Journals
2026 EN
Zambito Giorgio · Ferrando Giulio · Barelli Matteo
+6 more
Nanoscale tailoring of the optoelectronic response of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides semiconductor layers (TMD) is demonstrated thanks to a novel strain engineering approach based on grayscale thermal‐Scanning Probe Lithography (t‐SPL). This method allows the maskless nanofabrication of locally strained 2D MoS 2 ‐Au lateral heterojunction nanoarrays that are characterized by lateral modulation of the electronic band structure. 2D MoS 2 layers are conformally transferred onto grayscale t‐SPL templates characterized by periodic nanoarrays of deterministic faceted nanoridges. This peculiar morphology induces asymmetric and uniaxial strain accumulation in the 2D TMD material, allowing us to tailor their electrical work‐function at the nanoscale level, as demonstrated by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. By tailoring the local morphology of the grayscale nanopatterns, the capability to control the strain‐dependent electrical work function of the 2D TMD layers at the local scale is demonstrated. The modulation of the electronic response has been exploited to develop periodic nanoarrays of lateral heterojunctions endowed with asymmetric electrical response by simple maskless deposition of Au nanocontacts onto the strained 2D TMD layers. The locally strained Au‐MoS 2 layers form asymmetric lateral heterojunctions with strain‐modulated Schottky versus Ohmic behavior, thus representing a promising platform in view of tunable ultrathin nanoelectronics, nanophotonic, and sensing applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Carmignani Alessio · Marino Attilio · Battaglini Matteo
+8 more
Exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation during spaceflight is responsible for oxidative stress onset, contributing to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. The central nervous system is particularly vulnerable to redox imbalance and requires effective countermeasures to ensure astronaut health and performance on long‐duration missions. In this study, the neuroprotective properties of polydopamine nanoparticles (PDNPs), known for their antioxidant activity, are investigated on neuron‐like cells exposed to different gravitational and radiation regimes. Culture conditions included administration of PDNPs and permanence aboard the International Space Station (ISS) or on a random positioning machine. Transcriptomic analyses are conducted to assess gene expression alterations associated with oxidative stress, nuclear and mitochondrial integrity, and dopamine metabolism. In‐flight, PDNP treatment mitigates the transcriptional changes induced by space stressors, preserving neuronal homeostasis. Notably, expression of key antioxidant defense genes, mitochondrial function markers and dopamine metabolism genes is stabilized in PDNP‐treated neurons. This study provides preliminary evidence on the efficacy of PDNPs in protecting neuronal cells from the combined stressors associated with spaceflight: these findings suggest PDNPs as a promising countermeasure for space‐induced neurodegeneration and support their potential translational application in the treatment of oxidative stress‐related neurodegenerative pathologies on Earth.
Journals
2026 EN
Valastro Salvatore · Ferranti Sebastian · Previti Rosa
+3 more
We present a novel photovoltaic architecture that integrates two perovskite solar cells (PSCs), each fabricated on a separate substrate and bonded back‐to‐back, forming a self‐protective and bifacial device. This configuration, named two‐sided self‐protecting perovskite solar cell (2S‐SP PSC), replaces the traditional passive glass encapsulation with a second active PSC. In a 2S‐SP PSC, the active area for light harvesting doubles within a single‐device footprint without increasing the overall device thickness. The two PSCs are electrically connected in series or parallel configuration and are self‐encapsulated back‐to‐back using conventional materials that ensure mechanical integrity and further moisture protection. We realized demonstrators of the 2S‐SP PSC using fully printable, HTL‐free, mesoporous carbon‐based AVA‐MAPbI 3 PSCs, an architecture well suited for the industrial production of photovoltaic panels. Compared to single monofacial counterparts, the 2S‐SP PSCs deliver nearly double the output in vertical configurations (24.6 μW vs 51.3 μW) under indoor artificial lighting (920 Lx, 6500 K). In addition, they exhibit long‐term stability due to the mutual encapsulation of the two cells. An engineered 2S‐SP mini‐module powering a humidity/temperature sensor under ambient indoor light further highlights the potential application in self‐powered IoT devices and building‐applied photovoltaics.
Journals
2026 EN
Kalal Shailesh · Magnuson Martin · Chesini Alessandro
+14 more
Tantalum nitride (Ta 3 N 5 ) is a promising semiconductor for solar‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, but its performance is limited by intrinsic defects. Here, we investigate the effect of titanium (Ti) doping (0–10 at%) on the structural, compositional, and optoelectronic properties of Ta 3 N 5 thin films. At low concentrations (<2 at%), Ti 4+ preferentially substitutes Ta at four‐coordinated sites, enhancing nitrogen incorporation and suppressing defect states associated with under‐coordinated Ta. This leads to improved carrier dynamics and prolonged electron–hole lifetimes. Higher doping levels (≥3.5 at%) result in occupation of three‐coordinated sites, inducing increase in the oxygen content, lattice distortion, and defect formation that deteriorate carrier lifetimes. PEC measurements reveal that optimized Ti doping significantly reduces charge transfer resistance and nearly seven‐fold increase in the photocurrent. These findings underscore the importance of controlled Ti doping for defect engineering and band structure tuning to boost the PEC performance of Ta 3 N 5 thin films.
Journals
2026 EN
Lunghi Alice · Iseppato Natalia · Albanese Silvia
+10 more
Traumatic injuries resulting in significant loss of tissue mass are generally associated with neuromuscular problems and cosmetic defects. The fast‐developing field of tissue engineering is expected to solve this medical problem by providing multifunctional biomaterials which can synergically deliver different pro‐regenerative signals, leading to functional and structural reconnection of the impaired tissue. Here, we have developed novel micropatterned and conductive MXene/PLA blends, combining in the same material the high electrical conductivity of the MXene phase, the topotactic guidance provided by micropatterns, and the biodegradability of the FDA‐approved polyester matrix. Blends with different MXene/PLA ratios have been prepared and characterized by means of XRD, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SEM‐EDS, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Then, micropatterned MXene/PLA films featuring 100 to 300 µm‐sized grooves were fabricated by soft‐lithography. Biological tests using C2C12 myoblasts demonstrated that MXene/PLA micropatterns effectively allow the growth of C2C12 myoblasts along the microchannels. This spatial organization enhances cell–cell interactions and promotes myogenic differentiation. Real‐time PCR suggested preliminary differentiation of C2C12 cultured for 7 days on micropatterned blends when seeded at higher density, even in the absence of a myogenic differentiation cell culture medium. These results highlight the potential of novel conductive MXene/PLA micropatterns for applications in muscle tissue engineering.
Journals
2026 EN
Tömekçe Birce Sena · Calvi Vladimir · Jaramillo Diego
+13 more
Research on amorphous carbon monolayers (ACMs) has accelerated in recent years, driven by their intriguing structural and electronic properties and the vast potential for applications. To date, ACMs have been mainly synthesized by chemical vapor deposition methods. Here, we present an alternative bottom‐up synthesis approach and demonstrate the formation of a B 3 N 3 ‐substituted amorphous carbon monolayer (B 3 N 3 ‐ACM), thus introducing multiple dopant heteroatoms. In particular, we follow an ultrahigh‐vacuum‐based on‐surface synthesis strategy by using a tailored B 3 N 3 ‐functionalized precursor to achieve uniform, large‐area B 3 N 3 ‐ACMs. The characterization of the on‐surface reaction products via low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy provides insight into their structure at the atomic scale. The covalent monolayers, formed upon thermal activation of the precursors at high coverage, were transferred onto Si/SiO 2 and a transmission electron microscope grid. Atomically‐resolved electron microscope imaging combined with Raman spectroscopy confirmed the freestanding, amorphous monolayer structure of the material, incorporating nanocrystallites in disordered areas. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved the presence of B and N in the 2D material after the transfer. Our on‐surface synthesis protocol, combined with the demonstrated transfer abilities, showcases the potential for producing tailored heteroatom‐doped amorphous materials using custom‐designed molecular precursors and integrating such complex 2D architectures into devices.
Journals
2026 EN
Archibugi Livia · Bertoldi Loris · Benvenuto Giuseppe
+11 more
ABSTRACT Background Bacterial migration from the oral cavity to the upper gastrointestinal tract has been proposed as a contributor to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) onset and prognosis. Whether PDAC is associated with alterations of the oral–duodenal microbiome continuum remains unclear. Methods In this prospective study, we profiled matched saliva and duodenal brushings from 24 treatment‐naïve PDAC patients without ducts obstruction and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC). Microbial composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. α ‐Diversity was evaluated using Faith's phylogenetic diversity (PD), observed ASVs, and Pielou's evenness; β ‐diversity using UniFrac, Bray–Curtis, and distance‐based redundancy analysis (db‐RDA). Associations with overall survival were examined using Cox models and ROC‐derived cut‐offs, with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation for robustness. Results Duodenal Faith's PD was significantly lower in PDAC than HC ( q = 0.034), whereas richness and evenness did not differ; no α ‐diversity differences were observed in saliva. After adjustment for diabetes and periodontitis, lower duodenal Faith's PD ( q = 0.048) and ASV richness ( q = 0.030) in PDAC remained significant. β ‐Diversity was primarily driven by body site, but adjusted db‐RDA revealed a small yet significant PDAC–HC difference in duodenal community composition (pseudo‐F = 2.16, p = 0.002). Several genera showed differential abundance between groups. Higher salivary phylogenetic diversity predicted longer survival (aHR = 0.19, p = 0.001), along with specific genera associated with favourable prognosis. Discussion PDAC is associated with reduced duodenal phylogenetic diversity and subtle disease‐related shifts in duodenal microbiota, independent of major confounders and in the absence of duct obstruction. Both α ‐diversity and selected genera may hold prognostic relevance, supporting further validation in larger, stage‐stratified cohorts.
Journals
2026 EN
Moudrý Vítězslav · Remelgado Ruben · Forkel Matthias
+37 more
Abstract Measuring and mapping vegetation structure is essential for understanding the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and for informing environmental policies. Recent years have seen a growing demand for high‐resolution data on vegetation structure, driving their prediction at fine resolutions (1–30 m) at state, continental, and global spatial extents by combining satellite data with machine learning. As these initiatives expand, it is crucial to actively discuss the quality and usability of these products. Here, we briefly summarize current efforts to map vegetation structure and show that continental‐to‐global canopy height models (CHMs) exhibit significant errors in canopy heights compared to national airborne laser scanning (ALS) data. We recommend that regions with abundant ALS data, such as Europe, prioritize using ALS‐based canopy height metrics rather than relying on less accurate predictions from satellite products. Despite variations in ALS data characteristics, such as temporal inconsistencies and differences in acquisition characteristics and classification accuracy, the generation of spatially contiguous canopy height products in raster format at fine spatial resolution is necessary and feasible. This requires coordinating efforts for data and survey harmonization, developing standardized processing pipelines and continent‐wide ALS products, and ensuring free access for research and environmental policy. We show that ALS data now cover most of Europe, with newer surveys achieving higher point densities, improving their suitability for vegetation mapping. Beyond numerous applications in forestry, ecology, and conservation, such data sets are crucial for calibrating future Earth Observation missions, making them essential for producing reliable and accurate global, fine‐resolution vegetation structure data.
Journals
2026 EN
Kilpatrick Daniel J. · Long Keisha D. · Muhammad Omar
+27 more
Abstract Community‐managed disaster risk reduction (CMDRR) puts communities at the center of disaster readiness by assessing hazards, vulnerabilities and capacities, conducting risk analyses, and implementing comprehensive disaster risk reduction (DRR) plans. The EJ Strong pilot program was established to increase the resilience of participating environmental justice (EJ) communities in South Carolina (SC). This was accomplished through a CMDRR training program focused on EJ communities in SC. The curriculum was based on training manuals developed for use in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We modified the curriculum to make it culturally relevant, cope with the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, and emphasize the application of training during field exercises within communities. In total, ∼110 community participants representing EJ communities across SC attended one or more of the workshops, virtual mini‐workshops, and/or field practicums. Invited speakers and program team members raised the overall total to ∼150, and 46 received certificates in CMDRR training after the final workshop. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first application of CMDRR training in the U.S. as well as the first focused on EJ communities. Other outcomes from EJ Strong included a state‐wide emergency food access map, a mobile‐enabled disaster risk assessment app, an internet‐based course that includes the CMDRR curriculum, incorporation of DRR materials for use in public school classrooms, air quality and flood monitoring systems for communities, and acquisition of follow‐on funding for communities and the program. Participant evaluations revealed high levels of satisfaction with and appreciation of the program's content.
Journals
2026 EN
Pignatiello Giulia · De Girolamo Michele · Ventola Ivana
+3 more
Abstract The intense May 2024 geomagnetic storm provided an opportunity to conduct the first analysis of geoelectric hazards in Italy. Data from three geomagnetic observatories and a magnetotelluric station were analyzed to examine the spatiotemporal evolution of storm‐induced variations. Our results establish the horizontal magnetic field time derivative as a robust, large‐scale proxy for the geoelectric field in southern Italy, with the east‐west componentE y$}_}$ reaching amplitudes of∼ ${\sim} $ 100 mV/km during the storm's sudden impulse. Time‐frequency analysis reveals a fundamental transition in geophysical response: at periods longer than∼ ${\sim} $ 100 s,d B x / d t $d{B}_{x}/dt$ andE y$}_}$ maintain a stable, phase‐locked relationship, indicating regionally coherent forcing. Below∼ ${\sim} $ 50 s, this coherence deteriorates, demonstrating that the geoelectric field becomes dominated by local subsurface conductivity structure. During the storm's recovery phase, intermittent Pc3–Pc5 pulsations generated coherent signatures in both field types, representing an additional mechanism for sustained geoelectric activity. This study provides a significant first step in understanding storm‐induced geoelectric effects in Italy, bridging geoelectric field observations and first‐order estimates of GIC hazard, and highlighting potential implications for the resilience of critical ground‐based infrastructure.