Diatom-inspired hierarchical carbon catalysts advance sustainable water decontamination via electron transfer-driven peroxide activation.

Catalysts for heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in water remediation face environmental sustainability challenges, due to the intensive production of catalysts and limited stability of catalysts while maintaining high efficiency. Herein, we design a biomimetic carbon catalyst (BCC) inspired by the diatom frustule valve structure, achieving high environmental sustainability while maintaining superior water decontamination performance by a non-radical direct electron transfer (DET) pathway through activating peracetic acid (PAA). Utilizing a hydrogen-bonding strategy, BCC features pillared layered hierarchical pores with an ultrahigh specific surface area of 2710.

Higher chlorine dosage does not consistently enhance antibiotic resistance mitigation in the Cl-UV process.

Health problems arising from antibiotic resistance are a global concern. The Cl-UV disinfection process has shown potential for controlling antibiotic resistance in water; however, the influence of disinfectant dosage on its effectiveness remains insufficiently understood. Can antibiotic resistance be controlled by simply increasing the disinfectant dosage? This study demonstrated that higher disinfectant levels improved antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) removal, with certain ARGs reaching 1.

Optically encoded microspheres in liquid-phase suspension array technology for immunoluminescence diagnostics: A review.

Liquid-phase suspension array technology (SAT), based on optically encoded microspheres, overcomes limitations of traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence detection techniques via meeting high-throughput and multiplexing demands in biosensing and diagnosis. It demonstrates significant advantages in terms of accuracy, speed, sensitivity, and multiplex detection capabilities, and has become an emerging research hotspot in the field of luminescent immunodiagnostics. With rapid advancement of nanotechnology and multi-functional nanomaterials, liquid-phase suspension array chips have achieved remarkable progresses in multiplex analysis capacity, encoding capacity, encoding efficiency, detection sensitivity, decoding methods, and application fields.

Ferromagnetic Surface Segregation via Stress-Concentration Coupling Boosts the Oxygen Evolution Reaction in RuO.

RuO, the benchmark catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), has traditionally been considered Pauli paramagnetic; however, recent findings have demonstrated its antiferromagnetic (AFM) properties, hinting at the opportunity to enhance RuO's OER performance by manipulating its magnetic traits. In this study, we successfully induced weak ferromagnetism in commercial RuO, transitioning it from an AFM state using an electrochemical sodiation method. This process resulted in high activity, achieving an overpotential of 145 mV to reach 10 mA cm and extending the service hours by more than 13 times compared to pristine RuO in 0.

Toxic Risk Assessment of Multi-Endpoint Toxicity and Toxicity Transformation Mechanisms during UV-Combined Advanced Treatments in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Development of Effect-Based Trigger Values, In Vitro Bioassays, and FT-ICR MS Analysis.

The ultraviolet (UV) process is recognized as an environmentally friendly treatment, typically producing fewer byproducts compared to conventional chemical oxidation methods. However, research on the mechanisms underlying the removal of toxic effects by UV and UV-based combined processes during wastewater treatment remains insufficient. In this study, effect-based trigger values (EBTs) for acute toxicity, genotoxicity, and estrogen receptor (ER) agonist activity were derived and subsequently applied to assess three categories of toxicity variations in both full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and pilot-scale systems.

Structural insights into retinal-free microbial rhodopsins.

Rhodopsins typically harness light energy through the covalently bound retinal cofactor. However, some rhodopsins have lost this ability during evolution. In this issue of Structure, Kovalev et al.

SERS spectrum of saliva combined with machine learning algorithm for early diagnosis and monitoring of periodontal disease.

To achieve non-invasive early diagnosis and severity monitoring of periodontal disease, this study employed silver nanoparticles as a surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrate for the detection and analysis of salivary SERS spectra from a control group (periodontal health group) and groups with periodontal disease of varying severities (including gingivitis, as well as mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis). The results demonstrated significant differences in salivary SERS spectra between the control group and the gingivitis group, between the control group and the mild periodontitis group, and between the control group and groups with periodontal disease of different severities. Subsequently, based on the dual screening criteria of Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) ≥ 1 and P < 0.

Robotic micromanipulation for patterned and complex organoid biofabrication.

Organoids have emerged as powerful models for recapitulating tissue physiology and pathology in biomedical research. However, the need for consistent and complex manufacturing of organoids remains a challenge. The absence of standardization and quality control of cells dispersed within extracellular matrices impedes the widespread application of organoids.

General Strategy to Synthesize Star-Shaped Nanographenes with Controllable Symmetries.

Nanographenes with diverse topological structures have shown enormous potential in fields such as photonics, optoelectronics, and spintronics. This work employs a "from-core-to-branch" strategy to controllably synthesize star-shaped nanographenes with various symmmetries. The obtained star-shaped nanographenes exhibit symmetry-dependent HOMO-LUMO gaps and photoluminescence quantum yields, revealing the importance of precisely controlling the molecular topologies.

Enhancement of room-temperature performance in solid-state batteries by succinonitrile-based composite solid electrolyte ion channels.

A critical barrier to commercializing solid-state batteries lies in the inadequate performance of existing solid electrolytes, particularly their poor conductivity at room temperature and unsatisfactory long-term stability. In this context, a self-healing composite solid electrolyte based on succinonitrile (SCN) reinforced with lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) is introduced. Leveraging the increased interfacial lithium-ion (Li) transport channels in composite systems, the resultant LLTO-enhanced SCN electrolyte demonstrates remarkable ionic conductivity of 2.

The overlooked pathway: A systematic review on sewage sludge treatment as a critical secondary source of terrestrial micro(nano)plastics.

Sewage sludge has long been believed as an essential sink for microplastics (MPs), with concentrations up to 1380 particles/kg dry weight. Considering that MP residues in present sewage sludge are predominantly aged, their surface characteristics have been modified, with specific surface area ranging from 1 m/g to 5 m/g and a carbonyl index increasing from 0.2 to 1.

Neuropeptide-mediated synaptic plasticity regulates context-dependent mating behaviors in Drosophila.

Neuropeptides play crucial roles in regulating context-dependent behaviors, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We investigate the role of the neuropeptide SIFa and its receptor SIFaR in regulating two distinct mating duration behaviors in male Drosophila: Longer-Mating-Duration (LMD) and Shorter-Mating-Duration (SMD). We found that SIFaR expression in specific neurons is required for both LMD and SMD behaviors.

SIFa peptidergic neurons orchestrate the internal states and energy balance of male Drosophila melanogaster.

Neuropeptide SIFamide (SIFa) neurons in Drosophila melanogaster have been characterized by their exceptionally elaborate arborization patterns, which extend from the brain into the ventral nerve cord (VNC). SIFa neurons are equipped to receive signals that integrate both internal physiological cues and external environmental stimuli. These signals enable the neurons to regulate energy balance, sleep patterns, metabolic status, and circadian timing.

Disrupting mitochondrial dynamics attenuates ferroptosis and chemotoxicity via upregulating NRF2-mediated FSP1 expression.

Ferroptosis is a regulated necrosis driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Mitochondria play vital roles in ferroptosis. Mitochondrial dynamics is critical for the health of mitochondria and cells.

Integrated Pneumatic-Auxiliary Sensing Array for Real-Time Elbow Joint Kinematics Tracking and Anomaly Prevention.

Flexible sensors integrating motion detection and tactile perception capabilities demonstrate significant potential in aerospace biomechanics and medical rehabilitation. Here, we report a biomimetic inflatable chamber sensor that synergistically integrates pneumatic-auxiliary and electronic sensing for elbow joint health monitoring. The device architecture combines multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced silicone composites with embedded electrode arrays integrated within the inner lining of inflatable chambers, achieving high sensitivity while maintaining signal stability under electromagnetic interference.

"One Rocket, Multiple Satellites": Natural Small Molecule Nanocarriers With In-Situ Nanosphere-to-Nanofiber Transition for Combined Chemo/PDT/Anti-Angiogenic Antitumor Therapy.

Drug delivery based on dynamic morphological transformation represents the cutting-edge strategy at the forefront of chemotherapy, integrating individual advantages that depend on the delivery stage and spatially resolved morphology. However, developing a tumor-specific, in vivo morphologically transformable small-molecule drug delivery system to achieve enhanced drug accumulation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy remains challenging. In this study, a multifunctional PDT formulation using natural small molecules as nanocarriers is developed, combining a tumor-targeting photosensitizer and anti-angiogenic therapy.

Probing MnO Cycling Stability in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries using Chemical Strain Analysis.

The mechanical degradation of cathodes during charge-discharge cycling poses a critical limitation to the cycle life of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Although the degradation of MnO cathodes has been extensively investigated, the underlying reaction mechanisms have long remained a subject of debate, and the associated mechanical evolution during cycling is still poorly understood. In this work, a comprehensive investigation of electrochemical phase transitions and chemical strain evolution in δ-MnO cathode is presented using a custom-built in situ strain testing system based on digital image correlation.

Smart biomaterials in dentistry: A review on the role of cellulose and other biological macromolecules in infection control.

Dental infections continue to present significant challenges in clinical dentistry, often resulting in severe oral and systemic complications. Conventional treatments, including antibiotics and mechanical debridement, face increasing limitations due to microbial resistance and persistent biofilms. This review delves into the evolving field of biomaterials designed for dental infections, especially biological macromolecule-based biomaterials, including cellulose and chitosan, emphasizing their role in infection prevention, treatment, and tissue regeneration.

Contact time and dissolved oxygen concentration modulate carbon capture via shifting microbial metabolism preference in high-rate contact stabilization process.

The high-rate contact stabilization (HiCS) process enables energy-efficient carbon capture from wastewater, yet the interactions of contact phase parameters require clarification. This study systematically investigated the effects of contact time (Tc: 10 - 40 min) and dissolved oxygen concentration (DOc: below 0.2, 0.

Modulating covalency competition and neutral microenvironment in cobalt spinel catalysts enables sustainable peracetic acid activation and ultrafast antibiotics degradation.

Conventional cobalt spinel oxides, widely employed in advanced oxidation processes, suffer from limited catalytic activity due to competitive overlap of O 2p orbitals between tetrahedral (Co) and octahedral cobalt (Co). Furthermore, their narrow pH activity window near neutrality severely restricts environmental applicability. To address these limits, the theories of covalency competition and microenvironment modulation are introduced to simulate the catalytic process and propose optimization strategies.

Dual-Layer Flexible Liquid Metal Fiber for Plantar Pressure Monitoring and Synchronous Wound Electrotherapy.

Plantar wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), impose significant burdens on patients' quality of life and healthcare systems. Personalized wound management demands real-time monitoring of biomechanical parameters and effective therapeutic interventions to prevent exacerbations. Here, a dual-layer flexible liquid metal fiber (LMF) capable of simultaneous plantar pressure sensing and electrical stimulation for accelerated wound healing is presented.

Adjustable Self-Assembly of Perchlorate with Nitrogen-Rich Bicyclic Compounds: High-Energy Component Enhances Combustion of Composite Solid Propellants.

Developing energetic compounds with high energy and low sensitivity is a key focus for the progression of civil and military industries. Driven by crystal engineering, the solvent-mediated adjustable self-assembly strategy of perchlorate with nitrogen-rich bicyclic energetic compounds was successfully explored, and three kinds of oxidant-dropped self-assembly energetic compounds (, , and ) were prepared under the guidance of electrostatic potential. Among them, has a high density (1.

Specific Flavor Substances of Liqueur Koji Fermented Foxtail Millet Beverage: As Indicators of Flavor Characteristics and Antioxidant Capacity.

Liqueur koji-fermented foxtail millet beverages offer distinctive flavors and health benefits, but the interrelationships among flavor compounds, sensory properties, and antioxidant activity remain unelucidated. This study systematically mapped dynamic changes across a standardized 72 h fermentation using chromatographic, electronic sensory approaches, and antioxidant assays. Key results revealed glucose, lactic acid, and succinic acid as primary taste-active indicators through HPLC.

Photooxidation of Natural and Waste Cr(III)-Bearing Hydroxides in Water and Ice: Cr(III)-O Complex-Mediated Oxidation and the Effect of Natural Organic Matter.

The photooxidative dissolution of Cr(III)-bearing hydroxides (Cr(OH) and FeCr(OH)) is proposed as a potential abiotic source of Cr(VI) in environments. Compared to the dark oxidation of Cr(OH) by O, photoirradiation enhanced Cr(VI) production in both aqueous and frozen solutions. In the presence of natural organic matter (NOM), the photoproduction of Cr(VI) was significantly promoted in aqueous solution but hindered in frozen solution.