Measurement of residual <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si17.svg" display="inline" id="d1e125"> <mml:mrow> <mml:mi>μ</mml:mi> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo> </mml:mrow> </mml:math> polarization in TbF <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si115.svg" display="inline" id="d1e133"> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow/> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>3</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:msub> </mml:math> possessing the <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si19.svg" display="inline" id="d1e141"> <mml:mi>β</mml:mi> </mml:math> -YF <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" altimg="si115.svg" display="inline" id="d1e147"> <mml:msub> <mml:mrow/> <mml:mrow> <mml:mn>3</mml:mn> </mml:mrow> </mml:msub> </mml:math> crystal structure

From algorithmic innovation to clinical deployment: A systematic review of methodological gaps limiting federated learning in healthcare.

Implementing XAI in life sciences: Key challenges and pathways to solutions

A scientometric overview of 75 years of epigenetics research in poultry

BioChemCalc (BCC): An integrated and user-friendly platform supporting life science research

Synthetic biology, as an emerging field that integrates life sciences and engineering technology, is driving profound transformations in global science, ethics, and legal systems. In international legal framework, the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have established initial hard law governance systems. However, these frameworks still face structural limitations in terms of technical adaptability, the scope of provisions, and institutional coordination. Soft law, with its flexibility, non-binding nature, and ability to build consensus, is increasingly becoming an essential supplement to the international response to the ethical risks of synthetic biology. International organizations, industry alliances, and non-governmental actors are constructing a multi-layered soft law governance network through ethical guidelines, policy recommendations, and codes of conduct, providing institutional support for risk identification, technology classification, and behavioral guidance. Soft law is well-suited to perform the roles of guiding and providing feedback in governance, while hard law should focus on the construction of systems of rights and responsibilities and the establishment of obligations. There is a collaborative governance model that integrates both soft and hard law. This model, characterized by “soft law guidance, hard law consolidation, and soft law feedback,” aims to create a flexible and enforceable governance framework. This approach ensures that soft law provides a timely and adaptive starting point, hard law offers a uniform and accountable foundation, and a feedback loop allows for continuous adjustment based on practical experience.

The comfort of automation: why cognitive sovereignty matters in AI-driven life sciences

The emergence of photochemical tools for monitoring and controlling biochemical processes has transformed the landscape of life science research. Among these innovations, especially appealing are those involving photoredox catalysis. While originally coined for its applications in organic synthesis, photoredox catalysis has recently transitioned into the biomedical domain, influencing areas such as bioconjugation, proximity protein labeling, protein-protein interactions, and even applications in cancer treatment and antibacterial therapies. These advancements not only broaden the scope of photocatalytic techniques but also establish a robust foundation for their integration into complex biological systems. Despite these exciting developments, however, the interdisciplinary nature of photoredox catalysis can be daunting, potentially hindering new researchers from entering this dynamic field. Thus, there is a compelling need for an inclusive review that consolidates the biomedical applications of photoredox catalysis to address existing knowledge disparities. This Perspective aims to serve as a clear and systematic resource for a diverse audience, including specialists and nonspecialists alike, to enhance the understanding of photoredox catalysis' history, application, and pivotal roles in biomedicine. By an in-depth analysis of this progress and existing challenges, we hope to offer a reference guide for researchers, thereby promoting the evolution of photoredox catalysis into a widely applicable biomedical technology.

To map and characterise economic evaluations (EEs) and provider-level cost/resource reporting related to direct posterior restorative alternatives following the European Union (EU) dental amalgam phase-out. Scoping review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidance. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and LIVIVO (ZB MED search portal for life sciences (Germany)). Peer-reviewed studies (English/German; 1 January 2021-22 February 2026) reporting EEs or cost/resource-use components for direct posterior restorations in permanent teeth. Data were charted using a predefined extraction framework focusing on analytic perspective, time horizon, modelling approach and granularity of provider-level resource components. Two reviewers independently screened records and charted data; disagreements were resolved by discussion and, if needed, by consultation with a third reviewer. Six studies met the inclusion criteria (four model-based or trial-based EEs; two cross-sectional surveys). Most analyses adopted payer, societal or mixed perspectives and used decision-analytic models with medium- to long-term horizons. Outcomes included cost per complication-free month, cost per tooth-year retained and lifetime cost projections. Detailed provider-level reporting (eg, chair time, personnel allocation, overheads or warranty-related retreatment burden) was limited, and survey evidence relied on self-reported estimates. Heterogeneity in methods and metrics precluded quantitative synthesis. Economic evidence regarding direct posterior restorative alternatives after the EU amalgam phase-out is sparse and primarily based on modelled or reimbursement-derived inputs from payer, societal or mixed perspectives, rather than explicitly measured provider-level microcosting. Greater transparency in analytic perspective and microcosting components may support evidence-informed adaptation to restorative material substitution policies.

In chromatographic technology, the stationary phase is of paramount importance, with its properties intrinsically linked to both the separation performance and the mode of chromatography employed. The study of stationary phase modifiers has attracted considerable attention in the field of analytical chemistry due to their critical role in the separation process. Of late, hydrogels, characterized by a three-dimensional structure and multiple interaction sites, have been harnessed to augment the development of stationary phases for liquid chromatography. Hydrogel-modified silica stationary phases have demonstrated superior separation performance across various chromatographic modes, including hydrophilic interaction, reverse-phase, and ion exchange liquid chromatography. The evolution of these functionalized silica stationary phases holds significant importance in the fields of analytical chemistry and separation science. However, to date, there has been a lack of comprehensive reviews discussing the use of hydrogel-modified silica stationary phases in liquid chromatography. This review provides a succinct overview of the performance and recent advancements of hydrogel-modified silica stationary phases in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It also provides an in-depth discussion on the use of hydrogel-modified silica stationary phase composites for the separation of analytes in various chromatographic modes. Efficient separation and analysis of analytes crucial to life sciences and medicine, such as nucleoside bases, steroid hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and environmental pollutants, can be achieved using various hydrogel-modified silica stationary phases. Finally, it outlines the challenges and prospects associated with the application of hydrogel-modified silica in separation science.

Ectoine is a highly valuable amino acid derivative with multiple functionalities, which finds extensive applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and life sciences. Developing microbial strains capable of high-level ectoine production has emerged as a prominent research focus in recent years. Here, we employed a systematic metabolic engineering strategy to transform wild-type Escherichia coli into a high-yield ectoine-producing strain. First, we constructed a heterologous ectoine synthesis pathway in E. coli W3110. By knocking out the bifunctional enzymes ThrA and MetL, as well as LysA to block byproduct formation and overexpressing an optimized LysC as a substitute, we enhanced the supply of the direct precursor. We also investigated the impact of the copy number on ectoine synthesis. Subsequently, we modified the 5' untranslated region of citrate dehydrogenase gltA to fine-tune its expression, balancing cellular growth with product synthesis. To augment glutamate amino donor availability, we heterologously overexpressed Bacillus subtilis gltAB to enhance glutamate supply, while boosting pntAB expression to maintain cofactor equilibrium. Similarly, we fortified the glucose-to-oxaloacetate synthetic pathway through a series of metabolic modifications, achieving a yield of 5.94 g/L in shake flask fermentation. Finally, under controlled batch glucose feeding, strain E20 produced 88.1 g/L of ectoine over a 60 h fermentation period, and a glucose conversion rate of 0.26 g/g. This study employed metabolic engineering strategies to enhance the accumulation of oxaloacetate and utilized 5'-UTR engineering to finely regulate GltA expression, thereby balancing cell growth, These strategies, including increasing aspartate accumulation, enhancing the catalytic efficiency of the key heterologous enzyme LysCpa in the aspartate to aspartate phosphate pathway, and boosting glutamate as an amino donor to enhance the synthesis of aspartate from oxaloacetic acid, can be applied to the synthesis of other amino acids in the aspartate family.

All intelligence is collective intelligence, in the sense that it is made of parts that must align with respect to system-level goals. Understanding the dynamics that facilitate or limit navigation of problem spaces by aligned parts thus impacts many fields ranging across life sciences and engineering. To that end, consider a system on the vertices of a planar graph, with pairwise interactions prescribed by the edges of the graph. Such systems can sometimes exhibit long-range order, distinguishing one phase of macroscopic behaviour from another. In networks of interacting systems, we may view spontaneous ordering as a form of self-organization, modelling neural and basal forms of cognition. Here, we discuss necessary conditions on the topology of the graph for an ordered phase to exist, with an eye towards finding constraints on the ability of a system with local interactions to maintain an ordered target state. By studying the scaling of free energy under the formation of domain walls in three model systems-the Potts model, autoregressive models and hierarchical networks-we show how the combinatorics of interactions on a graph prevent or allow spontaneous ordering. As an application, we are able to analyse why multiscale systems like those prevalent in biology are capable of organizing into complex patterns, whereas rudimentary language models are challenged by long sequences of outputs. This article is part of the theme issue 'World models in natural and artificial intelligence'.

The discovery of CRISPR-Cas system has significantly advanced genome editing, offering vast applications in medical treatments and life sciences research. Despite their immense potential, the existing CRISPR-Cas systems still face challenges concerning size, delivery efficiency, and cleavage specificity. Addressing these challenges requires a deeper understanding of CRISPR-Cas proteins to advance the design and discovery of novel Cas proteins. Here, we study CRISPR-Cas proteins extensively using deep-learning techniques to build classification models that can differentiate between Cas and non-Cas proteins, as well as identify subfamilies Cas9 and Cas12. We developed two types of deep learning models: 1) a transformer encoder-based classification model, trained from scratch; and 2) a large protein language model fine-tuned on ProtBert, pre-trained on more than 200 million proteins. To boost learning efficiency for the model trained from scratch, we introduced a novel margin-based loss function to maximize inter-class separability and intra-class compactness in protein sequence embedding latent space of a transformer encoder. Our results show that the Fine-Tuned ProtBert-based (FTPB) classification model achieved accuracies of 99.06%, 94.42%, 96.80%, 97.57% for Cas9 vs. non-Cas, Cas12 vs.non-Cas, Cas9 vs. Cas12, and multi-class classification of Cas9 vs. Cas12 vs. non-Cas proteins, respectively. The Latent Space Regularized Max-Margin Transformer (LSRMT) model achieved classification accuracies of 99.81%, 99.81%, 99.06%, and 99.27% for the same tasks, respectively. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed Max-Margin-based latent space regularization in enhancing model robustness and generalization capabilities. Remarkably, the LSRMT model, even when trained on a significantly smaller dataset, outperformed the fine-tuned state-of-the-art large protein model. The high classification accuracies achieved by the LSRMT model demonstrate its proficiency in identifying discriminative features of CAS proteins, marking a significant step towards advancing our understanding of CAS protein structures in future research endeavors.

Special Issue: 13th International Conference on Computational Advances in Bio and Medical Sciences.

PurposeThis study aims to comprehensively analyze the evolution of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) education research from 2000 to 2025, with a specific focus on identifying global trends, research hotspots, term networks, and the integration of omics technologies into curricula. The goal is to understand the shifting educational landscape and address the attention needed in practical application and interdisciplinary approaches.Materials and MethodsThe analyses were conducted on 1237 English-language articles focusing on BMB education, which were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database, covering publications from January 2000 to December 2025. Two visualization and clustering tools (CiteSpace and VOSviewer) were utilized to conduct the core analyses, including term frequencies, keyword co-occurrences, thematic clustering, and temporal timeline evolution analysis.ResultsPublication output has grown steadily, with a sharp spike post-2020, which indicates growing global attention in BMB teaching. Key journals including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education and Journal of Chemical Education have played a leading role in driving the dissemination of relevant research. Through co-occurrence network mapping and clustering analyses, prominent themes were identified, include “active learning”, “medical student education”, and “biochemistry course design”. The cluster “biochemistry course” dominated the timeline from 2000 to 2025, reflecting a sustained and strong emphasis on BMB instructional design. Our analyses further revealed a pivotal paradigm shift in the field: omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) and associated bioinformatic tools have evolved from niche, emerging educational components to core pillars that bridge traditional BMB curricula and modern data-driven research practices.ConclusionThe findings underscore significant progress in BMB education research, driven by technological advancements and interdisciplinary approaches. Despite the explosive growth of omics research and its wide applications across the life sciences, yet they remain significantly underprioritized in BMB education curricula. Future directions should prioritize technology-driven curriculum enhancements, cross-sector collaboration, and policy support to address evolving healthcare and scientific demands.

Current chemotherapy protocols for treatment of embryonal brain tumors in children may recommend administration of intrathecal chemotherapy, either by a lumbar tap or via an Ommaya reservoir. Children with concurrent hydrocephalus and shunts may have subtherapeutic levels of chemotherapy in the CSF due to constant CSF drainage to extra-CNS compartments. We present our experience in delivery of chemotherapy to children via programmable valves. A retrospective analysis of children with CNS malignancies together with hydrocephalus treated with a shunt and a programmable valve (CERTAS™ Plus Programmable Valves-Integra Life Sciences, proGAV®-Miethke) was conducted. Eighteen children up to 16years of age (mean age 5years) were included. Main pathologies included medulloblastomas (7) and atypical rhabdoid teratoid tumor (5). Each patient underwent 3-55 intrathecal injections (17 ± 14). One patient developed symptomatic hydrocephalus during the injection, which resolved with valve resetting. There were no infections, leaks, or major complications. One child required a wound revision due to exposure of the proximal catheter related to extremely thin skin. One patient experienced a "stuck" setting of the valve. Eight children are alive with no active disease, 25-80months after shunt placement (52 ± 21). There were no late effects related to IT chemotherapy. Programmable ventriculoperitoneal valves are a safe method for delivery of intra-ventricular chemotherapy in children. This technique may potentially have an added value for children with concurrent shunts and may also obviate the need for an additional ventricular access device (such as an Ommaya reservoir).

CRISPR-Cas-mediated gene editing has revolutionized life sciences, yet the targeting scope of the widely used SpCas9 is limited by its strict requirement for the NGG protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). To overcome this limitation, PAM-flexible SpCas9 variants have been developed and characterized in multiple species; however, their potential in pigs (an important biomedical model for humans) remains unexplored. Here, we systematically evaluated the editing performance of three PAM-flexible SpCas9 variants (SpRY, SpG, and SpCas9-NG) and their derived base editors in porcine fetal fibroblasts (PFFs). Profiling across 228 target sites revealed that SpRY exhibits nearly PAM-less activity, with significantly higher editing efficiency at NRN (15.82%, R = A/G) than at NYN PAMs (5.75%, Y = C/T). SpG and SpCas9-NG preferentially targeted NGN PAMs, achieving mean efficiencies of 14.81% and 16.33%, respectively. PAM‑flexible cytosine base editors (CBEs) mediated efficient C:G‑to‑T:A conversion, with mean efficiencies of 12.01% for SpRY‑BE4max (NNN PAMs), 15.43% for SpG‑BE4max (NGN PAMs), and 18.39% for SpCas9‑NG‑BE4max (NGN PAMs). Similarly, PAM‑flexible adenine base editors (ABEs) mediated efficient A:T‑to‑G:C conversion, with mean efficiencies of 15.66% for SpRY‑ABE8e (NNN PAMs), 24.16% for SpG‑ABE8e (NGN PAMs), and 20.50% for SpCas9‑NG‑ABE8e (NGN PAMs). By exploiting this expanded targeting scope, we successfully introduced 16 pathogenic single‑nucleotide variants (SNVs) at NRN PAM sites in the porcine genome, with editing efficiencies reaching up to 40.68% for CBEs and 61.76% for ABEs. PAM-flexible SpCas9 variants and their derived base editors greatly expand the targeting scope for porcine genome engineering, thereby substantially broadening the applicability potential of CRISPR-Cas-mediated genome editing tools in porcine genetic improvement and disease model generation.

Morning glow and shooting star: The brief, brilliant journey of Chenhui Wang.

BackgroundSeasonal influenza causes substantial illness and death in adults 50 years of age or older, even with current vaccines. An investigational messenger RNA (mRNA)–based vaccine called mRNA-1010 encodes hemagglutinin glycoproteins from World Health Organization–recommended influenza strains.MethodsIn this phase 3, double-blind, active-controlled trial, we randomly assigned adults 50 years of age or older to receive trivalent mRNA-1010 (37.5 μg, which includes 12.5 μg of each strain) or a licensed standard-dose comparator. The primary efficacy end point was relative vaccine efficacy against reverse-transcriptase–polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR)–confirmed, protocol-defined influenza-like illness caused by influenza A or B, from at least 14 days after vaccination through the end of the influenza season. Hypothesis testing was conducted hierarchically to assess noninferiority (lower boundary of the 95% confidence interval [CI], >−10%), superiority (lower boundary of the 95% CI, >0%), and a higher level of superiority (lower boundary of the 95% CI, >9.1%).ResultsA total of 40,703 participants received mRNA-1010 (20,350 participants) or the standard-dose comparator (20,353 participants); the median follow-up was 181 days (range, 1 to 227). RT-PCR–confirmed, protocol-defined influenza-like illness was observed in 411 of 20,179 recipients of mRNA-1010 (2.0%) and 557 of 20,124 recipients of the standard-dose comparator (2.8%), which corresponds to a relative vaccine efficacy of 26.6% (95% CI, 16.7 to 35.4), thereby meeting the criteria for noninferiority, superiority, and higher-level superiority. Solicited adverse reactions were more frequent with mRNA-1010 than with the standard-dose comparator (injection-site pain in 65.8% vs. 29.8%, fatigue in 45.1% vs. 20.3%, headache in 37.8% vs. 18.0%, and myalgia in 35.4% vs. 11.6%); most reactions were mild to moderate and transient. Serious adverse events were reported in 2.2% of the recipients of mRNA-1010 (with three events considered by the investigator to be vaccine-related) and in 1.9% of the recipients of the standard-dose comparator (with two events considered by the investigator to be vaccine-related).ConclusionsIn this trial, mRNA-1010 was superior to standard-dose licensed vaccines for prevention of RT-PCR–confirmed, protocol-defined influenza-like illness in adults 50 years of age or older. Solicited adverse reactions were more frequent with mRNA-1010. (Funded by Blackstone Life Sciences and Moderna; Fluent ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06602024.)

Today's life science endeavours are complex and interconnected, and they face diverse challenges, such as budgetary insecurity and the reproducibility crisis. As a result, core facilities have become vital in research institutes, transitioning from mere conveniences to essential components that ensure instrument access. Core facilities actively support and steer research with staff advising on experimental design and data interpretation. However, core facilities must, likewise, continually demonstrate their value, and there is no clear consensus on their optimal operational structure. Integration into larger, geographically distributed infrastructures represents a crucial opportunity for consolidation and differentiation, provided expertise and focus are clearly defined. Here, we outline concrete steps to emphasise specific application know-how and increase visibility for imaging facilities to become future-proof, improve matchmaking to attract the right users, and build international recognition across European infrastructures. By clearly delineating and differentiating expertise, core facilities can accelerate research and position themselves as integral components of large-scale, durable infrastructures.