A new study in eGastroenterology shows that blood microbial cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the liver. Using shotgun metagenomics on plasma and tissue samples, researchers identified distinct bacterial taxa associated with each cancer type. Plasma microbial signatures proved stronger than tissue-based signals, highlighting their diagnostic potential.

Plants must defend themselves against relentless insect herbivores. 

This study presents the first systematic safety evaluation of Gardasil 9 and Gardasil in male recipients, addressing a key evidence gap. Gardasil 9 showed a potentially more favourable safety profile than Gardasil. These findings may strengthen confidence among the public and providers, inform clinical and policy decisions, and support global immunization efforts. Identified positive AEFIs warrant prospective validation to determine their clinical significance.

A study published in the Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts explores hydrothermal aging of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). Researchers subjected bamboo to controlled temperature–humidity cycles and analyzed its physical, chemical, and mechanical changes. Findings show that moisture-driven degradation causes dimensional instability, discoloration, and strength loss. Using Random Forest modeling, the team achieved highly accurate predictions of bamboo’s service life. The work provides new data-driven approaches for managing bamboo quality during storage and supports its role as a sustainable alternative to plastics.

This study shows how the interplay of ink composition and printing design shapes the structure, strength, and bioactivity of 3D-printed bone implants. By adjusting these factors, researchers achieved implants that better guide bone cell growth while maintaining stability, advancing personalized treatment for bone repair.

Inspired by insect hearing, we present a compact, chip-based system for superior acoustic perception. A dual-soliton microcomb drives over 100 parallel opto-acousitc sensors, achieving extreme sensitivity, pinpointing sound sources within centimeters, and identifying targets in real-time. This all-in-one photonic microsystem providing biomimetic robots with advanced, out-of-lab hearing for next-generation acoustic intelligence and scalable sensor networks.

Researchers have utilized polymer zwitterions incorporating conjugated units to modify inorganic metal oxide (zinc oxide, ZnO) interlayers in organic solar cells. This approach effectively passivates defects, improves charge extraction and transport, and consequently enhances device performance. Furthermore, the conjugated units absorb ultraviolet radiation and protect the organic semiconductor layers, contributing to enhanced device stability.