Researchers from Nantong University developed a novel targeted drug delivery system using functionalized pillararenes for multimodal synergistic cancer therapy, combining chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy to precisely attack tumor cells while sparing healthy ones.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a progressive spinal disease characterized by ectopic bone formation in the spine, leading to severe neurological symptoms due to spinal cord compression. This condition is more prevalent in Asian countries and has been associated with various genetic and hormonal factors. Recent insights reveal the potential role of interferon (IFN) signaling in the pathogenesis of OPLL, particularly the type I IFN pathway, which is known to play a role in innate immune responses and bone formation. A single-cell transcriptome profiling study has identified the activation of type I IFN signaling in ossified posterior longitudinal ligament, suggesting a therapeutic target for OPLL.

The International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing has published a study by Professor Zhenyu Zhang and his team at Dalian University of Technology, detailing their innovation of an eco-friendly photocatalytic chemical mechanical polishing (PCMP) slurry specifically designed for diamond polishing. This innovative, green PCMP slurry not only delivers high-quality and efficient polishing outcomes but also adheres to sustainable practices, marking a substantial leap forward in material processing technology. Their research offers fresh perspectives on achieving an atomic-level diamond surface, paving the way for potential applications in high-performance devices.

Toughening glass matrix ceramics remains a challenge due to their intrinsic brittleness, yet high-toughness ceramics are crucial for various applications, especially dental restoration. Dental glass ceramics require a toughness above 5 MPa∙m¹/² to prevent fractures and extend lifespan. The key challenge is enhancing mechanical properties without sacrificing translucency. In this study, ZrO₂-SiO₂ glass ceramics were doped with amorphous Al₂O₃ at the nanointerface and nano-domains. This modification significantly improved mechanical performance, achieving a flexural strength of 960 MPa and a toughness of 8.05 MPa∙m¹/². Despite these enhancements, the material maintained excellent translucency, demonstrating its potential for dental restoration and other structural applications.

Safety Emergency Science, a pioneering international academic journal, has been officially launched on the SciOpen platform.

Thaxterogaster is the second largest genus within the family Cortinariaceae, comprising nearly 200 species worldwide. However, the diversity of the genus in China remains largely unknown. Based on morphological evidence and phylogenetic inference of a five-locus dataset, 112 species belonging to seven subgenera and 23 sections of Thaxterogaster, were analyzed. The authors describe 15 of those present in China, including eight species new to science, namely T. crassimultiformis, T. lavendulaceus, T. flavocapitatus, T. pallidopurpurascens, T. atricapitatus, T. cupreus, T. sordidus, T. alboparvus, and one species new to China, viz. T. indopurpurascens. Two new combinations, Thaxterogaster subgenus Vibratiles and Thaxterogaster tenuipes, are further introduced.

In a paper published in Mycology, the research team from the Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Natural Medicines, Chinese Academy of Sciences, conducted the study on the phylogeny and species diversity of Geoglossomycetes in China. In this study, the team examined 34 samples from China, representing four genera. Based on ecological comparisons, morphological studies, and phylogenetic analyses of combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), the research team proposes ten new species of Geoglossomycetes and identifies four known species. Additionally, they combined ITS and LSU sequences to reconstruct the phylogenetic tree of Geoglossomycetes. Furthermore, they summarized the sexual morph characteristics of the two largest genera in the class, Geoglossum and Trichoglossum.

This study investigated the heterogeneity of host-microbiome interactions at the single-cell level by integrating six single-cell transcriptomic datasets using single-cell analysis of host-microbiome interactions in lung cancer.

A new study has unveiled a cutting-edge framework that harnesses deep learning and remote sensing to identify building materials with remarkable accuracy.