Bacopa monnieri (BM) is a known leafy vegetable with reported uses in traditional medicine in many countries. In traditional medicine, B. monnieri has been used to manage neurological disorders, enhance memory, and address sleep problems. As it is already recognized as a leafy vegetable suitable for consumption by both children and adults, it is timely to investigate its potential in addressing one of the most prevalent health issues in modern society-sleep disorders. This review connects traditional medicinal knowledge and modern scientific findings by examining the chronotherapeutic potential of B. monnieri. Relevant studies on B. monnieri and its effects on circadian rhythm and sleep quality were identified through a systematic and comprehensive examination of the literature. A total of 160 references, including research articles, review articles, and book chapters, were identified and summarized to provide the current scientific evidence on the effects of B. monnieri in improving sleep quality. After a thorough review, three possible pathways were identified: B. monnieri's effects on brain neurotransmitters responsible for circadian rhythm, hormonal regulation, and its effect on stress levels, which indirectly affect sleep quality. Scientific evidence supporting the use of B. monnieri for sleep or circadian regulation remains limited and has shown mixed results. Some studies report improved sleep duration and reduced stress, with strong evidence suggesting that B. monnieri has significant potential to improve sleep quality; others show no significant effect on sleep quality. Therefore, more standardized studies are needed to confirm whether B. monnieri is effective in improving sleep quality.

The Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN, www.cam-can.org ) was established 15 years ago to investigate the cognitive and brain bases of healthy adult ageing. Demographic, health and lifestyle data, cognitive data and a wide range of brain imaging data, were shared with other researchers around the world, resulting in many scientific findings. Here we review these findings under the broad headings of 'neuroscience of ageing', 'methodological developments' and 'clinical/translational use', and look to future longitudinal continuation and sharing of further data.

With increasing research underscoring the link between good health and food biochemistry, there is a pressing need to utilize sustainable food sources that offer health advantages beyond nourishment. This review explores the emerging field of functional ingredients and their application as nutraceuticals to promote human health. Functional ingredients derived from natural sources, such as marine organisms, possess bioactive properties that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This review focuses on key categories of marine-derived compounds, examining their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Emphasis is placed on recent scientific findings, clinical trials, and the growing demand for nutraceuticals as preventive and therapeutic agents. In conclusion, the incorporation of cutting-edge functional components into nutraceuticals represents a significant advancement in promoting health and well-being. These components possess bioactive properties that could be beneficial in managing and preventing chronic diseases while providing additional nutritional value. However, to fully harness the potential of these innovative functional components as nutraceuticals, further research, comprehensive safety assessments, and robust regulatory measures are necessary.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) root powder and extracts have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve sleep and anxiety. Recent scientific investigations into its efficacy have shown promise for relief from anxiety, insomnia and stress and for improving the immune system. It has also been suggested that oxygen uptake in the cardiovascular system, muscle strength, cognitive function, the reproductive system and the aging process significantly benefit from ashwagandha treatment. Since the herbal remedy is taken daily by millions of people in India, China and parts of the West, it is interesting that there are very few case reports of side effects directly attributed to the treatment, suggesting that the administration of ashwagandha preparations may be safe. Currently, neither the European Medicines Agency nor the FDA considers ashwagandha as a drug or general health supplement. Therefore, ashwagandha products are marketed in the West as dietary supplements so that users may be exposed to unscrupulous vendors. In this narrative/literature review, scientific findings from basic research and human clinical trials on herbal remedies, spanning the period from 1994 to date, were critically evaluated for the purpose of highlighting knowledge gaps to provide context for new research. Such investigations will provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of ashwagandha treatment, thus making the herbal preparations more accessible to a wider audience.

The cactus Pelecyphora chihuahuensis is endemic to northern Mexico and represents an interesting subject on the integration of classical taxonomy with modern biotechnological tools to solve conservation issues. Because of its narrow ecological range and high ornamental value, the species is increasingly at risk from degradation of its habitats, climate change, and plant poaching. This review includes current knowledge on its taxonomic status, ecological distribution, and conservation needs, with a focus on biotechnological means to aid its preservation. Aspects such as molecular markers, next-generation sequencing, and previously reported GIS-based species distribution models provide valuable insights into its identity and ecological niche. Biotechnological tools for ex situ conservation include in vitro propagation and cryopreservation. Potential applications of CRISPR-Cas and synthetic biology in preserving rare cacti are also discussed. By uncovering gaps, this review opens a window of opportunity to urgently promote the sustainable management of P. chihuahuensis and related endangered cacti by merging biotechnology with ecology and taxonomy, the results presented here underscore the importance of integrating scientific findings into future research that supports the development and implementation of effective policies that prioritize the conservation and biocultural preservation of arid-land flora, ensuring that both ecological integrity and cultural values are maintained for these unique ecosystems.

BackgroundScientific misinformation remains a major barrier to effective health communication. Bridging the gap between academic research and public understanding requires tools that simplify scientific language and adapt content to diverse audiences.ObjectiveThis study presents Maria Ciência (LPCT-IGM), a specialized GPT-based assistant for science communication. The tool supports researchers in translating peer-reviewed scientific findings through simple prompts into accessible, ethically appropriate materials tailored for children, the general public, health professionals, and policymakers.MethodsThe tool was configured using prompt engineering techniques and guided by curated reference materials on inclusive and nonstigmatizing scientific language. Materials derived from 47 public health papers resulted in 188 outputs, which were assessed by 121 evaluators using 4 criteria: clarity, level of detail, language suitability, and content quality. In addition, outputs generated by Maria Ciência were compared with those produced by a base large language model and with human-written science communication materials. Readability and linguistic accessibility were assessed using multiple established metrics.ResultsWorldwide, mean scores were high: clarity (4.90), language suitability (4.78), content quality (4.72), and level of detail (4.56), on a 5-point scale. Materials for children and the general public consistently achieved the highest ratings across all criteria. A targeted comparison with the base large language model demonstrated superior performance of Maria Ciência in contextual stability. Readability analyses indicated that Maria Ciência’s outputs were significantly more accessible than human-written texts, while maintaining high legibility classifications.ConclusionsMaria Ciência demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence–assisted tools to enhance knowledge translation and counter scientific misinformation by producing scalable, audience-specific content that balances accessibility and informational integrity.

Cannabis rescheduling from Schedule I to Schedule III under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act would be the most significant federal cannabis policy shift in more than five decades, yet its legal and practical consequences are widely misunderstood. This policy analysis clarifies what Schedule III rescheduling would change-and what it would not-by synthesizing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2023 scientific and medical recommendation and its two-part inquiry into "currently accepted medical use," Congressional Research Service legal guidance on rescheduling consequences, administrative law scholarship on Drug Enforcement Administration rulemaking and deference to expert scientific findings, and interdisciplinary research on cannabis regulation, product development, and public health. We examine implications for federal-state conflict, criminal liability and collateral consequences, research access and scientific infrastructure, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evidentiary standards for therapeutic claims, taxation and capital flows (including relief from Internal Revenue Code §280E), and uneven effects on regulated state markets and owner-operators. Drawing on scholarship documenting Schedule I research barriers, constrained access to representative research materials, and the growing role of real-world evidence alongside clinical trials, we argue that rescheduling may expand research capacity and strengthen incentives for FDA-compliant development without legalizing cannabis, approving dispensary products, authorizing interstate commerce, or resolving conflicts between federal and state law. We further assess equity implications, emphasizing that rescheduling does not expunge records, repair past harms, or ensure equitable participation and may accelerate consolidation absent protective safeguards. We conclude that Schedule III should be treated as a transitional status, with agencies prioritizing research access and public health surveillance while Congress addresses banking, interstate commerce, and durable criminal justice and equity reforms.

This research is motivated by various scientific findings demonstrating that employee performance is a strategic factor in organizational success. This literature review aims to examine and synthesize concepts, theories, and previous research findings that discuss the relationship between competence, motivation, and organizational culture and employee performance. The method used is a literature review, examining various scientific sources, including textbooks, national and international journal articles, and academic documents relevant to the research topic. The analysis process involved grouping themes, comparing findings, and drawing conceptual conclusions to gain a comprehensive understanding. The review results indicate that competence plays a role in improving employee capabilities and work quality, motivation influences internal drive to achieve work targets, and organizational culture shapes values ​​and norms that guide work behavior. Overall, this literature review concludes that competence, motivation, and organizational culture are strongly linked and mutually supportive in improving employee performance.

The review highlights the critical relationship between pesticide exposure and honey bee health. It discusses how various classes of pesticides, including neonicotinoids, carbamates, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and others, adversely affect bee behavior, reproduction, and immune systems. The paper reviews recent scientific findings indicating that sub-lethal doses can impair navigation, foraging efficiency, and colony stability, leading to colony collapse disorder. Emphasizing the ecological and agricultural significance of honeybees as pollinators, the abstract highlights the need for sustainable pesticide use and integrated pest management strategies to protect bee populations and maintain environmental health.

Ramadhan fasting is a spiritual practice with theological, psychological, and social dimensions. From an Islamic psychological perspective, fasting is understood as a process of spiritual education (tarbiyah nafs) aimed at fostering piety and mental balance. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the relationship between fasting education and mental health, based on Islamic psychological literature and contemporary empirical research. The method used is a literature review of international scientific journals and Islamic psychological studies. The analysis shows that Ramadhan fasting contributes to improved psychological well-being, emotional regulation, resilience, self-control, meaning in life, and social cohesion. Fasting also serves as a promotive-preventive intervention in spirituality-based mental health. By integrating classical Islamic concepts with modern scientific findings, fasting education can serve as a model

In the past two decades, important progress has allowed a better understanding of how light signals are perceived by plants, not only as a source of energy for photosynthesis but also as environmental cues that modulate growth, development, and stress responses. These advances open up promising prospects for light-based treatments in agriculture. This review synthesizes recent scientific findings on the application of specific wavelengths (from ultraviolet to infrared) to improve crop yield, quality, and resilience. The analysis focuses on controlled environment agriculture, where most experimental data have been generated and where the integration of lighting strategies is technically more feasible compared to open-field settings. Preharvest: we explore how spectral quality, intensity, and duration can be used to modulate plant growth, photosynthesis, defense pathways, and the accumulation of nutritional compounds. Postharvest: the focus shifts to how light can help maintain visual and nutritional quality, regulate ripening, limit pathogen development, and extend shelf-life. The review emphasizes plant photoreceptors and signal transduction pathways, as well as technical parameters such as spectrum selection, application timing, and lighting configuration. A selection of recent patents illustrates how fundamental research is being translated into deployable, energy-efficient lighting technologies for sustainable crop management.

Health is a great blessing bestowed by Allah SWT upon humans and is a primary requirement for carrying out worship and social service. Islam views health holistically, encompassing physical, spiritual, mental, and social aspects. This article aims to comprehensively examine the concept of health from an Islamic perspective by integrating the verses of the Qur'an and Hadith with scientific findings in the health sector. The research method used is library research with a qualitative-descriptive approach to various relevant journals and scientific articles. The results show that Islamic teachings have a strong alignment with modern health principles, particularly in maintaining cleanliness, halal and thayyib diets, self-control through fasting, exercise, and maintaining mental health. The integration of Islamic values and health sciences contributes to establishing a sustainable and meaningful healthy lifestyle.

Environmental justice is closely related to corrective justice, procedural justice, and meaningful public participation. Effective communication of research-based evidence is critical but often overlooked in environmental decision-making processes. This article examines how scientific research findings frequently fail to influence policy decisions due to communication barriers between researchers, communities, and decision-makers. We propose that effective science communication strategies, including the accessible translation of complex findings into formats understandable to diverse stakeholders, can bridge this gap. This article advocates for adopting journalistic communication styles, strengthening evidence-based arguments, and strategically using mass media channels as specific approaches to simultaneously motivate greater public participation in decision-making processes although making scientific evidence more accessible and compelling for policymakers.

Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) waves with periods of ∼ 10–1,000 s can lead to space weather impacts such as induced electrical currents in power grids, thus it is important to understand the factors controlling wave dynamics. This is challenging, however, as waves (1) are affected by multiple factors simultaneously, (2) are non-stationary which in some cases precludes use of identification methods that assume stationarity, (3) can occur in superposition with each other making them difficult to separate and identify. Past studies have addressed these challenges through combined audiovisual analysis tools to identify complex but recurring patterns in ULF wave activity that eluded standard visual inspection and automated detection algorithms, as well as through crowd-sourced wave identification. The “Heliophysics Audified: Resonances in Plasmas” NASA citizen science project follows these studies by deploying a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for crowd-sourced ULF wave identification to a large online audience before and during the Heliophysics Big Year (HBY). In this study, we discuss the initial development, beta testing, and deployment of the GUI in April 2023. We further discuss the key initial scientific findings of the HARP project, in particular the discovery by volunteers of anomalous standing Alfvén wave activity with frequency increasing with distance from the Earth. Finally, we discuss participant impacts and lessons learned, as well broader impacts beyond the scope of the original project such as collaborations with museums and musicians. We place these results in context with previous work and discuss implications for future studies.

Clinical psychology is a discipline reliant on self-reports but uniquely susceptible to specific biases associated therewith. Here we provide a prototype for objective behavioral assessment drawn from the field of alcohol science, reviewing the research on an emerging class of wearable transdermal biosensor. We note the challenges of transdermal alcohol assessment and describe recent performance gains from updated devices and machine learning analytic tools. We indicate unanswered questions for transdermal technology, including device longevity and the accuracy of devices for producing fine-grained estimates of drinking quantity. We identify factors that can impede development of transdermal sensors and other new objective measures, including the tendency to judge new tools against an implicit ideal, and consider scientific findings divorced from methodology. Finally, in evaluating novel objective measurement tools, we argue for careful consideration of not only error magnitude but also error type (i.e., random versus systematic), and we identify measurement diversification as a priority for clinical psychology moving forward.

Rice fields are a critical source of CH 4 and N 2 O, necessitating accurate, field-level measurements to inform effective mitigation programs. This review (Volume 1) offers a novel perspective on this topic by focusing on the measurement systems themselves, driven by one core question: To what extent have the technical capabilities and limitations of field measurement systems shaped the current scientific understanding and knowledge gaps on rice greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? We provide a comprehensive assessment of three major field approaches: Manually Sampled Chambers (MSC), Fully Automated Chambers (FAC), and Eddy Covariance (EC). Reversing the narrative of typical literature reviews that focus primarily on scientific findings, this paper starts with the technical evolution of each method, followed by a comparative assessment based on frameworks for method selection and scientific key contributions. The current scientific consensus and global estimates are overwhelmingly derived from the highly versatile MSC approach, which has generated a vast database across different rice-growing regions and management treatments, enabling statistically robust meta-analyses. Despite limitations—such as altering the microclimate in the headspace, possibly missing diurnal or seasonal peaks, and limited spatial scalability—the MSC remains a cornerstone of rice GHG research and will continue to play a central role. The FAC system was developed as an alternative, overcoming limitations in sampling frequency and providing robust data on diurnal and seasonal emission patterns, which proved especially valuable in comparative studies on crop management impacts. Finally, we discuss the use of EC, which provides high-resolution, integrative datasets that allow for a greatly improved process-based understanding of GHG fluxes. The established FluxNet collaboration of EC researchers could serve as a blueprint to coordinate chamber-based studies, thereby building the comprehensive dataset necessary to support data-driven modeling and Machine Learning (ML) development. This retrospective assessment in Volume 1 establishes a critical framework for evaluating and selecting rice GHG measurement methods. Volume 2 of this paper will supplement this work by addressing emerging technical innovations and prospects against the backdrop of diversified research objectives.

The systematic acquisition of field data is a major bottleneck for identifying scalable solutions that effectively reduce emissions while maintaining productivity in agricultural systems such as rice. This 2 nd volume of a multilayered presentation of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission measurements in rice fields links up with a review of scientific findings achieved with well-established measurement approaches. Special emphasis is given to advanced systems with laser-based trace gas analyzers (TGA) integrated into an upgraded closed chamber system. A synchronized field experiment was conducted under Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Continuous Flooding (CF), comparing a) manual sampling with gas chromatography representing a time-tested reference method, b) a TGA in a stand-alone (portable) configuration, and c) a TGA assembled with a semi-automated multi-valve system. Following a preparatory test resulting in an optimum sampling interval of 4 min, the reliability of the TGA measurements was assessed by calculating R² from linear regression of gas concentration versus sampling time. Based on a paired t-test, the three approaches did not present any significant difference except for rare outliers with p ≤ 0.01 reaching a maximum difference of 12.62 mg m - ² d - ¹. In total, these disparities were small compared to overall emission levels and occurred randomly across treatments, indicating that there was no systematic bias between approaches. In the second part of this volume, we broadened the perspective to a comparative assessment of methods supplemented by projecting future developments in GHG measurements in rice. Both portable and multi-valve TGA systems provide greater efficiency and real-time data acquisition while their mutual comparison is a function of research objectives and project settings. Regarding technical features of future measurement systems in rice, we highlighted the multi-valve TGA system as a feasible core component of a high-throughput screening platform intended to identify low-emission rice varieties for immediate dissemination across scales and integration into breeding programs. Finally, we assessed the possible synergies of these high-frequency TGA data sets with other emerging technologies, namely Remote Sensing and Machine Learning, under a diversified regulatory framework for GHG accounting that will likely dissolve the distinction of Tier 2 and 3 approaches for rice production.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) represents a complex endocrine-metabolic condition which presents with hyperandrogenism and anovulation together with insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation affecting 21% of women during their reproductive years globally. Nutrition has always played a pivotal role in managing PCOS. Emerging evidence demonstrates that micronutrients play an essential part in regulating molecular processes that drive the pathophysiology of PCOS. The deficiency of micronutrients exacerbates insulin resistance, oxidative stress and hormonal dysregulation through their negative impact on PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and Nrf2 and steroidogenic enzyme signaling pathways, all of which play a key role in the pathophysiology of PCOS. This review synthesizes a comprehensive analysis of scientific findings which demonstrate how micronutrient levels influence the regulation of insulin function, inflammatory reactions, oxidative balance, methylation activities and ovarian health in PCOS patients. It also evaluates the potential advantages of targeted micronutrient supplementation used alongside standard management strategies, considering factors such as bioavailability and nutrigenomics, while emphasizing the need for robust large-scale randomized clinical trials. Overall, a molecularly targeted approach to micronutrients represents an emerging precision-nutrition strategy aimed at improving metabolic, reproductive, and inflammatory outcomes in women with PCOS.

Vigorous debate has erupted over the trustworthiness of scientific research findings in a number of domains. The question “what makes research findings trustworthy?” elicits different answers depending on whether the emphasis is on research integrity and ethics, research methods, transparency, inclusion, assessment and peer review, or scholarly communication. Each provides partial insight. We offer a systems approach that focuses on whether the research is accountable, evaluable, well-formulated, has been evaluated, controls for bias, reduces error, and whether the claims are warranted by the evidence. We tie each of these components to measurable indicators of trustworthiness for evaluating the research itself, the researchers conducting the research, and the organizations supporting the research. Our goals are to offer a framework that can be applied across methods, approaches, and disciplines and to foster innovation in development of trustworthiness indicators. Developing valid indicators will improve the conduct and assessment of research and, ultimately, public understanding and trust.

Are there ideological differences in science denial?