Gate-Tunable Highly Linear Bipolar Photoresponse in Se@SWCNT Adaptive Neurons for Dynamically Programmable Neuromorphic Computing.

The development of tunable and highly controllable photoconductive devices for brain-inspired optical neuromorphic systems remains challenging. Previous neuromorphic devices are limited by asymmetric and nonlinear conductive properties, which impose specific restrictions on training tasks and weight learning rules in dynamic and complex visual environments. A programmable synaptic transistor based on a Se@SWCNT 1D van der Waals heterojunction, enabling gate-controlled positive and negative responses is presented.

Locked Nucleic Acid Modification for Base-Stacking Engineering of Self-Assembled DNA Crystals.

DNA hybridization and assembly processes are governed by the concerted effects of Watson-Crick pairing and base-stacking interactions. While sequence engineering and chemical modifications have been extensively exploited to regulate DNA hybridization processes and complex structural assembly of DNA, here we demonstrate the use of locked nucleic acid (LNA) modifications to finely tune base-stacking interactions, which are yet to be explored in DNA assembly processes, to program the growth of self-assembled DNA crystals. We find that sticky-end LNA modifications decrease base-pair spacing and enhance base-stacking energy, which synergistically improves interstrand affinity and accelerates hybridization rate constants, as revealed by strand displacement kinetics, molecular dynamics simulations, and small-angle X-ray scattering analysis.

Amplifying Intermetal Bias of Pt-Rh Alloy Nanolayers for Facilitated Hydrogen Inter-Diffusion and Evolution.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer driven by renewable electricity has been regarded as a sustainable energy production technology, but is greatly limited by the high cost and unsatisfactory durability of noble metal catalysts. Here, we present the proof-of-concept application of the amplified intermetal bias in PtRh alloy nanolayer to promote the intrinsic catalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction and the lifespan of the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer. Both experimental and theoretical results revealed the key role of the intermetal bias between Pt and Rh amplified by the rectifying contact with nitrogen-doped carbons support in accelerating the pre-enrichment of protons on Rh sites, diffusion of H species from Rh to Pt sites, and final H dissociation from Pt sites.

Self-Healable and Recyclable Bio-Based Crosslinked Polyimide Hybrid Dielectrics Enabled by Molecular Chain Tailoring.

Growing environmental concerns about petrochemical plastics are driving the need to explore green and sustainable alternative materials. Polyimide (PI), as a typical petrochemical material, has a unique ordered molecular structure and tightly entangled molecular chains, making it difficult to heat form, and the recycling back to their original form is virtually impossible after damage. To overcome these obstacles and create next-generation sustainable dielectrics, a strategy to realize the partial disassociation and reassembly of imine bonds in PI via constructing a dynamic covalent network is proposed, thereby endowing PI hybrid dielectric with self-healable and recyclable abilities.

Development of Bio-Based Active Film by the Functional Modification of Pig Collagen and Incorporated With Gallic Acid.

This study investigated the synergistic effects of enzymatic hydrolysis and glycosylation on pig collagen (PC) films and the further enhancement of these films by the incorporation of gallic acid (GA). The aim of the study was to develop bio-based active films with improved functional properties for potential food packaging applications, particularly in preserving pork. The glucose hydrolyze PC (HG-PC) complex film and the GA composites (GA-HG-PC) film were prepared, and their structural, mechanical, water sensitivity, and color properties were thoroughly evaluated.

Identification of yield-related QTLs and their applications using DH population in maize.

Background: Kernel row number (KRN) and ear length (EL) are key traits that contributes greatly to grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.). Although some quantitative trait loci (QTL) for KRN or EL have been identified, few have been effectively utilized in breeding.

Silencing the serine/threonine kinase Akt gene disrupts reproductive physiology in Sogatella furcifera and confers RNAi-mediated insect resistance in rice.

Background: The white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera, is a major destructive pest of rice globally. Plant-mediated RNA-interference (RNAi) is an innovative crop protection method where transgenic plants express insect-specific double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) to induce RNAi-mediated gene silencing in target pests. The serine/threonine kinase Akt is a crucial component of the insulin signaling pathway, essential for controlling insect metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

Photoinduced Cation Coupled Electron Transfer for Efficient Ionic Power Harvesting Based on CNT/MoS Heterostructures.

Inspired from the light-driven proton-coupled electron transfer during photosynthesis in green plants, an engineered CNT/MoS biomimetic nanofluidic system has been successfully developed, which achieves photo-activated ion transport in iso-concentration electrolytes through synergistic photothermal-photoelectric coupling. Under light irradiation, localized photothermal effects in CNT generate a temperature gradient, driving thermophoretic ion migration, while the same irradiation triggers a MoS-mediated surface charge gradient via photoexcited carrier redistribution, encompassing both vertical charge transfer and horizontal carrier diffusion. The resultant dual gradients of surface charge asymmetry and temperature differential cooperatively drive autonomous ion pumping.

Emerging applications of sustainable modified CdO/Ag-CdO NPs for electrochemical sensitive and selective detection of mercury (Hg) heavy metal.

The sensitivity of developed electrode has gained significant attention for potential energy storage and electrochemical sensor activities. The modified nano-CdO/Ag-CdO-carbon paste electrodes were developed for electrochemical detection of mercury (Hg) heavy metal. The synthesized samples were well characterized through PXRD (Powder X-ray diffraction), SEM-EDAX (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis), XPS (X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy), FT-IR (Fourier transform Infra-Red), and UV-Visible spectroscopy.

Early microglial and astrocyte reactivity in preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: The role of neuroinflammation in preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear.

Methods: We assessed changes in microglial and astrocytic biomarkers in a well-characterized cohort of 211 cognitively unimpaired individuals. Structural equation modeling was used to simultaneously assess all relationships among microglial and astrocytic responses and AD pathological events.

Electric Field-Induced Underwater-Oil Diode on a Janus-Porous Ion-Doped Polypyrrole Membrane.

Directional liquid transport on the surface is of great significance in liquid collection, transfer, and separation. Despite extensive research on surface wetting control, achieving unidirectional liquid permeation on material surfaces under water remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate that electric field-induced unidirectional oil permeation can be achieved on a Janus-porous ion-doped polypyrrole membrane (Janus-PIPM).

Water-in-Fluorous Solvent Microemulsions: Media for (Bio)molecular Solvation.

Evidence for the formation of stable water pools within fluorous solvents (perfluorodecalin, perfluoromethylcyclohexane, and perfluorooctane) facilitated by a perfluorinated emulsifier perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHA) under ambient conditions is presented. The presence of water-in-fluorous solvent (w/fluorous) microemulsions (MEs) is initially established with visual inspection and by constructing a pseudo-ternary phase diagram followed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and FTIR absorbance data analysis. DLS and SAXS measurements show that the hydrodynamic diameter () and radius of gyration () increase significantly with increase in water content.

Metabolite Production and Extraction of Indole Compound From the Tomato Endophyte sp. VITGV100.

Endophytic actinomycetes, particularly species, have gained significant attention due to their potential to produce novel bioactive compounds. In this study, we isolated and characterized an endophytic sp. VITGV100 from the tomato plant (), employing the direct streak method and whole-genome sequencing.

Transmembrane nanogold energy transfer ruler enables synchronized projecting of receptor dimerization-phosphorylation signaling.

Nanoscale dimerization geometries dictate transmembrane receptor phosphorylation dynamics, yet current methods fail to directly correlate spatial receptor organization with real-time phosphorylation states . Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation, essential for cellular signaling, is dynamically controlled by dimerization at the nanoscale, but existing tools cannot simultaneously resolve spatial dimer configurations and phosphorylation activity. Here, we developed a transmembrane nanogold surface energy transfer ruler (T-Nanoruler) to enable tracking of RTK activation.

Long-term performance of low-cost free chlorine sensors to monitor on-site water reuse.

Water scarcity increasingly challenges the supply of sufficient quantities of safe water for human consumption. On-site water reuse systems can contribute to mitigating the effects of water scarcity by closing water cycles locally. However, broader adoption of on-site water reuse is constrained by the high cost of water quality monitoring.

An ingenious design from nature to accelerate the repair of long-bone critical defects: the longitudinal tubular transverse interconnection structure of deer antlers.

Deer antlers, the only mammalian bony organs capable of complete regeneration, exhibit a growth rate of 2.7 cm/day, far surpassing human long bones (1 mm/day). Long-bone critical defects (LBCDs) occur when defects exceed intrinsic healing capacity.

Apathy and affective symptoms associated with elevated plasma neurofilament light but not p-tau181 in Alzheimer's disease.

Introduction: Apathy and affective neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are prevalent in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet their neurobiological cause is still unclear. We examined associations between plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) and tau pathology (p-tau181) with apathy and affective symptoms in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD dementia.

Methods: This longitudinal study analyzed data from 781 participants with MCI and AD dementia enrolled in ADNI, with annual blood samples collected over 4 years.

Decoding the Molecular Mechanism of Bioactive Compounds Derived from Microalgae via Transcriptomics Data and Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis.

Introduction: Microalgae, with their high photosynthetic efficiency and sustainability, hold promise to produce bioactive compounds, chemicals, cosmetics, and biofuels. This study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of bioactive compounds from microalgae using integrative bioinformatics approaches to identify their potential therapeutic applications.

Methods: Gene expression profiles from the GSE113144 and GSE115827 datasets were retrieved from the GEO database using keywords such as liver disease, microalgae, and bioactive compounds.

Fabrication of Zwitterionized Nanocellulose/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Hydrogels Derived from Camellia Oleifera Shells for High-Performance Flexible Sensing.

To address the growing demand for environmentally friendly flexible sensors, here, a composite hydrogel of nanocellulose (NC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was designed and fabricated using shells as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based raw materials. Firstly, NC was extracted from shells and modified with 2-chloropropyl chloride to obtain a nanocellulose-based initiator (Init-NC) for atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Subsequently, sulfonyl betaine methacrylate (SBMA) was polymerized by Init-NC initiating to yield zwitterion-functionalized nanocellulose (NC-PSBMA).

CNN-Based Automatic Tablet Classification Using a Vibration-Controlled Bowl Feeder with Spiral Torque Optimization.

This paper proposes a drug classification system using convolutional neural network (CNN) training and rotational pill dropping technology. Images of 40 pills for each of 102 types (total 4080 images) were captured, achieving a CNN classification accuracy of 88.8%.

Unlocking the African bioeconomy and strengthening biodiversity conservation through genomics and bioinformatics.

The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) is a Pan-African initiative aimed at improving food systems and biodiversity conservation through genomics while ensuring equitable data sharing and benefits. The Open Institute is the knowledge exchange platform of the AfricaBP, which aims to bridge local knowledge gaps in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics and enable infrastructural developments. In 2024, the AfricaBP Open Institute advanced this mission by organizing 31 workshops that attracted more than 3500 registered attendees across 50 African countries, provided training to 401 African researchers in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, sample collections and biobanking, and ethical considerations, across all five African geographical regions involving 40 African and non-African organizations.

A novel deep learning-based brain age prediction framework for routine clinical MRI scans.

Physiological brain aging is associated with cognitive impairment and neuroanatomical changes. Brain age prediction of routine clinical 2D brain MRI scans were understudied and often unsuccessful. We developed a novel brain age prediction framework for clinical 2D T1-weighted MRI scans using a deep learning-based model trained with research grade 3D MRI scans mostly from publicly available datasets (N = 8681; age = 51.

Ameliorative Effect of Heat-Killed Q1 (LPQ1) on Lipid Accumulation: Integration of Network Pharmacology with and Experiments.

Lipid metabolism disorders are expanding at an alarming rate worldwide pressuring the entire healthcare system. Therefore, exploring effective therapeutic treatments for lipid metabolism disorders is a hot spot in research. The therapeutic effects of paraprobiotics on obesity are still not fully explored through the integration of network pharmacology analysis with in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm their beneficial effect.

Tomato ripeness prediction using low resolution portable spectrometer and machine learning.

Tomato ripeness assessment is critical to ensure optimal product quality. This study proposes a novel approach to predict total soluble solids (TSS) and firmness, and classify tomato ripeness using a low-resolution AS7265x portable spectrometer combined with machine learning techniques. Prediction models for TSS and firmness were developed using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), while ripeness classification used Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN).

Ultra-Fast Electrochemical Expansion for Rapid Enhancement of Graphite Paper Electrode.

Graphite paper is widely used in energy storage systems such as batteries and supercapacitors due to its availability, cost, and excellent chemical and thermal stability. However, its hydrophobic surface and dense structure limit electrolytic ion diffusion in aqueous supercapacitors, reducing electrochemical performance. To address these issues, graphite paper was treated with mild acid solution and electrochemically oxidized for varying durations to enhance its properties for high-performance supercapacitors.