npj Microgravity

Advanced footwear technology (AFT) shoes incorporate increased sole thickness and compliant midsole materials that may alter running biomechanics. While these effects have been widely studied during level running, little is known about how sole thickness influences running style and stability during uphill running. This study examined the effects of two AFT shoes differing in sole thickness (35 mm-AFT35; 50 mm-AFT50) and a traditional control shoe (27 mm-CON27) on running style and stability during uphill running. Seventeen experienced male runners performed treadmill running at a 10% incline at 6.5 and 10 km/h in three shoe conditions. Running style was assessed using duty factor, normalized step frequency, center-of-mass oscillation, vertical and leg stiffness, and lower-limb joint kinematics. Running stability was evaluated using local dynamic stability via the maximum Lyapunov exponent and detrended fluctuation analysis of stride time. Duty factor and normalized step frequency did not differ between shoes. However, AFT shoes showed greater center-of-mass oscillation (p = 0.004), lower vertical stiffness (p = 0.022) compared to CON27. Joint kinematics revealed significant shoe effects at the ankle (p = 0.001), particularly increased dorsiflexion and eversion in AFT conditions. Running stability showed only minor changes. Local dynamic stability differed at the trunk (p = 0.027), with reduced stability in AFT50 compared with CON27 (p = 0.006), while global stability remained unchanged. No shoe x speed interactions were observed for any variable. Overall, uphill running style and stability remained largely preserved across shoe conditions, suggesting that sole thickness alone had limited influence.

PurposeThis study evaluates the Visual Hemofilter, a novel decision-support and information transfer tool designed to assist with regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in hemofiltration. By representing hemofilter parameters and patient blood constituents as animated icons, the tool aims to improve clinicians interpretation of blood gas results and RCA reference tables. We hypothesized that the Visual Hemofilter would enhance clinical decision-making by enabling faster and more accurate therapy adjustments, increasing clinicians confidence in their decisions, and reducing cognitive workload compared to conventional methods. MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, computer-based simulation study across four intensive care units at the University Hospital Zurich. Twenty-six critical care professionals participated, each managing regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) scenarios using either the Visual Hemofilter or conventional methods involving blood gas analysis and reference tables. Following each scenario, participants made therapy adjustments and rated their decision confidence and cognitive workload. ResultsUse of the Visual Hemofilter significantly improved decision accuracy (odds ratio [OR] 3.96; 95% CI 2.03-7.73; p < 0.0001) and reduced decision time by an average of 33 seconds (mean difference -33.3 seconds; 95% CI -39.4 to -27.2; p < 0.0001). Participants also reported greater confidence in their decisions (OR 5.41; 95% CI 2.49-11.77; p < 0.0001) and experienced lower cognitive workload (mean difference -15.05 points on the NASA-TLX scale (National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index); 95% CI -18.99 to -11.13; p < 0.0001). ConclusionsThe Visual Hemofilter enhances clinical decision-making in RCA by increasing accuracy and speed, boosting decision confidence, and reducing cognitive workload. This technology has the potential to reduce errors and better support critical care professionals in managing complex treatment scenarios.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly resistant to enzymatic C-F bond cleavage, and hydrolytic defluorination of long-chain PFAS has rarely been demonstrated. Here, we report selective hydrolytic defluorination of branched perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) isomers by a haloacid dehalogenase (4A) from Delftia acidovorans strain D4B. A fluoride-specific riboswitch biosensor was used for initial substrate screening, followed by scaled-up assays in which fluoride release was quantified using a fluoride ion-selective electrode. Defluorination products were subsequently identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Although purified 4A (10 M) readily catalyzed hydrolytic defluorination of fluoroacetic acid, incubation of PFOA (0.5 mM) with purified 4A resulted in a statistically significant increase in fluoride release at elevated enzyme loading (500 M). High-resolution LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that defluorination products originated from minor branched PFOA isomers rather than linear PFOA. Molecular docking analyses supported catalytically plausible binding geometries for branched PFOA isomers, positioning the substrate -carbon within [~]4 [A] of the catalytic aspartate residue. These findings demonstrate previously unrecognized hydrolytic reactivity of a haloacid dehalogenase toward branched PFAS isomers and expand the known catalytic scope of the haloacid dehalogenase family. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=109 SRC="FIGDIR/small/719434v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (26K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c12fb1org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@224ae3org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16293b7org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d014b7_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG SYNOPSISEnzymatic defluorination of PFAS is rarely observed in environmental systems. This study identifies hydrolytic defluorination of branched PFOA isomers, improving understanding of PFAS defluorination at the enzyme level.

While bone mineral density (BMD) remains the clinical standard for assessing age-related fracture risk, accumulating evidence indicates that bone quality, including matrix properties and microarchitecture, contributes to fracture susceptibility in ways not captured by BMD alone. As matrix-targeted therapeutics emerge, preclinical models that exhibit translationally relevant bone quality changes are needed. Here, we evaluated the Fischer 344 x Brown Norway (F344xBN) F1 rat, a strain characterized by hybrid vigor and non-pathological aging, as a model for studying matrix-related mechanisms of skeletal aging. Femurs from male and female rats aged 7, 15, and 22 months were analyzed to quantify age- and sex-dependent changes in bone microarchitecture, fracture resistance, and matrix properties. Microcomputed tomography analyses revealed sexually dimorphic aging trajectories. From 7 to 22 months, females exhibited moderate declines in trabecular microarchitecture and no change in cortical porosity, whereas males showed pronounced trabecular deterioration and increased cortical porosity. Whole-bone flexural testing demonstrated age-related declines in material properties that were not attributable to changes in geometry, while females maintained geometry-scaled bone strength. Both sexes exhibited reduced bone toughness with age. Raman spectroscopy identified matrix-level alterations in males by 15 months, whereas systemic markers of bone turnover remained unchanged across age or sex. Together, these findings indicate that males exhibit combined tissue-scale and whole-bone deterioration by midlife, while females exhibit declining fracture resistance preceding substantial cortical bone loss or overt matrix deterioration. These results support the F344xBN F1 rat as a translational model for investigating matrix-driven skeletal aging. Lay summaryF344 x BN F1 hybrid rats provide a healthy, matrix-driven skeletal aging model. This strain exhibits distinct aging trajectories dependent on sex. Strength and toughness decrease in both sexes by midlife. Fracture resistance declines in females prior to substantial bone loss.

BackgroundChronic exposure to high-altitude hypoxia imposes sustained cardiovascular stress, yet hemodynamic adaptation among healthy high-altitude dwellers is heterogeneous and remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to identify distinct hemodynamic phenotypes in a healthy high-altitude population using unsupervised machine learning and to evaluate their association with multi-system subclinical target organ damage. MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 694 healthy adults permanently residing at [&ge;]3300 m on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Unsupervised K-means clustering was performed on nine hemodynamic variables, including peripheral and central blood pressures, augmentation index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification ratio (pPP/cPP), and systolic pressure amplification (pSBP-cSBP). Differences across phenotypes in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected post-hoc tests. ResultsThree distinct hemodynamic phenotypes were successfully identified. The C2 (Balanced Adaptation) phenotype (n = 245) demonstrated the most favorable hemodynamic profile, characterized by the lowest blood pressure and augmentation index (AIx) values, along with the highest peripheral-to-central pulse pressure ratio (pPP/cPP). The C1 (Vascular Stress) phenotype (n = 267) presented with normal peripheral systolic blood pressure (125.9 {+/-} 11.3 mmHg) but exhibited markedly elevated wave reflection indices, including the highest heart rate-adjusted augmentation index (AIx@HR75: 31.9 {+/-} 9.7%) and the lowest pPP/cPP ratio (1.29 {+/-} 0.08). The C3 (High-Load Decompensation) phenotype (n = 182) displayed significantly elevated blood pressures and the greatest overall hemodynamic load. Regarding target organ damage, a clear gradient was observed across the three phenotypes. The C3 phenotype showed the highest carotid intima-media thickness (IMT: 1.162 {+/-} 0.23 mm) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI: 69.18 {+/-} 40.73 g/m{superscript 2}). Conversely, the C2 phenotype exhibited the highest estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR: 97.38 {+/-} 16.38 mL/min/1.73m{superscript 2}) and the lowest IMT (0.994 {+/-} 0.26 mm). The C1 phenotype consistently displayed intermediate values for all organ damage indicators. After Bonferroni correction, all pairwise comparisons for LVMI and pulse wave velocity (PWV) reached statistical significance (all P < 0.05). ConclusionsHealthy high-altitude individuals manifest three distinct hemodynamic phenotypes arrayed along a cardiovascular risk continuum. The novel Vascular Stress (C1) phenotype represents a "masked" high-risk state characterized by normal peripheral blood pressure but elevated arterial stiffness and wave reflection, challenging sole reliance on brachial pressure for risk assessment. This phenotype-based stratification provides a framework for precision prevention and early intervention in high-altitude populations.

A distinctive feature of bodily experience is its transparency. During skilled action, our limbs recede from awareness and function as the medium of interaction rather than perceptual objects1. This is reflected in systematic perceptual biases: humans reliably underestimate the weight of their own hands2, potentially reflecting predictive motor processes that modulate self-generated sensory signals. Wearable technologies may test the limits of this perceptual transparency. Exoskeletons and other augmentative devices attach directly to the body, adding mass that must be integrated into sensorimotor control3; yet little is known about how such devices are experienced as they become integrated into the sensorimotor system. Here, we tested whether training with finger-extending exoskeletons alters their perceived weight and whether such changes depend on active use. We developed a Bayesian analytic framework combining individual psychometric modelling with a regression-based decomposition of perceived weight, to partition contributions of the biological hand and attached exoskeletal device. Thirty-four right-handed adults completed a weight-perception task before and after 20 minutes of training with either finger-extending or non-augmenting control devices. Participants compared the perceived weight of their right hand, with or without the exoskeleton, to reference weights suspended from the opposite wrist. Before training, the weight of both the biological hand and the exoskeleton were underestimated to a similar degree ([~]25- 30%), suggesting rapid perceptual integration following attachment. Training selectively increased attenuation of the perceived weight of the finger-extending exoskeleton, with no corresponding change for the biological hand and little evidence for a general training effect. These findings support a two-stage embodiment process in which passive attachment initiates perceptual updating, while sensorimotor training consolidates integration through functional interaction with the device. Perceived weight thus provides a behavioral marker of embodiment, offering insight into how the sensorimotor system integrates wearable augmentative technologies.

Notothenioids are a well characterised species flock endemic to the Antarctic and an important model group for the study of genome adaptation to extreme cold. We used a new reference assembly and clade-wide comparative genomic analysis to investigate cryonotothenioid evolution and the appearance of novel functionalities linked to cold adaptation. A new phased assembly of a model notothenioid, Harpagifer antarcticus, demonstrated low levels of haplotypic variability across the genome. Nevertheless, numerous insertions from multiple LINE-L2 clades were found, suggesting ongoing transposition with potential contribution to speciation. Contrary to expectations the afgp locus was highly similar between haplotypes, except for large length allelic variants of afgp genes. Analysis suggests a model for the afgp locus expansion in H. antarcticus through segmental tandem duplications involving two pairs of afgp genes at time. Syntenic reconstruction of genomes from across the clade demonstrates conserved macrosyntenic relationships and group specific chromosomal fusions of notothenioids. Quantification of genome gain and transposition rates during cryonotothenioid diversification showed a first ancestral slow genome expansion concurrent with historic temperature drops. This was followed by lineage-specific massive peaks of genomic gain and transposition activity. Finally, we identified a set of genes that underwent ancestral diversifying selection and acquired novel conserved non-coding elements during the cryonotothenioid emergence. These were related to antioxidants and proteostasis, which may have facilitated the notothenioid Antarctic radiation. Diversifying selection and genomic gain linked to transposon activity are primary contributors to lineage-specific evolutionary dynamics through the clade which facilitated adaptation to life in the cold.

ObjectivesRising temperatures are a major climate-related hazard for U.S. workers, increasing heat-related illness and a broad range of occupational injuries through indirect pathways often overlooked in economic evaluations. We examined the association between temperature and occupational injury and illness and quantified heat-attributable injuries (including illnesses) and costs in New York State. MethodsWe conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study of 591,257 workers compensation (WC) claims during the warm season (2016-2024). Daily maximum temperature was linked to injury date and county and modeled using natural cubic splines, with effect modification by industry and worker characteristics. ResultsInjury risk increased with temperature, becoming statistically significant at approximately 78{degrees}F. Relative to 65{degrees}F, injury odds increased to 1.06 (95% CI: 1.01-1.10) at 80{degrees}F, 1.12 (1.07-1.18) at 90{degrees}F, and 1.17 (1.11-1.23) at 95{degrees}F. Overall, 5.0% of claims (2,322 annually) were attributable to heat. At temperatures [&ge;]80{degrees}F, an estimated 1,729 excess injuries occurred annually, generating approximately $46 million in WC costs. An estimated $3.2 million to $36.1 million in medical expenditures were associated with incomplete claims, likely borne outside the WC system. ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate substantial economic costs not fully captured within WC and support workplace heat protections as a cost-containment strategy that can reduce health care spending and strengthen workforce resilience.

Radiation-induced intestinal injury is a widely used model for studying mechanisms regulating tissue injury and regeneration. Traditionally, Cesium (137Cs) radiation has been used in research applications, but over the past decade, X-ray irradiation has become increasingly favored due to its improved safety and non-radioactive profile. Since each type of radiation has distinct physical characteristics that drive its performance, we sought to systematically compare the effects of the X-ray and 137Cs irradiators on intestinal epithelial injury and regeneration. Using established in vitro models, including colorectal cancer cell lines such as HCT116, RKO, and DLD-1, and mouse intestinal organoids, alongside an in vivo model, Bmi1-CreER;Rosa26eYFP, we evaluated differences in transcriptional, protein, and histopathological responses to irradiation. Our results demonstrate that X-ray produced intestinal injury and regenerative responses comparable to those induced by 137Cs, supporting its reliability as an alternative modality for studying intestinal radiation.

The discovery and collection of the enigmatic Golden Orb by the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and ROV Deep Discover in deep Alaskan waters during 2023 has yielded substantial interest by the scientific and public communities alike. Initial field identifications of the specimen collected at 3,250 meters depth ranged from an egg mass to sponge to microbial biofilm. Here we characterize the biology and ecology of the Golden Orb, as well as other specimens of similar appearance identified since the collection of the original material. Through an integrative taxonomic approach including morphological analysis and genomic characterization of the Golden Orb, we identified the presence of cnidocytes of the spirocyst type (restricted to Hexacorallia), as well as metazoan DNA, from which we were able to derive complete mitochondrial genomes and Ultra Conserved Elements. These results indicate that the Golden Orb and a similar specimen from deep equatorial waters represent remnant cuticles belonging to the geographically widespread deep-sea anemone ally Relicanthus daphneae. We also document the presence of cuticle from a collected specimen of R. daphneae from the Southern Ocean and in situ photographic evidence of similar cuticles beneath living individuals. These findings underscore the extent to which the biodiversity and organismal biology of obscure deep sea fauna broadly remain unresolved and highlight the value of whole-specimen collections and rigorous taxonomic follow-up in telepresence-enabled ocean exploration.

Horizontal gene transfer drives microbial evolution and offers a powerful strategy for precision microbiome engineering. To track gene transfer within complex communities, we previously developed RNA-Addressable Modification (RAM), an RNA-barcoding technology where a mobile catalytic RNA barcodes host 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) upon gene transfer. However, the first-generation RAM suffered from low barcoding efficiency and lacked modularity, limiting its sensitivity and versatility. Here, we present RAM v2, a re-engineered system with significantly enhanced performance and modularity. By incorporating natural ribozyme structural motifs and improved barcode stability, we achieved a [~]200-fold increase in barcoded rRNA signal. To enhance modularity, we integrated CRISPRi-based repression and ribozyme insulators, facilitating easy promoter swapping. We validated RAM v2 on a mobilisable plasmid delivered to a complex wastewater microbial community, demonstrating a substantial increase in signal over the original system while barcoding similar taxa. These improvements enable higher-resolution, more sensitive monitoring of horizontal gene transfer, providing a robust toolkit for accelerating the study of gene transfer in microbial communities and advancing targeted microbiome engineering.

AbstractsThe Ploton silver method employs a 50% silver nitrate solution (w/v; 2.943 mol/L) for staining and quantitative analysis of the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular system (LCS). We previously demonstrated that lower silver nitrate concentrations (0.5-1 mol/L) stain the LCS more effectively, revealing a greater number of LCS than the Ploton silver method. However, the staining duration of our initial modified method (60 minutes) remained comparable to that of the Ploton silver method (55 minutes), limiting its broader adoption. Here, we developed a rapid silver nitrate staining method by systematically evaluating the effects of temperature on staining efficacy. We found that incubation at 50-70{degrees}C for 10 minutes with a 1 mol/L silver nitrate solution produced optimal results. This rapid high-temperature method achieved excellent LCS visualization in bone samples from multiple animal species and in mouse pathological models. Moreover, high-temperature staining mitigated the LCS damage and insufficient staining associated with the 50% silver nitrate solution used in the Ploton silver method. This rapid 10-minute silver staining technique, designated the Wu-Wang silver method, provides a more accurate and efficient approach for LCS staining and quantitative analysis. Its adoption will facilitate systematic characterization of LCS morphological variations across vertebrate species, thereby advancing our understanding of osteocyte morphogenesis and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying bone and joint diseases. Graphical abstract (Created in BioRender, https://BioRender.com) O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=155 SRC="FIGDIR/small/719546v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (69K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@188ef98org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@129e90borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@83115forg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e99a30_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG HighlightsO_LIElevating the staining temperature to 50-70{degrees}C enabled rapid and efficient silver nitrate staining of the osteocyte lacuna-canalicular system (LCS) within 5-10 minutes using 1 mol/L silver nitrate. C_LIO_LIThe high-temperature Wu-Wang silver method outperformed the conventional Ploton silver method, providing superior osteocyte LCS visualization while eliminating issues of osteocyte LCS damage and insufficient staining observed with the Ploton silver method. C_LI

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed particles that mediate intercellular communication through the transfer of bioactive molecules. Their growing relevance in translational applications demands downstream purification workflows that are selective, scalable, and compatible with robust impurity control. Conventional EV isolation methods primarily rely on physicochemical properties such as size, density, or charge and therefore co-enrich overlapping EV fractions together with non-vesicular impurities. Here, we establish a Nanofitin(R)-based affinity chromatography workflow for selective enrichment of a CD81-positive EV fraction under EV-compatible elution conditions. Nanofitin(R) candidate NF06 was identified by ribosome display against the large extracellular loop of CD81 and combined nanomolar affinity with favorable release behavior while retaining binding after repeated regeneration cycles. Static screening with recombinant CD81 and HEK293-derived EVs identified 1 M arginine at pH 10 as the most suitable elution condition. Dynamic chromatography on a 1 mL column using tangential flow filtration-concentrated HEK293 conditioned medium achieved 66.9% overall recovery with an elution step yield of 57.7%. In parallel, dsDNA, host cell protein, and total protein were reduced by 2 to 3 log relative to conditioned medium. Nano flow cytometry showed enrichment of the CD81-positive EV fraction from 40% in conditioned medium to more than 90% in the eluates, together with a smaller and narrower particle size distribution. These results demonstrate that Nanofitin(R)-based affinity chromatography provides a practical route toward marker-defined EV enrichment that combines selective capture, EV-compatible release, and substantial impurity clearance in a chromatography-compatible process format.

International guidelines for low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure (LF EMF) are primarily intended to prevent substantiated adverse effects. In the frameworks, limits on internal electric fields are linked to external exposure levels through computational dosimetry. However, the relationship between internal electric fields and these adverse effects remains incompletely understood. In particular, current approaches often overlook the morphological complexity and diversity of cortical neurons, which may limit the realism of neuronal activation estimates used to support these assessments. This study evaluates LF EMF-induced neural activation using 25 morphologically realistic neuron models spanning all cortical layers, embedded within 11 detailed human head models. The internal electric fields were simulated for uniform magnetic field exposures (100 Hz-100 kHz) along the three anatomical directions, and excitation thresholds were computed using a multi-scale framework combining voxel-based dosimetry with biophysical neuron simulations. A real-world exposure scenario involving a child near an acousto-magnetic article-surveillance deactivator was also analyzed. Thresholds varied across cell type, morphology, cortical location, subject anatomy, frequency, and exposure direction, with L2/3 pyramidal, L4 basket, and L5 thick-tufted pyramidal cells showing the lowest thresholds. Despite this variability, all simulated thresholds were conservative with respect to the basic restrictions and dosimetric reference limits set by IEEE ICES and ICNIRP. The smallest margin occurred at 100 kHz, where the threshold remained a factor of 2.8 above the corresponding limit. These findings indicate that current LF EMF exposure limits remain conservative when evaluated using highly detailed, morphology-based CNS activation models.

Insects body barriers rely on specialized extracellular matrices that protect against harmful environmental influences. The outer barrier is the cuticle, which is composed of chitin, cuticle proteins and lipids. The peritrophic matrix (PM) serves as an inner barrier lining the midgut epithelium. It is composed of chitin fibers that are organized by PM proteins. While cuticle and PM proteins have received considerable attention in the past, supramolecular organization and physicochemical properties of the chitin component - particularly of the PM - remain poorly understood. Here, we combine synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction data from the PMs of lepidopteran and coleopteran insects with RNA interference (RNAi), mass spectrometric and histochemical analyses of the PM from Tribolium castaneum to determine chitins allomorphic state and degree of acetylation. The chitin of the PM exhibits signatures characteristic of dihydrate {beta}-chitin along the entire midgut. In contrast, the cuticle is made of tightly packed -chitin nanofibrils. Mass spectrometry revealed that the PMs chitin is highly acetylated (>95%). RNAi silencing of gut-specific genes encoding chitin deacetylasesTcCDA6-9 further increases the degree of acetylation. Histochemical analyses staining chitin with different degrees of acetylation confirm the predominance of highly acetylated chitin in the PM. Notably, the larval cuticle has a layered organization with deacetylated chitin present in exo- and highly acetylated chitin in endocuticles. Depletion of both TcCDA1 or TcCDA2 impairs chitin deacetylation, which indicates that both proteins cooperate in their activity in the integument. These results establish fundamental principles of polysaccharide-based extracellular matrices, with broad implications for insect biology.

Transparent and composite surfaces pose a fundamental challenge for stereo photogrammetry: optically smooth glass produces no detectable surface features under visible illumination, making three-dimensional reconstruction impossible without surface preparation. This excludes optical components such as lenses and cover glasses, composite assemblies, and semi-translucent biological specimens from non-contact geometric measurement. Here we show that coherent speckle illumination at 266 nm overcomes this limitation by exploiting wavelength-dependent scatter enhancement, generating sufficient backscattered signal on surfaces that are entirely invisible under visible illumination. We developed a multispectral stereo system and evaluated three illumination modalities under identical acquisition conditions. On transparent glass, both visible modalities produce complete reconstruction failure, recovering only non-transparent holder structures. Ultraviolet speckle illumination at 266 nm enables dense reconstruction of the same surfaces. We demonstrate recovery of an uncoated plano-convex lens with a fitted radius of 30.946 mm and point-cloud standard deviation of 106.5 {micro}m, defect detection on a transparent cover glass without surface preparation, and reconstruction of a semi-translucent biological specimen. On metrology-grade reference objects, ultraviolet speckle achieves a standard deviation of 116 {micro}m and completeness exceeding 93%, approaching the performance of optimised visible structured illumination. These results establish ultraviolet speckle photogrammetry as an enabling approach of optical metrology to otherwise uncooperative surfaces, with relevance to optical manufacturing inspection and biological surface analysis.

Age- and disease-related vestibular decline can cause dizziness and postural instability, motivating interventions such as noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS). nGVS is commonly delivered at "subsensory" amplitudes and explained by stochastic resonance, yet because galvanic stimulation directly modulates vestibular afferents, even imperceptible currents may also exert deterministic effects on balance. This study examined whether low-amplitude nGVS (<1 mA), as typically used in stochastic resonance paradigms, directly influences postural behavior through stimulus-response coupling. Twenty healthy young adults stood on a force plate with feet together and eyes closed on either a rigid surface or 10-cm foam. In randomized order, they completed 300-second trials with band-limited (0-30 Hz), zero-mean nGVS at {+/-}0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mA. Coupling between the stimulation waveform and mediolateral ground-reaction force was assessed using coherence and time-cumulant density. Mean coherence was significant mainly at higher amplitudes (0.5-0.7 mA) on both surfaces, whereas time-cumulant density identified significant time-locked vestibular-evoked response components at much lower amplitudes, down to 0.1 mA. These included an early response around 135-155 ms and a later, prominent response around 360-410 ms. Individually, significant coherence was common at 0.5-0.7 mA (15-19 of 20 participants), while cumulant-based responses appeared in some participants even at 0.1 mA. Responses were clearer on foam, consistent with greater vestibular reliance when somatosensory input is less reliable. Overall, low-amplitude nGVS can entrain postural output, suggesting that balance changes during "subsensory" stimulation may reflect both stochastic-resonance-like effects and deterministic vestibular drive, underscoring the need to quantify coupling alongside performance outcomes.

Automation of multi-step mRNA imaging protocols increases reproducibility and throughput in spatial biology, as many workflows require repeated buffer exchanges, precise timing, and controlled reaction conditions. Commercial automation platforms can be expensive, proprietary, and difficult to customise, limiting their use in most laboratories. Here, we present two open-source robots for the Rapid Amplified Multiplexed Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization (RAM-FISH) workflow based on programmable delivery of fluids and integrated thermal control with no dedicated bubble trap requirement. The first robot is designed to perform the steps necessary for signal localization (Multiplexer), and the second performs signal removal (RemBot). Both robots function without manual supervision and conduct precise, repeatable buffer exchanges, temperature regulation, and timed reactions. Both can operate on free-floating and gel-embedded tissues and can be assembled using widely available components. The robots support iterative imaging workflows, enabling detection of multiple genes across sequential hybridization rounds within the same sample. By providing customizable and accessible robots, we lower the technical know-how barriers that need to be overcome to perform complex spatial imaging experiments and enable scalable, hands-free execution of multi-step multiplex-FISH.

Functional spinal cord repair in zebrafish is governed by regeneration-favorable biochemical and mechanical cues within the lesion microenvironment. Alterations in extracellular matrix composition and stiffness are closely associated with axon regeneration. However, experimentally dissecting the interplay between mechanical signals and axonal regrowth in vivo remains technically challenging. Here, we present an agent-based modeling framework to simulate stiffness-mediated axonal growth trajectories across the lesion. We use this model to explore potential mechanisms underlying the characteristic growth patterns observed during zebrafish spinal cord regeneration. Computational predictions were qualitatively compared with confocal imaging data obtained from larval zebrafish. These phenomenological comparisons revealed a close agreement between simulated and experimentally observed axon growth, indicating that experimentally observed patterns could be governed by transient changes in the stiffness profile of the spinal cord and lesion microenvironment. Hence, our computational framework provides an in silico platform for investigating the role of mechanical cues in axon regeneration in the injured spinal cord.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem composed of tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune suppressive cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM), playing a crucial role in tumor development and CAR-T cell therapy efficacy. CAR-T therapy has shown promise in hematological malignancies but faces challenges in solid tumors due to the TMEs ability to suppress CAR-T cell infiltration, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. Traditional drug evaluation models, such as 2D cell cultures and animal models, have significant limitations due to oversimplification of the in vivo environment or physiological differences between species. Organoid models offer a more biomimetic approach but often fail to fully recapitulate the TMEs complexity and heterogeneity. Our research developed a tumor organoid and CAF co-culture model using the IBAC co-culture chip, demonstrating that CAFs significantly impact CAR-T cell therapy efficacy by forming physical (e.g., fibronectin) and chemical (e.g., IL-10) barriers that prevent CAR-T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity. This model provides a high-biomimetic platform for investigating the TMEs effects on CAR-T therapy and highlights the importance of incorporating a comprehensive stromal component into in vitro models to enhance their predictive power for cancer treatment.