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Convergent transcriptomic and connectomic controllers of information integration and its anaesthetic breakdown across mammalian brains
No full textThe mammalian brain orchestrates the processing and integration of information to guide behaviour. Here, to characterize mammalian information-processing architecture, we combine functional neuroimaging and anaesthesia in humans, macaques, marmosets and mice. We show that breakdown of information integration is a convergent effect of diverse anaesthetics across mammalian species. As the system disintegrates, brain dynamics become more difficult to control. Both effects are reversed upon re-awakening induced by thalamic deep-brain stimulation in the macaque. Regional breakdown of integrated information coincides with the species-specific spatial topography of PVALB/Pvalb gene expression. To provide mechanistic insight beyond correlation, we develop computational models for humans, macaques and mice that integrate species-specific connectivity and transcriptomic gradients, demonstrating their respective roles for controlling brain dynamics and information integration. We reveal evolutionarily conserved controllers of information integration in the mammalian brain
Towards mechanically intelligent reconfiguration via origami bifurcations
Get PDFReconfigurability allows robots to create new morphologies to better match their environment or task. This ability is often viewed as a form of robotic intelligence. The process of reconfiguration is typically achieved either by mechatronic modules that disassemble and reassemble themselves, or by malleable bodies, such as soft materials and linkage-like mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom (DoFs). Despite these advances, the former approach can compromise robustness due to reconnections, while the latter often reduces controllability as the system’s DoFs proliferate. To address these limitations, we introduce a novel reconfigurable robot based on thick-panel rigid origami and exploit kinematic bifurcations, branch points in the configuration space, to realize multiple configurations without module reconnections and without increasing overall DoF. In our framing, the bifurcation mechanism constitutes the element of mechanical intelligence that enables the intelligent behavior of reconfiguration. As a proof of concept, we built a chain of interlinked rigid origami units that morphs among coil, wave-like, and triangular shapes, mimicking the morphology of a millipede. We also observe additional configurations due to compliant joint behavior relative to the ideal model. Furthermore, the robot’s dynamic performance and locomotion modes are explored. The work represents a further step toward real-world deployment of mechanically intelligent robots, illustrating the enabling role of bifurcation-guided reconfiguration
Salivary modulation of organic acid effects on pungency perception in baijiu
No full textAlthough ethanol dominates pungency perception in alcoholic beverages, variations among Baijiu samples with equivalent ethanol levels suggest additional modulators are involved. This study investigated the role of salivary physiology in modulating organic acid-induced temporal dynamics of pungency in Baijiu. Salivary α-amylase activity and total protein content were most closely associated with sensory dynamics. Higher amylase levels delayed onset and prolonged decline, whereas elevated protein corresponded to stronger and more persistent intensity. Acetic and hexanoic acids were identified as key modulators with distinct effects, while lactic acid functioned as a background factor with limited acute influence. Although mediation analysis didn't confirm statistical causality, validation demonstrated reproducible acid-specific impacts on salivary physiology. These results provide mechanistic insights into Baijiu pungency and highlight saliva as a critical physiological interface linking composition to sensory perception in complex food matrices
Bio-informed blade patterns for mitigating bird collisions with wind turbines
No full textAlthough the rapid expansion of wind energy is essential for achieving carbon net zero targets, it may conflict with ecological objectives aimed at conserving and enhancing biodiversity. Birds in general are susceptible to colliding with wind turbines and the impact of these structures may be especially significant for certain species. By examining how birds acquire, process, and respond to environmental information, we propose a new collision mitigation approach that integrates sensory ecology with gaze strategy, flight behaviour, and natural avoidance mechanisms. To enhance collision avoidance, we propose investigating blade patterns that alter the optic flow perceived by birds – the dynamic visual contrast resulting from their movement through the environment. Empirical behavioural research is now needed to assess the effectiveness of these designs. Given the diversity of affected species and environments there may be no universal solution, and mitigations must also take account of the practical implications for developers and manufacturers. Our aim is to inspire and guide new research towards bio-informed solutions that protect wildlife without inhibiting clean energy generation
Verbal multi-word expressions in corpus languages: data, methodology, and analysis
No full textDatasets by contributors to the volume
Comparison of ultrasound contrast agent production by sonication and mechanical agitation
No full textRaw data used to generate figures in the research paper titled as above. Data refers to the size and generalised polarization distribution of microparticles, generated experimentally and alayzed with Matlab. Files are supplied as .csv
Reprogrammed SimCells for antimicrobial therapy
No full textAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health challenge. In this study, we developed a platform based on chromosome-free and nonreplicating simple cells (SimCells, size 1 to 2 µm) and mini-SimCells (size 100 to 400 nm) for targeted pathogen elimination. Engineered with surface-displayed nanobodies, SimCells and mini-SimCells selectively bind bacteria expressing specific antigens (e.g., OmpA in Escherichia coli). The selective interactions facilitate close SimCell-pathogen proximity, enabling two antimicrobial mechanisms: direct injection of toxic effectors into bacterial cytoplasm via a heterologous expression of type VI secretion system (T6SS), and enzymatic conversion of aspirin into catechol by engineered salicylate hydroxylase, leading to sustained local production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Our results demonstrate that both reprogrammed SimCells and mini-SimCells can eliminate target E. coli with high specificity and efficiency. Multidose reprogrammed mini-SimCell treatment led to a 103-fold selective reduction of targeted bacteria in mixed microbial communities, with minimal disruption to nontarget bacteria. We demonstrate that reprogrammed mini-SimCells, engineered with nanobody targeting outer membrane protein OmpA of the clinically relevant multidrug-resistant pathogen E. coli ST131, achieved elimination efficiencies over 97% at 24 and 48 h. This modularized “plug-and-play” antimicrobial platform provides a highly specific, efficient, and adaptable solution for combating diverse AMR pathogens
Increase in wild animal consumption across Central Africa
No full textWhile human activities are driving widespread declines in wildlife populations, in Central Africa the meat of wild animals, or “wild meat”, represents a major component of the diets of millions of people. To halt faunal degradation while ensuring sustainable use of wildlife, it is crucial to understand the scale and drivers of wild meat consumption. Using data from over 12,000 households from 252 locations in Central Africa, we show that wild meat is a fundamental component of the diets of rural populations, accounting for 20% of the recommended daily protein intake, compared to 13% and 6% for those living in towns and cities. We estimate that the total annual biomass of wild meat consumed in Central Africa increased from 0.73 to 1.10 million tonnes between 2000 and 2022, with increasing demand from towns and cities. To ensure that wild meat is available to rural communities, in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, reducing wild meat consumption in urban metropolises is key. While our results are based on the most comprehensive dataset available, the geographical coverage is incomplete and the dataset represents a minimal fraction of the entire population of Central Africa. Targeted studies are needed to validate our model and assess critical areas of intervention
Impacts of nature-inclusive urban development on well-being and fairness perceptions
No full textNature-inclusive urban development (NIUD) is central to international frameworks such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, yet its implementation risks fostering social inequity and green gentrification. This study examines these social impacts through a sequential mixed-methods investigation combining semi-structured interviews and a representative survey in Qunli New Town, Harbin, China, a prominent case of NIUD incorporating landscape-level ecological mitigation and compensation. We found that well-being changes among original residents were linked to adaptation to the new context. Compared to non-agriculturalists (e.g., former small-scale industry workers), former agriculturalists reported a sharper happiness decline relative to the pre-urbanisation era (OR=0.15, P<0.001). Among all original residents, those perceiving increases in social (OR=1.30, P=0.0049) and aesthetic (OR=1.53, P<0.001) values of green spaces reported happiness gains. A critical finding was the stark divergence in fairness perceptions: original residents perceived ecological fairness to be substantially lower than newcomers (OR=0.54, P<0.001) but economic fairness higher (OR=1.93, P<0.001). This was shaped by the rural reference points of original residents—both former agriculturalists and non-agriculturalists— which led them to value economic upgrades, while experiencing ecological displacement from the loss of customary practices and access to previously accessible landscapes. To advance equitable NIUD, social impact assessments should explicitly manage the gentrification trade-off between new green infrastructure and the loss of cultural landscapes, promoting justice for different waves of settlement
Estimating the global distribution and burden of scrub typhus
No full textScrub typhus is a neglected vector-borne disease with substantial but underrecognized global health impact. Transmitted by chigger mites infected with the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi, the disease presents with non-specific febrile symptoms and is frequently underdiagnosed and underreported due to diagnostic limitations and lack of awareness. Despite its regional importance, no global risk map or burden estimation has been conducted. The objective of this thesis is to improve understanding of the global epidemiology, environmental drivers, and burden of scrub typhus. National surveillance data from five countries/regions were analysed to assess seasonality, spatial trends, and climate drivers, revealing strong seasonal and geographical patterns. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to synthesize evidence on seroprevalence, incidence, mortality, and risk factors. Pooled seroprevalences were 10.73% (95%CI 9.47%-12.13%) among healthy populations and 22.58% (95%CI: 20.55%-24.76%) among febrile patients. Mortality rates varied widely by healthcare setting, and common risk factors include agricultural labour, vegetation exposure, and proximity to animals. Another systematic review was conducted to identify the environmental covariates significantly related to scrub typhus. Temperature, precipitation, humidity, vegetation, and cropland were the most strongly related. However, socioeconomic and biological factors remain underexplored.Based on the occurrence database compiling reported case from surveillance system and records from literature, I generated the first high-resolution global map of environmental suitability for scrub typhus using advance machine modelling approach. This showed that show that suitable environmental conditions extend well beyond the traditionally defined “tsutsugamushi triangle,” with large environmentally ii suitable areas in Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas and 4.23 billion people (95% CI: 4.10–4.36 billion) people currently live in environmentally suitable areas, of which 2.56 billion (95% CI: 2.52–2.60 billion) live in countries where local cases have been reported.A novel modelling framework integrating a catalytic model, a generalized additive model and a Bayesian spatial model was developed to estimate global burden of scrub typhus using age-stratified seroprevalence data, socioeconomic covariates, and diagnostic uncertainty.It was estimated that scrub typhus causes approximately 0.79 million (95% CI: 0.49–1.60 million) clinical cases and 44,000 (95% CI: 26,000– 91,000) deaths annually across 35 countries with confirmed transmission, with India contributing a major proportion of the burden of 264,000 cases (95% CI: 172,000–412,000) and 21,000 deaths (95%CI: 14,000–33,000) annually. Burden estimates varied more than fourfold depending on assumptions about diagnostic performance.Together, these findings highlight scrub typhus as a globally relevant but overlooked public health threat. This thesis offers a unified, scalable framework for risk mapping and burden estimation, providing actionable evidence to support neglected tropical diseases prioritization, enhanced surveillance, diagnostic investment, and field validation in both endemic and emerging regions. It also sets a precedent for integrated, data-driven approaches to quantify other underrecognized infectious diseases in the global health landscape