Search Results (18,148)

Ecosystem services are crucial for animals, plants, the planet, and human well-being. Decreasing biodiversity and environmental destruction of ecosystems will have severe consequences. Designing technologies that could support, enhance, or even replace ecosystem services is a complex task that the Manufactured Ecosystems Project team considers to be only achievable with transdisciplinarity, as it unlocks new directions for designing research and development systems. One of these directions in the project is bio-inspiration, learning from natural systems as the foundation for manufacturing ecosystem services. Using soil formation as a case study, text-mining of existing scientific literature reveals a critical gap: fewer than 1% of studies in biomimetics address soil formation technological replacement, despite the rapid global decline in natural soil formation processes. The team sketches scenarios of ecosystem collapse, identifying how bio-inspired solutions for equitable and sustainable innovation can contribute to climate adaptation. The short communication opens the discussion for collaboration and aims to initiate future research. Full article

Understanding how endangered carnivores partition spatiotemporal distribution in human-dominated landscapes is pivotal for mitigating biodiversity loss in climate-sensitive boreal ecosystems. Here, we used kernel density data derived from a 16-month camera-trap survey (140 UVL7 cameras), cold single-season (November–April) occupancy models, and MaxEnt 3.4.4 to identify the effects of biotic interactions, anthropogenic disturbance, and environmental factors on the spatiotemporal distribution of the wolverine (Gulo gulo) in Beijicun National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province, China. We found that wolverines exhibited crepuscular activity patterns using night-time relative abundance index (NRAI) = 50.29% with bimodal peaks (05:00–07:00, 13:00–15:00), with dawn activity predominant during the warm season (05:00–06:00) and a bimodal activity pattern in the cold season (08:00–09:00, 14:00–15:00). Temporal overlap with prey (overlap coefficient Δ = 0.84) and competitors (Δ = 0.70) was high, but overlap with human-dominated temporal patterns was low (Δ = 0.58). Wolverines avoided human settlements and major roads, preferred moving along forest trails and gentle slopes, and avoided high-altitude deciduous forests. Populations were mainly concentrated in southern Hedong and Qianshao Forest Farms, which are characterized by high habitat integrity, high prey densities, and minimal anthropogenic disturbance. These findings suggest that wolverines may influence boreal trophic networks, especially in areas with intact prey communities, competitors, and spatial refugia from human disturbances. We recommend that habitat protection and management within the natural reserve be prioritized and that sustainable management practices for prey species be implemented to ensure the long-term survival of wolverines. Full article

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) represents a paradigmatic genetic disorder with well-characterized hepatic manifestations but relatively underexplored pulmonary implications. While liver involvement has been extensively reviewed, the underlying mechanisms of lung disease progression remain poorly understood, particularly regarding immunological pathways and inflammatory processes. The pathophysiology involves defective alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) production, including AAT variants that induce neutrophil elastase activity, causing progressive alveolar destruction and sustained inflammation, leading to emphysema, as one of the main components of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AATD and smoking represent major risk factors for COPD, the third leading cause of death worldwide at present. In AATD patients, neutrophils, which constitute the majority of circulating leukocytes, become dysregulated. Under normal conditions, cells perform essential functions, including phagocytosis and neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis); in AATD, however, they accumulate excessively in alveolar spaces due to impaired elastase control. The accumulation of Z-AAT polymers within epithelial cells creates a pathological cycle, acting as chemoattractants that sustain pro-inflammatory responses and contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development. In addition, monocytes, representing a smaller fraction of leukocytes, migrate to inflammatory sites and differentiate into macrophages while secreting AAT with anti-inflammatory properties. However, in PiZZ patients, this protective mechanism fails, as polymer accumulation within cells reduces both AAT secretion and the number of protective human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-DR-monocyte subsets. In particular, macrophages demonstrate remarkable plasticity, switching between pro-inflammatory M1 (classically activated macrophages) and tissue-repairing M2 (alternatively activated macrophages) phenotypes based on environmental cues. In AATD, this adaptive capability becomes compromised due to intracellular polymer accumulation, leading to impaired phagocytic function and dysregulated cytokine production and ultimately perpetuating chronic inflammation and progressive tissue damage. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology have facilitated alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) generation, in addition to the correction of AATD mutations through gene editing systems. Despite the limitations of AAT correction, iPSC-derived organoid models harboring AATD mutations can deliver important insights into disease pathophysiology, while gene editing approaches help demonstrate causality between specific mutations and observed phenotypes. Therefore, in this review, we investigated recent studies that can serve as tools for gene editing and drug development based on recently developed iPSC-related technologies to understand the pathogenesis of AATD. Full article

Understanding the dispersion of volcanic sulphur dioxide (SO₂) plumes is crucial for assessing their environmental and climatic impacts. This study integrates satellite-based and reanalysis datasets to simulate as well as visualise the dispersion patterns of volcanic SO₂ under diverse atmospheric conditions. By incorporating data from the MERRA-2 (Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2), CALIPSO (Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations), and OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) datasets, we are able to provide comprehensive insights into the vertical and horizontal trajectories of SO₂ plumes. The methodology involves modelling SO₂ dispersion across various atmospheric pressure surfaces, incorporating wind directions, wind speeds, and vertical column mass densities. This approach allows us to trace the evolution of SO₂ plumes from their source through varying meteorological conditions, capturing detailed vertical distributions and plume paths. Combining these datasets allows for a comprehensive analysis of both natural and human-induced factors affecting SO₂ dispersion. Visual and statistical interpretations in the paper reveal overall SO₂ concentrations, first injection dates, and dissipation patterns detected across altitudes of up to ±20 km in the stratosphere. This work highlights the significance of combining satellite-based and global atmospheric reanalysis datasets to validate and enhance the accuracy of plume dispersion models while having a general agreement that OMI daily data and MERRA-2 reanalysis hourly data are capable of accurately accounting for SO₂ plume dispersion patterns under varying meteorological conditions. Full article

Since 2007, the Yellow Sea has experienced the world’s largest green tides, with Ulva prolifera O.F. Müller as the dominant species. Those blooms severely impacted the local tourism and aquaculture, resulting in significant economic losses, as well as negative social and ecological consequences. Unlike other global green tides, those in the Yellow Sea are characterized by long-distance drifting and an astonishing scale. These destructive events display significant temporal and spatial variability, which is largely driven by dynamic environmental conditions and human activities. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in understanding the spatiotemporal patterns of long-distance transport, the interannual variability in bloom size, and the underlying mechanisms driving these fluctuations. Additionally, we highlight important knowledge gaps that need further investigation to support the development of effective management strategies for mitigating the impacts of green tides in the Yellow Sea. Full article

The Anthropocene, marked by rapid and extensive environmental changes, poses distinct evolutionary pressures and opportunities for species adaptation. Insects, among the most diverse and resilient taxa, exhibit notable dietary plasticity and the ability to convert low-value biomass—such as agro-industrial and urban waste—into usable nutrients. This review explores how these traits serve as adaptive strategies, enabling insects to thrive and expand into novel, human-altered habitats. We examine the evolution of insect nutritional requirements and how alternative diets influence physiological, behavioral, and reproductive traits, ultimately enhancing resilience to anthropogenic stressors. The capacity of insects to metabolize diverse substrates not only supports their role in food security and circular economy initiatives but also provides valuable insights into detoxification pathways and metabolic flexibility in environments rich in xenobiotics. By synthesizing key studies, we highlight the pivotal role insects play in redefining ecosystem functions under human influence. This review underscores the intersection of nutritional and evolutionary biology in understanding insect success in the Anthropocene, emphasizing the importance of nutritional knowledge for both ecological research and applied insect farming systems. Full article

Remote work, as a technologically possible and widely applicable working mode, gained renewed attention during lockdowns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. On one hand, remote work ensured that working remained sustainable; on the other hand, the unexpected and widespread nature of the immediate shift to remote work led to issues in terms of practicing and adapting to the process. Moreover, remote work can have strong social, economic, and environmental effects that have to be comprehensively understood. The high interest of employees in continuing with full or hybrid remote work calls for effective coping strategies at the individual and organizational levels in the future. This article focuses on academic studies documenting the peculiarities of remote work during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The aim is to identify the issues relating to remote work during the COVID-19 lockdowns that are documented in academic studies and thematically classify them into a range of factors. In this study, bibliometric and content analyses were employed, leading to comprehensive insights into the following areas: (1) remote work as a cause for changes in physical and psychological health; (2) remote work as a cause for changes in daily behavior, routine, and lifestyle; (3) factors that affect the process and productivity of remote work; (4) societal, economic, and environmental consequences of remote work; and (5) the distribution of the effects of remote work on individuals, economic subjects, and sectors. In conclusion, this study on working practices during the COVID-19 lockdowns that were documented in academic studies offers several benefits and areas of novelty: first, a comprehensive overview of the widespread process of adjusting to this new working mode; second, a classification of factors that affected the process at different stages and in different areas; and third, common factors that had more widespread effects during the remote working period. The findings also offer the following theoretical and practical implications: For researchers, this article can be a reference offering a holistic view of remote working during these lockdowns. For practitioners, it can provide an understanding of the impacting factors and their contextualization in terms of health, sociodemographic, and sectoral aspects can allow for more accurate human resource management strategies. Full article

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) family, has been associated with adverse health effects, including potential links to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study investigates the impact of PFOS on metabolic, immunologic and behavioral profiles in BTBR-mt^B6 mice, a mouse strain that models ASD, to provide insights into the role of PFOS in ASD development and related health concerns. Three-month-old male and female BTBR-mt^B6 mice were divided into two groups (n = 6) and received daily administration of either 1 mg/kg PFOS or vehicle over a three-month period by gavage. Metabolic assessments included measurements of body weight and weekly blood glucose levels, glucose and insulin tolerance tests, organ weights, and body compositions (free fluid, fat and lean tissue). Immune profiling was conducted via flow cytometric analysis of splenic leukocytes, while behavioral evaluations included grooming, sniffing, and three-chamber social interaction tests. PFOS exposure disrupted glucose homeostasis, with both sexes exhibiting elevated blood glucose levels. Male mice showed impaired glucose tolerance, delayed glucose level recovery, and increased insulin resistance, while females displayed decreased insulin resistance. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to liver enlargement in both sexes. Behavioral assessments revealed heightened grooming in PFOS-treated males, commonly interpreted as stress- or ASD-related repetitive behaviors, whereas females exhibited reduced grooming, reflecting altered behavioral responses to exposure. Immune alterations were also sex specific. PFOS-treated males exhibited decreased granulocytes, increased macrophages, and enhanced surface expressions of B220 and CD40L. PFOS-treated females showed increased macrophages, B-cells, cytotoxic T-cells and CD25⁺ T-cell subsets, with enhanced surface expression of B220 and CD8, and reduced surface expression of Mac-3. In addition, PFOS exposure reduced spleen weight in females. Taken together, PFOS exposure induced significant physiological and behavioral changes in BTBR-mt^B6 mice, with sex-specific differences observed. These results raise concern that PFASs may contribute to the development or exacerbation of metabolic, immune and neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the need for sex-specific human risk assessment in environmental toxicology. Full article

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a long-distance migratory pest, which invaded the African continent in 2016, causing enormous losses to agricultural crops, especially maize. Synthetic insecticides are primarily used for managing S. frugiperda, but they leave residues on human food and animal feed and also cause environmental hazards. We evaluated the crude ethanolic extract of Piper guineense fruits for contact toxicity on S. frugiperda larvae and determined the lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of the extract. Additionally, we conducted an electrophysiological (EAG) experiment to determine the responses of adult S. frugiperda males and females to P. guineense and determined whether the extract influenced mating, oviposition, and repellence to the adult female. We found that P. guineense extract caused significantly higher mortality to S. frugiperda larvae than an ethanol control. Electrophysiologically, we observed significantly higher responses to the extract than the control, with some variations in response between the sexes. A wind tunnel experiment revealed that females moved more towards the control than towards the extract. Taken together, our results confirm that P. guineense extract is effective against S. frugiperda larvae and adults. Future research should explore the responses of S. frugiperda to P. guineense extract on a field scale. Full article

This study investigates the presence of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in the Bajgora region of Mitrovica, Republic of Kosovo. Rock samples were collected and analyzed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). The analyses confirmed the presence of the chrysotile mineral, which is part of the asbestos mineral family, while the minerals of the serpentine group, lizardite and antigorite, were identified. Also, in the last sample, in the flyschite sandstone formations, quartz was identified. XRPD enabled the identification of mineral phases, while SEM/EDX provided detailed morphological and chemical characterization, essential for confirming asbestos structures. The detection of asbestos near residential areas raises serious public health concerns, as airborne fibers may be inhaled during routine daily activities. Exposure to these fibers is linked to severe diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. These findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and comprehensive assessment of asbestos contamination in the Bajgora region. The findings point to the need for continuous monitoring and comprehensive assessment of the Bajgora region for asbestos contamination. Furthermore, the ecological risks to human health resulting from the dispersion of asbestos mineral fibers in the soil, where their presence may be found in surface waters and in the air, these fibers represent a significant environmental risk that requires urgent attention by establishing a monitoring system for the benefit of public health. Full article

For monitoring animal adaptation when facing environmental challenges, and more specifically when addressing the impacts of global warming—particularly responses to heat stress and short-term fluctuations in osmotic regulations in the different organs influencing animal physiology—there is an increasing demand for digital tools to understand and monitor a range of biomarkers. Microneedle arrays (MNAs) have recently emerged as promising devices minimally invasively penetrating human skin to access dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) to monitor deviations in physiology and consequences on health. The ISF is a blood filtrate where the concentrations of ions, low molecular weight metabolites (<70 kDa), hormones, and drugs, often closely correlate with those in blood. However, anatomical skin differences between human and farm animals, especially large animals, as well as divergent tolerances of such devices among species with behavior specificities, motivate new MNA designs. We addressed technological challenges to design higher microneedles for farm animal (pigs and cattle) measurements. We designed microneedle arrays composed of 37 microneedles, each 2.8 mm in height, using dextran-methacrylate, a photo-crosslinked biocompatible biopolymer-based hydrogel. The arrays were characterized geometrically and mechanically. Their abilities to perforate pig and cow skin were demonstrated through histological analysis. The MNAs successfully absorbed approximately 10 µL of fluid within 3 h of application. Full article

An environmentally friendly biodegradable and flexible polymer with exceptional mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic interference shielding is urgently needed to reduce environmental pollutants and electromagnetic waves to preserve human health. The paper presents our study where we developed biodegradable electrospun nanocomposite by employing polybutylene succinate (PBS) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The crystallization temperature Tc and melting temperature Tm of electrospun PBS/MWCNT composites with 3 wt% of MWCNTs was increased noticeably by 4 °C and 5 °C. The tensile strength increased by about 2.61 ± 0.15MPA and the elastic modulus increased by about 0.72 ± 0.02 GPa with the addition of 3% MWCNT in polybutylene succinate. The increase in MWCNT content from 0.5 to 3 wt% led to an enhanced storage modulus and electrical properties 5 to 8 times higher in comparison to PBS. Moreover, the MWCNT was tested in different concentrations in PBS for electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) and the most applicable results were obtained when the MWCNT was 3% which is capable of providing 25.5 db EMI shielding efficiency. The percolation threshold capability of PBS/MWCNT electrospun nanocomposites was 0.94 wt% and has significant entanglement of the MWCNTs and MWCNT network in the PBS matrix for conductive pathways. The study offers a viable process for creating an electrospun PBS/MWCNT composite that is lightweight, biodegradable and has exceptional electromagnetic shielding capabilities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dopamine (DA), a chemical commonly associated with neuroscience and human physiology, has been the subject of growing interest in the field of agriculture due to its potential applications. Methods: This comprehensive review examines the multifaceted role of dopamine in agricultural practices, elucidating its chemical characteristics, biological activities, and diverse applications. The review examines the chemical properties and physiological functions of dopamine in plants, highlighting the unique characteristics that make it suitable for agricultural applications. A significant portion of the review is dedicated to analyzing the biological activities of dopamine, particularly its antioxidant properties, and exploring the underlying mechanisms. The review also delves into the potential of dopamine to enhance crop growth, yield, and quality and investigates the influence of dopamine on plant physiology and metabolism. Results: Furthermore, the review provides a forward-looking perspective on the prospects of dopamine in agriculture, identifying emerging trends and areas of innovation that hold promise for sustainable and resilient farming systems. Conclusions: In summary, this review consolidates the current knowledge surrounding dopamine’s potential in agriculture, underscoring its versatility as a natural tool for growth enhancement and environmental sustainability, and offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking innovative approaches to address the challenges of modern agriculture. Full article

The conversion from fast-growing tachyzoites to slow-growing bradyzoites is the key factor in establishing the chronic infection and long-term persistence of Toxoplasma gondii. Environmental stressors, such as amino acid starvation and alkaline medium, can trigger the transformation of tachyzoites into bradyzoites. Under such stress conditions, ribosomes slow down, potentially leading to stalling, and ribosomal collisions typically activate ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) pathways. In this study, we investigated the role of T. gondii ribosome quality control complex subunit 2 (TgRqc2), which contains both NFACT and coiled-coil domains, in the parasite’s survival and stage conversion. NFACT represents the “domain” found in the central players involved in RQC, human NEMF and its orthologs FbpA (known as RqcH), Caliban, and Tae2 (known as Rqc2). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that TgRqc2 formed a distinct clade with its orthologs in apicomplexan parasites. The deletion of TgRqc2 impaired T. gondii’s invasion and replication. The Rqc2-knockout strain showed defects in plaque formation and bradyzoite development. Our findings demonstrate that TgRqc2 is essential for T. gondii’s lytic cycle and the conversion of tachyzoites into bradyzoites. RNA-seq analysis further showed that the depletion of TgRqc2 significantly disrupted global transcriptional activity. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. In conclusion, our results proved valuable insights that may aid in the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent chronic infection. Full article

Fruits and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet, providing vital nutrients and contributing to global food security. Fungal pathogens that interact with fruits and vegetables reduce their quality and shelf life and lead to economic losses and risks to human health through the production of mycotoxins. Chemical fungicides, used to control postharvest pathogens, are posing serious environmental and health risks, driving interest in safer alternative strategies. Biocontrol methods using antagonistic microbes, such as yeasts, are eco-friendly, sustainable, and the most promising, but they often have limited efficacy and specificity in diverse produce. There is growing interest in the innovative enhancement of biocontrol strategies. The present review shows that inducing, enhancing, co-application, encapsulation, and post-application treatments are common enhancement techniques, while environmental, host, and pathogen characteristics, antagonistic microbial traits, and chemical inputs are the major gearing factors for the best application methods. These methods do not involve genetic modification, which is adequate to reduce the proliferation of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) while optimizing antagonistic microbial performance by promoting growth, inducing host resistance, enhancing antifungal properties, improving adhesion, and boosting stress tolerance. Most enhancers fall under groups of nutritional additives, protective carriers, growth stimulants, and encapsulants. Integrating these enhancers and best methods promises reduced postharvest losses, supports sustainable agriculture, and addresses economic losses and food security challenges. This study highlights the role of organic and natural elicitors, their application methods, their mechanisms in improving BCAs (Biological Control Agents), and their overall efficiency. This review concisely compiles recent strategies, calling for further research to revolutionize fungal pathogen management, reduce food waste, and promote responsible farming practices. Full article