Journals
2026 EN
Ryan Amelia K. · Israel Atara · Stefoni Maria Celina
+2 more
Abstract Single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) can serve as powerful transducers for optical nanobiosensors. As near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophores, they are used for a wide variety of biological sensing and imaging applications in vitro and in vivo. Rational biosensor design relies on the use of biological recognition elements to detect the sensor's target. In rationally designing SWCNT nanobiosensors, the nanotubes are functionalized with a biological recognition motif, whose binding event induces a modulation in SWCNT fluorescence, which can be measured with NIR spectroscopy in a well plate or cuvette, in cells, or through tissue of live animals. In this review, the sensor design strategies and functional outcomes of rationally‐designed optical SWCNT sensors are assessed that employ biological recognition elements for analyte specificity. The biomolecular recognition elements are divided into categories of proteins, peptides, or oligonucleotides, and assessed functionalization schemes, highlighting advances made in the fields of biomedical sensing and imaging through rational design. Finally, a perspective is offered on remaining challenges and future directions for the field of SWCNT optical sensor engineering and hurdles for translation to the clinic.
Journals
2026 EN
Soares Maria S. · Pereira Sónia O. · Fernandes António J. S.
+2 more
ABSTRACT We report a label‐free impedimetric immunosensor electrode for prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) detection, using laser‐induced graphene (LIG) coated with ZnO nanorods via pulsed electrodeposition. Two immobilization methods for anti‐PSA antibodies were evaluated: covalent bonding and direct adsorption. Only adsorption enabled clinically relevant detection within 0.1–10 ng/mL in PBS buffer, achieving a detection limit of 81 pg/mL and strong specificity against non‐target glycoproteins. Hence, this work demonstrates the potential of LIG/ZnO composites for low‐cost, scalable sensors suitable for decentralized diagnostics, particularly in low‐resource settings. Unlike conventional impedimetric immunosensors, the LIG/ZnO/adsorbed anti‐PSA sensor exhibited a “signaling‐off” behavior, with charge transfer resistance decreasing upon PSA binding—attributed to antibody conformational changes or desorption (as suggested by XPS measurements), possibly coupled to ZnO surface charge effects. This counterintuitive behavior challenges conventional models of impedimetric immunosensing, highlighting the need to reconsider design assumptions and to account for the unique properties of the transducing material and its biofunctionalization.
Journals
2026 EN
Zahid Rabia · Viola Martina · Balli Maria Vittoria
+2 more
ABSTRACT Supramolecular cages are powerful tools for molecular recognition and sensing, using well‐defined nanoscale cavities to encapsulate ions, small molecules, and biologically relevant guests with notable selectivity. Over the past three decades, these systems have progressed from simple conceptual assemblies to sophisticated covalent and organometallic architectures that operate in water as chemosensors, delivery vehicles, and separation p. Their analyte detection relies on diverse signal transduction mechanisms, including luminescence, circular dichroism, and Förster resonance energy transfer, enabling the sensing of anions, cations, chiral molecules, drugs, explosives, and environmental pollutants. Relative to classical receptors, cages offer notable advantages such as three‐dimensional preorganization, modular functionalization, and the incorporation of multiple recognition sites within a single discrete framework. However, their broader implementation in real‐world settings is still hampered, primarily by challenges in achieving sufficient stability in water and complex biological fluids. This review outlines design principles for water‐stable cages, discusses analyte‐specific and medium‐related challenges, and surveys recent examples of water‐compatible systems, including their integration into polymeric materials. Finally, we provide a perspective on next‐generation cage‐based chemosensors, emphasizing advanced readout strategies and potential applications in diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and biomedicine.
Journals
2026 EN
Infantino Rossella · Gargano Gabriele Maria · Anilkumar Aravind Kannoth
+7 more
ABSTRACT Carbon nano‐onions (CNOs) are efficiently functionalized using a sustainable approach based on polymerizable deep eutectic solvents (PDESs), or deep eutectic monomers (DEMs). These systems replace conventional organic solvents, acting simultaneously as dispersing media and functionalization reagents. The method enables the rapid introduction of functional groups such as –OH, –NH 3 ⁺Br − , and –SO 3 − onto CNO surfaces. The resulting materials are comprehensively characterized by TGA, 13 C‐CPMAS‐TOSS NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopy, TEM, AFM, DLS, and XPS. Notably, sulfonate‐functionalized CNOs support the Keggin‐type polyoxometalate H 3 PW 12 O 40 (PW 12 ), which acts as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds.
Journals
2026 EN
Kalaitzandonakes Maria · Hutchins Jared P. · Mashange Gerald
ABSTRACT Farm ownership in the US today is racially and ethnically homogeneous. Diverse farmers and ranchers make up less than 10% of all producers, they tend to be less financially stable and have tighter profit margins. In the past few years, both government and industry programs have aimed to increase the participation and profitability of diverse farmers, some of which have been rolled back in response to recent legal and political changes. Despite active debate, little is known about public support for diversity in agriculture. Here, we explore consumer demand for diversity in US agriculture by measuring willingness to pay for a diverse farmer label. We find evidence of a positive price premium for a diverse farmer label on average, with significant consumer heterogeneity. Demand differed across a variety of consumer attributes, including consumers' politics, gender, and connection to agriculture. Our results provide timely insights on public demand for diversity in agriculture.
Journals
2026 EN
Herberger Tilmann · Kaplan Matay · Boecker Marcel
+11 more
Artificial leaves emulate biological leaves by converting photonic energy into chemical energy, yet replicating photosynthetic functionalities at the molecular level remains a challenge. Key limitations of current artificial leaves include (1) recombination in photosensitizers and (2) photooxidation of the photosensitizers, (3) inefficient electron and proton transfer to reaction centers, and (4) limited scalability of the illuminated surface area. Herein, we address these challenges by mimicking the thylakoid membrane, nature's photosynthetic machinery, in a simplified system using an electropolymerized ultrathin polydopamine (PDA) nanosheet embedded with CdSe@CdS nanorods (NRs) as photosensitizers and cobaloximes as hydrogen evolution catalysts. The PDA nanosheet provides essential functions of the thylakoid membrane: it suppresses recombination through rapid electron acceptance, facilitates efficient electron transport, and mitigates photooxidation of photosensitizers within an ultrathin layer, as demonstrated by photoelectrochemical analysis, transient absorption spectroscopy, and scanning electrochemical microscopy. These findings lay the groundwork for designing artificial thylakoid membranes, advancing the development of next‐generation materials for efficient energy conversion, and addressing some of the fundamental limitations of current artificial leaf systems.
Journals
2026 EN
Haggins Adrianne N. · Walsh Ryan · Broadstock Arthur T.
+7 more
ABSTRACT Background Introspection and guidance shape an individual's academic path. Mentorship plays an essential role in intrapersonal development as well as organizational growth. Methods We present a literature synthesis and case scenarios based on a didactic sponsored by the Academy for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Medicine (ADIEM), the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine (AACEM), and the SAEM Faculty Development Committee delivered at the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) 2025 Annual Meeting. Results Mentors' guidance, coaching, and sponsorship are essential at all career stages. Successful mentorship is grounded in the mentee's goals. Mentee self‐reflection and communication are key to defining career goals and strategies for success at all career stages, whether in education, research, administrative, or operations. Mentorship can help early‐career faculty translate areas of interest into scholarship and advancement and can help mid‐career faculty with transitions to leadership positions, as well as mitigate career burnout and enhance satisfaction. Among late‐career faculty, mentorship can facilitate a shift toward legacy building, opportunities for growth, and new skill development. Mentors are key allies to help faculty pivot at any stage to ensure goals align with personal satisfaction. Conclusions Impactful mentorship requires communication, self‐discovery, and adaptability. Mutual respect and active engagement with a trusted mentor build the bridge to achieve a career vision and advance the specialty.
Journals
2026 EN
Dobre Angelica · Stroe Maria Desimira · Lambert Patrick
+1 more
ABSTRACT Reproductive migration in anadromous fish involves complex physiological adjustments to support intense metabolic and reproductive demands. In the case of Alosa immaculata , a key migratory species of the lower Danube River, these adaptations can be assessed through hematological and biochemical indicators. During the 2025 spawning season, Pontic shad individuals were sampled in the Chiscani–Galați sector and evaluated for biometric characteristics, sex ratio and physiological status. The results showed a predominance of mature females, with mean individual body weight of 0.21 ± 0.04 kg and total length of 29.72 ± 1.66 cm. Haematological analysis revealed elevated haematocrit (44.13% ± 5.35%) and haemoglobin concentrations (15.75 ± 2.73 g/dL), especially in females at advanced reproductive stages. RBC count and erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) reflected physiological adjustments to the energetic demands of migration and gonadal maturation. Biochemical profiles indicated adequate nutritional and immune status, with balanced protein values and mineral levels supporting reproductive readiness. Statistical correlations between haematological and biochemical parameters suggested coordinated physiological responses during the reproductive phase. These findings demonstrate that haematological profiling provides a valuable tool for assessing the physiological and adaptive status of A. immaculata during migration and supports its relevance for ecological monitoring and conservation strategies.
Journals
2026 EN
Jordan Andy · Skelton Brad · Mugica Maria
+1 more
ABSTRACT The poor retention of mussel spat during the early stages of longline aquaculture is a global issue, leading to inefficient use of juveniles and reduced production yields. In New Zealand, the Greenshell mussel ( Perna canaliculus ) industry relies heavily on wild‐sourced spat, often seeded onto grow ropes in poor nutritional condition, contributing to substantial losses of mussels in the early‐stage of production. This study tested whether short‐term immersion in sucrose‐enriched seawater immediately prior to seeding could improve spat condition and enhance retention and growth, as previous laboratory studies have shown mussel spat can rapidly take up dissolved sugars. Wild spat harvested from Ninety Mile Beach that were in poor nutritional condition were transported to a farm site in the Firth of Thames and immersed for 4 h in one of three treatments: (1) No immersion (control), (2) filtered seawater or (3) filtered seawater with dissolved sucrose (1 mg mL −1 ). Spat were then seeded directly onto grow ropes on a coastal longline farm. After 85 days, spat densities declined from ∼359,000 m −1 to just 543 m −1 across all treatments, a >99% loss. Immersion of spat in dissolved sugar for 4 h prior to seeding out did not significantly improve the subsequent retention, growth or nutritional condition of the spat. These findings demonstrate that a single 4‐h immersion in sugar‐enriched seawater was insufficient to improve outcomes on farms. More effective approaches, such as extended nursery periods and better control over seeding densities are needed to improve production efficiency and address the broader challenge of high early‐stage losses in global mussel aquaculture.
Journals
2026 EN
Oliveira Danielle · Marques Daniele Maria · Castro Yago Afonso
+6 more
Abstract Maize ( Zea mays L.) tolerance to early defoliation is shaped by genotype‐specific physiological and morphological responses. Defoliation disrupts the source–sink balance, altering carbon allocation and plant development. Understanding these responses is crucial for optimizing breeding programs and agronomic management. In this study, the effects of complete canopy defoliation at vegetative stage 4 on growth parameters, root morphology, chlorophyll fluorescence, and yield stability in four maize genotypes were evaluated. Defoliation significantly reduced total leaf area, plant height, and root biomass while increasing root tissue density and the harvest index across all genotypes. Despite these structural changes, no significant differences were observed in key yield components, especially grain yield. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis revealed distinct genotype‐specific responses. Under defoliation, KWS9606 VIP3 exhibited enhanced photochemical efficiency at 9 days after defoliation (DAD) and increased quenching photochemical (qP) at 17 and 24 DAD. While BRS1010, qP increased under defoliation at all dates, suggesting greater openness of PSII reaction centers. NPQ responses were variable and lacked a consistent pattern, indicating diverse energy dissipation strategies. NS90 PRO2 exhibited no significant differences between genotype × defoliation level combinations, reflecting limited physiological response. Principal component analysis highlighted the trade‐offs between morphological and physiological adaptations, with root traits dominating first principal component and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters influencing second principal component. These findings indicate that maize genotypes exhibit diverse acclimation mechanisms to mitigate defoliation stress while maintaining yield stability. Understanding genotype‐specific responses supports breeding programs aimed at improving tolerance to foliar loss and informs more resilient crop management strategies.