differentially expressed under drought, salt, and heat stresses. ZmYTH1 and ZmYTH3 were consistently induced, ZmYTH7 was repressed under all three conditions, and the remaining genes showed condition-specific patterns. Overall, these findings highlight the key role of the ZmYTH family in stress adaptation and provide a basis for future studies on its molecular mechanisms.

Potential‐Dependent Oxygenated Surface Phases and Interfacial Water Layers Underlie the High Overpotential and Mechanistic Switching of Oxygen Evolution on RuO ₂

ABSTRACT Precisely deciphering the intrinsic origin of the high overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), even on the most active RuO 2 catalysts, remains a long‐standing challenge in electrocatalysis. Herein, by meticulously elucidating the electrode charging behavior, oxygenated surface phases and interfacial double‐layer structures under OER‐relevant potentials on RuO 2 (110), together with their impact on reaction pathways and elementary‐step energetics through ab‐initio molecular dynamics simulations, we reveal that the high overpotential jointly arises from the pronounced surface negative charge, due to the unusually high potential of zero charge, and the excessive protonation of surface‐active *O at coordinatively unsaturated Ru sites (*O CUS ) at low potentials (<1.60 V). This, on one hand, severely depletes active *O CUS intermediate, thereby suppressing the rate‐determining step (RDS) of oxide pathway mechanism (OPM), necessarily involving surface O─O coupling between two *O CUS via Langmuir‐Hinshelwood mechanism. On the other hand, it induces the dense, strongly hydrogen‐bonded interfacial water layer that, together with electrostatic repulsion, obstructs the essential water reorientation and approach for the RDS of adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM), featuring incoming interfacial water to reorient and react with *O CUS via Eley‐Rideal‐like mechanism. Furthermore, a potential‐dependent mechanistic switching between AEM and OPM is identified, dictated by their distinct RDS natures and kinetic sensitivities.

A fossil humerus of Desmostylus highlights the spatio-temporal distributional changes of its genus on both sides of the Pacific coastlines

Reconfiguration of Multiphase Coacervate Droplets Into Self‐Regulated Nested Artificial Cells

ABSTRACT Dynamic sub‐compartmentalization and internal organization are important assets of living cells to control functional complexity. Mimicking these features in artificial cells provides a platform to effectively respond to external cues by changing internal structure, thereby emulating life‐like behavior. Here, we present a strategy to construct sub‐compartmentalized artificial cells by converting multiphase coacervate droplets (MCDs) into nested coacervate vesicles (NCVs), in which the outer host domain is electrostatically reconfigured into a continuous semipermeable shell, while the internal guest droplets are preserved. The generated artificial cells exhibit spatial segregation of coacervate constituents and encapsulated fluorescent dyes, enzymes, and gold nanoparticles, and remain morphologically stable under different conditions. The membranized artificial cells display artificial metabolic features by means of poly( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) synthesis and subsequent temperature‐dependent aggregation, leading to emergent behavior including self‐regulated photothermal transitions, feedback‐mediated photocatalysis, and spatiotemporal organization of internal cargoes. Overall, our approach establishes a robust artificial cell platform that combines sub‐compartmentalization with self‐regulating properties, integrating functionality with structural complexity.

Nanoplastics impair antitumor NK and CD8⁺ T cell cytotoxicity and antiviral B cell antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2

Two‐Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy Reveals the Presence of a Bridging CO Ligand in Two Catalytic Intermediates of [FeFe] Hydrogenase

ABSTRACT [FeFe] hydrogenases are highly active, reversible enzymes for the interconversion of hydrogen with protons and electrons. Their active site H‐cluster consists of a canonical [4Fe‐4S] cluster covalently linked to a unique [2Fe] H centre. Their catalytic mechanism has been studied extensively, but several details remain disputed, and two rival models exist in the literature. One crucial difference between these models is the structure and catalytic relevance of two states named H red H + and H sred H + . In the first model, these states are catalytic intermediates containing a reduced [Fe(I)Fe(I)] H centre and a bridging CO ligand (µCO), while in the second model they are inactive states containing an oxidised [Fe(II)Fe(II)] H site and a bridging hydride ligand (µH − ). The second proposal was initially based on the lack of a prominent absorption peak attributed to a µCO ligand in the infrared (IR) spectra of both states. Here, we provide evidence for the presence of a µCO ligand in the H red H + and H sred H + states using two‐dimensional (2D) IR spectroscopy, firmly establishing the structure of these states as [Fe(I)Fe(I)] H with a µCO ligand. The results suggest that these states are catalytically relevant intermediates with crucial implications for understanding hydrogen conversion in nature and designing new synthetic catalysts.

A multiproxy sediment-core record of lake-level change in paleolake Makgadikgadi (82–21 ka) with implications for human occupation

Abstract The Makgadikgadi Basin in central Botswana is a key region for understanding Stone Age archaeology and human evolution. However, paleoenvironmental reconstructions have so far offered only fragmentary insights into past hydroclimatic and environmental conditions. We present the first environmental record from Sowa Pan, paleolake Makgadikgadi, covering the last 82–20 ka (Marine Isotope Stages 5–2). Sedimentological and biomarker lipid analyses reveal four distinct lake phases, reflecting major hydrological shifts and sediment provenance. From 82 to 75 ka, the lake was shallow, with lowest lake levels temporally coinciding with Middle Stone Age archaeological material (silcrete lithics, mainly unifacial and bifacial points) on the western lakebed. Between 75 –58 ka, the lake refilled, likely fed by river inflow sourced from the Angolan highlands. A second low stand likely occurred around 58–56 ka. From 52 to 37 ka, geochemical proxies indicating a change in lake inflow with less influence of the Kwando catchment. During this time, the lake had high primary productivity and biomarkers for terrestrial herbivores are recorded in the sediments. After an accumulatory hiatus, the youngest unit (ca. 21 ka) marks the formation of the Sowa Spit, characterized by high sand input and minimal organic preservation. This record refines the chronology of lake-level changes and reveals that desiccation phases provided ecologically viable landscapes for human activity. It also identifies shifting sediment and nutrient sources that shaped lake dynamics during the late Pleistocene.

Emergence of periodic soliton patterns in the time-fractional Hodgkin–Huxley model arising in modern neuroscience

Remote monitoring of powder dehumidification by speckle pattern analysis

Evidence for Zn‐Promoted Methanol Synthesis at Low Temperature Over Zn/Cu Single‐Atom Alloy Catalyst

ABSTRACT Unraveling the active sites of Cu/Zn catalysts for CO 2 hydrogenation to methanol continues to pose a fundamental challenge, especially in clarifying the precise role of Zn promoters. Previous studies have predominantly emphasized the chemical state of Zn, while often neglecting accompanying structural changes in the Cu host. Here, we report the first direct observation of lattice expansion in nanocrystalline Cu within a bulk Zn/Cu single‐atom alloy—a geometric distortion that elevates the d ‐band center of Cu and increases interatomic Cu distances. As evidenced by combined in situ experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, these structural modifications promote the activation of both H 2 and CO 2 , steering the reaction toward the *HCOO pathway and substantially enhancing methanol production at notably low temperatures. Our findings deliver unprecedented insight into Zn's promotional mechanism and significantly advance the mechanistic understanding of Cu/Zn catalysts for methanol synthesis.