Researchers identified key genes in Streptomyces cinnamonensis to enhance monensin production, a widely used antibiotic. By enhancing fatty acid degradation genes, yields rose 10%–22%. Tandem overexpression of these genes in engineered strain achieved record yields, which is of a big industrial promise.

A new approach called monolithic synchronous integration enables the direct fabrication of lead-based optoelectronic devices on silicon circuits, promising simpler, cost-effective production of high-performance image sensors and displays.

The nonlinear optical properties of BP/ReS₂ heterojunction saturable absorber in 2 μm all-solid-state lasers was investigated systematically.

Morphine is a potent opioid medicine utilized for the management of moderate to severe pain, particularly in palliative care, post-surgical recovery, and cancer treatment. But, it carries risks of addiction liability and respiratory depression. Thus, aim of the review was designed to insights into morphine: extraction, structural characterization, and pharmacological properties. A literature survey on scientific journals, books as well as electronic sources was performed for the content. This review delves into the multifaceted aspects of morphine, one of the most well-known opiate analgesics, focusing on its extraction, structural characterization, and pharmacological properties. The pharmacological profile of morphine is critically examined, highlighting its mechanisms of action, including its interactions with opioid receptors, and the resulting physiological effects. Also, the therapeutic applications of morphine is discussed in pain management, its potential for addiction, and the emergence of tolerance. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of morphine’s significance in medicine and its implications for future pharmacological developments.

Dear Editor,

Nipah virus (NiV) poses a significant threat to global health security due to its high fatality rate and the possibility of human-to-human transmission.1 This zoonotic virus can cause serious effect in both animals and humans.2 Although there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics for NiV, there have been promising advances in vaccine development in recent years, bringing us one step closer to curbing the impact of this deadly disease. NiV outbreaks have been reported in several countries in southern Asian countries in support of their statement, outbreaks are taken place annually in Bangladesh.3 The main route of transmission to human is through contact with infected animals, particularly, flying fox (Pteropus) natural reservoir of the virus. However, raising concerns about the pandemic potential of the virus and their impact on human-to-human transmission has also been documented.4

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the expression and significance of γδ T cells and lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood on patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods: Fifty-five patients with multiple myeloma admitted to Yangpu Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University from January 2022 to August 2023 were selected as the disease group, and were categorized into stage I group, stage II group and stage III group according to the International Staging System (ISS) of multiple myeloma. All included patients were consecutive visits. Another 30 cases of healthy people with physical examination were selected as the control group. Flow cytometry was used to detect the γδ T cells and lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of the subjects. After clinical indicators of patients and healthy controls were collected, the statistical analysis was conducted.

Results: Compared with the control group, the percentage of γδ T cells and CD8+ T cells in the disease group were higher, while, the absolute numbers of total peripheral blood lymphocytes (LYMT) and CD19+ B cells, percentage of CD19+ B cells, CD3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells were lower (P​<​0.05). The percentage of γδ T cells (P​<​0.001), the percentage of CD19+ B cells (P​=​0.003), the absolute number of CD3+ T cells (P​=​0.010), the absolute number of CD8+ T cells (P​=​0.002) were the significant influential factors of MM. γδ T cells (P​=​0.004), neutrophils (P​<​0.001), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (P​=​0.003), and white blood cell count (P​<​0.001) were statistically different in different stages. ROC curve suggested that the area under the curve of the percentage of γδ T cells in predicting the MM were 0.973 (P​<​0.001) which had certain diagnostic value.

Conclusions: γδ T cells and lymphocyte subsets (CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, CD3+ T cells, etc.) in patients with newly diagnosis of MM can reflect the immune function of the patient’s organism, which is a key factor of MM. γδ T cells influence the staging of MM patients, and also have certain diagnostic value.

In the face of growing environmental concerns and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, sustainable clean energy solutions have become paramount in addressing the global energy crisis. Hydrogen is emerging as a key solution, as it generates energy with water as its only by-product, offering a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. However, existing hydrogen storage options, including compressed and cryogenic methods, face challenges such as high cost and safety concerns, limiting their widespread adoption in vehicles. This is where Prof. Tian Tian, Assistant Professor of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), is making a breakthrough in his research. He has developed advanced nanoporous materials that enhance safety and storage efficiency, thereby making hydrogen a more viable and scalable clean energy solution for future transportation.

In a groundbreaking advancement for motor control, Model-Free Predictive Control (MFPC) technology has emerged as a revolutionary advancement. This innovative approach enables motors to operate efficiently and stably even in unpredictable environments. Let's delve into the world of MFPC and explore how it's reshaping the future of motor drives.

Microwave-assisted catalytic reactions are considered energy-efficient and have attracted attention in various chemical processes. This is due to the selective and rapid heating of target materials or species, which is especially beneficial for highly endothermic reactions such as Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM)—a promising reaction for utilising methane and carbon dioxide. At present, reaction mechanisms and kinetic advantages under microwave irradiation remain limited. In this study, we applied Steady-State Isotopic Transient Kinetic Analysis (SSITKA) to elucidate the advantages of microwave heating. We successfully revealed that the microwave activation induces the formation of reactive coke, enhancing the rate of DRM. This work was published in the journal Industrial Chemistry & Materials on Jun 12.