Machine learning-powered fluorescent sensor arrays for rapid detection of heavy metals and pesticides in complex environments.

The co-contamination of multiple pollutants in complex environmental matrices poses a significant threat to ecosystems and public health, necessitating advanced detection methods. In this study, we developed a machine learning-powered chemical sensor array capable of simultaneously identifying and discriminating nine heavy metal(loid)s (Cr[III], Cd[II], Hg[II], Pb[II], Co[II], Zn[II], Mn[II], As[III], and Se[VI]) and five pesticides (propiconazole, penconazole, cyproconazole, indoxacarb, and azoxystrobin). Using three distinct copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) with unique ligand-based binding affinities, the system generated characteristic fluorescent "fingerprints".

Chiral Pesticides Selectively Influence the Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes: An Overlooked Environmental Risk.

The global spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) poses a critical threat to public health and environmental safety. Among environmental factors, the widespread use of chiral pesticides has raised ecological concerns, yet their enantioselective impacts on ARG propagation remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigate how chiral pesticides influence microbial ARG dissemination at the enantiomeric level.

Photoaged nanoplastics with multienzyme-like activities significantly shape the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes.

Nanoplastics (NPs), identified as emerging pollutants, pose a great risk to environment and global public health, exerting profound influences on the prevalence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Despite evidence suggesting that nano-sized plastic particles can facilitate the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ARGs, it is imperative to explore strategies for inhibiting the transfer of ARGs. Currently, limited information exists regarding the characteristics of environmentally aged NPs and their impact on ARGs propagation.

Exploring the effect and mechanism of Hibiscus sabdariffa on urinary tract infection and experimental renal inflammation.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., also known as roselle, is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem in long-term care facilities.