Background

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli) from broiler chicken production pose potential public health risks via multiple environmental and foodborne pathways. We developed a modular quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model linking four components, namely farm, soil, river, and lettuce consumption, to predict human environmental exposure to ESBL E. coli originating from broiler flocks.

Methods

A stochastic farm module simulated broiler colonization over a 36-day cycle and generated end-cycle litter loads. Field modules represented first-order decay, partitioning, and runoff to rivers; irrigation transfer yielded lettuce contamination for a 100 g serving. We estimated exposure, mapped gastrointestinal colonization to urinary tract infection (UTI) via conditional probabilities, and expressed the burden as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per serving. Global sensitivity analyses identified main exposure drivers. Environmental time was indexed as days since litter application and the planting interval denoted days from litter application to planting.

Results

The farm model produced mean end-cycle litter of 1.6 × 10⁴ CFU/g and near-complete flock colonization within one week. Soil surface loads declined from 3.2 × 10⁷ CFU/m² to 8.6 × 10⁵ CFU/m² by day 100. Runoff yielded river concentrations of 6.0 × 10⁻² CFU/mL after 10 days. Exposure from lettuce consumption ranged from 1.7 CFU/100 g to 7.6 × 10⁻³ CFU/100 g; simple household washing cut exposure by ∼90 %. Global sensitivity analysis identified soil-water partitioning and decay rates as the most important parameters of exposure variability. For health endpoints, UTI risk per serving ranged from 4.6 × 10⁻¹² to 9.0 × 10⁻⁹, and DALY per serving ranged between 10⁻¹⁰ and 10⁻⁸.

Conclusions

Predicted health burdens decreased markedly with consumer washing and longer intervals between litter application and lettuce planting. Residual contamination persists, indicating value in evaluating the effectiveness of manure treatments and irrigation-water quality interventions on reducing environmental loads and human risk.

 

Direct air capture (DAC) is an emerging technology aimed at mitigating global warming. However, conventional DAC technologies and the subsequent utilization processes are complex and energy-intensive. An integrated system of direct air capture and utilization (IDACU) via in-situ catalytic conversion to fuels and chemicals is a promising approach, although it remains in the early stages of development. This review examines the current technical routes of IDACU, including solid-based dual-functional materials (DFMs) through thermo-catalysis, IDACU using liquid sorbents with thermo-catalysis, and non-thermal conversion methods. It covers the basic principles, reaction conditions, main products, material types, and the existing problems and challenges associated with these technical routes. Additionally, it discusses the recent advancements in solid-based DFMs for IDACU, with particular attention to the differences in material characteristics between carbon capture from flue gases (ICCU) and DAC. While IDACU technology holds significant promise, it still faces numerous challenges, especially in the design of advanced materials.

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) power system fueled by NH₃ is considered one of the most promising solutions for achieving ship decarbonization and carbon neutrality. This paper addresses the technical challenges faced by NH₃ fuel SOFC ship power system, including slow hydrogen (H₂) production, low efficiency, and limited space. It introduces an innovative a NH₃-integrated reactor for rapid H₂ production, establishes a safe and efficient all-electric SOFC all-electric propulsion system adaptable to various sailing conditions. The system is validated using a 2 kW prototype experimental rig. Results show that the SOFC system, designed for a target ship, has a rated power of 96 kW and an electrical efficiency of 60.13%, meeting the requirements for rated cruising conditions. Under identical catalytic scenarios, the designed reactor, with highly efficient heat transfer, measuring 1.1 m in length, can achieve complete NH₃ decomposition within 2.94 s, representing a 35% reduction in cracking time and a 42% decrease in required cabin space. During high-load voyage conditions, adjusting the circulation ratio (CR) and ammonia-oxygen ratio (A/O) improves system efficiency across a wide operational range. Among these adjustments, altering the A/O ratio proves to be the most efficient strategy. Under this configuration, the system achieves an efficiency of 55.02% at low load and 61.73% at high load, allowing operation across a power range of 20% to 110%. Experimental results indicate that the error for NH₃ cracking H₂ is less than 3% within the range of 570–700 °C, which is relevant to typical ship operation scenarios. At 656 °C, the NH₃ cracking H₂ rate reaches 100%. Under these conditions, the SOFC produces 2.045 kW of power with an efficiency of approximately 58.66%. The noise level detected is 58.6 dB, while the concentrations of CO₂, NO, and SO₂ in the flue gas approach zero. These findings support the transition of the shipping industry to green, clean systems, contributing significantly to future reductions in ocean carbon emissions.

The photocatalytic efficiency of lead-free Bi-based halide perovskites, such as Cs₃Bi₂X₉ (X = Br, I) for CO₂ reduction is often hindered by self-aggregation and insufficient oxidation ability. In this work, a visible-light-driven (λ > 420 nm) Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst composed of 0D Cs₃Bi₂I₉ nanoparticles on 1D WO₃ nanorods for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and water oxidation is synthesized using an in situ growing approach. The resulting 0D/1D Cs₃Bi₂I₉/WO₃ Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst exhibits a visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO₂ reduction performance for selective CO production, achieving a selectivity of 98.7% and a high rate of 16.5 (µmol/(g·h), approximately three times that of pristine Cs₃Bi₂I₉. Furthermore, it demonstrates decent stability in the gas-solid photocatalytic CO₂ reduction system. The improved performance of Cs₃Bi₂I₉/WO₃ is attributed to the formation of the 0D/1D Z-scheme heterojunction, which facilitates charge transfer, reduces charge recombination, and maintains the active sites of both 0D Cs₃Bi₂I₉ for CO₂ reduction and 1D WO₃ for water oxidation. This work provides valuable insights into the potential of morphological engineering and the design of simultaneous Z-scheme heterojunction for lead-free halide perovskites.

As global plastic production continues to rise, replacing fossil-based plastics with renewable and biodegradable alternatives has become increasingly urgent. Researchers have now evaluated hemp hurd-based biocomposite films as sustainable substitutes for conventional packaging and mulch films using a full cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment. Published in Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, the study demonstrates that these biocomposites maintain mechanical performance comparable to conventional plastics while offering clear environmental advantages. Among the disposal options studied, anaerobic digestion showed the lowest global warming potential due to electricity generation from biogas and the reuse of digestate as a soil conditioner. The results provide practical guidance for integrating agricultural residues into circular bioplastic systems and improving waste management strategies for emerging bio-based materials.

For many patients with breast cancer, deciding whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes still depends on labor-intensive pathology workflows that require tissue cutting, staining, and expert interpretation. 

Eggplant color is more than a matter of appearance. It shapes consumer preference, market value, and breeding goals, while also offering a window into how plants control pigment production.

Sweetness is one of the most important traits shaping fruit quality, market value, and consumer appeal, yet the molecular route by which hormones drive sugar accumulation in grapes has remained unclear. 

A research paper by scientists at Sichuan University presented a water-responsive self-curling adhesive conduit to achieve adaptive wrapping and suture-free repair for peripheral nerve injury.

The research paper, published on Mar 27, 2026 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems.

Cherry trees do not simply bloom and fruit at random.