Hydrogen in solids may not always need to climb over energy barriers in the classical manner. A new study published in Science Bulletin reveals that in LaH₃, hydrogen can traverse barriers via quantum tunneling, with crossover temperatures reaching liquid-nitrogen conditions for concerted migration and near room temperature for single-ion migration. The findings suggest that nuclear quantum effects are not merely a minor correction, but rather a central component of hydrogen transport in materials.

Researchers created a bismuth-coordinated melanin material that provides in vivo physical radiation shielding and ROS scavenging. It markedly mitigates acute radiation syndrome and boosts mouse survival from 20% to 60% after lethal total body irradiation.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has been recognized for almost 30 years, but there is still no unified definition or diagnostic standard worldwide. Recently, the core clinical features used to describe ACLF have narrowed these differences and built a broader consensus. This review updates the latest changes in disease classification, summarizes the current understanding of ACLF pathogenesis, outlines new treatment targets, and presents a three-stage mouse model that supports testing of potential therapies.

A recent study probes fractional quantum Hall states in GaAs quantum wells using a cryogen-free nuclear adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. The researchers devised an innovative polar representation to organize all odd-denominator states into a pattern. Experimental data is analyzed using the composite fermion and hierarchy theories with a more natural description achieved by the former. This work provides essential insights into strongly correlated electrons and could serve as a powerful empirical framework in the endeavor of searching for new fractionalized states.

Cotton genome editing, especially in elite varieties, has proven difficult. Now, in a study published in The Crop Journal, researchers from China have successfully demonstrated CRISPR/Cas genome editing in nonregenerative cotton via sexual hybridization. This work opens up a novel technical avenue for the genetic improvement of elite cotton varieties that are recalcitrant to tissue culture, advancing agriculture and biotechnology.

Flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates with high sensitivity are playing an important role in trace detection and chemical composition analysis. To enhance substrate sensitivity, Chinese scientists have proposed a femtosecond laser fabrication method for flexible SERS substrates based on electron dynamics control. By coupling pre-strain induction with chemical deposition, they constructed SERS substrates featuring multi-level, cross-scale micro-nano hybrid structures, achieving multi-scale electromagnetic field coupling. This work provides a crucial optical methodology for the design and fabrication of next-generation high-performance and customizable flexible SERS substrates, and promotes the cross-fertilization of micro-nano photonics and sensing technologies.

A study of over 3,100 middle-aged and older adults in China found that long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM2.5-10) significantly increases the risk of heart disease. The risk is highest for those with advanced cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome. Accelerated biological aging explained about 9% of this effect, highlighting the need for targeted protections.

Researchers have developed a family of carbonyl rich carbon spheres with surface wrinkle structure for the efficient electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide. This unique wrinkled design significantly expands the accessible active area and utilizes carbonyl moieties to deliver exceptional H₂O₂ selectivity (>97.5%). The study provides a valuable surface modulation strategy for designing advanced heteroatom-doped carbon electrocatalysts.

Background

South American camelids (SACs) are increasingly kept as companion animals, but their role in zoonotic transmission is poorly understood. Thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. are a leading cause of bacterial zoonoses globally. This study investigated the occurrence and zoonotic potential of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in SACs on German farms.

Methods

Fecal swabs from up to 20 animals on 10 farms were collected across four seasons. Campylobacter spp. were isolated, and genomes were typed to assess multilocus sequence types (STs), virulence, and antimicrobial resistance.

Results

Campylobacter spp. were detected in 23/717 samples (3.2 %), including 16 Campylobacter jejuni from seven farms and seven Campylobacter coli from two farms. Detection was higher in alpacas (4.9 %, 21/427) than in llamas (0.7 %, 2/288), with higher rates in summer. Molecular typing revealed high genetic heterogeneity, though some STs recurred across timepoints, animals, and farms, suggesting potential endemic colonization. Nine distinct C. jejuni STs and two C. coli STs were identified, many belonging to clonal complexes (CCs) common in livestock and humans. All isolates carried virulence-associated genes for motility, adhesion, invasion, and toxin production, while several from CC21 harbored genes linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed wild-type phenotypes for erythromycin, gentamicin, and chloramphenicol. Ciprofloxacin resistance, with T86I mutation in gyrA, was found in three isolates; one C. jejuni isolate carried tet(O) conferring tetracycline resistance.

Conclusion

SACs harbor Campylobacter strains related to human and livestock lineages, with virulence and resistance traits relevant for zoonotic transmission. Their presence on German farms highlights the need targeted surveillance and biosecurity within a One Health framework.