Browse Articles

A nano-structured reporter for high-sensitivity contaminant detection in groundwater

Unveiling the fundamentals of two-phase axial-flow-induced vibrations of cantilever rods

Abstract Flow-induced vibrations (FIVs) in nuclear fuel assemblies can cause fretting wear and costly unplanned reactor outages, yet fundamental mechanistic understanding and predictive modelling of FIVs in gas-liquid flows remain hindered by the lack of non-intrusive diagnostic tools. Here, we introduce a Hall-effect-based electromagnetic sensing technique that, for the first time, enables comprehensive resolution of the axial-FIV dynamics of a cantilevered rod with different tip geometries over a range of air-water flow regimes. Our experiments reveal that increasing the void fraction amplifies chaotic vibrations while suppressing periodic oscillations, a transition driven by the increased intensity of stochastic-forcing induced by gas-liquid interactions and bubble impacts. As such, a dual-regime response emerges where vibration amplitudes increase at low Reynolds numbers but decrease/plateau at high Reynolds numbers. Strikingly, beyond a critical void fraction of 0.2, amplitudes converge across Reynolds numbers, signalling two-phase stochastic force dominance. Our findings elucidate the mechanistic competition between stochastic and periodic excitations in two-phase axial-FIVs with a simplified paradigmatic configuration that provides valuable preliminary information for nuclear reactor applications. The developed novel technique provides an enabling tool for real-time, non-intrusive FIV diagnostics, with potential applications extending beyond nuclear engineering.

Microwave-alkali co-activated persulfate enables minute-scale fertilization of food waste with high fulvic-like acid yield

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using sodium iron chlorophyllin against drug-resistant Cutibacterium acnes from patients with acne vulgaris

Cobamide-producing microbes as a model for understanding general nutritional interdependencies in soil food webs

Abstract Nutrient crossfeeding critically governs microbiome–host interactions and ecosystem stability. Cobamides, synthesized only by prokaryotes, offer a powerful and tractable model for studying nutrient-mediated interdependencies in soil food webs; however, their ecological role in sustaining soil health remains unclear. Here, we construct the Soil Cobamide Producer database (SCP v.1.0) by integrating over 48,000 metagenomic and genomic datasets from 1,123 sampling sites. This database catalogs phylogenetically diverse prokaryotes (19 phyla, 302 genera) with cobamide biosynthetic potential. Using this resource, we identify host-specific colonization patterns of cobamide-producing microbes in fauna. These microbes also carry diverse functional traits that may contribute to trophic cascades and microbial community stability. In an Enchytraeid model, these colonizers support host development, modulate gene expression, and promote gut stability through transkingdom interactions, with cobamide biosynthesis serving as one representative trait among multiple microbial functions. At macroecological scales, cobamide-producing microbes occur across relatively high trophic levels, reflecting a broader principle of nutrient transfer that may also apply to other essential metabolites. This framework provides a general basis for studying nutritional microbes in soil food webs and advances One Health research.

Deep learning-based segmentation and density estimation of corneal nerves and dendritic cells from In Vivo confocal microscopy images

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare manual assessment of corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and dendritic cell (DC) density with an automated assessment method utilizing deep learning segmentation to perform rule-based density estimation. Corneal images were acquired using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) from 100 participants with persistent ocular symptoms after mild COVID-19 (Group 1) and 30 controls without symptoms (Group 2). In total, 1,300 IVCM images were selected and manually annotated for CNFL, and 1,300 for DCs (with dendrites and without dendrites), using FIJI tools. The between-method difference in mean CNFL density was 0.2 $$\hbox {mm/mm}^2$$ (95% CI: [0.09, 0.23]) for Group 1 and −0.2 $$\hbox {mm/mm}^2$$ (95% CI: [−0.34, −0.10]) for Group 2. For Group 1, the mean difference for DCs with dendrites was −1.1 $$\hbox {cells/mm}^2$$ (95% CI: [−1.78, −0.39]), and for DCs without dendrites it was −3.1 $$\hbox {cells/mm}^2$$ (95% CI: [−5.1, −1.0]). For Group 2, the mean difference for DCs with dendrites was −1.0 $$\hbox {cells/mm}^2$$ (95% CI: [−1.79, −0.27]), and for DCs without dendrites it was 0.3 $$\hbox {cells/mm}^2$$ (95% CI: [−1.93, 2.60]). Both manual and automated methods showed significant between-group differences for CNFL ( p =0.012 and p =0.034, respectively) and DC densities ( p =0.005 and p =0.010). The automated approach performed comparably to manual assessment, supporting its potential for reliable, scalable analysis of CNFL and DC in IVCM images.

Cross-species dissection of saline-related genes by genetically deciphering a euryhaline microalga Chlorella sp

Abstract Deciphering adaptation to habitat shifts across the salinity boundary necessitates investigation of “lost” and “acquired” saline genes. By assembling a telomere-to-telomere genome, we propose that the euryhaline Chlorophyta Chlorella sp. MEM25 represents an early-diverging saltwater species that has evolved numerous genes essential for saltwater-freshwater transitions. By comparison with Viridiplantae genomes, we identify ancestral genes and lineage-specific genes related to salinity adaptation. Loss-of-function mutants of the proposed salt-sensitive genes in algae and plants exhibit increased salt resistance, highlighting the potential of the MEM25 genome as a breeding resource. Notably, the gene RMI1 plays an important role in salinity tolerance across species, from microalgae to higher plants.

Analysis of air temperature reduction and indirect carbon savings by strategies of urban green space creation

Intelectin-2 is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial lectin

Abstract Mammals regulate the localization, composition, and activity of their native microbiota at colonization sites. Lectins residing at these sites influence microbial populations, but their functional roles are often unclear. Intelectins are found in chordates at mucosal barriers, but their functions are not well characterized. In this study, we find that mouse intelectin-2 (mItln2) and human intelectin-2 (hItln2) engage and crosslink mucins via carbohydrate recognition. Moreover, both lectins recognize microbes within native microbial communities, including gram-positive and gram-negative isolates from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. This ability to engage mammalian and microbial glycans arises from calcium-coordinated binding of carbohydrate residues within mucus and microbial surfaces. Microbes, but not human cells, bound by mItln2 or hItln2, suffer a loss of viability. These findings underscore the crucial antimicrobial role of mammalian intelectin-2 in mucosal defense, where it plays offensive (microbial killing) and defensive (mucus crosslinking) roles in regulating microbial colonization.

Computational analysis of CCN1 as a druggable target predicts interactions with bioactive compounds

Abstract In silico druggability assessment helps shorten early drug discovery by identifying small molecules worth experimental testing as potential protein modulators. CCN1 is a multifunctional protein involved in various physiological processes and its dysregulation has been implicated in pathological conditions such as aging, fibrosis, inflammation, and cancer. The diverse, and sometimes contradictory, functions of CCN1 make it an important candidate for druggability assessment. In this study, we evaluated its druggability by predicting its 3D structure using AlphaFold 3, identifying binding pockets with Fpocket, and assessing ligand affinity with SwissDock. Our integrative in silico  workflow identified multiple high-confidence druggable pockets within the CCN1 protein, with the top-scoring site located between the thrombospondin type 1 (TSP-1) and C-terminal cystine knot (CTCK) domains. Molecular docking predicted strong interactions with several clinically relevant compounds, including antioxidants and senolytics, with Metformin showing the highest affinity (SwissDock AC score: -200.26). Importantly, these ligand-binding interactions remained stable even after deletion of amino acids forming the predicted pocket and across naturally occurring CCN1 variants arising from SNPs, indicating that CCN1 is a genetically robust drug target. This study is the first to computationally demonstrate the druggability of CCN1 and to identify candidate small molecules with the potential to modulate its activity in aging- and disease-related contexts. Our findings provide both mechanistic insight and a scalable workflow for rapid screening of CCN1-targeted therapeutics.

Osimertinib with or without savolitinib as first-line treatment for MET-aberrant, EGFR-mutant NSCLC: randomized phase 2 trial (FLOWERS)

Intestinal microbiome interactions influence Metarhizium-based biocontrol efficacy against the sugar beet weevil

Abstract The sugar beet weevil is considered one of the most economically important insect pests in sugar beet cultivation. A promising biological control strategy involves the natural interaction between entomopathogenic fungi and arthropods. The successful application of M. brunneum as part of integrated biological control strategies against the sugar beet weevil has already been demonstrated resulting in lethal mycosis. However, the efficacy of this strain is affected by multiple factors. The intestinal microbiome of insects harbours beneficial microbes that possess various functions, such as defence mechanisms against insect-pathogens. Thus, investigating intestinal microbial interactions in combination with Metarhizium -application could reveal microbes that modulate susceptibility to pathogens. This study investigated whether intestinal microbial interactions influence mycosis caused by M. brunneum and M. robertsii . We analysed the intestinal microbiome of both treated and untreated sugar beet weevils, distinguishing between mycotic and non-mycotic individuals at the time of death. Notably, Pantoea and Enterobacter were significantly associated with mycotic individuals and may act as a potential antagonist to Metarhizium . In contrast, healthy individuals harboured diverse microbial communities that may provide a protective barrier against entomopathogens. However, the intestinal microbiome of non-mycotic specimens also comprised genera with presumed insecticidal properties, including Serratia , Penicillium and Cladosporium . The last two were also observed in the intestines of male individuals, which were generally at a higher risk of mortality. Further investigation is needed to confirm their insecticidal potential in the sugar beet weevil. A combined application could improve the efficacy of Metarhizium -based biocontrol, contributing to more sustainable pest management strategies.

Tropical forest carbon sequestration accelerated by nitrogen

Abstract Understanding forest carbon sequestration is crucial for predicting and managing the carbon cycle, yet we lack evidence for whether, when and how the carbon sink in tropical forests recovering from land use change is nutrient limited. Here we show how the tropical forest recovery rate responds to experimental nutrient manipulation over a secondary succession gradient in a naturally recovering Central American landscape. Nutrient limitation of aboveground biomass accumulation shifts from strong nitrogen limitation in young forests to no evidence of nitrogen or phosphorus limitation in older secondary or mature forests. Nitrogen addition increases aboveground biomass accumulation by 95% in recently abandoned pasture and 48% in 10-year-old forests. Conversely, we observe no influence of nitrogen on older forests and no evidence of phosphorus limitation at any stage. If our findings of nitrogen limitation extend to young tropical forests globally, nitrogen could prevent the sequestration of 0.69 (0.47-0.84) Gt CO 2 each year.

Predictive use of environmental regularities requires action relevance

Abstract Efficient navigation often depends on the ability to learn and exploit environmental regularities through predictive motor adjustments. We conducted two virtual reality experiments in which participants walked through a museum corridor towards one of two exit doors. In Experiment 1, a moveable obstacle appeared with high probability on one side depending on the block, but participants could delay their pathway choice until the obstacle became visible. Many adopted a waiting strategy, walking straight until the obstacle appeared and only then adjusting their route. This raised the question of whether this reflected a failure to learn or a strategic delay. In Experiment 2, we introduced a larger static obstacle that forced participants to commit earlier, thereby increasing the cost of late corrections. Under these constraints, nearly all participants consistently selected the correct pathway in anticipation, indicating that the spatial structure could be learned and exploited when early commitment was required. Together, these findings suggest that predictive motor planning does not simply arise from the presence of environmental regularities but reflects an adaptive process of embodied decision-making shaped by task demands, environmental structure, individual strategy preferences, and learning capabilities.

Observation of quantum effects on radiation reaction in strong fields

Heat generation of autologous bone harvesting drills: an in vitro study

Abstract Bone collecting drills are utilized in implantology to harvest autologous bone chips. This study aimed to assess intraosseous and bone chip temperature changes during bone collecting procedures. Auto-Max (Megagen, Luton, UK) drills were evaluated at rotational speeds of 300, 600, 1200, and 2000 revolutions per minute (rpm), each combined with axial loads of 15 N, 20 N, and 25 N, using fresh pig ribs. Axial load along the perpendicular axis was maintained via a dedicated drilling tower. Bone chip temperatures were measured using an infrared non-contact thermometer, whereas donor bone temperatures were monitored with thermocouple sensors positioned 0.5 mm from the osteotomy periphery. Drill wear was assessed through scanning electron microscopy. The highest donor bone temperature observed was 10.1 ± 3.04 °C at 1200 rpm and 25 N. With a 20 N load, temperature increases ranged from 3.01 to 4.84 °C. At 25 N, temperatures at 300 rpm (1.84 ± 0.58 °C) and 600 rpm (6.70 ± 2.64 °C) consistently stayed below 10 °C. Bone chip temperature rises were all under 5 °C. The slowest drilling occurred at 15 N/600 rpm (6.49s), and the fastest at 2000 rpm (< 1.65s). Drill wear was moderate up to 10 uses, but significant after 30, with bone temperatures rising by 240% to an average of 10.22 ± 2.45 °C. With respect to chip temperatures, all evaluated drilling parameters produced maximum temperature elevations below 5 °C. Donor bone temperature increases remained consistently under the theoretical threshold of 10 °C when an axial load of 20 N was applied—regardless of rotational speed—or when drilling at 600 rpm, independent of axial load. It is recommended that drills be replaced prior to 30 uses.

Laser-programmed stiffness and interfaces for textile hybrid electronics

Multiple amplitude wavelength modulation spectroscopy for concomitant measurement of pressure and concentration of methane

Lewis acid-triggered hydroxyl spillover enables selective urea electrooxidation to nitrite with concurrent energy-saving hydrogen production

Immune regulation and lymphangiogenesis by lymphatic endothelial cells in the decidua in severe preeclampsia

Abstract Lymphatic vasculature regulates lymphocyte trafficking and modulates adaptive immunity. Imbalanced immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface may contribute to severe preeclampsia (PE). Impaired placental lymphangiogenesis and immune dysregulation could contribute to PE but supporting evidence is limited. Here, we investigate the association between lymphangiogenesis and immune regulation in severe PE. First, we identified the presence of LYVE1-positive lymphatic vessels in the decidua, and then decidual lymphatic endothelial cells (dLECs) were isolated and cultured from chorioamniotic membranes obtained at cesarean section from women with PE ( n  = 15) and gestational age-matched controls ( n  = 15). The cells were identified by LYVE1, Prox1, and CD31 expression. Gene expression analysis showed the significant different gene expression profiles in PE compared to normal (lymphatic vessel development, immune cell trafficking and T-cell activation regulation). dLECs from PE pregnancies showed substantially reduced migration, adhesion, morphological differentiation, and decreased lymphatic sprouting in a 3D lymphatic ring assay compared with normal. Additionally, they exhibited low chemokine ligand 21 expression, impaired dendritic cell recruitment, and reduced Akt-eNOS-nitric oxide signaling, which suppresses decidual cytotoxic T-cell activation in decidua. Collectively, our findings suggest that impaired lymphatic vessel function and molecular alterations in the decidua may disrupt immune regulation and contribute to severe PE.