Browse Articles

Microbiome and resistome of the European bison (Bison bonasus)

Abstract After facing extinction in the early 20th century, populations of the two remnant genetic lines of European bison are now under continuous health monitoring. Faecal samples were taken from five Polish and one German herd of European bison over the course of several years. Through metagenomic sequencing, the bacterial and archaeal microbiome as well as the resistome of these samples could be characterized. Significant differences were mainly found between the bacterial microbiome of samples taken from droppings as opposed to rectal samples. Apart from this, the microbiome and resistome had low differentiation, showing no significant influence of individual factors or location. Oscillospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidaceae were the dominant bacterial families, the archaeome was mostly made up by Methanobacteriaceae. Genes from resistance classes like Aminoglycosides and Macrolide, Lincosamide and Streptogramine were present. This study characterises the microbiome and resistome of the European bison with the help of metagenomics, providing novel insights into its biology.

Circuit‐Free Cardiovascular Monitoring via Smartphone‐Readable Skin‐Interfaced Nanophotonic Films

ABSTRACT Nanoscale mechano‐optical surfaces enable electronics‐free strain sensing, attractive for skin‐interfaced devices, yet reported implementations require laser/spectrometer interrogation, negating this advantage. Here, we report electrically passive mechanical transduction of arterial pulsation into diffractive colour shifts read by unmodified smartphone cameras, enabled by a dual‐function monolithic poly‐dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film. Using large‐area double‐sided nanoimprinting, we achieve a strain‐sensitive nanophotonic surface on one face of the film and a bio‐inspired 3D structural adhesive on the other. We measure strain‐dependent optical response and reproduce it in color‐mixing optical simulations. In uniaxial cyclic loading tests, 2% strain produces a 9% RGB‐intensity modulation, stable over 1000 cycles. Further, 3D structuring improves adhesive shear strength by 65% on skin over flat PDMS. Hand‐held smartphone recordings in humans ( n = 13) resolve sub‐beat hemodynamics in agreement with clinical reference (per‐beat waveform ρ = 0.94 ± 0.03), exceeding established non‐invasive techniques such as active reflectance photoplethysmography (PPG), imaging PPG, and piezoelectric pulse‐force sensors in simultaneous recordings. Importantly, mechanical transduction at the elastomer–air interface presents an optical cardiovascular monitoring approach agnostic to dermal‐melanin, a known PPG confounder. Together, these advances establish camera‐readable mechanochromic elastomers as versatile materials platforms for wearable cardiovascular monitoring, point‐of‐care diagnostics, and electronics‐free human‐machine interfaces.

Piperazine linked chitosan schiff base nanoparticles as a novel antibiofilm and antibacterial strategy against clinically relevant pathogens

Abstract The development of multifunctional antimicrobial materials capable of targeting both planktonic bacteria and biofilm-associated infections remains a critical challenge in combating antimicrobial resistance. In this study, a novel piperazine-linked chitosan Schiff base (Cs-TPA-PiP) and its ionically crosslinked nanoparticle formulation (Cs-TPA-PiP NPs) were synthesized and structurally characterized. The antimicrobial potential of both Cs-TPA-PiP and Cs-TPA-PiP NPs was evaluated against a panel of nine standard clinically significant bacterial strains. The compounds demonstrated significant and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values demonstrated potent efficacy, with Cs-TPA-PiP and its Cs-TPA-PiP NPs ranging from 0.63 to 2.50 mg/mL and 1.00–5.00 mg/mL, respectively. Notably, both agents exhibited a strong dose-dependent inhibitory effect on biofilm formation. While Cs-TPA-PiP showed lower MIC values against planktonic cells, the corresponding Cs-TPA-PiP NPs with an ultra-small spherical size of 15.6 nm exhibited superior antibiofilm performance, ranging from 73.00% to 95.00% inhibition of biofilm biomass at 1× MIC in strong biofilm-producing strains. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed severe morphological alterations and membrane disruption in treated bacterial cells, consistent with a membrane-targeting mechanism. In silico molecular docking studies suggested that the compound has favorable binding affinity for the critical bacterial cell wall target, Sortase A, thereby identifying it as a potential theoretical target requiring further validation. Our findings collectively establish Cs-TPA-PiP and its Cs-TPA-PiP NPs as effective antibacterial and anti-biofilm candidates, with their activity primarily attributed to membrane disruption. The proposed role of Sortase A inhibition remains hypothetical and warrants further investigation. These findings highlight their potential as multifunctional antibacterial platforms for managing biofilm-associated and resistant bacterial infections.

Hydrogen‐Bond Mediated Synthesis of Conductive Quantum Dots for All‐Ink Optoelectronic Devices

ABSTRACT Short‐chain molecular ligands (SMLs) are favored for producing colloidal quantum dot (CQD) inks for solution‐processed optoelectronics, since they enable more efficient charge transport than conventional long‐chain ligands. However, their weak steric or electrostatic stabilization makes CQD inks vulnerable to aggregation or coalescence. To overcome this challenge, here we report a hydrogen‐bond‐mediated strategy for preparing SML‐capped CQD inks with excellent colloidal stability and solution processibility. Through theoretical and experimental evaluation of hydrogen‐bond strengths across polar organic solvents and small thiol molecules, we identify 1‐thioglycerol (TG) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as an optimal pair. This combination enables one‐step synthesis of CQDs of binary, ternary, and quaternary metal sulfide under ambient conditions, while strong ligand‐solvent hydrogen bonding ensures robust colloidal stability. Optoelectronic devices fabricated by stacking these p‐type PbS CQDs on n‐type PbS CQDs achieve a record power conversion efficiency of 12.2% solar cells in all‐ink‐processed devices and an enhanced detectivity of 9.4 × 10 11 Jones in near‐infrared photodetectors. This hydrogen‐bond‐mediated approach demonstrates a straightforward and cost‐effective route to produce p‐type PbS CQD conductive inks, holding great promise for advancing all‐ink scalable‐manufacturing optoelectronic devices.

Genome mining and computational prioritization of a promising L-Asparaginase candidate from Pseudomonas asiatica strain PNPG3

Specific Position of Halogen in Crystalline TADF Scintillators Enables Efficient Triplet Harvesting Through Vibrational Modulation of Spin–Orbit Coupling

ABSTRACT Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) offers a powerful route for harvesting triplet excitons in organic scintillators, yet achieving simultaneously small singlet–triplet gaps and efficient spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in rigid molecular crystals remains a fundamental challenge. Here we demonstrate that targeted halogen substitution can activate vibrationally assisted spin‐flip channels that dramatically enhance triplet harvesting in crystalline donor‐acceptor emitters, tailoring them for scintillators with higher light yield and faster response times. Using DMAC‐TRZ derivatives bearing fluorine or chlorine substituents, we combine single‐crystal structural analysis, temperature‐resolved photoluminescence, radioluminescence spectroscopy, and quantum‐chemical calculations to reveal how subtle changes in halogen chemistry control excited‐state dynamics. Fluorination lowers the rISC activation barrier to 7.1 meV, consistent with an almost degenerate emissive singlet–triplet manifold, whereas chlorine additionally introduces dynamic SOC enhancement mediated by Cl‐atom vibrations within the crystal lattice. As a result, the chlorinated crystal exhibits an exceptionally small E a of 3.9 meV, (sub)microsecond‐scale delayed fluorescence, and a scintillation yield of 26 000 photons MeV −1 . These results reveal a powerful, targeted approach to achieving near S 1 ‐T 1 degeneracy combined with vibrationally activated heavy‐atom effects, enabling high‐performance TADF scintillators in organic crystals.

A soliton based hybrid image encryption technique using Cellular Automata and DNA encoding

Encapsulating Hollow Perovskite Fluorides in Atomic Mn‐Embedded N‐Doped Carbon Fibers for Anode‐Less 5 V‐Class Li Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Anode‐less Li metal batteries (ALLMBs) guarantee high energy density but face critical challenges such as dendrite growth, large volume change, and energy density sacrifice imposed by heavy Cu current collectors. Herein, we report a three‐dimensional (3D) lightweight host comprising N‐doped carbon macroporous fibers encapsulating atomically dispersed Mn‐N sites and hollow NaMg(Mn)F 3 cubes (NMMF@Mn/N‐CMFs) for ALLMBs. The well‐dispersed Mn‐N sites and hollow NMMF cubes function as lithiophilic nucleation sites to promote uniform Li nucleus growth on both the external and internal surfaces of the hollow fibers. The 3D macroporous networks and internal hollow structures mitigate structural stress and uniformize Li growth by accommodating volume change and decreasing local current density. As a result, the NMMF@Mn/N‐CMFs host displays an average Coulombic efficiency of 98.9% for 1500 cycles at 5.0 mA cm −2 . When paired with a LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 cathode, the assembled 5 V‐class anode‐less pouch cell delivers enhanced stability with 95.8% capacity retention over 120 cycles. Besides, a 0.31 Ah pouch cell under anode‐less conditions shows an energy density of 536 Wh kg −1 , calculated based on the active materials of electrodes.

Ecological water requirements and the water–carbon–economy coupling in rubber plantations: estimation and optimization in Southwestern China

Confined Solid‐State Polyiodide Deposition Enables Durable Electrochromic Smart Windows

ABSTRACT Electrochromic smart windows are promising for dynamic building energy management. Yet, conventional ion‐intercalation systems suffer from structural degradation, while reversible metal electrodeposition systems are limited by dendrite growth and poor durability. Here, we report a Zn‐coupled electrochemical device, enabled by coordination‐governed reversible polyiodide deposition. By introducing a highly symmetric tetramethylammonium cation ([N 1111 ] + ), precise spatial matching with linear I 5 − is achieved, inducing the formation of a highly stable solid‐state [N 1111 ] + I 5 − complex. This effectively suppresses the shuttle effect of polyiodides and enables highly reversible I − /I 5 − conversion. Meanwhile, [N 1111 ] + further regulates the solvation structure at the Zn electrode via interfacial adsorption, constructing a water‐deficient inner Helmholtz layer that promotes uniform Zn 2+ deposition. Benefiting from the synergistic stabilization of the solid‐state polyiodide deposition/dissolution and reversible Zn plating/stripping process, the assembled device delivers a high optical contrast of 75.5% at 650 nm, fast switching speeds (3.9/6.5 s), and 84.9% retention after 20 000 cycles. The device blocks 93.6% of solar irradiation in the colored state, enabling a 4°C–10°C cooling effect and 16.4% annual energy savings. This work establishes a new design paradigm for Zn‐coupled electrochromic devices based on confined solid‐state polyiodide chemistry, providing a promising strategy for constructing durable and scalable smart windows.

Sugar-based natural deep eutectic solvent immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for one-pot synthesis of xanthene derivatives

Far‐Infrared Hyperbolic Phonon–Polaritons in Zirconium Disulfide

ABSTRACT Group‐IVB transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently emerged as a promising material platform for extreme light confinement, with Hf‐based compounds demonstrating confinement factors exceeding two orders of magnitude in the far‐infrared. As a complementary Zr‐based member of this material family, zirconium disulfide () combines a comparably broad first Reststrahlen band with semiconducting electronic character, providing a wide spectral window for phonon‐dominated far‐infrared hyperbolic polaritonics. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of far‐infrared hyperbolic phonon polaritons in the group‐IVB TMD using a resonator‐assisted far‐field spectroscopy platform. An unpatterned flake integrated with a metallic ribbon array forms a phonon polariton resonator, enabling efficient far‐field excitation of phonon polaritons while suppressing extrinsic scattering losses. This high coupling efficiency enables far‐field observation of multiple polaritonic resonances beyond the fundamental branch. The large normalized light–matter coupling strength of enables ultrahigh in‐plane momenta, with effective refractive indices as high as 223. Despite this extreme confinement, linewidth analysis indicates that the measured damping is primarily governed by intrinsic propagation loss, corresponding to a sub‐picosecond polariton lifetime. These results establish as a van der Waals hyperbolic material platform for ultraconfined far‐infrared phonon polaritons and highlight the potential of group‐IVB TMDs for compact far‐infrared nanophotonic and thermal photonic applications.

Challenges of implementing plasma cfDNA HPV testing in resource limited settings for locally advanced cervical cancer

Metal Oxide Nano‐Interface Boosting the Deep Ultraviolet Adjustable Noise‐Filtering In‐Sensor Computing

ABSTRACT Long‐afterglow light‐emitting devices (LALEDs), which combine the capabilities of sensing, memory, processing, and display integration, allow for the simultaneous implementation of optical and electrical in‐sensor computing. However, the inherently low conductivity of conventional deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) responsive materials hinders their use in the DUV‐responsive LALEDs (DUV‐LALEDs). Herein, we demonstrate that sol‐gel‐fractured indium‐magnesium oxide (InMgO) concurrently exhibits ideal nano‐interface for DUV photon absorption and semiconductor crystal for efficient charge transport via hopping, enabling to reach high mobility (0.6 cm 2 V −1 s −1 ), excellent memory dynamic range (70 dB), and responsivity (523.7 A/W). The InMgO‐based DUV‐LALEDs display an electrical and optical post‐synaptic output when irradiated with DUV light. Moreover, hardware‐level noise‐filtering processes to the pre‐synaptic weight are revealed in the DUV‐LALEDs, emerging as the inhibition of light emission due to the insufficient post‐synaptic charge injection from the channel layer. Consequently, an adjustable noise‐filtering in‐sensor computing is successfully achieved by modulating the channel length. By taking advantage of the DUV‐LALED multifunctional nature, fusion‐node reservoir computing networks are employed to accomplish multi‐dimensional recognition tasks, displaying a high recognition accuracy of 99%. These findings demonstrate that the joint materials and devices optimization is a powerful strategy for fabricating cost‐efficient DUV analytical chips.

A network analysis of physical activity, self-control, problematic social media use, and sleep disturbance in college students

Single Atoms Functioning as Catalysts Inside Living Matter

ABSTRACT Single‐atom catalysts represent the ultimate limit of materials miniaturization, yet their functionality has been confined to well‐defined abiotic environments. Whether atomically dispersed metal centers can preserve catalytic identity within the chemically crowded, dynamically regulated milieu of living matter remains unknown. Here we show that Fe–N x single atoms embedded in graphene quantum dots operate as catalytic entities inside the cytoplasm of bacteria. Following cellular internalization, these isolated sites establish a light‐driven intracellular redox cycle that accelerates NADH oxidation while maintaining cellular viability. Time‐resolved fluorescence measurements reveal pronounced excited‐state quenching in the biohybrid, supporting close material–cell coupling and light‐driven charge consumption within the cellular environment. The resulting perturbation propagates through endogenous biochemical networks, producing a programmable redistribution of reducing equivalents and enhanced succinate biosynthesis without genetic modification. Structural analyses confirm that atomic dispersion of Fe centers is preserved under biological conditions. These findings demonstrate that atomically defined materials can function within living systems while retaining both structural integrity and catalytic activity, thereby extending single‐atom catalysis from abiotic interfaces to biological environments. Living matter thus emerges as a viable reaction field for atomic‐scale materials, opening opportunities for designing functional materials capable of operating within complex biological settings.

Nitrogen-doped transition-metal biochars from wheat straw and coffee grounds for aqueous Cr(VI) removal

Giant‐Exchange‐Driven Vectorial Control of a Minimal Topological Magnet in Eu ₃ In ₂ As ₄

ABSTRACT The interplay between magnetism and band topology provides a route to controlling quantum states of matter, yet its realization in materials is often constrained by weak exchange coupling and complex electronic structures. Here, a giant exchange coupling is identified in the newly predicted topological magnet Eu 3 In 2 As 4 , giving rise to magnetization‐dependent band shifts of up to 300 meV. Together with its intrinsically soft magnetic response, this strong coupling enables systematic tuning of topological phases by both the magnitude and orientation of applied magnetic fields. The magneto‐topological phase diagram is mapped out in which an antiferromagnetic topological insulator ground state evolves, under modest fields, into a proposed intermediate 2/3‐ferrimagnetic phase, and further into fully polarized ferromagnetic states predicted to host either Weyl or nodal‐ring semimetals. Notably, the Weyl phase corresponds to a minimal model hosting a single pair of Weyl nodes. Quantum oscillations, anomalous Hall transport and magneto‐infrared spectroscopy consistently reveal exchange‐driven band reconstruction across these transitions. Rotation of the magnetization theoretically provides an efficient means to tune the momentum‐space positions and separations of the Weyl nodes. These results establish Eu 3 In 2 As 4 as a model system for exploring how strong exchange coupling can be used to control topological band structures with minimal complexity.

Pathogenic bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in odontogenic facial cellulitis among Egyptian patients: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Odontogenic facial cellulitis is the most common facial space infection worldwide, originating from untreated dental caries and progressing to life-threatening complications. This stems from the polymicrobial nature of the disease, along with the widespread and over-the-counter misuse of antibiotics in Egypt. This study aims to identify the pathogenic bacterial species involved in odontogenic facial cellulitis in an Egyptian patient sample. Forty-four samples were collected from patients presenting with odontogenic facial cellulitis. Bacterial profiles were investigated using selective media, Gram staining/colony identification, biochemical tests, and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standardized antibiotic susceptibility testing. Resistant strains (≥ 3 agents) were identified using 16 S rRNA sequencing and deposited in the NCBI GenBank. Odontogenic cellulitis originated primarily from lower posterior teeth, specifically the lower first molar, and spread commonly in the submandibular and submental spaces. Regarding bacterial profile, the Gram-positive cocci were the predominant ones. Complete resistance to metronidazole was reported, while previous antibiotic administration showed no statistically significant association with susceptibility to amoxicillin and clindamycin. Among multidrug-resistant isolates, 16 S rRNA sequencing identified predominantly Bacillus , Enterococcus , and Staphylococcus species. Two isolates showed < 90% identity to known species, suggesting possible novel taxa and informing empirical therapy through phenotypic resistance profiles.

Uniaxial Strain Tuned Magnetism of the Altermagnet Candidate H‐FeS

ABSTRACT Altermagnets are a newly recognized class of magnetic materials characterized by compensated spin configurations while still breaking time‐reversal symmetry and exhibiting unconventional transport phenomena. Hexagonal FeS (h‐FeS) is a recently identified altermagnet candidate that shows a spontaneous anomalous Hall effect (AHE) accompanied by a tiny net magnetization. Here, we show that both the spontaneous AHE and magnetization can be effectively suppressed by an in‐plane compressive strain. Since neutron diffraction measurements show that the applied uniaxial strain only modifies the in‐plane domain population but does not affect the in‐plane magnetic structure, the major effect of the applied strain is to tune the small ‐axis ferromagnetic moment. Our results demonstrate a strong correlation between the tiny net magnetization and the spontaneous AHE in h‐FeS, and show that uniaxial strain provides an effective knob to tune both properties in this altermagnet candidate for spintronic applications.