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Ethics must keep pace with embryo research
Prediction of peptide cleavage sites using protein language models and graph neural networks
Seed quality as affected by intercropping of Chickpea and L. iberica
Producing high-quality seeds is a significant priority for the agricultural industry and plays a vital role in enhancing and stabilizing crop yields. However, the conditions experienced by a mother plant during seed development and maturation can significantly influence seed quality. Intercropping oilseeds with other crops, especially legumes, may contribute to a sustainable food supply and increase agricultural sustainability and resilience. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effect of intercropping on the quality of seeds from dragon’s head ( Lallemantia iberica ) and chickpea ( Cicer arietinum ) produced under different irrigation regimes and sowing dates. Seeds of chickpea and L. iberica were obtained from the research farm of the Agricultural College of Shahed University in Tehran, Iran, where the maternal plants were grown under: a) three irrigation regimes (irrigation after 20% (I 20 : short interval), 40% (I 40 : medium interval) of soil available water depletion, and supplementary irrigation (IS: long interval) in only two stages, including the sowing and pre-flowering stages, based on a 20% depletion of soil available water); b) the autumn sowing date on November 6 (S 1 ) and the spring sowing date on March 6 (S 2 ); and c) sole system and intercropping treatments included: a) sole system (Ss), and b) intercropping of 50% chickpea: 50% L. iberica (Ic), applied across two consecutive years, 2021–22 and 2022–23. This study found that Ic (I 20 S 1 ) and Ic (I 40 S 1 ) treatments improved germination indexs due to favorable maternal plant conditions. In contrast, Ic (I S S 2 ) and Ic (I S S 1 ) treatments increased stress markers such as hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrical conductivity (EC). Intercropping also enhanced seed nutrient content ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)) and fatty acid levels, which correlated positively with germination indexs. These findings suggest that intercropping systems, especially Ic (I 20 S 1 ) and Ic (I 40 S 1 ) treatments, are an effective strategy for improving seed quality, resilience to water stress, and agricultural sustainability.
Very simple and ultra-sensitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer aptasensor for turn-on C-reactive protein detection in biological matrices
Understanding the effects of real-time head position feedback on postural sway in terms of changes in underlying deterministic and stochastic dynamical processes
Our perceptual systems detect information about how our body is moving relative to the surrounding environment. Such information is essential to our ability to maintain upright standing balance. Real-time postural feedback systems are technologies that appear to enhance our ability to detect information about the movements of our body, and as a consequence improve our capacity to control the posture of our body. Here we examine a system in which real-time measurements of head position were “felt” as changes in the intensity of vibration of tactors in a headband. Using this system, participants were able to stabilize their body posture, showing a reduction in the magnitude of head sway fluctuations of more than 40% under single and dual tasking conditions. To examine this effect, we used a dynamical model that assumes that observed magnitudes of postural fluctuations reflect combined effects of underlying deterministic and stochastic dynamical processes. We derived estimates of model parameters, λ and Q . λ measures attractor strength, it quantifies the influence of the deterministic process that cause postural fluctuations to tend to drift towards a desired state. Q measures noise, it quantifies the destabilizing effects of internal perturbations and background/physiological variability in the postural control system. We find that use of our head position feedback system led to marked increases in attractor strength. This increase in attractor strength was accompanied by a marked increase in noise. When we linearly increased the resolution of feedback—by narrowing the width of the tactor activation function—we observed an approximately linear increase in attractor strength together with a non-linear increase in noise. These results suggest that use of a real-time postural feedback systems can increase the stability of postural control, but that this benefit is limited by significant accompanying exacerbations of noise being introduced into the postural control system.
Don’t overlook the plastic footprint of fireworks
A domed pachycephalosaur from the early Cretaceous of Mongolia
Identifying new blood biomarkers of neuroplasticity associated with rehabilitation outcomes after stroke
The impact of material hardship severity and frequency on health outcomes: Evidence from New York City
Material hardship – the struggle to meet basic household needs – regularly impacts millions of Americans. Despite a growing body of research on the impacts of economic deprivation, a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which the experience of material hardship impacts health is still lacking in extant literature. To address these shortcomings, this manuscript analyzes data from the NYC Poverty Tracker, a longitudinal survey designed to capture the experience of material hardship among New York City residents, to explore the relationship between five major forms of hardship (food, energy, housing, financial, and medical) and physical and mental health outcomes. Findings show a clear association between all five forms of hardship and diminished health outcomes. Further, the frequency (how often), severity, and experience of facing multiple hardship simultaneously is associated with larger negative impacts on how a respondent rates their physical and mental health. These results offer a more detailed, comparative understanding of the way material hardships intersect with health, suggesting the need for targeted policy responses that not only address immediate deprivation but also consider the broader health implications that results for those living under chronic hardship. The findings offer key insights into the literature on health and social welfare in addition to important evidence for policymakers attempting to alleviate the burden of material hardship and improve public health outcomes.
Treat children as citizen co-researchers in health technology
Peroxisomal metabolism of branched fatty acids regulates energy homeostasis
Quadratus lumborum block at lateral supra-arcuate ligament versus erector spinae plane block for perioperative analgesia and postoperative recovery in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: a randomized controlled trial
FOODAlyzer usability: Advances in food safety education
The proliferation of digital technologies offers innovative avenues for public health education. This study evaluates the usability of FOODAlyzer © , a web-based application designed to enhance food safety awareness among Generation Z university students in Peninsular Malaysia. Using a mixed-methods approach, researchers collected data from 419 Gen Z students via online questionnaires. The study comprehensively assessed the app’s effectiveness in improving knowledge, attitudes, and risk perception regarding food poisoning prevention. The results demonstrated significant positive outcomes. Majority of respondents (94.8%) acknowledged FOODAlyzer© utility in selecting quality food premises. The app demonstrated strong performance across key usability metrics, with participants reporting high levels of interactivity, accessibility, and ease of learning. Notably, 89.7% of respondents expressed intentions to utilize the app before ordering food, and 90.6% would recommend it to others. While the app demonstrated strong potential, user feedback revealed critical areas for improvement, which were categorized into two main themes: Technical enhancements and food safety education advancements. Key findings highlighted five technical improvement themes. Users called for greater accessibility and inclusivity, including multilingual support, a dedicated mobile app, and features accommodating diverse age groups. Suggestions for interface design focused on improving icon clarity, tooltip implementation, and visual readability. To boost engagement, users recommended an interactive experience with embedded multimedia, peer review systems, and instant feedback mechanisms. Enhancements in functionality, such as a more reliable system and streamlined login process, were also prioritized. Finally, users proposed interconnectedness with external services and government platforms to extend its reach and credibility. Regarding food safety education, three key themes emerge. Users suggested enhancing educational content with clearer criteria to educate both consumers and premise owners. Incorporating reward-based motivation through gamification, quizzes, and promotional incentives was recommended to encourage consistent use. Finally, users emphasized the need for clearer evaluation tools, advocating for simplified question formats, intuitive scales and reduced questionnaire length to minimize user fatigue and improve accuracy. This research provides a user-centered roadmap for developing effective digital public health tools. By addressing these identified limitations and incorporating stakeholder feedback, FOODAlyzer © can be optimized to better serve as a model for future digital interventions aimed at improving food safety practices among young adults and the broader community.
Correction: A DFT study of the effect of strain on the structural and electronic properties of perovskite APbBr3 (A = K, Rb, and Cs)
Correction: A comprehensive crop suitability assessment under modern irrigation system in arid croplands
Plants have a secret language that scientists are only now starting to decipher
Comprehensive lipid analysis of human meibum and tears
Reaching internal consensus: Decision-making by transgender and plural people
People who identify as both transgender and plural (more than one person sharing a body), including those with a diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder, make decisions related to gender identity and presentation, and may engage with healthcare providers to receive gender affirming care. Internal decision-making by people experiencing plurality has not been studied extensively. Furthermore, the existing literature on plural decision-making does not address the intersection of transgender identity and the associated choices to be made about external gender expression or shared body modifications. Using a community-based participatory research design and a non-pathologizing lens, the research team interviewed 15 transgender and plural participants. Through thematic analysis, three themes were developed, describing the context of conflict, collective decision-making processes, and solutions that promoted harmony within plural systems. Plural participants were able to effectively navigate decision-making regarding harmful societal narratives about transgender identity, external gender presentation, and receiving gender-affirming medical care. Recommendations from the data serve to assist clinicians in understanding and supporting affirming, autonomous and informed decision-making by trans and plural clients.