Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems are widely employed in diverse applications for their precise ranging and high-resolution imaging capabilities. However, conventional Lissajous scanning patterns, despite their design flexibility, are increasingly limited in meeting the growing demands for image quality. In this study, we propose a novel programmable scanning method that enhances angular resolution within defined regions of interest (ROIs). By applying parameter modulation techniques, we establish a direct, analytical link between the scanning trajectory and ROI placement, enabling precise resolution control. The proposed method increases point cloud density by 2 to 6 times across any ROI within a Lissajous scan, achieving localized improvements of up to 650%, independent of frequency constraints. Moreover, it reduces the design complexity of MEMS scanning mirrors by half, while maintaining comparable high-resolution performance. Incorporating a gaze-inspired trajectory modulation strategy and random modulation continuous wave ranging, we develop a MEMS LiDAR prototype that greatly enhances point cloud fidelity and enables accurate 3-dimensional imaging within ROIs—achieving a ranging accuracy of 2.4 cm (3σ). This approach not only improves angular resolution in targeted regions but also extends the practical applicability of MEMS LiDAR to multitarget tracking and recognition scenarios. Furthermore, the study establishes a robust theoretical framework for ROI-based trajectory control, contributing to the advancement of next-generation high-resolution imaging systems.

Although omics and multi-omics approaches are the most used methods to create signature arrays for liquid biopsy, the high cost of omics technologies still largely limits their wide applications for point-of-care. Inspired by the bat echolocation mechanism, we propose an “echoes” approach for creating chemiluminescence signatures via screening of a compound library, and serum samples of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were used for our proof-of-concept study. We first demonstrated the discrepancy in physicochemical properties between AD and healthy control serums. On this basis, we developed a simple, cost-effective, and versatile platform termed UNICODE (UNiversal Interaction of Chemiluminescence echOes for Disease Evaluation). The UNICODE platform consists of a “bat” probe, which generates different chemiluminescence intensities upon interacting with various substrates, and a panel/array of “flag” molecules that are selected from library screening. The UNICODE array could enable the reflecting/“echoing” of the signatures of various serum components and intact physicochemical interactions between serum substrates. In this study, we screened a library of over 1,000 small molecules and identified 12 “flag” molecules (top 12) that optimally depict the differences between AD and healthy control serums. Finally, we employed the top 12 array to conduct tests on serum samples and utilized machine learning methods to optimize detection performance. We successfully distinguished AD serums, achieving the highest area under the curve of 90.24% with the random forest method. Our strategy could provide new insights into biofluid abnormality and prototype tools for developing liquid biopsy diagnoses for AD and other diseases.

Isovaleryl-CoA (coenzyme A) dehydrogenase (IVD) plays a pivotal role in the catabolism of leucine, converting isovaleryl-CoA to 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA. Dysfunction of IVD is linked to isovaleric acidemia (IVA), a rare metabolic disorder characterized by the accumulation of toxic metabolites. In this study, we present the cryo-electron microscopy structures of human IVD, resolved both in its apo form and in complex with its substrates, isovaleryl-CoA and butyryl-CoA. Our findings reveal a tetrameric architecture with distinct substrate-binding pockets that facilitate the enzyme’s preference for short branched-chain acyl-CoAs. Key residues involved in FAD binding and substrate interaction were identified, elucidating the catalytic mechanism of IVD. Additionally, we investigated the impact of various disease-associated hotspot mutations derived from different regions, demonstrating their effects on enzyme stability and activity. Notably, mutations such as A314V, S281G/F382V, and E411K resulted in substantial loss of function, while others exhibited milder effects, which is consistent with our structural analyses. These insights enhance our understanding of IVD’s enzymatic properties and provide a foundation for developing targeted therapies for IVA.

Supplementation with short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is a potential therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of isobutyrate in IBD remain unclear. Clinical data indicate that the fecal levels of isobutyrate are markedly lower in patients with Crohn’s disease than in healthy controls. Compared with healthy mice and healthy pigs, mice and pigs with colitis presented significantly lower isobutyrate levels. Furthermore, the level of isobutyrate in pigs was significantly negatively correlated with the disease activity index. We speculate that isobutyrate may play a crucial role in regulating host gut homeostasis. We established a model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in pigs, which have gastrointestinal structure and function similar to those of humans; we performed multiomic analysis to investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of isobutyrate on IBD at both the animal and cellular levels and validated the results. Phenotypically, isobutyrate can significantly alleviate diarrhea, bloody stools, weight loss, and colon shortening caused by colitis in pigs. Mechanistically, isobutyrate can increase the relative abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, thereby increasing the production of indole-3-lactic acid, regulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression and downstream signaling pathways, and regulating Foxp3⁺ CD4⁺ T cell recruitment to alleviate colitis. Isobutyrate can directly activate G protein-coupled receptor 109A, promote the expression of Claudin-1, and improve intestinal barrier function. In addition, isobutyrate can increase the production of intestinal SCFAs and 3-hydroxybutyric acid and inhibit the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway to suppress intestinal inflammation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that isobutyrate confers resistance to IBD through host–microbiota interactions, providing a theoretical basis for the use of isobutyrate in alleviating colitis.

The development of clean and efficient renewable energy is of great strategic importance to realize green energy conversion and low-carbon growth. Hydrogen energy, as a renewable energy with “zero carbon emission”, can be efficiently converted into hydrogen energy and electric energy by electrolysis of water to hydrogen technology. Anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE), substantially advanced by nonprecious metal electrocatalysts, is among the most cost-effective and promising water electrolysis technologies, combining the advantages of proton exchange membranes with the proven technology of traditional alkaline water electrolysis and potentially eliminating the disadvantages of both. In this paper, the latest results of AEMWE research in recent years are summarized, including the AEMWE mechanism study and the hot issues of low-cost transition metal hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst design in recent years. The key factors affecting the performance of AEMWE are pointed out, and further challenges and opportunities encountered in large-scale industrialization are discussed. Finally, this review provides strong guidance for advancing AEMWE.

The development of biodegradable mulch film is an effective means to address plastic pollution and promote modern green agriculture. In this work, with compounding sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and quaternized lignin (QL), a biodegradable liquid mulch film (PVA@CMC/QL) was constructed by introducing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and a selenium-containing cross-linking agent through electrostatic interaction. The effect of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and QL on different liquid mulch films was examined. PVA@CMC/QL had exceptional spray-film-forming properties of liquid mulch film and was capable of generating a dense mulch film above the soil/on top of the soil under natural conditions. PVA@CMC/QL exhibited excellent oxygen transmission rate (60.2 cm³·m⁻²·d⁻¹·Pa⁻¹) and water vapor transmission rate (753.4 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹). Soil temperature and humidity increased by 0.4 to 2.1 °C and 0.5% to 2.8%, respectively, in the soil covered with PVA@CMC/QL compared to those in other controls, thereby confirming its exceptional moisture retention and insulation capabilities. PVA@CMC/QL combined remarkable weed suppression with only 13.3% weed germination under the mulch. Optimal rhizome growth of pak choi seedlings was observed under the PVA@CMC/QL cover, as demonstrated by the planting of both pak choi seedlings and weeds. Roots and stems increased by 3.8 ± 0.3 and 1.2 ± 0.3 cm, respectively. The weed suppression mechanism of PVA@CMC/QL was explained through the lens of density functional theory. In addition, the selenium content of pak choi seedlings under PVA@CMC/QL cover could reach 28.5 μg/kg, making the mulch film both degradable and highly reusable. This work not only improved the value-added utilization of bamboo residues but also gave new insight into the research on multifunctional bamboo–plastic mulch film.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a prevalent metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, has been linked to volumetric changes in subcortical regions, yet the genetic basis of this relationship remains unclear. We analyzed genome-wide association study summary data for T2DM and 14 subcortical volumetric traits, using MiXeR to quantify shared genetic architecture and applying conditional/conjunctional false discovery rate analyses to detect novel and shared genomic loci. Enrichment and gene expression analyses were subsequently performed to explore the biological functions and mechanisms of genes associated with these loci. We observed a substantial proportion of trait-influencing variants shared between T2DM and subcortical structures, with Dice coefficients ranging from 22.4% to 49.6%. Additionally, 70 distinct loci were identified as being jointly associated with T2DM and subcortical volumes, 5 and 22 of which were novel for T2DM and subcortical volumes, respectively. The 769 protein-coding genes mapped to these shared loci are enriched in metabolic and neurodevelopmental pathways and exhibit specific developmental trajectories, with 117 genes showing expression levels linked to both T2DM and subcortical structures. This study uncovered polygenic overlap between T2DM and subcortical structures, deepening our comprehension of the genetic factors linking metabolic disorders and brain health.

Oxalate-induced crystalline kidney injury is a common form of crystal nephropathy. The accumulation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal could lead to renal epithelium injury and inflammation. The underlying cellular events in kidney after CaOx crystal formation are largely unknown. This study was aimed to gain a better understanding of mouse kidney function in the development of renal CaOx formation. The study utilized a mouse CaOx model to analyze the cellular response at 5 time points using single-cell RNA sequencing and investigate the interaction of different cells during renal CaOx crystal formation. Additionally, the study investigated the communication between these cells and macrophages, as well as the role of chemokines in recruiting infiltrating macrophages. RNA velocity analysis uncovered an alternative differentiation pathway for injured and S1 proximal tubule cells, which mainly communicate with macrophages through the SPP1–CD44 pair, along with the expression of proinflammatory factors and stone matrix genes during renal CaOx crystal formation. Furthermore, resident Fn1 macrophages were found to express chemokines, such as CCL2, which recruited infiltrating macrophages. The CCL2 secretion was mediated by the CD44–AKT pathway. Blocking CCL2 decreased the expression of injury markers in the kidney, including CLU, LCN2, and KIM-1, and inhibited CaOx crystal deposition. The study identified potential cell types and target genes involved in renal tubule injury in oxalate-related crystal nephropathy. The findings shed light on the cellular processes that contribute to the formation and damage caused by CaOx crystals within the kidney, which could lead to the development of potential cell types and target genes for treating this condition.

Discrete-modulated coherent-state continuous-variable quantum key distribution (DMCS-CVQKD) is of great value for its simple implementation. However, the traditional DMCS-CVQKD scheme cannot tolerate the high channel excess noise and channel loss, compared to the Gaussian-modulated scheme, and its error correction is still difficult. In this paper, we propose a discrete-modulated coherent-state basis-encoding quantum key distribution (DMCS-BE-QKD) protocol, where the secret keys are encoded in the random choice of 2 measurement bases, i.e., the conjugate quadratures X and P of discrete-modulated coherent states, and it only needs simple binary sequence error correction. We analyze the secret key rate of DMCS-BE-QKD protocol under individual and collective attacks in the linear Gaussian channel. The results show that DMCS-BE-QKD can greatly enhance the ability to tolerate the channel loss and excess noise compared to the original DMCS-CVQKD protocol, which can tolerate approximately 40 dB more channel loss compared to the original DMCS-CVQKD for the realistic value of noise. Finally, a proof-of-principle experiment is conducted under a 50.5-km optical fiber to verify the feasibility of DMCS-BE-QKD. It is based on the consistent physical procedures of the traditional DMCS-CVQKD, which makes it perfectly compatible to deployed terminals and can serve as a multiplier for the practical secure quantum cryptography communication in harsh environments.

Cyanobacteria play pivotal roles in global biogeochemical cycles and aquatic ecosystems due to their widespread distribution and significant contributions to primary production. Yet, the interactions between cyanobacteria and antibiotics remain unclear. This study revealed that Synechocystis sp., a cyanobacterial species, removed 94.27% of 0.1 mg l⁻¹ chloramphenicol (CAP) through enzyme-mediated degradation. While cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s) were found unnecessary for CAP removal, a gene encoding cyanobacterial nitroreductase was significantly up-regulated (7.85-fold) under CAP exposure. The purified nitroreductase exhibited strong binding affinity to CAP (K_d = 2.9 nM) and a Michaelis constant (K_m) of 104.0 μM. By engineering a bacterial strain with nitroreductase, 94.43% of 0.1 mg l⁻¹ CAP was removed within 2 h. Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses showed that nitroreductase genes and transcripts are globally distributed across diverse microbial phyla. These findings uncover a novel enzyme for CAP degradation and advance sustainable biotechnologies to mitigate antibiotic pollution, addressing critical environmental challenges in aquaculture and other industries globally.