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Nature Communications, Published online: 03 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72596-1
Marine bacteria are often under constant phage predation. Li et al. present that surface-attached populations exhibit 26-fold higher survivability than planktonic counterparts during lytic phage infection. They identify CtrA as an evolutionary target for phage-driven selection towards an attached lifestyle.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-03 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 03 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72683-3
Osteoporotic fractures often heal poorly due to high oxidative stress. Here, the authors develop an intelligent responsive hydrogel coating for magnesium implants that decelerates implant degradation, alleviates oxidative stress, and promotes bone regeneration.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-03 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 03 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72738-5
The malto-oligosaccharides (MOS) serve as essential primers for starch synthesis in higher plants. Authors demonstrate that two enzymes, PHS1 and DPE1, form a binary complex and coordinately promote MOS synthesis as a key initial step in starch biosynthesis.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-03 00:00:00 UTC.
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Cognitive control is fundamental to goal-directed behavior, and its protracted maturation is a hallmark of adolescent brain development. In adulthood, the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) is functionally characterized as a critical region for updating task representations to guide the implementation of cognitive control. Yet, how its domain-general control functions emerge and mature across development remains largely underexplored. Specifically, it is unclear whether the IFJs capacity for cognitive control enhances uniformly as a single construct, or if this region matures asynchronously for distinct control processes like inhibition, switching, and working memory. To address this gap, we conducted a combined systematic review and coordinate-based neuroimaging meta-analysis. Applying multilevel kernel density analyses to fMRI studies of inhibition, switching, and working memory in youth and adults, we synthesized data from 72 contrasts (779 foci; N = 1,913). The results revealed a staggered developmental trajectory for IFJ recruitment. While adults showed consistent convergence of activation in the IFJ across all three domains, youth exhibited robust bilateral IFJ convergence exclusively during inhibitory control tasks. This suggests inhibition may be a developmentally foundational process localized to this region earlier in the lifespan. Furthermore, adults demonstrated hemispheric specialization absent in youth: left IFJ was uniquely sensitive to switching and working memory in adults, but not in youth. Together, these findings support a model where the IFJ does not mature as a static, monolithic node, but rather acts as a dynamic hub that integrates fractionated cognitive processes at different stages of development.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-03 00:00:00 UTC.
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Background Rising health expenditure has become a major policy concern in middle-income countries, where industrial expansion, financial development, trade integration, and environmental stress increasingly shape healthcare demand and cost. Objective This study investigates how industrialization, carbon emissions, foreign direct investment, financial development, trade openness, and renewable energy affect health expenditure in lower-middle- and upper-middle-income countries from 1995 to 2023. Methods The study applies panel econometric techniques that account for cross-sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, endogeneity, and long-run asymmetry. Long-run relationships are estimated through Dynamic Common Effects and instrumental-variable Dynamic Common Effects models. Asymmetric effects are examined using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag framework. Results The findings show that industrialisation, foreign direct investment, carbon emissions, financial development, and trade openness increase health expenditure. Renewable energy reduces health expenditure. Among all explanatory factors, carbon emissions produce the strongest upward effect on healthcare costs. The results remain consistent across alternative estimators. Health and Social Implication: The findings indicate that environmental degradation and unsustainable growth patterns intensify disease burden, increase pressure on health systems, and raise both public and household medical spending. These effects can deepen social inequality by imposing higher costs on vulnerable groups. The evidence suggests that cleaner energy adoption, stronger environmental regulation, and sustainability-oriented financial and governance frameworks can help reduce long-run healthcare costs while improving public health and social welfare.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 11:08:55 UTC.
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Background Contemporary global challenges require young entrepreneurs, but systematic evidence on the factors that influence sustainable entrepreneurial intentions in university contexts under the SDGs and transformative education is scarce. Previous reviews have addressed general entrepreneurial intention or social entrepreneurship without integrating the SDGs and transformative education as a unified framework. This gap hinders understanding of how young university students develop entrepreneurial identities aligned with global sustainability challenges and how educational programmes should be redesigned accordingly. Methods This systematic review is based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a bibliometric analysis using Bibliometrix in R. The systematic search in four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SAGE Journals) during 2015–2024 identified 59 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results The analysis revealed an emerging field of research characterised by the progressive convergence between traditional entrepreneurship frameworks and the sustainability paradigm. Although the Theory of Planned Behaviour maintains conceptual hegemony, it required fragmented adaptations for sustainable entrepreneurship. Fragmentation of academic collaboration, research, and entrepreneurial education as a niche topic developed but peripherally integrated, and the SDGs as an emerging topic with unfulfilled potential. Conclusions The findings provide strategic opportunities for university administrators to address the design of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems, distilling an integrated framework that links technical competencies, sustainable values, and transformative experiences through the reorganisation of organisations and university pedagogy.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 11:06:50 UTC.
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Background Gratitude is consistently associated with psychological well-being and adaptive functioning; however, many existing measurement instruments are grounded in secular conceptualizations that may not adequately capture spiritually integrated gratitude within theistic societies. In contexts where spiritual beliefs shape personal meaning and moral orientation, gratitude may function as an enduring dispositional resource rather than a transient emotional state. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate the Sustainable Gratitude Based on Theistic Spiritual Values Scale (SGBTSV-45), designed to assess sustainable gratitude among university students. Methods A quantitative cross-sectional instrumental design was conducted with 543 Indonesian university students. The 45-item instrument was theoretically constructed across eight dimensions: transpersonal, personal, emotional, moral, prosocial, behavioral action, psychological well-being, and inner strength. Content validity was established through expert review, followed by pilot readability testing to ensure clarity and contextual relevance. Psychometric evaluation was performed using the Rasch Measurement Model, including rating scale diagnostics, Principal Component Analysis of Residuals to assess unidimensionality, item fit statistics, Wright mapping, and reliability and separation indices. Results Rating scale diagnostics confirmed appropriate functioning of the five response categories with ordered thresholds. Unidimensionality was supported, with 30.0% of raw variance explained by measures and 14.1% unexplained variance in the first contrast, indicating a dominant latent construct. All items met acceptable fit criteria. Reliability analysis showed person reliability of 0.83, item reliability of 0.99, and Cronbach’s alpha of 0.85, reflecting good internal consistency. The item separation index (10.66) indicated strong discrimination across levels of the construct, and Wright map analysis demonstrated appropriate alignment between item difficulty and respondent distribution. Conclusions The SGBTSV-45 demonstrates satisfactory structural validity, measurement precision, and reliability. The scale offers a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing sustainable gratitude within theistic higher education contexts and may support future research and assessment practices in spirituality-informed psychological development.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 10:16:53 UTC.
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Background The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, highlighted the need for accurate and scalable diagnostic tools such as RT-qPCR. However, false-negative results may occur due to viral mutations and RNA secondary structures within target regions. Methods High-performance computing (HPC) was used to compile SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences from GenBank and GISAID and generate consensus sequences for primer and probe design. A region within the ORF8 gene was selected and evaluated alongside targets from the E and N genes and the RNase P control. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from patients with a prior clinical diagnosis consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as from volunteers, and total RNA was extracted using the MagMAX kit. RT-qPCR assays were performed in both single and multiplex formats. Denaturing solutions composed of tetraethylammonium chloride and dimethyl sulfoxide, as well as adjusted dNTP proportions based on viral nucleotide composition, were evaluated. Exploratory Ct-based performance metrics were estimated using predefined threshold criteria with the Caret package in R. Results A total of 126,576 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected between January and December 2020 were used to construct a reference dataset. A target region within the ORF8 gene exhibiting predicted secondary structures was selected for primer and probe design. Forty-nine clinical samples were analyzed, of which 22 tested positive across the evaluated gene targets. Variability in detection patterns was observed across sampling periods. The evaluated formulations were associated with changes in Ct values in both single and multiplex RT-qPCR assays, depending on the conditions and sample set. Conclusions The incorporation of denaturing solutions and the adjustment of nucleotide proportions were associated with changes in RT-qPCR performance under the evaluated experimental conditions. These findings suggest that RNA secondary structure and nucleotide composition may influence assay behavior; however, further studies are required to assess the broader applicability of this approach.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 10:11:07 UTC.
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Abstract* Background The global consolidation of hybrid work models has prompted growing scholarly interest in their organizational consequences, particularly regarding employee commitment. In Peru, where hybrid arrangements are still being institutionalized across service sectors, evidence of their impact on organizational commitment remains scarce. Methods This study employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. A survey instrument grounded in Hackman and Oldham’s (1976) Job Enrichment Model and Meyer and Allen’s (1991) Three-Component Model was administered to a census sample of 60 employees of a consulting firm in Chimbote, Peru. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.29, including simple linear regression and Spearman correlation. Instrument reliability was assessed via Cronbach’s alpha (α = .883). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four area leaders to provide qualitative depth and contextual explanation of the quantitative findings. Results Hybrid work exerted a positive and statistically significant influence on organizational commitment (β = 0.455, p < .001). Among the dimensions analysed, job autonomy demonstrated the strongest correlation with commitment (ρ = 0.693, p < .001), followed by work flexibility (ρ = 0.661, p < .001) and communication and coordination (ρ = 0.648, p < .001). Descriptive results showed that 55.0% of employees reported high levels of hybrid work implementation, while 58.3% exhibited high organizational commitment. Qualitative findings corroborated these results, highlighting strengthened digital skills, improved self-management, and enhanced trust between teams and leaders as key mediating factors. Conclusions Proper management of hybrid work—anchored in autonomy, flexibility, and continuous communication—strengthens organizational commitment in professional service organizations. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on hybrid work management in emerging economies and offer actionable guidance for human resource practitioners in the Latin American context.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 09:56:15 UTC.
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Background This study investigates gender differences in narrative writing among primary school students to promote inclusive education, as narrative writing reflects embedded gender norms that influence literacy development and classroom equity. By examining these differences, this study aims to highlight how gender stereotypes can marginalize certain narrative styles and inform pedagogical strategies for Indonesian schools. Methods This qualitative case study with quantitative analysis examined 33 handwritten narratives from fifth-grade students (12 boys, 21 girls) and interviews with 10 students. SES data were collected through a parent questionnaire covering education, occupation, and home literacy environment. Two blind raters evaluated the narratives, with moderate inter-rater reliability (Cohen’s κ = 0.434). Thematic analysis was supplemented with t-tests and Pearson correlations to examine gender differences and the relationship between SES and narrative quality. Results The results showed that female students excelled notably in organization (mean score 18,4 vs. 15,1 for males), grammar (9,95 vs. 8,15), and writing conventions (2,7 vs. 2,2), indicating greater coherence, grammatical accuracy, and technical precision in their narratives. In contrast, male students scored slightly higher on content (26 vs. 25,3), driven by a marginally higher focus on characterization, though females led in plot complexity and setting detail. Language scores were comparable between genders. The overall final narrative score favored females (68,95 vs. 63,95). Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between maternal education, home literacy environment, and narrative quality. Conclusions Gender stereotypes shape literacy practices and may perpetuate educational inequalities. The study recommends gender-sensitive rubrics, cross-gender writing exercises, and teacher training to support inclusive education that validates diverse student voices.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 09:49:53 UTC.
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The global imperative to transition from linear to circular production models has intensified pressure on agro-industrial firms to develop operational frameworks that simultaneously reduce environmental impact and preserve resource value. This study investigates Kaizen methodology as a practical circular economy (CE) enabler in banana production operations in northern Peru, addressing a significant gap in the literature on CE implementation at the operational level in agricultural value chains. Employing a quantitative pre-experimental design (O₁XO₂) across 18 banana crops, Kaizen was operationalized through five structured phases—Define, Register, Design, Implement, and Verify—targeting material waste reduction and quality preservation across the full production chain. Post-intervention results demonstrated a statistically significant 28.4% reduction in total weekly waste (587.5 → 420.63 kg; Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Z = -2.666, p ≤ 0.001, r = 0.89), with HDPE plastics declining 30.9%, packaging films 29.3%, and adhesive tapes 27.7%. Critically, systematic segregation and handling protocol improvements shifted the clean-to-contaminated HDPE ratio from 1:2 to 1:1.2, substantially enhancing recyclability and unlocking previously inaccessible secondary market value streams. The findings introduce the concept of the ‘Kaizen-CE nexus’—a mechanism by which incremental operational improvement generates circular value through three pathways: waste volume reduction, material quality preservation for recycling, and systematic waste-flow data generation enabling continuous optimization. This framework extends Kaizen theory beyond manufacturing into agro-industrial systems, provides practitioners with a low-cost replicable model for SDG 12 alignment, and contributes to strategic management literature on the sustainability-efficiency nexus in agricultural value chains.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 09:14:21 UTC.
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Urban sustainable consumption has become a critical priority in Malaysia’s transition toward low-impact lifestyles. Yet, a persistent attitude-behavior gap continues to undermine green progress. This study explores how green purchase intention (GPI) translates into broader green actions through behavioral spillover, focusing on green switching (GSB) and green disposal behaviors (GDB). Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior, Value-Belief-Norm, and Spillover frameworks, the study examines five predictors, attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, environmental concern, and price sensitivity, using data from 263 urban consumers analyzed via SmartPLS 4. Findings reveal that attitude, control, concern, and price sensitivity significantly drive GPI, while subjective norms remain weak. GPI further mediates green purchase behavior (GPB), which sequentially spills over into switching and disposal actions, demonstrating sustainability as a cumulative behavioral chain rather than isolated intent. Although greenwashing (GWS) showed no moderating effect, it highlights consumers’ resilience against deceptive marketing. The study advances theoretical integration of TPB, VBN, and Spillover theories, aligns with SDG 12, SDG 11, and SDG 15, and urges policies that reduce price barriers, enforce marketing transparency, and empower sustained green lifestyles. It is among the first in Malaysia to empirically validate behavioral spillover across the green consumption lifecycle.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-02 04:53:46 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72684-2
The development of chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution has long been constrained by principal limitations, which need precise synchronization of racemization and resolution steps for rate matching. Here, the authors introduce a membrane-modulated strategy that circumvents the mandatory requirement for strict rate matching.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72546-x
Alkene 1,1- difunctionalization holds significant importance in organic synthesis due to its ability to effectively enhance the complexity and functionality of molecular frameworks. Here, the authors report an electrochemical strategy for 1,1-difunctionalization of halogenated aromatics with unactivated alkenes, using synergistic Fe/Ni catalysis.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72697-x
Spatiotemporally structured laser fields are attracting interest for laser-based particle acceleration schemes. Here, the authors introduce transversely pumped acceleration, demonstrating potential practical advantage over previously established schemes and opening towards compact accelerators for applications.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72478-6
Robotic fish are shifting from engineering curiosities to experimental partners in biology. This Perspective highlights how adaptive, closed-loop robots enable controlled tests of neuromechanical, sensorimotor and social feedback underlying fish behavior.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Communications, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72563-w
3D mineral stopwatches reveal multi-stage magmatic history before the 1820 lava fountaining eruption at Kīlauea volcano, Hawai’i. Magmas can be stored for decades then mobilized over days before ascending to the surface in a matter of hours.
in Nature Communications on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07204-4
SSD-DIS: A Semi-Synthetic Shadow Dataset for Document Images
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07339-4
Chromosome-level genome assembly of the wild Chinese yam Dioscorea opposita
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07344-7
A synthetic dataset for time series super-resolution with deep learning
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07288-y
ClimActor 2.0: A spatialized database of subnational climate pledges and emissions data
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07333-w
Database of tensile test results of carbon fibers impregnated with thermoplastic polymer
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07338-5
Single-nucleus chromatin landscapes of cholestatic injury and repair in mice liver
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07246-8
First high-density linkage map based on GBS derived genome wide SNP markers in Labeo catla (Hamilton, 1822)
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Scientific Data, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07352-7
Caravan-Qual: A global scale integration of stream water quality observations into a large-sample hydrology dataset
in Nature scientific data on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10160-9
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery through alleviating Schwann cell pyroptosis by restoring mitochondrial homeostasis.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10128-9
Trigeminal itch is driven by a unique population of sensory neurons where Substance P and Somatostatin signaling recruit specialized brainstem circuits to transform histamine-evoked sensations into a distinct mix of itch and pain.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-09977-1
Sinkala et al. use multi-trait GWAS to reveal divergent pleiotropic architecture of cardiovascular traits across ancestries, finding local genetic correlations between blood pressure traits in Europeans that are entirely absent in Africans.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10117-y
Nucleotide-resolution mappings of germline cis-regulatory elements in the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae provides a blueprint for improved tissue-specific engineering to advance genetic control of vector-borne diseases and insect pests.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10151-w
Integrating metabolomic profiling with a genomic CNV analysis, a study identifies CIITA as a master regulator of heat stress resilience in cattle, providing insights into the molecular networks underlying metabolic thermotolerance.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Communications Biology, Published online: 02 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s42003-026-10127-w
Using the small differences across 1146 crystal structures we collected of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, we map correlated atomic fluctuations to predict and experimentally confirm a functional allosteric network.
in Nature communications biology on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Claims about shared neural processing between object and action words have mainly been based on spatial overlap. Spatial overlap alone, however, provides an incomplete understanding of neural (dis)similarity. Here, we compared object and action word retrieval within participants utilising temporal, spectral, and spatial information in the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded during context-driven object and action picture naming. Constrained sentence contexts elicited pre-picture lexical-semantic word planning for object and action words, indexed by power decreases in the alpha-beta frequency range (8 - 30 Hz). Using a novel approach based on mutual information and source-reconstructed EEG signal, we computed joint temporo-spectro-spatial (dis)similarity indices across object and action naming in the constrained condition where information retrieval occurred. Spatially, dissimilarities were found in bilateral frontal, anterior superior temporal, and right anterior-to-middle temporal areas. Similarity, by contrast, was linked to the precunei and right temporo-parietal areas, regions associated with lexical-semantic processing and word retrieval. Crucially, similarity in the precunei compared to the temporo-parietal regions was characterised by differential patterns of the alpha-beta activity, implying processing and, potentially, functional differences between the areas. This finding highlights how conclusions about shared neural processes depend on the degree of abstraction (e.g., spatial, spatial-spectral) chosen to define the compared neural mechanisms. We tentatively interpret the contribution of the right hemisphere and left frontal areas to (dis)similarity as coarser, less fine-grained lexical-semantic computations.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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The human brain exhibits rapid structural plasticity following learning, yet its temporal dynamics and behavioral relevance remain elusive, particularly for cognitive forms of learning. In this study, we tested whether T1-weighted MRI captures rapid structural reorganization following associative memory formation and whether such changes follow an expansion-renormalization trajectory. We combined three independent datasets (N = 198) to quantify gray matter volume (GMV) changes following an associative memory task using voxel-based morphometry across baseline, 2 h, and 12 h post-learning. We observed transient GMV increases in parietal, lateral occipital, and cerebellar regions at 2 h post-learning, which returned to baseline by 12 h, consistent with rapid renormalization. Critically, GMV changes in left parietal cortex were associated with memory retention, such that greater maintenance of GMV was associated with better retention. Sleep further facilitated renormalization of GMV, suggesting that the sleeping brain differentially regulates structural changes in task-relevant areas. Our findings provide evidence that human gray matter undergoes hour-scale, behaviorally relevant structural reorganization after associative learning.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Heschl's gyrus (HG), which contains the primary auditory cortex, shows marked individual variability in its folding pattern, ranging from a single gyrus to partial or complete duplication. Greater HG duplication has been reported in expert musicians, often interpreted as evidence that auditory experience can shape cortical morphology. However, these structural differences might alternatively indicate a bias for musical careers in individuals whose anatomical predispositions facilitate expertise. Here, we examined HG morphology in blind individuals--a population with extensive auditory experience but without selection based on auditory ability. T1-weighted MRI data from 100 human participants across blind and sighted groups were analyzed. HG was manually defined in each hemisphere, and folding was measured using both categorical morphology classification and continuous surface-based metrics. Across all analyses, blindness did not increase HG folding. These results suggest that the morphology of HG is largely predetermined.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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How the brain encodes abstract concepts remains poorly understood. Current theories propose that, in brains and computers alike, word meanings are represented by vectors of neural activation whose similarities reflect semantic relationships. Here, we tested whether this hypothesis also applies to abstract concepts of elementary mathematics. We collected behavioral, 7 Tesla functional MRI and magneto-encephalography (MEG) data and used representational similarity analysis to ask where, when and how fifteen concepts of integers, fractions, and geometric shapes are encoded in the adult brain. Behavioral similarity ratings revealed a rich conceptual structure characterized by both categorical distinctions (numbers vs shapes, integers vs fractions), a numerical distance effect for integers, and systematic correspondences between items involving the same number (e.g. three, third, triangle). Functional MRI identified a bilateral cortical network whose neural encodings of concepts correlated with their semantic similarity, overlapping with classic math-responsive regions and encompassing IPS and ITG as well as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). A double dissociation was observed, with a preference for arithmetic in the right anterior intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and for geometry in left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) and bilateral posterior IPS. MEG revealed that a semantic neural code common to written words and symbols is activated by about 230 ms, again primarily distinguishing integers, fractions and geometry concepts. Together, these findings suggest that mathematical concepts are organized in the brain along both categorical and numerical dimensions, with overlapping but partially distinct sites supporting arithmetic and geometry domains.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Memory engrams emerge from dynamic, coordinated interactions among synchronized functional brain networks. Yet, how these networks are selectively reactivated upon cued recall and gradually (re)organized over time, especially through sleep, remains poorly understood. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), sleep electroencephalography (EEG) and behavioral measures, we investigated the spatiotemporal neural dynamics of cued recall memory during immediate and post-sleep (i.e., 90-minute post-learning nap) recall sessions in school-aged children. Results showed that immediate recall engaged a temporally ordered sequence of theta-band phase synchronization across two transiently synchronized networks: an early (150-350 ms) network involving the ventral visual pathway and left medial temporal lobe (MTL), followed by a later (550-750 ms) network encompassing the bilateral MTL and widespread neocortical associative regions. Post-sleep recall was associated, relative to wakefulness, with strengthened theta-band phase synchronization between the left MTL and widespread bilateral neocortical regions in a similar late window (450-650 ms). Post-sleep theta-band synchronization and memory gains in performance positively correlated with slow oscillation-spindle coupling during the post-learning nap. Altogether, these findings highlight oscillatory and spatiotemporal dynamics of memory recall networks and suggest that sleep, possibly driven by slow-oscillation-spindle coupling mechanisms, supports the efficient reinstatement of memory traces in the developing brain.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Working memory unfolds over time, yet how different working memory operations are temporally coordinated remains unclear. Building on prior links between low-frequency neural oscillations and working memory maintenance and retrieval, as well as evidence that low-frequency oscillations help coordinate cognitive functions, we tested whether low-frequency neural oscillations bridge and/or differentiate distinct working memory operations. Specifically, we tested whether low-frequency phase was linked to memory accuracy and event-related neural responses across three operations: (i) encoding, (ii) retrieval, and (iii) distractor processing during maintenance. Using EEG in human participants, we found that encoding and retrieval were most strongly linked to memory accuracy through theta phase (~4-7 Hz), measured just prior to each task event. Pre-encoding theta phase also modulated the neural response to memory item onset, suggesting that theta phase influences encoding strength. Critically, the theta phase associated with better memory accuracy differed significantly between encoding and retrieval, consistent with temporally distinct and functionally specific states supporting each working memory operation. In contrast, the influence of distractors on memory accuracy was linked to alpha phase (~8-10 Hz), with distractor occurrence also appearing to re-engage theta-dependent processes associated with encoding and retrieval. Together, these findings suggest that low-frequency neural
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Speech has harmonic features and speech perception is impaired in aging. Imaging of auditory cortex (A1) in aged mice shows reduced selectivity to harmonic sounds and impaired temporal integration of component frequencies especially in layers 2/3 but not layer 4, suggesting that age-related changes in intracortical processing contribute to the hearing deficits. Since complex sounds can be decoded from aging A1, paradigms enhancing cortical processing might improve hearing in aging.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Sensory loss triggers crossmodal reorganization across sensory modalities, and accumulating evidence indicates that this adaptive capacity persists into adulthood. However, the global organizing principles of such plasticity remain poorly understood, as conventional animal model approaches do not permit longitudinal, whole-brain measurements. Here, we use ultra-high-field (15.2T) BOLD fMRI to map deafening-induced functional reorganization across the entire brain in young adult mice. Within one week of deafening, the auditory cortex is recruited by somatosensory and visual inputs, while stimulus-evoked responses are potentiated in the spared sensory pathways. Reorganization extends beyond sensory cortices to higher-order association areas, including anterior cingulate, retrosplenial, and posterior parietal cortices. Resting-state fMRI further reveals strengthened coupling both within sensory systems and between sensory systems and a default mode-like network. These findings demonstrate that adult-onset deafness rapidly reorganizes functional brain networks and further implicate the default mode-like network as a potential mediator of crossmodal integration.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Background: The thalamus has emerged as a key region involved in cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS). While previous studies have identified associations between thalamic structural damage, altered functional connectivity, and cognitive performance, the specific contributions of individual thalamic nuclei and the added value of integrating structural and functional metrics remain poorly understood. Methods: T1-weighted MRI, diffusion MRI, resting-state fMRI, and neuropsychological data were collected from 102 individuals with MS and 27 healthy controls. Thalamic grey matter volume, white matter microstructural integrity, and functional controllability were calculated for each nucleus and compared between individuals with MS and healthy controls, as well as between MS cognitive subgroups. Partial Spearman correlations were used to examine the relationship between imaging metrics across the three modalities, and also between imaging metrics and cognitive performance in MS. Sparse canonical correlation analysis models were used to examine the covariance between thalamic imaging metrics and cognitive performance in MS. Results: Widespread atrophy and microstructural damage were observed across all thalamic nuclei in individuals with MS, regardless of cognitive status. In contrast, alterations in functional controllability were more spatially specific, primarily affecting the medial dorsal anterior nuclei, and were most pronounced in cognitively impaired individuals. These functional controllability metrics were independent of grey matter volume, white matter integrity, and lesion load. Combining thalamic functional controllability with structural metrics yielded a stronger association with cognitive performance in MS than either modality alone. Conclusion: This study provides novel evidence that functional controllability in the thalamus, particularly within the medial dorsal anterior nuclei, plays a critical role in cognitive impairment in MS. By applying a network control framework, our findings offer a dynamic systems perspective that extends beyond traditional connectivity analyses, capturing the thalamus's role in supporting flexible cognitive transitions. The integration of structural and functional controllability metrics enhances the ability to characterise individual differences in cognitive performance and may inform future efforts to identify biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction in MS.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43 occur in ~97% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases and disrupt RNA processing through aberrant cryptic exon inclusion. Existing cellular models rely on partial knockdown, TARDBP mutations, or pharmacological stress, each with limitations. Here, we generated homozygous TARDBP-knockout human iPSC lines using CRISPR-Cas9 and differentiated them into spinal motor neurons (MNs). Knockout MNs demonstrated ~16-fold lower differentiation efficiency than isogenic controls but retained neuronal marker expression. TDP-43 loss induced widespread cryptic exon inclusion and depletion of STMN2, UNC13A, and G3BP1. Integration of the CUTS splice biosensor yielded up to 4.5-fold cryptic GFP induction in knockout MNs, providing a reporter-based readout of TDP-43 dysfunction. Further, we validated the cardiac glycosides digoxin and ouabain as modulators of bortezomib-induced TDP-43 pathology. This genetically defined iPSC-derived MN model provides a platform for mechanistic and therapeutic interrogation of TDP-43-driven neurodegeneration in ALS.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-02 00:00:00 UTC.
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Background The present study is an endeavour to explore the global focus on maternal malnutrition research across the globe. The study underscores the development of maternal malnutrition research across the globe and may give impetus to researchers, policy makers and entrepreneurs for further research in this domain. Methods The study is descriptive in nature and used a mixed method approach that includes bibliometrics and altmetrics techniques to explore maternal malnutrition research. The study initiated with systematic data extraction from SCOPUS Database with proper data extraction criteria. The bibliometrics techniques include quantitative and qualitative techniques. The initial part of the study explores the quantitative dimension, including authorship studies, growth rate of publications, country-wise productivity and citation impact across the studied period. The second part of the study is dedicated to trend analysis that reveals the focused areas in malnutrition research. The third part of this study delves into the social impact of the concerned set of literature by analyzing the social media attention score through Altmetrics. Results It is found that there is a relatively low rate of growth of publications, with publications published in 2016 being more impactful and a preference for multi-authored publications over single-authored publications. Regional distribution highlights disparities in the research focus. Influential studies are dominated by Global Burden of Disease publications published in The Lancet, indicating the persistent global burden of maternal nutrition. Thematic analysis identified key clusters, such as acute malnutrition and maternal-child health interdependencies, with emerging areas in public health nutrition and epigenetics. Altmetric analysis has shown an active but declining trend in discourse on academic and social media platforms. Conclusions Results underscore the need for holistic interventions addressing both nutritional and psychosocial factors during pregnancy to break the intergenerational cycle of poor health and promote better outcomes for mothers and their children.
in F1000Research on 2026-05-01 10:16:37 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Science Advances, Volume 12, Issue 18, May 2026.
in Science Advances on 2026-05-01 07:00:00 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 02:01:04 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:51:14 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Volume 135, Issue 5, Page 1211-1219, May 2026.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:49:55 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Volume 135, Issue 5, Page 1220-1230, May 2026.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:49:54 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Volume 135, Issue 5, Page 1186-1202, May 2026.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:49:52 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Volume 135, Issue 5, Page 1260-1276, May 2026.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:49:51 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Volume 135, Issue 5, Page 1231-1245, May 2026.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:49:49 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Volume 135, Issue 5, Page 1203-1210, May 2026.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:49:48 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Volume 135, Issue 5, Page 1246-1259, May 2026.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:49:47 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:41:14 UTC.
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Journal of Neurophysiology, Ahead of Print.
in Journal of Neurophysiology on 2026-05-01 01:31:20 UTC.
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Del Rio-Martin et al. reveal a role for the mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) in control of metabolism-regulatory Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus. AgRP-neuron-restricted MFF deficiency increases Ca2+-uptake capacity, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release to enhance food intake during energy state transitions.
in Neuron: In press on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41586-026-10601-9
Author Correction: Titration of RAS alters senescent state and influences tumour initiation
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01439-2
Nature staff discuss some of the week's top science news.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01075-w
Not a bug, but a feature.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01252-x
Surveys show the importance of social, familial and structural support in lowering anxiety, particularly for people in health professions.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01387-x
‘Penguin’ decays from CERN’s latest Large Hadron Collider experiment hint at weird new physics.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01290-5
Species recovery, cancer-preventing vaccines and progress in developing renewable-energy sources are just some of the positive developments that have happened this year so far.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01411-0
To avoid sabotaging science, the European Research Council needs more funding and structural change.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01428-5
Mini models of the uterus lining give insight into mystery of how it is shed without scarring.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/d41586-026-01435-6
The tough new policy was introduced to curb submissions, but drew criticism from researchers.
in Nature on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02290-4
Context-dependent behavior selects actions according to task demands. Using direct brain recordings in humans, Binish et al. uncover how coordinated population activity efficiently channels information from prefrontal to motor cortex.
in Nature Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41583-026-01042-4
Recent advances in large-scale electrophysiology now enable researchers to record from thousands of neurons distributed across the brain. Siegle and Steinmetz describe the principles underlying this technology and outline the key considerations, challenges and opportunities associated with collecting, analysing and sharing large electrophysiological datasets.
in Nature Reviews on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Methods, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41592-026-03088-9
AI agent systems are now being built on top of large language models, and they can conduct autonomous analyses. Choosing among the offerings takes a balance of curiosity, excitement and skepticism.
in Nature Methods on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Physics, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03262-y
Coupling semiconductor qubit devices to microwave resonators provides a way to transfer quantum information over long distances. A flopping-mode qubit that combines strong coupling to photons with good coherence properties has now been demonstrated.
in Nature Physics on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Physics, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03222-6
Higher-order interactions in quantum harmonic oscillator systems can result in useful effects, but they are hard to engineer. An experiment on a single trapped ion now demonstrates how spin can mediate higher-order nonlinear bosonic interactions.
in Nature Physics on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Nature Physics, Published online: 01 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41567-026-03241-3
Symmetry rules usually prevent interactions between distinct vibrational modes. Now it is shown that charge order fluctuations can mix modes, enhancing the chiral lattice response in a ferroaxial electronic crystal.
in Nature Physics on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Fusobacterium nucleatum, a gram-negative bacterium implicated in periodontal disease, contributes to tumor progression in various cancers. Whether the presence of F. nucleatum inhibits tumor progression of some cancers is largely unknown. Here, we identify an interaction between F. nucleatum and the natural killer (NK) cell receptor NKp46. Analysis of TCGA datasets revealed that the co-occurrence of F. nucleatum and high NKp46 expression correlates with improved survival in head and neck cancers but not in colorectal cancers. Using binding assays, we demonstrate that both human NKp46 and its murine ortholog, Ncr1, directly recognize the fusobacterial adhesin RadD. Genetic deletion of radD or blockade of NKp46 significantly impaired NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro and promoted tumor-cell growth. In vivo, infection with F. nucleatum accelerated tumor progression, with an exacerbated effect observed in the absence of RadD or NKp46. These findings highlight RadD as a critical ligand for NKp46 and establish the NKp46–RadD axis as a key interface in host–microbe–tumor interactions, offering a novel target for immunotherapeutic intervention in cancer influenced by microbial factors.
in eLife on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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The accuracy of spatial gene expression profiles generated by probe-based in situ spatially resolved transcriptomic technologies depends on the specificity with which probes bind to their intended target gene. Off-target binding, defined as a probe binding to something other than the target gene, can distort a gene’s true expression profile, making probe specificity essential for reliable transcriptomics. Here, we investigated off-target binding affecting the 10x Genomics Xenium technology. We developed a software tool, Off-target Probe Tracker (OPT), to identify putative off-target binding via alignment of probe target sequences and assessing whether mapped loci corresponded to the intended target gene across multiple reference annotations. Applying OPT to a Xenium human breast gene panel, we identified at least 14 out of the 313 genes in the panel potentially impacted by off-target binding to protein-coding genes. To substantiate our predictions, we leveraged a Xenium breast cancer dataset generated using this gene panel and compared results to orthogonal spatial and single-cell transcriptomic profiles from Visium CytAssist and 3′ single-cell RNA-seq derived from the same tumor block. Our findings indicate that for some genes, the expression patterns detected by Xenium demonstrably reflect the aggregate expression of the target and predicted off-target genes based on Visium and single-cell RNA-seq, rather than the target gene alone. We further applied OPT to identify potential off-target binding in custom gene panels and integrate tissue-specific RNA-seq data to assess effects. Overall, this work enhances the biological interpretability of spatial transcriptomics data and improves reproducibility in spatial transcriptomics research.
in eLife on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is valuable for molecular testing, but typically requires specialized collection tubes or immediate processing. We investigated whether residual plasma from heparin separators, routinely used in clinical chemistry, could serve as an accessible and underused source for cfDNA. We analyzed matched plasma samples from healthy volunteers in two experiments: an immediate-processing comparison across EDTA, Streck, and heparin separator tubes (n=5), and a clinical-handling simulation comparing EDTA and heparin separator tubes under delayed processing at room temperature or 4°C (n=6). We also analyzed matched plasma samples from viral PCR-positive patients in a hospital cohort (n=38). Whole-genome sequencing and enriched methylation sequencing were performed to assess concordance across metagenomics, copy number, methylation, and fragmentomic features. Under immediate processing, heparin separator plasma showed high concordance with EDTA and Streck plasma for methylation patterns (Spearman’s ρ=0.65–0.70) and fragmentation features. In the Hospital Cohort, heparin separator plasma showed strong concordance with matched EDTA plasma for viral detection (Spearman’s ρ=0.95), copy number alteration profiling (Spearman’s ρ=0.72–0.96), and methylation patterns (Spearman’s ρ=0.50–0.83). These findings support the feasibility of using refrigerated, promptly processed residual plasma from routine clinical chemistry as a supplementary source for cfDNA biobanking and molecular analyses.
in eLife on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
How the brain orchestrates the flow of information between its multiple
functional units flexibly, quickly, and accurately remains a fundamental
question in neuroscience. Multiple theories identify neural oscillations as a
likely basis for this process. However, a lack of empirical validation of
proposed theories, particularly at the whole-brain scale, has hampered consensus
on oscillatory principles governing neural communication, limiting our
understanding of a process central to perception and cognition and its
integration into experiments and clinical applications. Here, we empirically
validate previously proposed neural-oscillatory communication mechanisms in the
human brain—specifically involving power and inter-areal phase
coherence—at the whole-brain scale. We do this by estimating the
dependence of inferred communication on oscillatory measures that have been
theorized to facilitate communication, in source-localized resting-state
magnetoencephalography recordings. We find that power and phase coherence in the
alpha, beta, and high-gamma bands track communication better than others.
Crucially, the relation between communication and oscillatory measures varied
across regions, indicating spatial heterogeneity in routing mechanisms. Notably,
power and coherence-based principles tracked communication patterns of unimodal
regions better than those of transmodal regions. In sum, these findings suggest
that the human brain implements regionally specific communication mechanisms
with complex neural-oscillatory dependence.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Neuroimaging studies in humans have localized brain functions to specific brain
regions, but a recent shift toward distributed network-based models of brain
function promises deeper insights into the network processes that generate brain
functionality. Resting-state functional connectivity provides a rich mapping of
the brain’s network architecture, linking with both underlying structure
and task-evoked responses across the whole brain. In this study, we utilized a
model based on propagation of task-evoked activations over resting-state
functional connectivity networks to identify cortical contributions to localized
functional brain activations associated with binocular convergent eye movements.
Binocular vision is crucial for daily routine activities, with its impairment
leading to significant challenges in daily life. The distributed network-level
mechanisms of binocular convergent eye movements remain unknown. Results showed
that mapping activity flow over brain connections accurately generated brain
activations associated with convergent eye movements, which were distinct from
those observed during control tasks. The visual and dorsal attention networks
dominated the propagation of activations through resting-state connections
during convergent eye movements. In conclusion, highly distributed network
pathways are involved in convergent eye movements, with some pathways
contributing much more than others, providing important implications for future
clinical models of binocular dysfunction.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
External brain stimulation is a promising tool for investigating and altering
cognitive processes, with potential clinical applications to the restoration of
dysfunctional neural dynamics. In line with experimental observations, we study
how the effects of stimulation crucially depend on the ongoing dynamics of the
brain, at the local level of the stimulated region but also of global
coordinated brain activity. Specifically, we use connectome-based whole-brain
computational modeling to explore how the effects of single-pulse stimulation to
different regions strongly depend on both the phase of regional oscillatory
activity and on the transiently occurring network of functional connectivity at
the time of the applied stimulation. Importantly, we show that stimulation has
not only state-dependent effects but can also induce global state switching.
Lastly, predicting the effect of stimulation by using machine learning shows
that functional network-aware measures (i.e., knowledge of either a discrete
state of functional connectivity or of a detailed functional connectivity
matrix) can increase the performance by up to 40%. Our results suggest
that a fine characterization of intrinsic functional connectivity dynamics is
essential for improving the reliability of exogenous stimulation.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Network models are a key tool in human neuroscience, and translation into animal
models is essential for interrogating mechanistic drivers of network
organization. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we present the first in
vivo network representation of the individual rat brain, a key animal model in
neuroscience. We measured magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) at each of 53
distinct cortical areas and estimated a cortical similarity network for each
scan across two independent cohorts. We characterized normative network
development in rats scanned repeatedly between postnatal days 20 (weanling) and
290 (mid-adulthood; N = 47) and then contrasted these findings
with a cohort exposed to early life stress (repeated maternal separation [RMS]; N = 40). The normative rat cortical similarity network
exhibited biologically meaningful organization, consistent with
cytoarchitectonic and tract-tracing data, and displayed complex topological
features. Developmental analyses revealed increasing interregional similarity
during early postnatal and adolescent periods, followed by divergence in
mid-adulthood, particularly within fronto-hippocampal systems. RMS disrupted
these trajectories, especially between frontal and parahippocampal regions that
were also most dynamic during development and aging. These findings introduce a
new network-based methodology for studying cortical organization in a model
organism, providing a translational framework to understand how environmental
risk factors alter brain network development.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) is widely used to
study brain-wide functional connectivity (FC). However, the resulting signals
are highly noise sensitive, and the best strategies for mitigating this noise
remains unclear. In 358 healthy individuals, we compared 60 multi-echo (ME) and
30 single-echo (SE) rsfMRI preprocessing pipelines across six measures of data
quality and associated effect sizes in FC-based prediction models of personality
and cognition (cross-validated kernel ridge regression). ME pipelines generally
outperformed SE pipelines, but no single pipeline excelled at both denoising and
behavioral prediction. Using a heuristic scheme to rank pipelines across
benchmarks, ME optimum combination (OC) with ME independent component analysis
(ICA), ICA-FMRIB’s ICA-based Xnoiseifier (FIX), and with head motion,
cerebrospinal fluid, and white matter and gray matter signal regression,
performed best when only considering denoising efficacy metrics. ME OC with
ICA-FIX and head motion parameter regression performed best when only
considering behavioral prediction results. ME OC with Automatic Removal of
Motion Artifacts (AROMA) ICA, head motion parameter regression and Regressor
Interpolation at Progressive Time Delays (RIPTiDe) performed best when
aggregating across all evaluation metrics. These results favor ME acquisitions
but show that no single denoising pipeline should be considered optimal for all
purposes.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Healthy aging is marked by changes in both cognitive performance and the
organization of brain networks. Declines in cognition have been linked to
reductions in system segregation (SS), as older adults typically exhibit less
segregated functional networks than younger adults. While lower segregation has
been associated with diminished cognitive abilities, it remains unclear how
individual variability in SS contributes to cognitive outcomes across the
lifespan. Here, we examine relationships between SS and three cognitive domains
(semantic, executive, episodic memory) using resting-state fMRI data from 179
younger (18–29 years) and 117 older adults (60–89 years). SS was
measured globally and for specific networks using Schaefer’s 7-network
parcellation. Our findings confirmed a global age-related reduction in SS,
particularly impacting the somatomotor, ventral attention, and frontoparietal
networks. This reduction in global SS mediated negative effects of age group on
semantic and executive performance. When examining younger and older groups
separately, we found that higher SS was associated with better semantic
performance in both groups, while observing a similar positive association with
executive performance only in older adults, suggesting that executive function
becomes increasingly dependent on preserved network architecture with age.
Maintaining SS may therefore be critical for supporting healthy cognitive
aging.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
The cerebellum, with its distinctive architecture and extensive cortical
connections, has long been recognized for its highly structured
interconnectivity with the cortex and has been proposed as part of a larger
circuit that shapes brain network dynamics. Here, we evaluate dynamic network
reconfigurations in resting-state fMRI connectivity pre- and post-noninvasive
inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting the right Crus
I of the cerebellum. Using dynamic community detection to evaluate the
stimulation’s effect on modular network structures, we characterize the
network properties by which cerebellar stimulation spreads through the cortex.
We find that: (a) the flexibility, or the likelihood of network
nodes to change module allegiances, increased post stimulation; (b) the dynamic
patterns by which module allegiances emerged and evolved were highly individual
and did not follow a single functional prototype; and (c) the cerebellar nodes
had connectivity properties of integrators for distinct network modules. These
results are consistent with the idea that cerebellum is pivotal in modulating
distributed cortical activity by restructuring the integration and segregation
of neural networks. This integrative capacity of the cerebellum may underlie its
proposed role in coordinating neural systems, including those supporting higher
cognitive function.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Epilepsy remains a significant medical challenge, particularly in drug-resistant
cases where surgical intervention may be the only viable treatment option.
Identifying the epileptogenic zone, the brain region responsible for seizure
initiation, is a critical step in surgical planning. Combining dynamical system
models, machine learning, and the neuroimaging data of epileptic patients in the
so-called Bayesian Virtual Epileptic Patient (VEP) framework has previously been
shown to be a promising approach for identifying the epileptogenic zone.
However, previous studies employed coupled neural mass models to describe the
whole-brain seizure dynamics and, hence, could only provide a highly coarse
spatial estimate of the epileptogenic zone. In this study, we propose an
extension of the Bayesian VEP to a neural field model, which can improve the
spatial resolution by several orders. Performing model inversion using neural
field models is a challenging task as the parameter space is very high
dimensional, and it becomes computationally expensive to compute gradients. We
demonstrate that by using pseudospectral methods and spherical harmonic
transforms, it is feasible to perform model inversion on a neural field
extension. We found that the high-resolution Bayesian VEP not only improves the
spatial resolution but also significantly reduces the number of false
positives.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Functional connectivity (FC) analyses of task-based fMRI (tbfMRI) often rely on
static correlation methods that average signal relationships over time. While
widely used, these methods may miss transient but meaningful neural
interactions. In this study, we investigated whether jackknife
resampling—a technique that systematically omits one time point at a
time—enhances sensitivity in detecting language-related FC networks
during an auditory comprehension taskauditory comprehension task.
We analyzed surface-based FC networks in 172 healthy young adults from the Human
Connectome Project. FC matrices were computed across 68 cortical regions of
interest, and statistically significant edges were identified using Bonferroni
correction. We compared FC networks derived from a traditional static
correlation approach with those obtained using jackknife resampling, applying an edge consistency thresholdedge consistency threshold to
retain only the most stable connections across time points. The static method
identified 75 significant language-related FCs. Jackknife-based analyses
recovered all of these and revealed 24 additional connections or edges (eight
left-hemispheric, five right-hemispheric, 11 interhemispheric; p < 0.001), including well-established language
regions such as the middle temporal gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex.
Jackknife resampling enhances detection of robust, task-relevant FCs, offering a
promising alternative for modeling language networks and improving
neurocomputational representations in both research and clinical settings.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Metastability of BOLD fMRI signals is a commonly used proxy of brain dynamics in
behavioral and clinical studies. To date, little has been done to assess the
confidence with which we can use estimates of metastability as reliable
biomarkers of individual brain state. We analyze whole-brain and
network-specific metastability for a highly sampled individual brain (84
sessions taken over 18 months) and quantify the within-subject reliability for
the metrics as a function of the amount of data used, which we find to be
comparable to that seen for static functional connectivity. As considerable
variability is observed across networks in the required amount of data, we
combine the networks' metrics in one novel feature vector that exhibits
an order of magnitude improvement in reliability. We then test reproducibility
by analyzing the Midnight Scan Club dataset (10 subjects imaged over 10
consecutive days). Finally, we examine the susceptibility to change of the
proposed metastability measure in another dataset examining brain dynamics under
the effect of psilocybin. We conclude that the networks' metastability
feature vector exhibits strong within-subject reliability that renders it a
promising candidate for the study of individual-specific biomarkers of brain
dynamics and potential targets for precision neuromodulation.
in Network Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Retinotopic cortical regions encode both the physical salience and behavioral relevance of visual stimuli, suggesting that these areas support neural "priority maps" of the visual field. These maps, which are instantiated as distributed neural codes across visual, parietal, and frontal areas, guide covert attention and overt motor plans. Previous work has characterized how these maps encode the task relevance of a single covertly-attended visual stimulus among multiple stimuli. However, it remains unknown how relevance-related modulations scale with the number of task-relevant locations. If modulations reflect limitations in attention-related enhancements of relevant neural populations, attending to more stimuli should reduce the magnitude of modulations. Instead, if relevance-related modulations reflect the selection of task-relevant populations by long-range inputs to optimize coding for further processing, each relevant stimulus location would be modulated by an equivalent amount, independent of other stimuli. We collected functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data while participants performed a demanding covert attention task requiring they monitor zero, one, or two peripheral task-relevant stimuli. Using a spatial inverted encoding model, we reconstructed neural priority maps from activation patterns across retinotopic cortex. Strikingly, relevance-related enhancement at each attended location was equivalent whether one or two locations were cued, with no evidence for attenuation when multiple stimuli were relevant. Moreover, task-related modulations were spatially focal and disjoint, localized to each cued stimulus location. These results suggest a model whereby behavioral relevance is encoded categorically in neural priority maps: BOLD signal from neural populations at each task-relevant location are equivalently and independent enhanced regardless of how many other locations are concurrently relevant. This modulatory profile reveals a 'relevance map' that signals which populations require selective augmentation to guide decision-making through the plethora of local neural computations associated with covert attention, with performance limitations arising at later processing stages rather than within early sensory representations.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Genetic discoveries implicate microglia in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). We modelled AD in a powerful study of 51 human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) microglia derived from high-polygenic risk AD or low-risk cognitively well individuals, sampled from a large cohort. We explored mitochondrial function, cytokine secretion, endocytosis, phagocytosis, lipid accumulation, calcium store release, and chemotaxis under basal conditions and immune challenge. High polygenic risk was independently associated with significant functional deficits in iPSC microglia under immune challenge, in mitochondrial ATP production (p=0.005, -13%), and inflammatory cytokine release (IL-6: p=0.018, -42%; TNF p=0.026, -38.5%). Furthermore, a selective deficit in amyloid-{beta} uptake was identified (p=0.00477, -5.9%). Deficits in inflammatory cytokine release were driven by APOE {epsilon}4. These findings reflect primary changes in AD pathogenesis predating plaque formation and validate a human in vitro platform for late-onset AD to further understand disease mechanisms and screen drug or genetic therapies.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Introduction: The thalamic nuclei play a crucial role in regulating information flow to the cortex and supports diverse cognitive functions. Although previous studies have linked thalamic structural and functional characteristics to cognition, these measures do not fully capture the thalamus's role in dynamic control, which is essential for complex cognitive processes. Moreover, it remains unclear how these different metrics relate to each other in the way they account for cognition. Methods: T1-weighted MRI, diffusion MRI, resting-state fMRI, and neuropsychological data were obtained from 419 unrelated participants in the Human Connectome Project. We measured grey matter volume, white matter integrity, and functional controllability of each thalamic nucleus to examine their associations with cognitive performance across domains identified through clustering analysis of the neuropsychological data. We also assessed the relationships among these structural and functional metrics and evaluated their individual and combined contributions in capturing covariance with performance in various cognitive domains. Results: Significant correlations were observed between thalamic grey matter volume and white matter integrity; however, thalamic functional controllability showed no significant association with either structural metric. White matter integrity demonstrated the strongest association with sequence working memory and language processing. In contrast, thalamic controllability metrics accounted more for performance in executive function, reasoning and encoding, visuospatial processing, and impulse control, outperforming the combination of grey and white matter structural metrics. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of the thalamus from a dynamic control perspective, demonstrating that thalamic structural and functional metrics provide complementary rather than redundant information related to cognitive performance. These findings underscore a promising new direction for understanding the complex and dynamic contributions of the thalamus to human cognition.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Prior expectations guide sensorimotor behavior when sensory information is uncertain, yet the cellular mechanisms underlying this integration remain elusive. Here, we investigate how priors in sensory motion direction shape neural population dynamics by combining recurrent neural network (RNN) modeling with macaque smooth pursuit behavior and middle temporal area (area MT) electrophysiology. Our RNN model reveals that prior expectations are implemented by elevating firing thresholds in neurons tuned away from the expected direction. This selective inhibition sharpens population tuning and reduces behavioral variability under weak sensory information conditions. We validated this prediction in vivo: delta-band local field potentials in area MT, where the phase reflects neural excitability states, exhibited direction-specific phase shifts that scaled with the deviation from the expected direction. These findings demonstrate that prior expectations enhance behavioral reliability through tuned inhibitory control of neuronal excitability, providing a mechanistic link between Bayesian inference and cortical circuit dynamics.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Human cone and rod outer segments exhibit a rapid shrinkage followed by a slower elongation in response to light, forming the basis of the optoretinogram. The molecular basis of this optical assay of photoreceptor function remains incompletely understood. In mouse rods, the elongation response requires transducin, the G-protein -subunit activated in the initial amplifying step of the phototransduction cascade. Here, we measured human cone outer segment responses in subjects with bradyopsia arising from a triple-deletion mutation in R9AP, the anchor and transport protein for the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) RGS9. Immunoprecipitation showed that the mutant R9AP has greatly reduced affinity for RGS9, predictably reducing the level of RGS9 in the outer segment. The bradyopsia subjects' elongation responses had normal activation kinetics, amplitude and photosensitivity, but markedly slowed recovery. These results indicate that normal levels of RGS9 are required for deactivation of the cone elongation response, situating the underlying molecular mechanism within the G-protein cascade at or prior to formation of the GAP complex. The recovery of the cone elongation response, measured in a paired-flash paradigm for stimuli isomerizing up to 75% of opsin, revealed that elongation requires a substrate that is depleted and recovers in a bleach-dependent manner. In particular, recovery from the highest bleaching exposure (75%) tracked the time course of cone opsin regeneration, implying that unregenerated cone opsin produces "dark light", known in rods to arise from constitutive activation of G-protein. Taken together, the results from controls and bradyopsia identify the inactive (GDP-bound) transducin complex as the essential substrate for the human cone elongation response. Suppression of the elongation response in the paired-flash paradigm further revealed the complete profile of the initial fast cone outer segment shrinkage response and reinforced its origin in opsin structural changes. Overall, these results identify key mechanistic elements of the optoretinogram and enable its use as a molecularly interpretable, non-invasive assay of cone function in disease and therapeutic response.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Parasitic nematodes infect over a billion people worldwide and cause some of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases (1-5). Many of these parasites are skin penetrating and have both extra-host life stages that inhabit host feces and surrounding soil, and intra-host life stages that inhabit host niches such as skin, vasculature, and intestine (2,6-8). Across life stages, these parasites encounter oxygen (O2) levels that range from ~21% at the soil-air interface to near-anaerobic levels in the host intestine (9-12). However, whether parasitic nematodes detect and respond to changes in O2 levels was unknown. Here, we examine O2 sensation in skin-penetrating parasitic nematodes and find that they show robust responses to changes in O2 levels. Moreover, their O2-evoked behaviors differ from those of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We then investigate the molecular and neural mechanisms of O2 sensing in Strongyloides stercoralis, a genetically tractable human-infective nematode, and find that parasite-specific behavioral responses to O2 arise in part from evolutionary changes in their soluble guanylate cyclase repertoire. Finally, we find that neuronal O2 sensing regulates intra-host development in S. stercoralis. Our results demonstrate that skin-penetrating nematodes exhibit neuronally mediated O2 responses that are critical for multiple steps of their parasitic life cycle.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a prodromal manifestation of -synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. Evidence suggests that degeneration of REM sleep regulating neurons in the sublaterodorsal tegmental nucleus (SLD) could give rise to RBD, yet the specific cellular populations involved and their contribution to synucleinopathy progression remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of defined SLD cell types in RBD pathogenesis. Using viral vector and fibril-based models of -synucleinopathy, we show that -synuclein pathology in SLD neurons triggers RBD in mice. Notably, glutamatergic SLD neurons are selectively vulnerable to synucleinopathy and the loss of these cells correlates with RBD severity. Propagation of synucleinopathy from the SLD to midbrain and forebrain structures leads to the emergence of neurological deficits associated with Parkinson's disease. These findings establish that SLD neurons are critical substrates for RBD and provide insight into the cellular mechanisms at play in the early stages of synucleinopathies.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Ageing-related decline in hippocampal neurogenesis has been associated with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disease, yet experimentally tractable human models to study the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain limited. Cellular senescence has emerged as a candidate driver of age-related tissue dysfunction, but its induction and consequences in human NPCs have not been well characterized. Here, we established a human in vitro model of NPC senescence using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs exposed to transient low-dose doxorubicin to activate the DNA damage response (DDR) while minimizing acute cytotoxicity. Doxorubicin-treated NPCs developed a stable senescent phenotype characterized by increased senescence-associated {beta}-galactosidase activity, reduced proliferation, persistent DNA damage, and sustained induction of p21 and p16. Transcriptomic profiling revealed widespread senescence-associated remodeling, including activation of p53 and inflammatory programs and repression of cell cycle and DNA repair pathways. Senescent NPCs exhibited apoptosis resistance despite transcriptional priming of apoptotic pathways and underwent mitochondrial remodeling with a shift towards oxidative metabolism. In parallel, they acquired a senescence-associated secretory phenotype enriched in inflammatory, TGF{beta}-related and pro-angiogenic factors, and conditioned media from these cells promoted angiogenesis in vascular organoids. Importantly, key senescence-associated features were recapitulated in human hippocampal organoids, confirming the robustness of this paradigm in a three-dimensional neural context. Together, these findings establish a tractable human model of DDR-driven NPC senescence and identify senescence as a mechanism linking genotoxic stress to impaired progenitor function, metabolic rewiring, and paracrine niche remodeling relevant to hippocampal ageing and neurodegeneration.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Proprioception and reflexive control of muscle tone depend on the activity of muscle spindles, specialized sensory receptors embedded deep within skeletal muscle that detect changes in muscle length. Their location and complex three-dimensional architecture have historically limited morphological analysis to techniques such as silver-impregnation, muscle teasing, or serial sectioning followed by volumetric reconstruction. Here, we describe a workflow for three-dimensional, in situ visualization of muscle spindles in the rabbit tenuissimus muscle, a preparation uniquely enriched in spindles and well suited for whole-mount imaging. The protocol combines fluorescent labeling of spindle sensory and motor innervation, including intrafusal {gamma} neuromuscular junctions labeled with -bungarotoxin, with immunolabeling and solvent-based optical clearing. Optically cleared tenuissimus muscles were compatible with both whole-mount confocal and light-sheet microscopy, enabling volumetric imaging of complete spindle structures and detailed visualization of Ia annulospiral endings at the spindle equator. This approach provides access to spindle morphology and connectivity at multiple spatial scales while avoiding physical sectioning and reconstruction. By enabling reproducible three-dimensional imaging of intact muscle spindles, this workflow offers a practical platform for studying spindle structure and plasticity in health and disease.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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The emerging field of artificial intelligence for neuroscience relies heavily on high-quality, standardized datasets. Data linking high-dimensional neural population dynamics with complex behavior is crucial for advancing the field of brain-computer interfaces. However, few existing datasets provide these paired modalities in a standardized, AI-ready format, limiting their immediate utility for computational modeling. Here, we present a large-scale dataset comprising simultaneous two-photon calcium imaging of the primary auditory cortex (A1) and detailed behavioral records in mice. The animals performed an auditory two-alternative forced-choice (2AFC) categorization task, classifying tones as low or high frequency by licking left or right water ports. The raw neural and behavioral data were preprocessed, synchronized, and formatted into trial-aligned multi-dimensional tensors. Comprehensive validation confirms that the recorded populations exhibit consistent, high-fidelity temporal dynamics and distinct frequency tuning across all experimental conditions. To evaluate the dataset's capacity for neural decoding, we benchmarked it across diverse machine learning architectures and deep learning networks. By bridging biological recordings and behavior, this open-access dataset serves as a valuable benchmark for developing novel decoding algorithms and testing brain-inspired computational models.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 20% of the population, with over 30% of cases demonstrating treatment resistance. Postmortem analyses have revealed increased poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) expression in prefrontal cortical white matter of individuals with MDD, suggesting PARP-1 as a potential therapeutic target. Chronic stress, a major risk factor for depression, affects multiple physiological domains including behavior, cardiovascular function, neuroinflammation, and gut-brain axis signaling. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-system investigation of PARP inhibition effects on stress-induced pathophysiology using the social defeat stress/chronic unpredictable stress (SDS+CUS) rodent model. In the primary study, male Sprague-Dawley rats (N=32) underwent 10 days of SDS+CUS while receiving daily treatment with the PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB; 40mg/kg), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (FLX; 10mg/kg), or saline (0.9% NaCl), with non-stressed controls included. Behavioral outcomes were assessed via sucrose preference and social interaction tests. Neurobiological analyses examined PARP-1 expression, microglial morphology, and proinflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1{beta}, TNF-, IL-6) in relevant brain regions. In a parallel cardiovascular study, a separate cohort of stressed rats (N=8) received either saline or 3-AB treatment while hemodynamic parameters were monitored via telemetry before, during, and after stress exposure. Exploratory gut microbiome analyses were also conducted (see Supplemental Materials). Results: Saline-treated stressed rats demonstrated significantly elevated anhedonia and social avoidance compared to all other groups, while 3-AB treatment prevented these behavioral deficits. Cardiovascular monitoring revealed that stressed saline-treated rats developed significant elevations in systolic and mean blood pressure with decreased heart rate compared to baseline, whereas 3-AB treatment prevented these hemodynamic changes. Neurobiological analyses showed that FLX-treated stressed rats unexpectedly exhibited elevated PARP-1 expression in prefrontal cortical gray matter. Microglial morphological analysis revealed significantly more prolate (activated) microglia in the saline-treated stressed rats compared to all other treatment groups. Saline-treated stressed rats exhibited significantly increased hippocampal proinflammatory cytokines, with 3-AB treatment specifically normalizing TNF- levels. Conclusion: PARP inhibition with 3-AB provides multi-system protection against chronic stress effects, preventing behavioral deficits, cardiovascular dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. These findings establish PARP-1 as a key mediator in the systemic pathophysiology of chronic stress and highlight PARP inhibition as a promising therapeutic approach for stress-related disorders with treatment-resistant features.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Animals must manipulate objects to perform tasks like pushing away debris when navigating over complex, natural terrain. For previously unseen objects, efficient manipulation requires that their affordances -the possible actions one can perform upon them- first be learned through experience. However, the behavioral and neural mechanisms underlying the learning of object affordances remain largely unknown. To address this gap, we show that adult flies can learn to push small spherical objects without being given any explicit reward. To do this, flies appear to learn the ball's pushability affordance: pushing is delayed when animals are first exposed to an immobile ball, and manipulating one ball accelerates pushing of a second one in a new context. Behavioral quantification of a large-scale neural silencing screen reveals that specific visual projection neurons and olfactory sensory neurons regulate initial reactions to the object while dopaminergic neurons and circuits in the mushroom bodies, a center for learning and memory in insects, are critical for learning object affordances. These findings open the door to a mechanistic understanding of object manipulation and affordance learning.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Congenital disorders of cortical development arise from genetic lesions that disrupt neurogenesis and neuronal migration. Unfortunately, tools to model or correct these defects before birth are limited. Here we establish a platform for systemic in utero gene delivery and genome editing in the mouse cortex at midgestation. By microdissecting a uterine window over the vitelline vein at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), we achieve fetal circulation access, enabling robust AAV-mediated transduction of the central nervous system (CNS) while reducing off-target expression in peripheral organs. Barcoded capsid screens reveal that AAV9 exhibits developmental stage-dependent tropism, with higher CNS penetrance and lower liver transduction at E12.5 than at E15.5. Leveraging this window, we provide a proof-of-concept of efficient cortical editing, using Cre-lox and CRISPR/Cas9 strategies to recapitulate prenatal reeler-like cortical misordering phenotypes following Reln knockout. We further use homology-directed repair to demonstrate precise genome modification, epitope-tagging the endogenous Reln and Actb loci, and installing a human-derived pathogenic allele of PDHA1. Importantly, we show that edited cells span neural progenitors and differentiated neurons across the cortex and hippocampus. These results define a permissive midgestational window for prenatal genome editing, providing a platform for functional modeling of congenital CNS disorders and exploration of early therapeutic interventions with minimized peripheral exposure.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), which are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by behavioral dysregulation, learning deficits, and cognitive inflexibilities. Alcohol exposure is harmful at all stages of human gestation, including the third trimester. This developmental window, characterized by rapid brain growth, myelination, and neural circuit formation, may be particularly vulnerable, yet the long-lasting behavioral and sensory consequences of exposure during this period remain poorly understood. In this study, neonatal mouse pups were exposed to ethanol (EtOH) or Air vapor from postnatal day (P) 4 to P8, which is equivalent to a third-trimester alcohol exposure (TTAE) in humans. Blood ethanol concentrations measured at P8 reached approximately 250 mg/dL, consistent with binge-level exposure. Air- and EtOH-exposed mice were then assessed as adults at 5-6 months of age for locomotor activity, anxiety-related risky behaviors, recognition memory, and increased susceptibility to peripheral neuropathy, as indicated by sensitization to light touch following minor chronic constriction injury (mCCI) of the sciatic nerve. We found that TTAE was sufficient to produce long-lasting behavioral outcomes in a sex-dependent manner. Notably, EtOH-exposed males exhibited increased spontaneous locomotor activity and risky behavior, whereas EtOH-exposed females showed minimal or decreased changes compared to their respective controls. However, both EtOH-exposed male and female mice exhibited marked increases in light-touch sensitization, referred to as mechanical allodynia, following mCCI, a response absent in air-exposed controls. Together, these findings reveal that TTAE is highly detrimental to behavioral regulation and creates a vulnerability to developing neuropathic pain in adulthood.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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INTRODUCTION: Declines in function occur in both normal aging (in the absence of disease) and age-related pathological contexts, like Alzheimers disease (AD). Whether anti-aging interventions (that extend lifespan) also promote cognitive function in aging and AD remains unexplored. METHODS: We assessed the effect of acarbose (1000 ppm from 4 months of age) on spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze in young adult (6 mo), mid-aged (12 mo), or aged (24 mo) cohorts of normal aging (Ntg-HET3) and AD-relevant (5xFAD-HET3) genetically heterogeneous mice. RESULTS: In mid-aged and aged Ntg-HET3 mice, acarbose treatment resulted in performance equivalent to young adults. Conversely, acarbose failed to ameliorate age-related deficits in 5xFAD-HET3 mice. DISCUSSION: This work demonstrates that anti-aging interventions can also promote cognitive longevity in normal aging. Further, it reinforces that AD is not simply accelerated aging and requires therapies beyond anti-aging interventions that target its unique molecular and cellular drivers.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Parallel revolutions in intravital microscopy and spatial biology techniques have respectively enabled large-scale recordings of cellular dynamics in live animals and multi-dimensional molecular profiling at single-cell resolution. However, due to the challenges of aligning data from different modalities at cellular resolution, these two transformational approaches have generally been applied on separate biological samples, stymying the ability to link activity patterns and molecular attributes in the same exact cells. To enable routine, multimodal investigations of cells' in vivo dynamics and molecular content, we created TRU-FACT (Total Registration Under Functional Activity, Connectivity, and Transcriptomics), a broadly applicable experimental and computational pipeline for registering large populations of individual cells across intravital imaging and spatial biology datasets. The pipeline combines three key innovations: an optomechanical tissue handling and alignment method to parallelize specimen planes, a graph-theoretic method to register individual cells based on their geometric relationships to neighboring cells, and a statistical framework that provides for each cell an a posteriori probability of correct registration. We validated TRU-FACT with several preparations for imaging neural calcium activity in cortical and deep brain areas in head-fixed and freely behaving mice, RNA-barcode-expressing viruses for labeling neural projections, and low- and high-plex spatial transcriptomic methods. In mice performing a skilled reaching task, TRU-FACT alignments revealed the movement-related signaling patterns of intratelencephalic, extratelencephalic, and striatum-, superior colliculus-, and thalamus-projecting motor cortical neurons. Overall, TRU-FACT constitutes a scalable, multimodal discovery platform that is applicable to diverse tissue-types and spatial biology techniques, thereby enabling multiscale analyses of many complex biological systems.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract Purpose: Pitx2-associated developmental glaucoma is characterized by anterior segment dysgenesis, ocular hypertension, and optic neuropathy. Its consequences for corneal sensory innervation remain poorly understood. We investigated whether this disease alters corneal nerve structure and sensory function in a sex-dependent manner. Methods: Male and female Pitx2egl1/egl1 and Pitx2+/+ mice were examined at 1 and 3 months. Ocular phenotyping included intraocular pressure, fundus imaging, visual evoked potentials, and optic nerve ultrastructure. RNA sequencing of corneas and trigeminal ganglia was performed at 3 months. Corneal innervation was assessed by {beta}III-tubulin immunofluorescence and volumetric quantification of nerve fibers. Corneal sensitivity was measured using Von Frey filaments. Results: Pitx2egl1/egl1 mice developed progressive ocular hypertension, fundus abnormalities, reduced visual evoked potential amplitudes, and optic nerve degeneration, supporting the model as early-onset glaucoma. Baseline sex-related transcriptional differences were limited in both cornea and trigeminal ganglia. In contrast, Pitx2 mutation induced sex-dependent molecular responses. Female corneas showed broader transcriptional changes enriched in inflammatory, stress-response, and tissue-remodeling pathways, whereas male corneas showed a more restricted response involving metabolic and homeostatic processes. Similar sex divergence was observed in trigeminal ganglia. Corneal nerve fiber volume was reduced in both sexes at 3 months but not at 1 month, whereas reduced sensitivity was detected only in mutant males. Conclusions: This study identifies sexual dimorphism as a component of Pitx2-associated developmental glaucoma. Furthermore, our findings suggest that glaucoma affects the corneal sensory system beyond optic nerve pathology, highlighting a potentially overlooked dimension of disease relevant to ocular surface monitoring and patient management.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Understanding how motor cortical circuits flexibly transform sensory and contextual information into behavior remains a central challenge. Whether neurons in primary vibrissal motor cortex (M1) multiplex across behaviors or are selectively engaged in context-specific actions is still unclear. To address this question, we trained mice on multiple vibrissal sensorimotor tasks, including a cue--triggered whisking-to-touch task and an air-puff-triggered licking task. Fast-spiking and regular-spiking neurons in layers 2/3 and 5 in vM1 responded robustly within ~15 ms to air-puff stimulation. In contrast, these same neurons were only weakly modulated during goal-directed whisking-to-touch behavior. Unexpected air-puffs evoked responses in fewer neurons than expected stimuli. Trials in which stimulation elicited whisker movements produced smaller neural responses than trials without whisking. Stimulus-evoked activity in M1 was organized along a spectrum of response profiles with neurons exhibiting varying responses dynamics that cut across laminar and physiological distinctions. This organization of responses is consistent with context-dependent recruitment of M1 neurons. Together, these findings indicate that M1 activity is strongly context dependent and more closely associated with the selection of specific behavioral responses than with generalized sensory-motor encoding.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Arrestins play key role in desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors. Direct signaling role of arrestins has also been documented. Two ubiquitously expressed arrestin isoforms, arrestin-2 and -3 (Arr3), perform similarly in receptor desensitization and share many signaling functions, enabling them to substitute for one another. However, certain signaling roles are specific to each isoform. Mice lacking Arr3 (A3KO) show blunted acute responsiveness to the locomotor stimulatory effect of amphetamine (AMPH). Here we demonstrate that AMPH- and cocaine-induced locomotion of A3KO mice is significantly reduced. This loss-of-function phenotype suggests that Arr3-mediated signaling contributes to the effect. Virus-driven expression of Arr3 in caudate-putamen of A3KO and wild type mice suppressed AMPH-induced locomotion. In contrast, restoration of Arr3 in nucleus accumbens rescued locomotor response. Thus, in caudate-putamen Arr3 participates in the desensitization of dopamine receptors, whereas Arr3-dependent signaling in nucleus accumbens underlies the molecular mechanism of the locomotor response and sensitization. Using monofunctional Arr3-derived peptides, we showed that in the nucleus accumbens Arr3 promoted drug-induced locomotor responses via facilitation of JNK3 activation.
in bioRxiv: Neuroscience on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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Abstract
Parietal cortex is thought to support visually guided actions, but whether it contains distinct regions specialized for different actions—such as navigation, reaching, and grasping—remains unknown. Prior work implicates the superior parietal lobule (SPL) in navigation and the superior parietal occipital cortex (SPOC) in reaching and grasping, yet whether these are truly dissociable is unclear. We addressed this using fMRI in adults. Participants viewed four stimulus types: Dynamic Scenes (first-person motion through scenes), Static Scenes (static images from these movies), Contextual Reaching and Grasping (first-person reaching and grasping on a scene background), and Isolated Reaching and Grasping (reaching and grasping actions on a black background). A double dissociation emerged: SPL responded significantly more to Dynamic than Static Scenes—consistent with its role in visually-guided navigation—and, critically, more to Dynamic Scenes than either reaching and grasping condition. By contrast, SPOC responded significantly more to both reaching and grasping conditions than to either scene condition. Resting-state functional connectivity further supported this double dissociation: SPL showed stronger connectivity with “leg-motor” than “arm-motor” cortex, whereas SPOC showed the opposite pattern. These findings reveal two distinct parietal systems: SPL for visually-guided navigation and SPOC for visually-guided reaching and grasping—clarifying how the parietal cortex organizes visually guided action.
in Cerebral Cortex on 2026-05-01 00:00:00 UTC.
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by Rintaro Niimi, Chikara Furusawa, Yusuke Himeoka
Microbial populations exhibit a broad spectrum of nutrient utilization strategies, ranging from those utilizing diverse nutrients, called “generalists,” to those highly adapted to specific nutrients, called “specialists.” Identifying the conditions for the diversification of nutrient utilization strategies is one of the central questions in ecology. Previous theoretical studies have shown that trade-offs among different resource utilization functions in which cells cannot utilize broad types of substrates at nearly optimal efficiency are crucial for the emergence of diverse strategies. Additionally, in natural settings, nutrient availability often fluctuates over time, imposing another trade-off on the cells; cells that grow rapidly under nutrient-rich conditions tend to have a higher death rate under nutrient-poor conditions, leading to a growth-death trade-off. This additional trade-off can contribute to the emergence of diverse strategies. Here, we introduce a mathematical model that simultaneously incorporates the resource-use trade-off and the growth-death trade-off. Nutrient supply was modeled as discrete stochastic events, mimicking temporal changes in nutrient availability. We show that the phenotype with a higher ratio of growth rate to death rate dominates the population; that is, the strength of the growth-death trade-off plays a crucial role in the emergence of distinct strategies. We also found that a sparse and uncertain nutrient supply favors specialists, increasing their temporally averaged abundance. Our findings highlight the crucial role of temporal environmental variation and the resulting growth-death trade-off in driving diversification of microbial nutrient utilization strategies.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Zhenxing Hu, Manaoj Aravind, Xu Lei, J. Nathan Kutz, Jean-Julien Aucouturier
Humans just don’t fall asleep like a log – or step-function. Rather, the sleep-onset period (SOP) exhibits dynamic and non-monotonous changes of electroencephalogram (EEG) with high, and so far poorly understood, intra- and inter-individual variability. Computational models of the sleep regulation network have suggested that the transition to sleep can be viewed as a noisy bifurcation at a saddle node which is determined by an underlying control signal or “sleep drive”. However, such models do not describe how internal control signals in the SOP can produce rapid switches between stable wake and sleep states, nor how these state-space changes are translated in the macroscopic EEG. Here, we propose a minimally-parameterized stochastic dynamical model, in which one slowly-varying control parameter drives the wake-to-sleep transition while exhibiting noise-driven bistability. We provide a procedure for estimating the parameters of the model given single observations of experimental sleep EEG data, and show that it can reproduce a wide variety of SOP phenomenology. Using the model to analyze a pre-existing sleep EEG dataset, we find that the estimated model parameters correlate with subjective sleepiness reports. These results suggest that the bistable characteristics of the SOP can serve as biomarkers for tracking intra- and inter-individual variability of sleep-onset disorders.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Yan Liu, Sheng Guan, He Yan, Long-Chen Shen, Ji-Peng Qiang, Guo Wei
Single-cell ATAC-seq (scATAC-seq) enables the exploration of chromatin accessibility at single-cell resolution, offering critical insights into gene regulation. Accurate cell type annotation is a fundamental prerequisite in scATAC-seq analysis. While cross-modality annotation methods leverage scRNA-seq data for label transfer, they often suffer from modality mismatch and signal distortion. Intra-modality annotation, which utilizes only scATAC-seq reference data, has gained attention for its biological consistency. However, existing methods are limited by insufficient sequence representation and lack of neighborhood modeling during domain adaptation. To address these limitations, we propose scLLMDA, a novel framework for scATAC-seq cell type annotation via DNA large language model and graph-based domain adaptation (GDA). scLLMDA uses a pretrained DNA-specific language model to generate contextual embeddings of peak sequences, which are then integrated with accessibility information to represent individual cells. We construct similarity-based cell graphs for both source and target datasets, and apply a graph neural network to align domains while preserving local structural context. Our approach captures rich sequence semantics and neighborhood dependencies, enabling more accurate and robust cell type annotation across datasets. Extensive experiments on multiple benchmarks demonstrate that scLLMDA outperforms existing methods in accuracy. The source code and implementation of scLLMDA are publicly available at: https://github.com/sheng-guan-2001/scLLMDA.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Thomas Zdyrski, Scott Pauls, Feng Fu
Neural synchronization is central to cognition. However, incomplete synchronization often produces chimera states, where coherent and incoherent dynamics coexist. Recent studies have suggested that these chimera states could be important in human cognitive organization. In particular, chimera states have been suggested as a regulator of cognitive integration and regulation with varying quality as humans age. While previous studies have explored such chimera states using networks of coupled oscillators, it remains unclear why neurons commit to communication or how chimera states persist. Here, we investigate the coevolution of neuronal phases and communication strategies on directed, weighted networks where interaction payoffs depend on phase alignment and may be asymmetric due to unilateral communication. The graph structure enables us to apply a game-theoretic model of Kuramoto-like oscillators to brain connectomes, and the asymmetry captures biochemical differences between communicative and non-communicative neurons. Combined, these two generalizations enable us to apply the computationally-tractable game-theoretic model of Kuramoto models to realistic brain networks and analyze the role of connectome structure on neuron communication. We find that both connection weights and directionality influence the stability of communicative strategies—and, consequently, full synchronization—as well as the strategic nature of neuronal interactions. Applying our framework to the C. elegans connectome, we show that emergent payoff structures, such as the staghunt game, control population dynamics. We demonstrate that weighted, directed connectivity in the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) connectome is sufficient to generate robust chimera states modulated by payoff asymmetries. Our computational results demonstrate a promising neurogame-theoretic perspective, leveraging evolutionary graph theory to shed light on mechanisms of neuronal coordination beyond classical synchronization models.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Hannah Kockelbergh, Shelley C. Evans, Liam Brierley, Peter L. Green, Andrea L. Jorgensen, Elizabeth J. Soilleux, Anna Fowler
Insights gained through interpretation of models trained on the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire contribute to advances in understanding of immune-mediated disease. This has the potential to improve diagnostic tests and treatments, particularly for autoimmune diseases. However, TCR repertoire datasets with samples from donors of known autoimmune disease status generally include orders of magnitude fewer samples than TCR sequences. Promising TCR repertoire classification approaches consider relationships between non-identical TCR sequences. In particular, kmer methods demonstrate strong and stable performance for small datasets. We propose a TCR repertoire representation that considers the relationships between amino acids within kmers flexibly and efficiently. XGBoost and logistic regression models are trained and tested on kmer representations of TCR repertoire datasets including samples from patients with coeliac disease as well as donors with previous cytomegalovirus infection. XGBoost models outperform logistic regression, indicating that interactions may be crucial for discriminative ability. We find that a reduced alphabet based on BLOSUM62 can lead to a model with slightly stronger XGBoost testing performance than other kmer features. Though it remains unclear whether there is an amino acid encoding that can substantially improve TCR repertoire classification with reduced alphabet kmers, evidence that this representation enables faster training of XGBoost models in comparison to kmer clusters suggests that our reduced alphabet approach permits wider exploration of amino acid similarity in practice. Finally, we detail motifs which are important in each top-performing XGBoost model and compare them to TCR sequences previously associated with each immune status. We highlight the challenge of interpreting non-linear TCR repertoire classification models trained on kmers which, if overcome, could lead to biomarker discovery for autoimmune diseases.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Matthew Herbert Ning, Haoqi Sun, Brice Passera, Duygu Bagci Das, Brandon Westover, Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Emiliano Santarnecchi, Mouhsin M. Shafi, Recep A. Ozdemir
Background Substantial variability in individual responses to intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) limits its clinical efficacy, yet neurophysiological mechanisms underlying this variability remain unclear. While most machine-learning studies have focused on modeling behavioral or clinical effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), the few studies examining neurophysiological outcomes utilized limited feature sets in single-visit settings, which captured only inter-subject variability and most importantly lacked independent validation sets.
Methods To address these gaps, we employed supervised machine learning models that integrated baseline resting-state EEG (rsEEG) features and baseline transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-evoked measures, including motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs), to predict neurophysiological responses to a single iTBS session applied over the primary motor cortex in two independent test-retest studies of healthy adults. We also employed statistical and reliability analysis to understand the statistical relationship between resting state EEG and responses to iTBS.
Results Internal cross-validation within the training cohort yielded promising binary classification performance (accuracy: 81%), identifying coarse-grained multiscale distribution entropy of rsEEG as the most robust predictor of local cortical excitability changes indexed by the 100–131ms window of TEPs. However, predictive performance markedly declined upon external validation (accuracy: 69%), reflecting unstable relationships between predictors and outcomes likely driven by substantial intra- and inter-individual variability of iTBS-induced changes in neurophysiological outcomes.
Conclusions These findings emphasize that while EEG complexity measures can capture baseline brain states relevant for neuromodulation to a certain degree, the inherent instability of single-session iTBS effects significantly constrains model generalizability and underscores the necessity of test-retest paradigm to avoid overly optimistic performance estimates. Future studies with multi-session and individualized stimulation protocols are urgently needed to better characterize neurophysiological mechanisms underlying rTMS effects and ultimately enhance its therapeutic potential.
in PLoS Computational Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Yacine Ben Chehida, Eva S. M. van der Heijden, Edward Page, Patricio A. Salazar C, Neil Rosser, Kimberly Gabriela Gavilanes Córdova, Mónica Sánchez-Prado, María José Sánchez-Carvajal, Franz Chandi, Alex P. Arias-Cruz, Maya Radford, Gerardo Lamas, Chris D. Jiggins, James Mallet, Melanie McClure, Camilo Salazar, Marianne Elias, Caroline N. Bacquet, Nicola J. Nadeau, Kanchon K. Dasmahapatra, Joana I. Meier
Convergent evolution, the repeated evolution of similar phenotypes, is widespread in nature, but there are few studies investigating the genetic mechanisms of convergence across wide evolutionary timescales. The extent to which the same genetic mechanisms contribute to convergent evolution could reveal whether the pathway towards these fitness optima is flexible or constrained to follow a particular route, informing us about the predictability of evolution. Wing color pattern mimicry in Lepidoptera is a well-known example of convergent evolution, but as studies are restricted to a few closely related species, it is difficult to make general inferences about the predictability of evolution in this system. Here we study convergent evolution in multiple mimetic neotropical lepidopteran lineages that diverged between ~1 and 120 Mya, including seven species of Ithomiini and Heliconius butterflies and a day-flying Chetone moth. Across butterfly lineages that diverged up to ~30 Mya, the genetic variants most strongly associated with convergent color pattern switches are located in similar noncoding regions near the genes ivory and optix. In the more distantly related moth species, color pattern variation is associated with a ~1 Mb inversion which also contains ivory, closely mirroring the supergene architecture of the co-mimetic butterfly Heliconius numata. In contrast to previous studies on Heliconius butterflies, we find limited evidence that convergence among closely related Ithomiini species results from alleles shared by hybridization. Repeated parallel evolution of regulatory switches via reuse of the same two genes suggests that convergent color pattern evolution is highly constrained and predictable even across large evolutionary timescales. Such constraints may have facilitated diverse taxa joining this species-rich mimicry ring.
in PLoS Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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by Julia Penndorf, Brendan J. Barrett, Sonja Wild, John M. Martin, Lucy M. Aplin
There is extensive evidence that the spread of innovation via social learning can facilitate uptake of new foraging behaviours in populations. In comparison, social learning about novel food types has received comparatively little attention. Yet the adoption of novel food is vital to persistence in, or colonisation of, novel environments. Here, we present a novel food (almonds in the shell, coloured either blue or red) in a two-option and control cultural diffusion experiment to five neighbouring roosts of 705 individually-marked sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) living in a highly urbanised environment. From 4 initially trained individuals, a total of 349 individuals across all roosts learned to feed on the novel food within 10 days of first exposure. Using network-based diffusion-analysis (N = 214 learners out of 322 individuals with available social information), we demonstrated that this spread occurred almost exclusively through social learning, with information spreading through social network ties. Second, using experience-weighted attraction models, we described age-differences in social learning strategies, with juveniles, but not adults, exhibiting a conformist bias to prefer the most frequently chosen food colour. Third, when analysing 539 opening techniques of the novel food by 147 individuals across the five roosts, we found that opening techniques were more similar between roost communities when the distance between sites was small, or the degree of movement between sites was high. In addition, when focusing on a subset for which social association data were available (273 openings by 78 individuals), techniques tended to be more similar between close associates. Taken together, our study suggests that the adoption of novel food in urban-living sulphur-crested cockatoos is facilitated by social transmission of knowledge through networks, with food choice further influenced in juveniles by a conformist learning bias. Social networks influenced both food choice and acquisition of foraging techniques within and between roosting communities, leading to differences at surprisingly local scales. The utilisation of new food resources is a fundamental component of adaptive behavioural responses to novel environments. Our study demonstrates how cognitive and social influences can be vital determinants of this adaptive flexibility.
in PLoS Biology on 2026-04-30 14:00:00 UTC.
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Objective
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG)-mediated astrocyte injury. IL-1β–mediated inflammatory signaling plays a critical role in amplifying astrocyte damage and propagating CNS inflammation in NMO. However, the astrocyte-intrinsic mechanisms linking IL-1β signaling to downstream pathways, such as STING activation, remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, in this study, we aim to elucidate the astrocyte-intrinsic mechanisms, specifically the IL-1β–IL-1R STING signaling axis, that contribute to NMO pathogenesis, and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of IL-1β-targeting antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs).
Methods
Using a multi-level experimental system comprising in vitro primary astrocytes, ex vivo organotypic cerebellar slices, and in vivo NMO mouse models, we systematically investigated the critical role of the astrocytic IL-1β–IL-1R STING signaling axis in NMO pathogenesis. Utilizing diverse interventions—including an IL-1β–neutralizing antibody, astrocyte-specific IL-1β knockout, the IL-1R inhibitor Anakinra, STING genetic ablation, and IL-1β ASOs—in conjunction with behavioral, histopathological, and molecular analyses, we comprehensively delineated the impact of this signaling pathway on NMO pathology. These data support the translation of targeted therapeutic strategies.
Results
IL-1β signals through the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) to induce STING-dependent proinflammatory cytokine production in astrocytes. This inflammatory cascade can be suppressed by the IL-1R antagonist anakinra or genetic ablation of STING. Therapeutic administration of lead IL-1β targeting ASO reduces IL-1β expression, preserves AQP4 levels and myelin integrity, and improves functional outcomes.
Interpretation
The IL-1β–IL-1R STING signaling axis is a central contributor to NMO pathogenesis and supports IL-1β ASO therapy as a promising potential disease-modifying approach. ANN NEUROL 2026
in Annals of Neurology on 2026-04-30 12:49:30 UTC.
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Pleomorphic archaeal viruses are widespread and abundant in hypersaline environments and beyond. Still, a relatively low number of isolates are available for this viral group. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Halorubrum pleomorphic viruses 8 (HRPV-8), which was previously isolated from the Samut Sakhon solar saltern, Thailand, on a Halorubrum species. The HRPV-8 genome was assembled into a circular 10,824-bp-long contig with a GC content of 63.2%. The genome annotation resulted in 12 open reading frames, including a VP4-like spike protein-encoding gene, which is a hallmark of pleomorphic archaeal viruses. Seven and three putative proteins in HRPV-8 were 99–100% identical to their counterparts in Halorubrum pleomorphic viruses 2 and 6 (HRPV-2 and HRPV-6), respectively, members of the genus Alphapleolipovirus. The average nucleotide identity values within these three viral genomes were 92–96%. According to VIRIDIC analyses of intergenomic similarities, HRPV-8 represents its own species. Thus, based on the observed pleolipoviral genome architecture and sequence similarities to other alphapleolipoviruses, we propose to classify HRPV-8 as a new species within the Alphapleolipovirus genus of the Pleolipoviridae family.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 09:29:28 UTC.
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The research aims to explain the role of the specifications of some Iraqi electronic stores in enhancing the attractiveness of the customer’s perception of the product, as the recent literature that dealt with the research variables recorded good results that enhance the goal of the research, but there is still a lot to investigate and learn about, especially in an environment that differs from the environments of previous literature, and I follow The research used a descriptive analytical approach. The research community was represented by all customers dealing with electronic stores in Baghdad Governorate. The research sample included (350) customers for the period from 1-3-2023 to 1-7-2023. In order to analyze the data, several statistical methods were used: During the (Smart Pls.4) program, the research reached several results, the most important of which is the existence of a correlation and influence of the specifications of the online store in enhancing the attractiveness of the customer’s perception of the product.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 09:26:43 UTC.
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Background Adverse childhood experiences are major contributors to mental health disorders which mostly set in during middle adolescence. The study investigates the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences among Kenyan high school students, and their associations with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and generalised anxiety disorder, and implement a rapid intervention adaptable for resource-limited contexts. Methods A quasi-experimental pretest and post-test design will be utilized and 372 students aged 14–18 years in the second year of schooling, from two public high schools will be recruited to participate. The treatment group will undergo the social belonging-wise intervention over three sessions, with the control group remaining passive. Primary outcomes of academic performance, well-being, and loneliness will be measured. Effectiveness of the intervention will be determined using Cohen’s d with an anticipated effect size of 0.5 and a high R-squared in multiple linear regression models will indicate stronger associations. Paired t-test will compare reduction of symptoms of the three psychopathologies between the treatment and comparison groups as secondary outcomes. Discussion The goal of the intervention is to alleviate the effects of adverse childhood experiences, enhance academic performance and wellbeing, reduce symptoms of the associated psychopathologies and advocate for improved mental health resources and policies for adolescents.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 09:22:59 UTC.
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Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet effective preventive strategies targeting its complex molecular basis remain limited. Vitamin D3 has demonstrated pleiotropic anticancer properties in CRC; however, the precise systems-level mechanisms underlying its chemopreventive roles remain incompletely understood. Methods CRC-associated target genes were retrieved from DisGeNET and GeneCards, while vitamin D3 targets were predicted via SwissTargetPrediction and the SEA platform. Overlapping targets were identified using InteractiVenn and subjected to PPI network construction via STRING (v12.0) and visualized in Cytoscape. Hub genes were identified using the CytoHubba plugin, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses using DAVID 2022. Molecular docking was performed using MOE 2022.02, and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted using YASARA Dynamics over 50 ns under physiological conditions, with structural stability assessed via RMSD analysis. Results A total of 110 overlapping targets were identified, with PPI analysis revealing ten hub genes — CYP19A1, AR, ESR1, MELK, CDK4, AURKA, CYP17A1, TOP2A, CDC45, and SRD5A1 — enriched in signal transduction, steroid metabolic processes, and the ErbB–MAPK signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed favorable binding affinities (−5.72 to −8.74 kcal/mol), with CYP19A1, SRD5A1, and CDC45 showing the strongest interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding conformations, particularly for AR and CDC45 (RMSD ~1.2–1.5 Å). Conclusion VD3 exerts potential chemopreventive effects against CRC through a multi-target mechanism involving cell cycle regulation, proliferative signaling, and steroid hormone metabolism, suggesting it modulates colorectal carcinogenesis by coordinating multiple signaling pathways.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 09:05:35 UTC.
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Scavenger receptor class B member 2 (SCARB2), also known as lysosomal integral membrane protein type 2 (LIMP-2), is a multifunctional glycoprotein critical for lysosomal biogenesis and neuronal homeostasis. Here we have characterized twelve SCARB2 commercial antibodies for western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address antibody reproducibility issues by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a resource for the scientific community. While the use of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 09:01:49 UTC.
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Deforestation in Indonesia has occurred rapidly over the past three decades, yet its impacts on socio-economic outcomes remain debated. This systematic review aims to answer how deforestation relates to poverty, livelihoods, welfare, social policy, and social protection in Indonesia. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Springer for English-language articles published between 2016 and 2026 with open access. Eligibility criteria followed the Population, Exposure, Outcome framework. Included studies were empirical research (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) conducted in Indonesia with deforestation as the exposure and at least one socio-economic outcome. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, and synthesis was conducted using thematic synthesis. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The relationship between deforestation and socio-economic outcomes is heterogeneous and context-dependent. Oil palm expansion and village fund allocation can reduce aggregate poverty at the district level; however, poor households, landless farmers, women, and indigenous communities experience increased food vulnerability, reduced nutritional diversity, and loss of access to forest resources. Traditional livelihoods are lost, but diversification through agroforestry and entrepreneurship shows adaptive potential dependent on social capital and technical assistance. Top-down policies such as food estate and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) consistently fail to protect vulnerable groups, disregard indigenous rights, and fail to implement Free Prior and Informed Consent. Conversely, locally-based approaches such as village funds and community-based forest management are more effective. Deforestation in Indonesia produces uneven aggregate economic gains at the expense of social justice and livelihood sustainability for the most vulnerable groups. Social policy and social protection need to be integrated with rights-based, gender-sensitive, and participatory approaches.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 08:56:23 UTC.
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This research focuses on providing quality education to specialists in the field of linguistic studies, phonology, theoretical and practical phonetics by creating an innovative automated service which can ease the linguists endeavour to transcribe and examine suprasegmental features of human speech prosody. The authors attempted to design a docker-based architecture for prosody labelling. The pre-processing stage compiled 47 manually marked recordings. The data-processing stage produced a 1.9 GB Parquet corpus of 882 denoised, labelled clips via librosa, noisereduce, and Label Studio. The model selection stage compared 4909 scikit-learn models and 120 CNNs. The strongest classical approach (Random Forest) reached 0.373 accuracy, whereas the best CNN scored 0.455. Having recognised the prototype limitations, the researchers have scheduled a roadmap for improving the tool. The suggested model applies the principles of machine learning to automatically generate prosodic analysis that extends beyond individual sound segments and reflects suprasegmental aspects of prosody including rhythm, intonation, and phrasal stress.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 08:52:50 UTC.
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Background The branding ecosystem of media technology-based communication has undergone significant changes due to digital advancements. Branding is no longer simply a channel for disseminating messages, but has become a space for interaction to build sustainable relationships with audiences. The main focus of this research is to identify publication trends, author productivity, collaboration networks, and mapping research themes based on keywords from scientific publications on the theme “Branding Based on Media Technology.” Methods Bibliometrics was used in this study to analyze branding publications conducted in technology media from 2015 to 2025. A total of 153 articles were eligible for processing using VOSviewer, Biblioshiny (R 4.4.1), and Microsoft Excel after data were retrieved from the Scopus database. Article growth, citation performance, author and country productivity, keyword mapping, and thematic structure were the main topics of the analysis. Results The research results show that the growth of branding publications using technology media fluctuated from 2015 to 2025, but has continued to increase since 2021. China is the most productive country in publications on this theme, while the United States is the most productive country with high levels of cross-border collaboration. Grouping keywords based on the main themes of “communication,” “humans,” and “human” demonstrates the vital role of a deep understanding of the integration of interactive media technology, branding, and human behavior. Conclusion The study of media-based branding in the communications discipline has fluctuated, but in recent years it has seen significant development. This is directly proportional to the increasing use of digital technology and social media in marketing communications strategies. Future research could further explore the meaning of branding as a strategic mechanism for organizations or companies to respond to health issues and maintain public trust.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 08:49:14 UTC.
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Background Despite Internet Service Providers (ISPs) collects and builds customers’ digital traces, very limited evidence exists in the contexts of Iraqi (ISPs) on how such data are utilized for customer experience (CX) enhancements. Methodology Data were collected through online structured questionnaire from 319 employees and managers of different (ISPs) in Nineveh Governorate/Iraq. The study used the individual respondent as the unit of analysis and evaluated customer-experience enhancement from the viewpoint of (ISPs). Digital footprint practices and the perceived improvement of (CX) were assessed using a five-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation tests & simple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results However, the results of statistical analysis show that digital footprints can significantly drive service personalization and operational efficiency. However, the results indicate a strong implementation gap between data collection and its fulfillment for enabling customer interactions creating value. Conclusion This paper concludes with a salient insight; for (ISPs) to use the digital Footprint of their customers and residual data left by these customers towards improving the quality of their offerings, they should embrace an approach that is balanced, evidence-based alongside transparent accounting for privacy concerns that underpins user trust.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 07:50:36 UTC.
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Background Mentorship is essential in nursing education to foster clinical skills, critical thinking, and professional identity. Despite extensive research on mentorship, few studies have addressed its role in the Arab cultural context. This study explored nursing mentors’ clinical learning experiences through mentorship within the cultural context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods A qualitative approach was employed, involving 20 mentors supervising fourth-year nursing students during their final clinical placement at a semi-public university in the UAE. The placement occurred from January to May 2024, as part of the Consolidation of Practice course, comprising 240 hours of clinical training. Structured and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants, and the data were transcribed verbatim. To analyse the data, an inductive thematic approach was adopted, and some data were quantified for additional insights. Results Four main themes emerged regarding the benefits of structured mentoring within the cultural context: critical for practical training, confidence building, bridging theory and practice and mutual learning. The essential mentoring skills identified were effective communication, patience, and understanding. Structured mentoring frequency positively influenced students’ clinical learning. The strengths of the structured mentorship included exposure to real-life scenarios, improved communication, and the development of practical skills. Opportunities for improvement included increasing mentor–student interactions, enhancing the programme’s structured nature, and integrating technological tools. The mentors recommended reassessing mentorship duration, increasing hands-on clinical exposure, strengthening mentor collaboration, and promoting student accountability. Conclusion Effective mentorship in nursing education in the UAE requires integrating theory and practice, clear communication, and leveraging technology to overcome barriers. Strengthening structured mentor–student interactions through focused workshops and refined programme structures can bridge educational gaps. Such enhancements can enable nursing students to develop into competent and confident healthcare professionals, who are familiar with culturally informed mentorship practices.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 07:47:11 UTC.
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Background Accurate determination of cobalt (Co2+) in industrial samples is essential due to its environmental and industrial significance. This work presents a fast, sensitive, and cost effective analytical method based on precipitation reaction and flow injection analysis (FIA). Methods Cobalt ions were estimated through the formation of a pale orange precipitate via reaction of sodium nitroprusside in acidic medium. The reaction mechanism was investigated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. A homemade NAG-6SX1-1D analyzer, equipped with six white LEDs and a solar-cell photodetector, was utilized to measure the analytical signal. Experimental factors affecting sensitivity were systematically optimized. the method performance was evaluated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, and LOD, and compare with a reference UV-Vis spectrophotometric method at at λmax = 512 nm. Results the method exhibited a good linear range of 0.005–8 mmol. L−1 with correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9959 and linearity (R2) of 99.20%. high precision was achieved with relative standard deviation (RSD%) lower than 0.2% for the repetitions (n = 6) were significantly at 5 and 7 mmol. L−1. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.413 ng/sample. The use of continuous dilution in FIA enables effective handling of both diluted or concentrated samples. The proposed method showed improve performance relative to the reference method. Conclusion The developed method is straightforward, sensitive, and reliable for determining Co2+ ions in industrial samples. Its wide linear range, low detection limit, and high precision make it a practical alternative to conventional spectrophotometric methods, especially for routine and rapid analysis.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 07:41:26 UTC.
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Throughout this paper our study focuses on transformation semigroups. These kinds of semigroups are the corner stone of semigroup theory. This is because every semigroup is isomorphic to transformation semigroup. The (total) transformation monoid T X n on a finite set X n = { 1 , 2 , … , n } where n ≥ 0 , n ∈ Z , is a semigroup of mapping that takes a set X n into itself, under the operation of composition of mapping with identity I X n . In this paper, we use an algebraic method for considering the monoid T ( Fl ) n ( G ) , where an independence algebra ( Fl ) n ( G ) is a disjointed union of sets of the form G x i for all 1 ≤ i ≤ n . Firstly, particular attention is paid to find the isomorphism between T ( Fl ) n ( G ) and the endomorphism monoid End ( F ℓ ) n ( G ) . Secondly, the embeddedness of T ( Fl ) n ( G ) in (full) wreath product of T n by G n has been found. Finally, the description of Green’s relation of T ( Fl ) n ( G ) has been provided.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 07:37:45 UTC.
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In recent years, the ideas of emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence have gained a lot of traction in the relevant literature. This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI) on the work-life balance (WLB) of police personnel through a comprehensive secondary data analysis. Utilizing bibliometric analysis, the research systematically and critically examines existing literature on intelligence and WLB. Based on 91 research papers sourced from the Scopus database, the study analyzes publication trends, theoretical foundations, highly referenced publications, and journals, frequently applied keywords, and key topics of inquiry within prominent clusters. Additionally, a thematic overview of the Intelligence and the Work-life Balance body of work developed through bibliographic coupling is provided. Content analysis of recent publications highlights potential research gaps and emerging trends. The findings reveal a blend of established and evolving research themes, broadening knowledge of the useful effects of AI and EI on work-life balance in law enforcement. This article stands out as the first to employ diverse bibliographic mapping techniques, offering a broad perspective on the Intelligence and WLB corpus while suggesting Possible recommendations for further investigation.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 07:34:11 UTC.
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Background Asthma is a common condition of chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. Non-adherence to inhalation therapy and incorrect inhalation techniques is an important problem for optimal disease management. However, no previous studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to evaluate patient satisfaction with pharmacist counseling. Thus, we aim to study the extent of patient satisfaction with inhaler counseling and the factors associated with the appropriate use of inhaler techniques in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional single-center face-to-face meeting survey was carried out between January to March 2024. That was conducted at Heraa General Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. We used a 16-item questionnaire by Counseling’s Satisfaction and Appropriate Use of Inhaler Technique (CSAUIT). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results A total of 286 patients were included in the study. Of these, 118 (41.3%) were males, and 168 (58.7%) were females. The improper use of inhaler devices was observed in 179 (62.6%) of the patients, and the majority of patients (37.4%) were satisfied with pharmacist counseling. The majority of patients (60.50%) reported not receiving any explanation from the pharmacist as to why the inhaler was prescribed. A very low percentage of patients (16.8%) have been shown what to do when they forget a dose. About 95.9% of patients did not know the appropriate way to clean the inhaler device. An analysis based on education level found that participants holding a bachelor’s degree knew the correct use of inhaler devices as compared to participants in high school, and this difference was significant (P = 0.000). Conclusion This study showed that most patients were satisfied by pharmacist counseling about inhalers. However, the Inhaler technique among these patients was inadequate.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 07:30:54 UTC.
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Background Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in erectile physiology through nitric oxide production in penile vascular tissue. Reduced eNOS expression has been associated with diabetes-related erectile dysfunction, making reliable molecular detection of this gene important for experimental studies. This study aimed to design and validate PCR primers targeting the eNOS gene in Rattus norvegicus corpus cavernosum tissue for future gene expression applications. Methods Three primer pairs (N1, N2, and N3) were designed using NCBI Primer-BLAST based on the Rattus norvegicus eNOS reference sequence (NM_021838.2). Total RNA was extracted from corpus cavernosum tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats, followed by cDNA synthesis. Primer performance was evaluated using high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis across an annealing temperature range of 50–61 °C. Amplicon specificity was assessed by conventional PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and Sanger sequencing, followed by sequence alignment using BLAST. Results All primer pairs generated detectable amplification products, with optimal annealing observed at 57 °C. Agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated single bands corresponding to expected product sizes of 869 bp (N1), 944 bp (N2), and 874 bp (N3). Sequence alignment confirmed target specificity, with identity values of 99.35% for N1, 97.77% for N2, and 100.00% for N3 relative to the reference sequence. Among the three candidates, primer pair N3 showed the highest sequence specificity and the most consistent amplification profile. Conclusions The three primer pairs were successfully validated for conventional PCR amplification of the eNOS gene in Rattus norvegicus. Primer pair N3 demonstrated the highest specificity and may serve as a reference candidate for further molecular studies involving eNOS detection in experimental erectile dysfunction models. Additional optimization is required before application in quantitative PCR assays.
in F1000Research on 2026-04-30 07:27:56 UTC.
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 123, Issue 18, May 2026.
SignificanceThe dorsal pathway connecting temporal and frontal cortices is fundamental to human language, but its evolutionary origins remain contentious due to its limited ventral frontal extensions in macaques. This study challenges a linear view of ...
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, April 2026.
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Background Long-read sequencing platforms, particularly Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), have transformed transcriptomics through direct RNA sequencing. However, their higher error rates – dominated by insertions and deletions – demand longer, more robust sequence barcodes than traditional short-read applications. Existing barcode generation tools suffer from exponential complexity, becoming computationally infeasible at lengths above 12 bp and leaving a critical gap for long-read applications. Methods We developed TagGen, a high-performance barcode generator implementing Monte Carlo candidate sampling with greedy diversity selection. TagGen includes an integrated demultiplexer that assigns ONT reads to their source barcodes regardless of the tag position using a kmer voting and banded edit-distance matching pipeline. We benchmarked TagGen using Badread-simulated reads and validated barcode resilience using a literature-based nanopore error model. Results TagGen generates 96 diverse 12 bp barcodes from 100,000 candidates in under 100 milliseconds, outperforming exhaustive enumeration by up to 13,600-fold. TagGen successfully generates barcodes at 14–30 bp lengths where other available tools fail. Noise simulation demonstrates that TagGen-generated 30 bp barcodes (minimum Hamming distance ≥8) maintain 100% correct assignment at 20% total error rate, whereas traditional 10 bp barcodes degrade to 83%. At typical nanopore error rates (10–15%), taggen-generated barcodes ≥14 bp achieve >97% theoretical resolution. When inserted within a read, our systematic benchmark shows that TagGen demultiplexer achieved >90% accuracy with zero wrong-sample assignments (“end” mode) for reads ≥20 bp. Levenshtein edit distance, recommended for ONT data, improved accuracy by 10–27 percentage points over Hamming distance at equivalent parameters. Conclusions TagGen uniquely enables robust barcode design for nanopore and direct RNA sequencing applications, providing researchers with error-tolerant barcodes validated against realistic long-read error profiles, and an integrated anchor-free demultiplexer for flexible read assignment. The software is freely available at https://github.com/Arnaroo/taggen.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 471-471, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 472-472, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 472-472, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 493-498, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 524-527, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 506-511, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 499-505, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 512-518, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 528-535, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 536-542, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 519-523, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 488-492, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 480-480, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 550-550, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 468-469, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 467-468, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 470-470, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 466-467, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 474-474, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 474-474, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 473-473, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 448-448, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 450-450, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 451-452, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 452-453, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 453-453, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 454-455, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 460-465, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 456-459, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 445-445, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 543-547, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 548-548, April 2026.
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Science, Volume 392, Issue 6797, Page 475-477, April 2026.
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