Browse Articles

Advancing data science research education in Africa through datathon-driven innovations

Knittable, thermally insulating, and sustainable aerogel fibers enabled by ion-mediated hierarchical assembly

Spatial Molecular Engineering of Hole Semiconductors Enables Record Efficiency and Durability in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

ABSTRACT Conventional small‐molecule hole‐transporting materials (SM‐HTMs), although morphologically robust, typically suffer from limited hole mobility, interfacial energy misalignment, and inefficient charge extraction, which collectively hinder power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) above 25% in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, breaking from conventional design paradigm, novel spatial molecular engineering was targeted proposed for SM‐HTMs to overcome inherent limitations while reinforcing advantages. By spatially exposing the functional heterocyclic core to release its full potential, the tailored WH13 dramatically enhances the perovskite/HTM interfacial interactions, promotes crystallization, and facilitates hole extraction. More importantly, the resultant planar‐steric architecture enables long‐range π‐stacking order while supporting nanocrystal‐level film‐formation, thereby achieving an optimal balance between charge transport dynamics and morphological features. Consequently, WH13‐based inverted PSCs achieve a champion PCE of 26.6% (certified 26.24%) with exceptional operational stability (>99%, ISOS‐L‐1 500 h), representing the highest efficiency reported to date for SM‐HTM‐based PSCs. This spatial molecular engineering strategy establishes a generalizable design paradigm for next‐generation HTMs, opening a promising pathway toward high‐performance, operationally stable, and commercially viable PSCs.

Prioritizing neglected food species in nutritional studies using expert-knowledge and explainable AI

Potent efficacy of an NA-targeting antibody against a broad spectrum of H5N1 influenza viruses

Iizuchalasin A: A Marine Fungal Metabolite With a Cage‐Like Structure That Binds TarG to Inhibit Wall Teichoic Acid Biosynthesis by Multidrug‐Resistant <i>S. aureus</i>

ABSTRACT To address the ongoing Staphylococcus aureus drug resistance, we screened marine fungal extracts against a multidrug‐resistant strain and performed a metabolome analysis to identified new antibiotics with larger molecular size. Targeted isolation yielded eight merocytochalasans, including four new compounds ( 1 , 4 ‐ 6 ), structurally characterized by MS, NMR, and x‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data analysis. Compound 1 possessing a unique cage‐like symmetrical skeleton, effectively suppressed growth, adhesion, and virulence of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), demonstrated potent efficacy in reducing bacterial burden in a mouse skin infection model, and exhibited low resistance development potential. Mechanistically, 1 binds the transmembrane component of the ABC transporter TarGH, and inhibiting its ATPase activity.

Effect of root promoter on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) growth and nutrient accumulation at Hunan Province, China

Continental-scale drivers of soil microbial extracellular polymeric substances

Abstract Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are key microbial residues that contribute to soil organic carbon (SOC) and promote soil aggregation. Yet, their abundance and large-scale controls have only begun to be investigated. We conduct extensive soil sampling across a European transect spanning diverse climates, bedrocks, and land uses. Average soil EPS content is 956 ± 55 µg g -1 soil ( n = 92 sites), with EPS-carbon (EPS-C) contributing 1.6 ± 0.1% to SOC. Bedrock influences EPS content, EPS-C contribution to SOC, and the EPS-C/microbial biomass carbon (MBC) ratio, whereas land use mainly affects the latter two. The EPS-C/MBC ratio is negatively correlated with microbial growth and carbon use efficiency, and increases under water deficit, while EPS increases with MBC, clay content, and exchangeable calcium. Our results demonstrate that EPS represents a functionally important microbial residue, regulated by climatic, edaphic, microbial, and land-use factors, with significant implications for soil carbon cycling and sequestration.

Split‐Deliver‐Click: Tumor‐Specific Protein Degradation via “AND” Logic‐Gated In‐Cell Bioorthogonal Clicking of PROTACs

ABSTRACT PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) represents a promising therapeutic modality with the potential to revolutionize targeted protein degradation. However, challenges such as low bioavailability and off‐target effects significantly limit their clinical efficacy. Herein, we introduce a Split‐Deliver‐Click nanoplatform that enables tumor‐specific protein degradation through “AND” logic‐gated, in‐cell bioorthogonal clicking of PROTACs, inspired by the ternary structure of PROTACs and logic‐gated stimulus‐sensitive drug delivery. First, PROTACs were split with click‐reactive ligands, enabling their direct use in cellular assays for efficient PROTAC screening. Next, a delivery system was developed, utilizing an “AND” logic gate mechanism triggered by tumor‐overexpressed enzymes legumain and cathepsin B to separately activate and release the split PROTAC precursors. Finally, this approach permitted in‐cell click chemistry to generate PROTAC (Click‐PROTAC), achieving efficient and specific protein degradation. This Split‐Deliver‐Click strategy facilitated the in situ generation of PROTACs for precise protein degradation.

A sparrow search algorithm-optimized LSTM framework with EMD denoising for rolling element bearing remaining useful life prediction

Generation of multitissue cell-cultivated meat via multidirectional differentiation of stable porcine epiblast stem cells

Abstract Cell-cultivated meat has emerged as an alternative approach for sustainable protein production, but replicating the texture and complex composition of conventional meat remains a critical challenge. Here, we developed an efficient approach to produce multitissue engineered meat by leveraging a serum- and animal-component-free differentiation system to direct porcine pregastrulation epiblast stem cells toward muscle, adipose, and endothelium with synergistic functions. These three types of cell progenitors demonstrated autonomous intercellular recognition and coculture compatibility in a scaffold-free 3D suspension system, enabling the spontaneous formation of tissue-mimetic spheroids with enhanced cellular multiplication efficiency. The products of multitissue cultivated meat recapitulated the textural properties of conventional pork and allowed for nutritional modulation. This platform overcomes key limitations in currently employed cultured meat technologies by integrating scalable 3D suspension culture with serum-free, species-specific stem cell multidirectional differentiation, providing an avenue for the development of multitissue cell-cultivated meat.

Programmable Anisotropic in Diazapyrene Cocrystals With Birefringence Exceeding 1.2

ABSTRACT Birefringent crystals underpin polarization control and angular phase matching in nonlinear optics and therefore, attract sustained interest. However, achieving large birefringence (Δn) has largely depended on inorganic frameworks composed of metals with limited natural abundance or sustainability concerns. By contrast, organic cocrystals offer simple preparation and readily tunable packing. Here we design a series of diazapyrene derivatives and obtain 13 crystals, including three single‐component crystals and ten two‐component cocrystals formed separately with three distinct benzene derivatives, whose crystal‐packing anisotropy can be programmed to yield Δ n  = 0.152–1.269. Two compositions, D27N and D13N , combine suitable optical band gaps with exceptional birefringence (Δ n = 1.223 and 1.269 at 546 nm, respectively), ranking among the highest reported for purely organic crystals, and under identical conditions, surpassing all reported inorganic birefringent crystals. Across the series, we uncover a Boltzmann‐type relationship between Δ n and a geometric descriptor Δ S (minimal/maximal projected area of the conjugated core on crystallographic planes), thereby quantitatively linking molecular‐level packing anisotropy to macroscopic Δ n . Cocrystal engineering also modulates second‐order nonlinear optical responses, including symmetry control and second‐harmonic generation tuning. This work establishes a metal‐free, designable route to high‐Δ n optical crystals and provides a predictive metric for anisotropy‐driven materials discovery.

Multidirectional Charge Separation in Self‐Assembled Aggregates of Perylenebisimide‐Porphyrin Bola‐Supra‐Amphiphiles

Abstract We report on the synthesis of a hydrogen‐bond mediated bola‐type supra‐amphiphile and assembly thereof in water. The assembly is based on amphiphilic porphyrins and hydrophobic perylenebisimdes (PBI), which both form the resulting bola‐form solely through the H‐bonding motif, which is shielded by the assembly of the chromophores itself. The amphiphilic porphyrin was functionalized, on one hand, with a cyanuric acid and, on the other hand, with an oligo carboxylate dendron as polar head group. Two Hamilton receptors were linked to the PBI on each imide position. Assembly was achieved by lyophilizing solutions of both components in water/THF mixtures, followed by redispersion in pure water yielding stable suspensions. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) reveal a spherical morphology with diameters ranging from 15 – 100 nm. Once formed, the assemblies showed broadened absorptions and quenched PBI‐centered fluorescence. Using time‐resolved absorption spectroscopy, the nature of the fluorescence quenching was confirmed to be either charge separation, by which the porphyrin donates an electron to the PBI, or symmetry breaking charge separation, by which π‐π stacked PBIs donate and accept electrons. Denaturation of the supra‐amphiphile went hand‐in‐hand with a reinstation of the PBI fluorescence and suppression of charge separation.

Pesticide residue in commonly consumed vegetables in selected districts of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Background Pesticides are essential in agriculture for protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds, but improper use can lead to health issues like neurological disorders and carcinogenic effects. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting integrated pest management strategies, and raising farmer awareness can mitigate pesticide misuse. In Ethiopia, widespread pesticide use in vegetables raises concerns about consumer exposure to pesticide residues. This study determined the pesticide residue in vegetables in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods The study was conducted in randomly selected districts of the Jimma zone. Samples of tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, and onions were collected from vegetable farmers. The modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) methods were used for sample preparation and extraction. The analysis of pesticide residues was performed using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and an ion trap analyzer with an automatic injection. The pesticide detection levels among types of vegetables and locations were analyzed using one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with statistical significance set at p  &lt; 0.05. Results Pesticide residues were detected in vegetables from Seka Chokorsa, Goma, and Dedo districts. Detected pesticides include Lindane, Aldrin, Chlorpyrifos, 4,4-DDE, Hexachlorobenzene, and Endosulfan II. The highest concentrations were found in the Dabo Gibe onion sample (Seka Chokorsa), the Waro Kolobo potato sample (Dedo), and the Ganji Dalacho cabbage sample (Goma). Lindane residues were found in onion and potato (Seka Chokorsa), exceeding the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of 10–50 µg/kg. Chlorpyrifos residues were detected below MRLs across all districts, while 4,4-DDE residues were also detected in some vegetables, indicating historical use of banned pesticides. ANOVA results showed small variation between groups, and there was no statistically significant difference across the four groups (p-value = 0.305). The study highlights the need for stricter regulation, farmer education, and residue monitoring to ensure food safety.

Evaluation of the removal ability of Iodoform Paste in primary teeth pulpectomies using rotary files: a pilot study

Abstract The aim was to analyse the efficacy of Endogal Kids ® rotary files in removing root canal filling. Methods: A cross-sectional in vitro study was conducted ( n  = 10 primary teeth). The root canals were instrumented using the Endogal Kids ® system with 5 mL of 5% sodium hypochlorite solution and were obturated with CaOH2 and iodoform paste, Forendo™ Paste. The canal systems were retreated to remove the filling material using continuous rotation. µCT scans were performed at three time points: after canal instrumentation with rotary files (µCT-1), after root canal filling (µCT-2), and after removal of the filling material through retreatment (µCT-3). Canal void volume (CV), obturation material volume (MV), root canal void increase (ΔCV), obturation material increase (ΔMV) and filling removal volume (RV) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with a 95% significance level ( p  ≤ 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found for CV and MV, but not for TV. The canal void volume (CV) was significantly greater at µCT-1 compared to the µCT-2 and µCT-3, with no significant difference between the µCT-2 and µCT-3 ( p  &lt; 0.001). Additionally, MV was significantly higher before removal of the filling material ( p  = 0.003). No significant differences were observed in TV across the three measurements. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrated that rotary instrumentation in primary teeth can remove a significant proportion of iodoform-based obturation material. Incisors showing greater obturation material removal, while molars exhibited more pronounced changes in canal volume.

Branched-chain α-keto acids impair glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells under diabetes by reactivating the LDHA-lactate axis

Targeting the Membrane‐Embedded Rhomboid Protease GlpG: A Multimodal Strategy for Inhibitor Discovery and Mechanistic Insight

ABSTRACT Rhomboid proteases, a class of intramembrane proteases characterized by a Ser‐His catalytic dyad, have recently emerged as promising therapeutic targets. While inhibitors for soluble serine proteases have been extensively studied, the spectrum of potent rhomboid protease inhibitor chemotypes is limited to active‐site targeted nucleophiles. To address this limitation, we conducted a high‐throughput screen of over 68,000 compounds targeting the E. coli rhomboid protease GlpG, using a fluorescent liposome‐based assay. A selection of 326 inhibitory compounds was evaluated in a subsequent IC 50 screen against two variants of GlpG (core domain and full length), a soluble serine protease (chymotrypsin), as well as the human mitochondrial rhomboid PARL. Of these, the selective inhibitory effects of 2 compounds and their analogues on GlpG were confirmed through further biochemical and biophysical characterisation, molecular docking, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. This study paves the way for developing small‐molecule tool compounds and drug‐like molecules targeting rhomboid proteases.

Optimal design and operation of Photovoltage distributed generators and shunt compensators for the Vietnam alternative current distribution network to reduce annual energy loss

This study presents the application of two novel meta-heuristic algorithms, including the Fungal Growth Optimizer (FGO) and Animated Oat Optimization Algorithm (AOO), to optimize the placement of DGs and SCBs for power loss reduction in three alternative current distribution networks (ACDNs), including a practical ACDN with 55 nodes in Vietnam, besides the two IEEE standard ACDNs. In the study, placement of DGs and SCBs on the three grids is conducted in two phases, including the designing phase and the operational phase. In the designing phase, DGs and SCBs were optimized in their placement on the grids by the two algorithms in various scenarios with different DG configurations. The results achieved through scenarios indicate that AOO completely outperforms FGO in terms of the optimal total active power loss values (TAPL) and the stability of the outputs. Particularly, in the two scenarios conducted on the IEEE 69-node, the TAPL achieved by AOO is better than FGO, 3.65% for the first scenario and 72.28% for the second scenario. In the other two scenarios conducted on the IEEE 85-node, AOO still proves its high effectiveness over FGO by reaching the better TAPL at 6.02% in Scenario 1 and 44.88% in Scenario 2. Lastly, AOO is continuously superior to FGO in the four scenarios in the Vietnam ACDN, with 55-node by 1.04% in Scenario 1, 19.52% in Scenario 2, 7.07% in Scenario 3, and 69.60% in Scenario 4. Next in the operational phase, AOO is reapplied to optimize the power output of PVDGs and SCBs within an average day of the first month in the four quarters of the year, with load demand variation and dynamic supplied power from PVDGs in four scenarios with different settings of PVDGs and SCBs. The results clearly reveal that the operational Scenario 4 with PVDGs is configured to supply both active and reactive power to the grid, along with SCBs, which offer the best value of energy loss in the three quarters, except for the third one, where the operational Scenario 2 is the most suited for energy loss.

Image-based detection of bolts and bolt-missing defects in multi-angle and complex background scenarios

SUPER and femtosecond spin-conserving coherent excitation of a tin-vacancy color center in diamond

Abstract The coherent excitation of an optically active spin system is one of the key elements in the engineering of a spin-photon interface. Using the novel SUPER scheme, we coherently control the main optical transition of a tin-vacancy color center in diamond with nonresonant ultrashort optical pulses. Furthermore, we implement a femtosecond control scheme using resonant pulses for achieving record short quantum gates applied to diamond color centers. We simulate the applicability of the SUPER scheme to spin qubits and experimentally investigate spin mixing. Finally, we propose a spin-spin entanglement scheme in a scenario where the excitation with broadband pulses is incompatible with spin-selective excitation. The employed ultrafast quantum gates open up a new regime of quantum control with solid-state color centers, enabling multi-gate operations and efficient spectral filtering of the excitation laser from deterministically prepared coherent photons.